📆 Day 9 | 25 September

📍 Route: Tatranská Lomnica → Tatranská Lomnica

📏 Distance: 61 km / 1283 m ↗ / 1283 m ↘

🏰 Places visited: Porádi Lake, Lake Štrbské, 

We started our day once again in the rain, and it never really let up. From morning till evening, we were accompanied by a steady downpour that soaked everything — our gear, our clothes, and eventually, even our spirits. 

Today became a true test of endurance, both physically and mentally, marked by heavy raindrops and unforgiving elevation gains. Our journey began with a slow, contemplative ride through the mystical landscapes of the High Tatras. Despite the low-hanging clouds and thick fog that concealed the towering peaks, the raw beauty of the region still shone through. 

The damp forests, mossy stones, and winding mountain roads created a surreal atmosphere, like cycling through a fairytale lost in the mist. We pushed our way up to Porádi Lake, perched at 1,494 meters above sea level. The climb was tough — long, steep, and relentless — but reaching the top brought a quiet sense of achievement. The lake greeted us with a haunting stillness, its surface disturbed only by the gentle ripple of rain. We stood in silence for a while, taking it all in, our breath visible in the cold air. 

From there, we descended toward Lake Štrbské. The downhill was thrilling but treacherous — wet roads, low visibility, and frozen fingers on the brakes. Once we reached the lake, we circled its shores, now almost deserted, except for a few fellow travelers braving the weather like us. Even through the fog and rain, the place had a stark, melancholic charm. 

By this point, the temperature had dropped to just 5°C. A biting, icy wind swept across the open spaces, and the continuous rainfall felt like needles against our skin. Our waterproofs had long since surrendered, and every part of us was soaked and freezing. The cold began to settle deep into our bones, making it hard to think of anything but warmth and rest. 

We made the decision to skip any further detours and headed straight for our accommodation. The final stretch felt endless, but the thought of dry clothes and a warm meal kept us moving. At last, we arrived — shivering, exhausted, but safe. Despite the discomfort, there was a quiet pride in all of us. We had endured the elements, climbed the heights, and witnessed the raw, untamed face of nature. 

Today wasn’t about sunshine or scenic photos — it was about resilience, connection, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after the rain has passed.

Varga Gábor