The Journey of Journeys: On Finding Your True Path

Travel is, without exaggeration, one of the most exciting pursuits in a person's life. Mark Twain once remarked, "The only two things we will regret on our deathbed are that we loved too little and traveled too little." We choose different formats: a picnic in a nearby park, a trip to the forest outside the city, far-off countries, or extreme mountain routes. But right now, I want to write not about geography.

Hiking in Gorge at 22km of the Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

The canyon at the 22nd kilometer of the Varzob road is sometimes called "Mulberry Canyon" or "Snake Canyon". At the beginning of the canyon, there are indeed many mulberry trees, but the season for them has already passed. However, there are many other berries, such as blackberries, apricots, and grapes, and they literally cover the ground deep inside the canyon. Fortunately, we did not encounter any snakes as the weather was cloudy and they usually do not come out of their burrows in such conditions since there is no sun to warm them up.

Desperation - Short story

The chilly night of late autumn. The wind coldly rustles the fallen leaves. The full moon stares at the frozen ground with a lifeless gaze, creaking the well chain. Suddenly, the silence was broken by a prolonged, melancholy howl.
"No wolves yet?" - Mikhalych, lost in thought, was startled by his wife's remark.
"Just like last time, remember? The wolves howled the same way when you drowned Marta's puppies," his wife grumbled.

A Saw on a Camping Trip: Selection, Use, and Care

On a camping trip, a saw and an axe work well together, though an axe is often the more versatile tool. If you have to choose just one, many opt for the axe. However, if your pack weight allows for a saw, you will quickly appreciate its main advantage: the speed of gathering firewood. A saw is also indispensable when you need a clean and precise cut, for instance, when making camp furniture. Furthermore, saws are generally safer than axes and are a lifesaver in difficult situations—when you're tired, cold, or when dusk is falling, processing wood becomes much easier with a saw.

Hiking in the waterfall gorge in Odzhuk, Varzob, Tajikistan

In the Odzhuk gorge, if you don't cross the second bridge and go straight, you can reach a meadow called "Pensioners' Meadow". A funny name, by the way, apparently because it's not far to walk. Although, I know some pensioners who walk so well that not every young person can keep up with them, regardless of their level of fitness. The gorge that begins after this meadow is also called simply "The Waterfall Gorge".

A Camping Axe: How to Choose, Use, and Maintain It

A good axe is an indispensable companion on any camping trip. It is perfect for chopping firewood, preparing tent pegs, and clearing branches of twigs. However, this tool demands respectful handling, as it can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. To get the most out of it, it's essential to know the basics of selection, use, and maintenance.

Hiking from Takob to Odzhuk, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

We decided to make a two-day hike with a crossing over the watershed ridge from the Takob gorge to the upper reaches of the Odzhuk gorge. The plan was to go through the Childukhtaron pass, but since no one knew the exact path, we asked the locals for directions. They confused us a little, and we initially went to the wrong couloir. As it turned out, locals don't use this pass to get to Odzhuk, as it is not very convenient for them. Moreover, the locals refer to the whole ridge as Childukhtaron, which does remotely resemble the famous mountain of the same name in Muminobod. And one can cross this ridge from Takob to Odzhuk in several places.

How to Choose, Use, and Maintain a Camping Knife

When heading out on a multi-day hike, be sure to pack a reliable knife—or better yet, two. This tool will become your indispensable helper in a variety of situations, from gathering kindling for a fire and setting up camp to sharpening other tools. While a Swiss Army knife is a useful item, it can't handle tasks that full-sized knives, axes, and saws are built for. Your final kit will depend on your pack's weight, but knowing how to properly select, use, and maintain cutting tools is an essential skill for any outdoors enthusiast.

Hiking to the waterfalls in Begar, Varzob Gorge, Tajikistan

Not far from the village of Begar, which is located 27 kilometers from the Varzob highway, there is a small recreation area called "Gulobod". Beyond this recreation area is the Begar gorge, which is of interest to us. Often you can hear people talk about a place called "waterfall gorge", in my opinion, the real waterfall gorge is the Begar gorge, as there are many waterfalls here and they are very beautiful.

A Repair Kit for Clothing and Gear on a Hike

A repair kit is a highly personal item, and every outdoor enthusiast assembles their own. It might seem simple: a needle, some thread, a couple of buttons. However, if you're embarking on a long journey far from the comforts of civilization, it's essential to approach this matter thoroughly and gather everything needed for quick repairs of your equipment. Remember the motto: "Be Prepared!" It is this comprehensive preparation that will help you overcome any challenge—not just on the trail, but in life.