Living on the edge

Today was the day that we accomplished something impressive, or rather stupid as we won’t be able to walk for at least the next two days. No joke.

We hiked the mountain Jerisan in South Korea. This seemed no problem at all, the tourist information told us it was a beginner path even though it was a hike of nine hours long. Well I could honestly say, that if I see that tourist information girl again I’d give her a piece of my mind. But anyway, how it began:

After being in Busan for a few days, eating Korean barbeque on a daily basis we decided it’s time to do something active. We are now in Jinju, a nice hub to several national parks in a Korean motel (google Korean motel). So today we visited Jerisan National Park to hike the mountain Jerisan. Not knowing this mountain was 1915 meters high which we had to hike up and that this was certainly not beginners level.

Basecamp, the mountain is in the far back (highest

Peak is getting closer (half way)

We decided to start as early as possible for this hike so we got up at 6 in the morning. Finally, at 8:30 we arrived at the base with the bus. The hike started well, we had to climb some big boulders but furthermore, it was okay, even with my crappy knees (never been so happy that I brought my knee bands with me). After 1 kilometre it started to get heavier but still everything was fun, we told each other this is so great blablabla. Then we came across a sign that said, from this point the steep level would be at least 30% to the top for over 4 kilometres. The part we had done was nearly 17% so we had to double up.

 

 

Halfway to the top

At this point Nina was giving up (notice +- 3 kilometers before the top) but she kept going and going until we reached the temple which is located around half way, 2 hours before reaching the top. We told each other that it might be the best to return to the base as we had to walk back as well! Walking back with 30% steep level will not be easy, and not that save either. But of course we thought, we might as well try to reach the top! And we DID! I’m so freeking proud of Nina, as she was giving up several hours in front of reaching the top and kept going. The scenery it delivered us on the top was stunning. It was (of course) the highest mountain in the area so you could see everything. I was about 13:00 something when we reached the top. It took us 4.5 hours to get up. And then we had to go back the whole thing….

The Top statue

 

The Top

 

Victory

 

Stunning scenery

The way down was at least as heavy as getting up, especially for my knees. Also it was dangerous, if you slip and fall you can fall down several meters with your face on those big stone boulders. We both slipped several times, but luckily enough we never fell as that certainly would have ruined the day. We arrived at the base at 17:30. We had been hiking from 8:30 till 17:30, a total of nine hours. Around 13-14 kilometers, 30% steep mountain. And last, apparently, ON A ….. EXPERT LEVEL TRAIL!!

 

At this moment, we are both simply laying for death in bed. While applying softener cream on my knee praying I’ll be able to walk the day after (which I know won’t be happening anytime soon. BUT, I’m so proud. Enjoy the pictures!