In spring the forest floor at lower altitudes is covered with flowers |
Close-up of flowers |
Mountain homestead |
Lower-altitude valleys are usually inhabited, like these in the distance |
View from Yavirnyk (1431 m.), late April |
Drinking from a spring. Water is abundant at all times of year, so don't lug too much with you |
Homesteads with small hand-tilled plots can be found quite high in the mountains |
Hikers take advantage of any roads they find, as groomed hiking trails are virtually nonexistent |
The mountains are beautiful, but be prepared for rain, snow, mist, and mud |
The Carpathians often take on a characteristic blue hue |
Common trees are fir, spruce, birch, beech, and oak |
View of mountain valley. Many towns are 400 years old |
In spring and summer firs and spruces brighten with new growth |
In the warm months shepherds bring their sheep high into the mountains for pasture |
Many tourists and hikers prefer to stay in locals' homes—such as this newly built house |
A number of Carpathian rivers are popular with whitewater rafters |
Marketplace with goods typical of the Carpathian region: sheepskin, moccasins, engravings, embroidery, etc. |
Hotels are starting to pop up along roads to serve the growing tourism industry |
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