An improvised hike, embracing the serendipity of travel and learning to say yes; three days hiking in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, stories to tell other places and times.

Visiting the Rila Monastery outside Sofia, Bulgaria wasn’t in the original plan; sitting in my hostel in Sofia, I didn’t even know it existed a mere couple hours away.

Three days hiking hut-to-hut in the mountains of Bulgaria wasn’t in the plan; in fact, I wasn’t even aware it was an option.

Blame poor research, poor preparation, not asking enough questions, all true.

But thanks to an open mind and a joy for embracing a bit of idiocy, the unknown became known, a story I’m looking forward to milking for a little while. However, for now, I’ll let the pictures tell thousands of words, priming the stories that I’ll share over dinners, drinks and late nights for years to come.

Stepping back, Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Planning by candlelight, Rila, Bulgaria

Directions, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Relaxing, Ivan Vazov Hut, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Home, Ivan Vazov Hut, Bulgaria

Chasm, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Exposed, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

3 of 7, Seven Lakes Region, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Tourists, Seven Lakes Region, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

2 of 7, Seven Lakes Region, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Rest, Rila Lakes Chalet, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria

Exit, Rila Mountains, Bulgaria