Chapter 1: The Gorge of Fear from Bear Metamorphoses

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I only drank coffee in the morning—I wasn't hungry. I packed up the tent, stowed everything in my backpack, and headed back to the trail. I went down along the old caravan route. By evening, I was in the village, found a guesthouse—there turned out to be several here. I chose the one on the eastern side. Later, I would need to head east anyway, to the abandoned settlement—rumors were circulating about strange happenings there. But all that could wait; for now, I needed to recover. And that meant meat and alcohol.

Prologue: The Ice Witch’s Lake from Bear Metamorphoses

The going was tough—the altitude was taking its toll. I had walked about fifty meters down from the highest point of the pass saddle and found the spot where the creature had presumably attacked its victim. For now, we’ll just call it a creature. We’ll figure out what it really is later. So, the attack site was identified: a rocky outcrop jutted above the trail, perfect for an ambush. I examined it—just as I thought. I found a secluded niche from which a stale, nauseating smell emanated. It was logical to assume the creature had been coming here from the eastern side of the road.

How to Estimate Time and Distance on a Hike

Figuring out how many kilometers you need to cover and how long it will take are crucial questions when planning an expedition. We're used to road signs and speedometers telling us where we are in a car. On a hike, we'd like to know that too.
Unfortunately, it's not that simple—measuring distance in steps, especially over rough terrain, is monotonous and tedious. A map can show the total distance to your destination, but it doesn't account for hills, gullies, and other obstacles that add extra kilometers. So, distance can only be estimated. However, there are situations where a rough calculation of time and distance is not only useful but necessary.

How to Read a Map Correctly and Plan the Perfect Route

In the United Kingdom, you have access to excellent maps created by the Military Topographic Service. However, not all maps are of such high quality, so you must learn to extract the maximum amount of information from them. To do this, you need to master topographic symbols.

The Skill of Land Navigation: Working with a Compass and Map

The ability to determine your location is a key skill for any traveler. It distinguishes a prepared individual from an ordinary nature enthusiast and can be critical in an emergency. This is important not only in remote wilderness areas but in any terrain where one faces the elements. Confident navigation is the key to a successful trip.

Teamwork: How to Make a Hike Successful

Whether you're staying at a stationary camp with many people or have stopped for the night with a small group on a trek, you should always feel like part of a team. I have spent a lot of time traveling in small groups through the planet's most severe environments.

Maintaining General Hygiene on a Camping Trip

While each person is responsible for their own personal hygiene, when in a camp or on a hike, everyone must also be accountable for communal, or general, hygiene.

Waste Disposal

When setting up camp, designate a waste collection area with separate zones for kitchen wastewater, biodegradable waste, and non-biodegradable waste.

Personal Hygiene in Camping Conditions

The word "hygiene" originates from the name of the ancient Greek goddess of health, Hygieia. And this is no coincidence, as maintaining cleanliness is not just a matter of convenience, but the foundation of well-being, especially when away from home. In camping or stationary camp conditions, where people are in close contact, any infection spreads rapidly. It only takes one person to fall ill to jeopardize the entire group's outing. Therefore, hygiene rules in nature are a matter of collective safety and comfort.

Hills behind Victory Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Decided to take a walk to the hills behind Victory Park. Overall, the hike didn't go very well, I chose the wrong time, didn't equip myself properly. Also, I didn't fully decide on the final destination of the route, just stood up and started walking. Of course, I didn't get anywhere. As Seneca said: For a ship without a destination, no wind is favorable. In the end, I sat on the top of one of the hills and then went back. I didn't feel like taking photos anymore. Interestingly, when you are not interested, nothing interesting comes your way... haha, that's life.

"Iron" Rations: What to Take on a Hike for an Emergency

When heading out on a hike, it's important to anticipate unforeseen circumstances, such as running out of provisions. For this very reason, experienced hikers have an "emergency reserve" — special foods that provide a lot of slowly released energy, are lightweight, and have a long shelf life. Classic examples of this "iron" ration, tried and tested by scouts and travelers, are pemmican and pinole. They are quick to prepare, can be stored for years, and can help you endure a difficult situation.