Last year, I climbed Vihren – the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains – with my partner Boryana. It was a moment of love, strength, and life realignment. This year, I’m returning – with a friend who once got stuck in a snowstorm on the same mountain for six hours. Maybe this time, I’ll be the one guiding him. Because I’ve learned something essential
In late August – maybe just after the 20th – it will be time again. Time to lace up the boots, pack water, nuts, and a jacket for unexpected winds – and start the climb up Vihren. At 2,918 meters above sea level, it stands – beautiful, silent, and stubborn, like a watchful guardian over southern Bulgaria.
Last year, I stood on the summit with Boryana – my partner in love and in life. It was our first major mountain ascent together. A shared journey, physical and emotional.
We walked in rhythm – not always step by step, but heart to heart.
And even though we climbed together, I led myself to the top. No one could take the steps for me.
It was my will, my breath, my decision.
I led myself to the top.
I was 62 then. Now I’m 63. And still climbing – in every sense.
Vihren – A Mountain with Many Faces
Vihren is not just a peak. It’s a feeling. A test. A mystery.
In Pirin, the wind whispers stories and the stones respond in silence.
The trees disappear as you ascend, and what remains is only stone, stillness – and soul.
But the mountain can be merciless.
My friend, who will climb with me this year, knows that better than most.
He once got trapped in a snowstorm on Vihren – six hours of brutal wind and cold. He fought for survival.
This Time, I Might Be the Guide
We’ll climb together. But perhaps I’ll be the one guiding him – not the other way around.
Not because I have more experience, but because I’ve walked an inner path.
I’ve stepped out of the rat race. I’ve left an old life behind and chosen something slower, deeper.
I’ve learned to listen. To walk with presence. To trust the rhythm of my own breath.
And sometimes, that’s what the mountains need most –
Someone who doesn’t chase time, but never hesitates.
The Mountain as Metaphor and Reality
Vihren was my beginning. My first summit in this new chapter of life.
Since then, Pirin has been my training ground.
Stairs in the city. Smaller peaks. No performance goals. Just movement. Just life. Just breath.
I’m no extreme climber. But I’m alive. And that’s enough.
What I Expect This Year
I don’t expect a repeat – I expect a new story.
A new pace.
A new conversation between me and the mountain.
Perhaps a hand on my friend’s shoulder when he doubts.
Perhaps his eyes in mine, when I do.
And when we reach the top – because we will – I’ll know one thing:
That I once again led myself to the summit.
One breath at a time. One step at a time.
Am I ready? No. Am I prepared? Always.
By Chris...
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