Tossing and turning in the night, a strange unease settles in. What is it, exactly? I’m nervous. Am I scared? Especially about the weather, or maybe hitting the trail with Brixie? Last year, I hit the PCT in the US, facing sun, rain, and snow. Now, I’m getting butterflies about the Jizera Mountains and the trail east. A paradox, right? Or maybe it’s a deeper connection to my family and kids? Can’t quite put my finger on it yet.
Eventually, I drag myself out of bed at 5:40 AM, relieved it’s not raining, though a bit of sun would beat this overcast sky. I dive into the morning routine: bathroom, hygiene, yoga, and a final weigh-in before hitting the trail (85.2 kg). Then I get dressed, take the dogs out, feed them, and we’re good to go. The morning chaos with the kids meant I didn’t even get breakfast. For a moment, I thought I’d miss the early train, but thankfully, we made it. I’m setting off in my Altra Lone Peak 8 green, which have already logged an impressive 1800 km. I have a hunch this will be their last hurrah. This is my first time out with the new Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 black, first time with Brixie, first time with her sleeping bag… Seems like a lot of ‘firsts’ for one trip!
Train Ride: Surprises and Detours
In a very light drizzle, Brixie and I head to the metro, bound for the main train station. We’re trying to catch the train to Turnov, where we’re supposed to change for Liberec, and then one last leg to Chrastava. Departure is at 7:22 AM, and we board right at 7:20. I quickly try to buy tickets. The conductor comes, checks, and tells me this train goes all the way to Liberec. I’m surprised; I thought I had to change trains.
And yes, I did have to change, but only in Liberec, and to a bus! Nobody told me this, and I didn’t find out when buying tickets either. How did I figure it out? I asked the station master where to find the train to Chrastava. He looked at me with a surprised expression and said no train was going there. I had to take a bus due to a track closure. Oh, right. And where do I find this bus? Well, at the bus station, of course! I felt like a complete idiot, and to top it off, I asked where the station was, probably with terror in my eyes. I got directions and found the station, but the platform was another story. I searched and was already resigned to just walking from Liberec. I put our raincoats on, both of us, because it was pouring. Then I noticed the station building was visible, so I went to ask again. And just like that, we were back on track!
First Kilometers of the Czech Trail and New Encounters
We get off in Chrastava. I look for an ATM and a shop to buy water. Everything sorted. So, we set off on the blue trail, following the Czech Trail. A moment later, after a wrong turn, I bump into a couple, Petra and Petr, from Zlín. We strike up a conversation and walk together. Soon, we arrive at Vysoká Farm. We stop for food. I just have soup with bread and a small Pilsner. Then we continue together and eventually even end up at the same accommodation.
Along the way, Brixie keeps a watchful eye on her pack, constantly running between us. Sometimes I chat with Petra, sometimes with Petr. It’s great. The weather is on our side. Clouds are scudding by, an occasional gust of wind, but no rain! And that’s awesome! I decided to opt for accommodation because I want us both to be comfortable. The weather’s iffy, and I’m on vacation. I trust there will be time for camping later. I check Booking and find a place. Then Petr tells me it’s the same place they’re staying. I feel a bit like I’m crashing their party. I asked them if they were okay with it. They said yes. It’s a slight detour from the Czech Trail, but we’ll be back on it tomorrow.
We reach the accommodation around 7 PM. Brixie is clearly pooped. First thing I do is unpack her sleeping bag and give her dinner. She falls asleep before I even put the bowl down. She eats it, then heads right back to her spot to sleep. Which is good! Pension Hubert in Raspenava looks really nice. That shower hit the spot. I cooked up some grub from my stash to lighten the pack, washed my socks, and crossed my fingers they’d be dry by morning.
Daily Summary on the Czech Trail:
- Today’s Miles: 26.3 km (a solid day’s haul)
- Total Distance on Czech Trail (Stage IV): 26.3 km
- Highlight of the Day: The unexpected meeting with Petra and Petr, turning a nervous start into a truly pleasant journey.
- Elevation Gain: 761 m (a good workout)
- Elevation Loss: 680 m
- Weather: Light drizzle at the start, then mostly overcast with occasional wind, no rain.
It was a day full of surprises, but thanks to new friends and my trail buddy Brixie, it transformed into a truly enjoyable trek. What unexpected situations have you encountered on your hikes? What do you think awaits us tomorrow on the Czech Trail?
