Denishi is a favorite rock-climbing hangout not far from Zhytomyr, which is, in turn, two hours from Kiev. There are no direct buses, so you would need to take a minibus to Zhytomyr first (from Prospekt Peremohy outside Sviatoshyno metro station) and then find a way to get to Denishi from there. Most climbers drive cars or rent buses together to make it easier.
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Denishi itself is a small town southwest of Zhytomyr. Nearby Denishi there is a great rock-climbing area on the Teteriv River.
This varied rock wall continues for a hundred meters or so and has countless climbing routes.
Climbers come here in droves and camp below and above the cliff.
Some people climb with loaded backpacks to train for mountain climbing ascents.
Every climber has his "insurance" in case he falls.
This guy is rappelling for the first time ever.
People are having a lot of fun here.
That's me on the rock.
Not only is the climbing great, but the scenery is picturesque, especially by the river.
Foam tends to accumulate below the dam, but this doesn't faze fishermen.
Above the dam is a large reservoir, with a 16th century monastery and church above the shore.
Along the lakeside are 500-year-old oaks, protected by fences.
The forest floor is colorful in mid-April.
More flowers
Landscape scene
This men's monastery was one of the most important monasteries in Russia and Ukraine in its day.
Walking down the lane
This pond fills what used to be a mine.
Now old men fish here
...and adders (non-poisonous) come out to sunbathe.
Another view of the pond
Birches and pines grow along the shore.
You get an interesting effect with the pond as a dark-blue backdrop.
Nearby, villagers live in their rustic homes.
"Good fences make good neighbors."
Another view of fences
All photos are the original work of Rick DeLong. To learn about purchasing originals, go here.
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