Hiking in the Tatras of Poland and Slovakia Sightseeing in Krakow and Zakopane, Poland June 17 - June 30, 2017

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1 Hiking in the Tatras of Poland and Slovakia Sightseeing in Krakow and Zakopane, Poland June 17 - June 30, 2017 Hello! I am pleased to invite you to join me on this trip. Please read the information carefully, and then contact me if you have specific questions about this trip: Carl Rosenthal ; crosenthal789@msn.com. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Krakow is a cultural and artistic center, with one of the oldest universities in Europe, a historic castle, and scenic old city. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Krakow, we will visit the historic Krakow Old Town and the immense Wawel Castle. You will have the option of going to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz. Both are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will also spend nights in the resort town of Zakopane, gateway to the Polish High Tatras and the winter capital of Poland. Of course, most of the trip will be spent hiking in the beautiful Tatra Mountains which form a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. Their landscape is quite similar to the Alps. We will have the opportunity to climb to Rysy, the highest point in Poland. In a few places, the hiking involves a bit of rock scrambling and has some exposure. If you are familiar with and comfortable hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Adirondacks of New York, you will be comfortable hiking here. For much of our hiking, we will have magnificent views. You will be amazed at the trail work. In most rocky areas, the rocks have been broken and placed to form cobblestone paths. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU You should be curious about other cultures and comfortable traveling in areas which are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in closer quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip and contribute to their having a great time. If you do that, I guarantee that you will have a great time. You must be able to hike six hours a day, not including breaks at a moderate pace, with elevation gains of up to 3,300 feet, while carrying enough equipment in your back pack to keep you safe in the event of bad weather or injury and to spend one night at a hut. Please see the gear list below.

2 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT OF ME My number one trip priority will be to see that you have a wonderful experience on the trip and return home safely. I hope to make this trip as cost effective as possible. Because we will have the services of a full time guide while we are hiking and I am comfortable getting around in Krakow and Zakopane, I will be the only leader. You are welcome to use frequent flyer miles or make your own flight arrangements, possibly arriving earlier or staying on later then the group. Itinerary Day 1: Saturday, June 17, 2017 Fly to Krakow Day 2: Sunday, June 18, 2017 Recover from the plane ride, check in at hotel, go on a leader guided walking tour of Krakow. Night in Krakow hotel Day 3: Monday, June 19, 2017 Tour the Wawel Castle In afternoon, take bus to Zakopane Night in Zakopane hotel Day 4: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Breakfast (6 AM), departure (~7 AM) by bus (30-40 minute drive) to Palenica in Bialka Valley, than hike to Roztoka, 5 Polish Lakes, Morskie Oko, Wlosienica ( ~5 hrs hiking time with average / moderate pace, no breaks included), ~ 10mi., + 2,640 ft elevation gain, - 1,815 ft elevation drop ; from Wlosienica ~ minutes by horse-carriage back to Palenica & back to Zakopane hotel for the night. The whole trip takes around 9-10 hours.

3 Day 5: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Breakfast (~7 AM), departure (~8 AM) by bus (30-40 minute drive) to Javorina, then hike through lower part of Javorova Valley & Zadne Medodoly to Kopske Sedlo Pass (5,775 ft) & drop to the hut at Zelene Pleso (5,118 ft) + 2,442 ft / ft, 7.4 mi., 4:30 hrs (walking time). Spend night at hut. Carry some overnight stuff, like underwear change, tooth brush, light footwear, medicines Day 6: Thursday, June 22, 2017 Hike from Zelene Pleso to Sedlo pod Svistovkou (6,676 ft), drop to Skalnate Pleso (5,775 ft), continue to Zamkovskeho Chata (4,867 ft)., then to overnight at Bilikova Chata (4,175 ft). 6.8 mi, +1,584 ft / - 2,432 ft, over 4 hrs walking time. Day 7: Friday, June 23, 2017 Hike from Bilikova Chata along Magistrala to Sliezsky Dom & to Sedlo pod Ostrvou (6,488 ft), drop to overnight at Popradske Pleso (4,930 ft). 9 mi, +2,224 ft / - 1,534 ft

4 Day 8: Saturday, June 24, 2017 An exciting day today as we hike Rysy (8,247 ft ) few exposed sections, some chains, the highest peak in Poland and the highest marked trail in all of the Tatras. The views are magnificent and we should see wonderful alpine flora. Overnight at Popradske Pleso 7.6 mi, + 3,300 ft/ - 3,300 ft; 5:45 hours Day 9: Sunday, June 25, 2017 Hike to Hincovo Pleso - Koprowy - Popradskie Pleso Descent to Strbske Pleso; 6.5 mi. + 2,871 ft; - 2,871 ft; 4:45 hours. Day 10: Monday, June 26, 2017 Hike from Strbske Pleso to Mlynicka Valley - Bystre Sedlo Pass - Furkotna Valley & back to Strbske Pleso. 9.3 mi. + 3,200 ft. 3,200 ft. 5.5 hours Transfer to overnight at Smokovec. Day 11: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Hike To Be Determined Day 12: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Guide led tour or free time in Zakopane in the morning Bus back to Krakow in the afternoon Night in Krakow hotel

