Why would anyone walk up hills?
Whenever someone around me said they were heading to the Tatras, up a hill or just into the woods, I honestly didn't get it. I laughed at them. What's the fun in walking up and down for no reason? Had they lost their minds?
I knew we had the High Tatras, that the Alps existed and that it was probably beautiful up there. But I just didn't see the magic. Maybe I didn't have anyone to go with, but mostly I simply wasn't interested. I had other priorities – the gym came first.
Indoor sneakers and sweatpants
My first hike came with my girlfriend at the time. Destination: Skok waterfall. Gear: indoor sneakers and sweatpants. I was slipping on everything, and looking back, I can only smile about it.
The second time, we made it no further than Rainer's Hut. I remember her pointing up the trail, saying that's the way to Zamkovského Hut – supposedly incredibly hard, nothing but steps, a real struggle. And I believed her.
When it clicks
The turning point came when I met my girlfriend. We started going to the Tatras regularly, and step by step, higher and further. Somewhere along the way it happened – I got hooked. Properly hooked.
Today I've hiked practically everything in the High Tatras that's open to the public – trails, peaks and huts. Plus a good part of the Western Tatras, some of the Alps, and via ferrata climbing in the Dolomites.
Now it's a passion
The guy who used to laugh at people in the mountains would hardly believe it today. I love hiking, it fulfils me, and I'm sure it will for a very long time. I don't want to stand still – the next step is mountaineering and everything that comes with it.
And if you're where I used to be – in indoor sneakers, wondering if any of this makes sense – give it a try. All it takes is one trip with the right people. It might hook you just like it hooked me.