I didn’t exactly have the most peaceful start to my morning. Around dawn, I woke up from a terrifying dream involving the kids, mortality, and some heavy life decisions. It wasn’t the most pleasant wake-up call, but it certainly served as a “memorable” way to kick off the day. 😅
I got out of bed after 7:00 AM and took the girls out for a walk. I made sure they had a great breakfast because I knew we had a long trek ahead of us. For my own fuel, I whipped up a hearty bowl of oatmeal with nut butter, washed down with coffee and kefir.
The Perfect Route for Jizera Mountains Hiking
After packing my water, gear, and camera, we headed out for a beautiful 20-kilometer loop. Our route took us from Špičák through Albrechtice and up toward Mariánská hora, with the ultimate destination being the famous Protržená přehrada (the Broken Dam). I decided to stick primarily to forest trails this time rather than rushing through the miles.
The sun was out and practically begging us to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, we crossed paths with an older couple. The gentleman was incredibly enthusiastic about “Horobraní”—a local peak-bagging game—which was cool to see.
As we neared the Broken Dam, the atmosphere shifted as the area became quite busy. I originally planned to grab a snack at the local refreshment stand, but the crowds of tourists and cyclists quickly changed my mind. Consequently, we decided to push a little further into the woods.
Finding Peace by the River
We eventually found a secluded spot near the Jizera River. I enjoyed a snack of nuts and a Flint energy bar while hydrating well. That moment of absolute silence was priceless. Once we left the asphalt roads behind and reconnected with the forest paths, it felt like we were the only people left on earth.
We made it back home in about 4.5 hours. I immediately served lunch and gave the girls a well-deserved treat. For my own dessert, I treated myself to some ice cream and took a quick breather.
However, my relaxation was short-lived once I started reviewing my photos. I hit a major technical snag: my camera, the app, and my iPhone refused to cooperate for RAW file transfers. I didn’t have a cable, and my laptop only has a micro SD slot. Damn it! I finally gave up and decided to handle the tech issues once I got back home.
We ended the day with one last short walk, which was the perfect way to wrap up such an active afternoon. Every day spent in nature is a win, and the Broken Dam was the cherry on top of a fantastic trip. 😊
Daily Summary
• Distance walked today: 20 km • Highlight of the day: Finding a quiet, peaceful spot by the Jizera River away from the crowds. • Weather: Beautiful and sunny. • Water consumption: Significant (full bottle plus refills). • Interesting encounters: An older couple enthusiastic about peak-bagging (Horobraní). • Food supplies: Oatmeal, nut butter, kefir, nuts, Flint bar, and ice cream.
I’d love to hear about your favorite hidden spots! Have you ever visited a popular landmark only to find the best views were further down the trail? What are your must-have snacks for a 20km hike? Let me know in the comments below!