More pics at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/findthebinghams/TatrasToFatrasSlovakiaMartin
In Eastern Europe, wifi connections aren’t that easy to find, so
we’re a bit behind with the Blog – sorry. Mind you, we could try the Slovakian Communist neighbourhood PA system that still seems to work...We only spent 4 days in Slovakia, and we’ll certainly go
back again. (The roads are better, for a start!). The Turiec region is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains of the
Mala and Vel’ka Fatra ranges. We got a dramatic view of The Turiec Basin and across to the mountains on the other side, from 855m up – but only once we’d tackled the steep, bendy track leading round and up a mountain. My legs, bum and heart were well-challenged!
Of course, once you’ve got to the top, you really expect to find a Howitzer, (actually a monument to the partisans)……
Martinski Hole (Martins’ Mountain Fields) is the local skiing area and to reach it, we walked from 700m up to 1250m, through sun, ice, hail and snow. It was a bit chilly up there (-2), with 7cm snow already on the pistes. It was nice to get back to our cosy van!Most campsites are closed now,
but AutoCamping Turiec was open - we were the only ones there. A nice site in a lovely position, with Viktor, a friendly and helpful owner with loads of local and national information.
Martin is the regional centre and has played a key part in Slovak history – Rick had to investigate its re-development after Communist decline. He thought the re-construction looked good, with its Millennium Square and interesting public art
and water features. There are some rather elegant private and public buildings e.g. The Theatre of the Slovak National Uprising (what 
a great name…).We know we missed many castles, the wooden churches, the rivers and caves….but they’ll still be there when we return.
As we left it started to snow – on and on all day….. and it followed us to Hungary, along very flat plains. Rather boring really, until we reached Budapest and got stuck in the biggest traffic jam…so far.
But Budapest was worth the wait………………
1 comment:
Hello Rick and Rosie. We have never met but i remember well when my brother Paul lived in your part of the country. I felt compelled to leave a little comment but a HUGE thank you for posting the photos and your wonderful words on your blog of your visit to Stoyanovo. The delay being my lack of skill with techno stuff. As you have picked up, Paul is really living the 'dream' and i believe he will be sucessful (how i envy him), however its all in the 'timing'. We are over to see him shortly (april)and lend a hand or two (just waiting for the snow to thaw-another thing i cannot do-ski). Following your adventures with delight. Enjoy. Sisteract
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