5 Day 13: Thursday, June 29, 2017 Free day in Krakow or visit to Salt Mine or Auschwitz Farewell Dinner in Krakow Night in Krakow hotel Day 14: Friday, June 30, 2017 Fly to USA ACCOMMODATIONS June 18, 2017 Hotel Grodek Address: Na Gródku 4, Kraków, Poland Phone: June 19, 20 Willa Kurant ul. Brzozowskiego 9a Zakopane, Poland tel:

6 June 21 Chata pri Zelenom plese Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia mobile: OO June 22 Sorea Hrebienok, Stary Smokovec, Slovakia tel.: June 23, 24 HORSKÝ HOTEL POPRADSKÉ PLESO PO BOX 12, Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia Tel: , June 25 HOTEL TOLIAR Štrbské Pleso 21, Slovakia tel.: June 26 Hotel Smokovec Starý Smokovec 25, Vysoké Tatry, Slovakia tel: +421-(0) June 27 Willa Kurant ul. Brzozowskiego 9a Zakopane, Poland tel: June 28, 29 Hotel Grodek Address: Na Gródku 4, Kraków, Poland

7 Phone: Trip Leader Carl Rosenthal Address 58 Overlook Drive, Center Conway, NH Phone address TRIP COST The cost for the trip is $1,990. The cost will cover the following items: 1. All Accommodations - very nice hotels and one hut 2. All Meals except 3 lunches and 3 dinners in Krakow. 3. Baggage transfers - During the trip, baggage transfers will be arranged between all hotels. 4. The following transport of the group: Bus from Krakow to Zakopane & back to Krakow Bus from Zakopane to Palenica Bialczanska & back to Zakopane Bus from Zakopane to Javorina & from Lysa Polana to Zakopane Ride from StrbskePleso to Smokovec and from Smokovec to Sliezsky Dom 5. Services of an English speaking mountain guide when in Zakopane and Slovakia. 6. The cost of exchanging money to pay for the above 7. A contingency of 15% in case the value of the dollar decreases. In the event, that between now and when we must pay for the trip, the value of the dollar decreases less than 15% or stays the same or increases and nothing goes wrong, you will receive a refund. 8. Emergency Evacuation Insurance Not included: 1. Round Trip Airfare to Krakow, Poland - estimated at $1,400. The leader will provide assistance in purchasing airfares at the most advantageous price and schedule Lunches and 3 dinners while in Krakow 3. Entrance fees in Krakow 4. Personal expenses including alcoholic beverages

8 5. Round trip transportation from the Krakow airport to our Krakow hotel The cost for the trip is based on quotes received in December, The final cost of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best arrangements we can make with the airlines and any savings we might enjoy or increases we might have to endure. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing most of the leader s costs. Any unspent funds will be refunded to all participants. The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead charge to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel trips. HOW TO PROCEED If you would like to go on this trip, complete the application below and mail a check for $700 made out to the Appalachian Mountain Club to: Carl Rosenthal, 58 Overlook Drive, Center Conway, NH The balance of $1,290 is due by March 17, When registration is complete, the trip leader will send all participants the names, addresses and phone numbers of those going on the trip. I prefer to use as the primary source of communication. CANCELLATIONS The cancellation policy is based on the simple precept that your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants or the leaders. Therefore, if you cancel, your refund will be all that you have paid, less expenses already incurred and future expenses which cannot be avoided. If you cancel and the trip still fully books, then your fees will be refunded in full with the exception that, after airline tickets have been purchased, you own the tickets and that part of the fee cannot be refunded. EXPERIENCE AND RISKS At six weeks prior to the trip you should consult your physician to see what, if any, vaccinations are recommended prior for travel to Eastern Europe. GEAR LIST Here is a list of suggestions for what to bring to have a good time on the trip. Day Pack large enough to carry what is needed for your safety and convenience Personal first aid

9 Rain gear (both jacket and pants) 2 water bottles Wool or pile hat or balaclava Wool or pile gloves or mitts Extra pile or wool layer for warmth Comfortable hiking boots and socks Hiking shorts Long sleeve synthetic shirt Sunglasses Sun hat Sun protection lotion Lip protection balm Leisure clothes for sightseeing and restaurants (moderate amount) Personal toiletries Light weight footwear Head lamp with extra batteries Insect repellant Optional recommendations: MicroSpikes or other light traction could be very helpful when climbing Rysy Ear plugs Bathing suit Small knife Compass Extra shoelace Reading material for breaks in the action I recommend hiking with a pole or poles, but if you don t like them, that s fine. The Trip Application is on the following page.

10 Application for Hiking the Tatras of Poland and Slovakia Please print everything legibly Name: AMC Member? Address: City, State, Zip: Phones: Daytime: Evening: Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy): Gender: Smoker? Address: Health or disabilities: (Please note any medical or physical restrictions) Name, address, and phone number of person to contact in case of emergency: Have you done mountain hiking previously? When and how often? Please print a brief summary of your recent hiking /backpacking experience on the back of this application. How would you describe your physical condition and stamina? Please print a description of how you maintain your physical condition on the back of this application. For example, I run 5 miles four times a week. Have you gone on other AMC Major Excursions? If so, who were the leaders? If this trip is filled, do you wish to be placed on a waiting list?