Just after 8 AM, we hit the road, heading for the parking lot in the picturesque hamlet of Jizerka. My doggos and I got dropped off at the lot, and from there, we hit the trail on foot. Huge thanks to my family for the ride and for letting me soak up this awesome day!
The weather? Beautifully foggy! We came across a cattle enclosure, and I pulled out my camera. I was stoked to snap some photos; misty weather like that is absolutely perfect for photography.
When Gear Fails, But Nature Calls
Then I realized I’d accidentally left my camera on while packing yesterday, and I hadn’t checked the battery today. Naturally, it was completely dead, turning my camera into nothing more than dead weight 😟. Truth be told, while packing yesterday, it *did* cross my mind to grab a spare battery. But I shrugged it off, thinking, “Come on, I won’t drain the whole thing, why bother with a backup?” I *should* have bothered, shouldn’t I? Oh well, the phone had to do (but it’s just not the same!). Nothing left to do but hit the trail; we still had a whole day ahead of us.
Along the Jizera Ridge Trail to Smědava
From the hamlet of Jizerka, we pressed on along the Jizera Ridge Trail. A gorgeous route awaited us, cutting right through the heart of the mountains.
Via Poacher’s Rocks
We gradually made our way past the famous Poacher’s Rocks, eventually reaching Smědava. The trail flowed nicely, and the misty atmosphere lent an air of mystery to the surrounding landscape.
Circling Jizerka Back to Civilization
From Smědava, we continued on, circling Jizerka towards Mariánské boudy and finally, home. It was absolutely fantastic. And the bonus? I stumbled upon about 2-3 kg of mushrooms along the way. What more could you ask for from a day in the mountains?
Wrapping Up the Day in the Jizera Mountains
Even with the minor tech hiccup with the camera, the day turned out incredibly well. Fresh air, movement, and the stunning, albeit fog-shrouded, Jizera mountain nature were the perfect recipe for an epic “stroll.”
Daily Summary
- Miles Crushed Today: 30 km +
- Highlight of the Day: A gorgeous full-day trek in the Jizera Mountains shrouded in fog, finding mushrooms, and a chill evening back at the cottage.
- Weather: 14°C, partly cloudy, misty.
- Location: Jizera Mountains (starting point Jizerka hamlet, destination Mariánské boudy / Tanvald), Liberec Region, Czechia.
