Today was the big walk up to the top of the Kotor Fortress. We prepared with water, snacks, carbo loaded the night before, walking sticks, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. We have our hiking boots on…these boots are made for hiking.
Kotor is a city built on the edge of the water. The mountains go straight up from there. Many cruise ships have Kotor as one of their ports of call so during the day the city bustles with activity.
The Old Town is UNESCO protected with centuries old buildings and cobblestone streets surrounded by fortress walls and gates.
Here is the north entrance gate near our Airbnb apartment and close to the starting point of our hike.
Here is our goal. I circled the flag at the top.
Rob pauses to look over the wall.
On the way we come across a field of cairns. Most environmentalists discourage this as it disturbs the habitat and is a danger for the small animals who live in the area.
There was a two-year-old boy who REALLY wanted to knock down the stacks. I decided to leave a mark! Can you find it?
A look through the fortress wall with a cruise ship in the bay.
A look back.
There are many ruins of fortress walls, buildings and churches.
Often, Rob thinks that the churches that I have selected for Sunday worship are difficult to reach. But these are so far up that it is amazing these people could climb here to worship let alone build it.
I am not very fast. Steady as she goes. I ask Rob if he wants to go ahead of me. He said that it didn’t matter in front or behind because I set the pace!! True!
At last, we reach the top. 1,355 steps to an altitude of 853′ above sea level.
Here is the view from the top as the sun is beginning to set.
Picture proof that we made it to the top, St. John’s Castle.
Now back down.
“Horses Sweat, Men Perspire, and Women Shine.” And, boy, did I shine!!
While going through a narrow doorway, a young girl rubbed up against my sweaty arm. She started screaming in another language to her friends and rubbing her arm vigorously. I guess that I should have done the same…but I figure we are all in this together!!!
Here is my revealing AFTER picture. I wasn’t aware that this is my unique sweat pattern. It didn’t quite make a happy face…more of an exhausted panting look!! I hit the showers, started a load of laundry, and settled into a comfy bed for a good night’s sleep. ZZZZZZZ
Brenda and Rob, you are amazing! What an enormous amount of hiking you have done over the last 100+ days! Bill and I will be traveling to Acadia National Park soon and we are usually so exhausted (and happy) after a week of hiking, but I can’t fathom doing that almost every day for as long as you have! Kudos! As always, enjoying the pictures and education I am receiving thanks to your diligence and research efforts! So interesting! Rick Steve, you’ve got competition!! I especially like seeing pictures of your meals! Thank you for sharing your adventures! Love, Donna