I like the northern nature, I have already been on three hikes in the Kola Peninsula, but I can say that the nature in Rybachy is different.
The terrain is flatter and easier to walk. The landscapes, partly reminiscent of Sakhalin - green hills and tall grass, like in Miyazaki's cartoons, sharp rocks, layered rocks on the coast, rocks as if torn out of the ground by a giant hand and scattered everywhere, unusual black rocks. In one place there were stone waves, only on the shore. Tides changing the coastline. A rainbow after the rain, stretching into the sea. Every time my brain had something to be surprised by))
We saw foxes, deer and whales, found cool souvenirs in the form of deer antlers)
We feasted on blueberries and cloudberries) as usual, Anya and Pasha cooked delicious trekking food).
The weather was varied, which made the hike more emotional) and it was possible to test your gear )
Once again, I want to say that thanks to Pasha, everyone was dressed correctly, lived in good tents and hung out in a group tent when it was cool. That's why the hike was comfortable) Thanks everyone, great company gathered, friendly, fun, had a great time, hugging everyone )
While watching another video about northern travels on one of the platforms, I learned about Pavel in the comments. I wrote to him the same evening and received an exhaustive answer, which served as a positive impetus for the decision to go on a trek.
I immediately liked Pavel's thorough, informal approach to organizing the trek, there are no small things for him. The route is perfectly planned, taking into account the places for day stops and overnight stays, sources of water, etc. On the trek, I was pleasantly surprised that the travelers were given leisure time after dinner.
Pavel turned on the projector and we watched documentaries and cartoons in our 'dining tent' and discussed the day that had passed. Far from the comforts of civilization, this was very encouraging, it seems to me, for tired tourists.
Assembling a group for the trek is another great merit of Pavel. Our group developed a very warm relationship with each other during the trek. We still continue to communicate in the common chat. And I hope to see my 'tribesmen' again on the next trek!
Skiing trips with cold nights and even with a sleigh is an absolute exotic in our region, supported by a small number of enthusiasts.
And organized commercial walking is something that literally could not have been dreamed of for a couple of years. But I really believed that Pasha would bring up this topic in the end. And so it was born. I immediately grabbed this ticket to happiness.
I dare say that I am a person who has all the equipment for this kind of activity, wintering in these parts just for the purposes of this kind of entertainment, and I can easily go solo or with my wife. And an uncompromising approach is very important in this matter: if we go with a sleigh, then everything is with a sleigh. If it's cold, then it's cold all the days. Therefore, my subjective assessment of the campaign was very high.
In short: everything was top))
Learn more about the main points: - the logistics are excellent. Due to possible transport problems, sidings like drop-offs and drop-offs were thought out. - If you don't have your own equipment, it's really cool and high-quality.: hilly, helsport, fjalraven... everything that pleases the ear of a lover of Scandinavian themes is available here and you can try it. - all safety rituals have been observed: registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, satellite communication, communication with participants on this topic.
- there are also requirements for the participants themselves, as well as for their equipment. After all, here the problem of one becomes the problem of all, and this is taken into account. - food. My wife and I basically go on sublimates and don't risk culinary experiments on camping trips, but! The food looked great and no one complained in words or actions. Thanks to the second guide Sasha!) - the general atmosphere was maintained and there was no oppression. We were pretty unlucky with the weather, there was a thaw. But there was no melting and despondency. Down with the gloom!)
In general, Pasha's hiking has a progressive view of tourism, which is good news. I am very glad that I got into the first "stream" and I will gladly go again in a few years to see how it all developed., Reflect on the difference between these years)
I absolutely recommend everyone to go exactly in this form: it is skiing, it is sledding, it is cold overnight stays. And Pasha has a great chance to roll into this topic)
Who is this trek with? With a person who is in love with the North and insanely meticulously preparing for everything that can be encountered along the way! From the very moment of signing up for the trek, Pasha will accompany and guide, help with packing, discuss and advise on all gear and more. On the trek itself, Pasha was maximally attentive to everything that was happening, to how the weather was changing, how the participants were feeling, and made necessary adjustments to the route and schedule depending on that. And in all this, he was helped by an equally cool Ilya! Our guide and our cook, someone who knew how to surprise even in these harsh conditions!))))) The most important thing is that I was lucky to be among people who were as interested in this trek as I was and who were just great people — apparently, Pasha filters and attracts people well :) Who is this trek for? For those who are ready to suffer a little to see the beauty and untouched places!)) And also to wander around an abandoned city, tunnels, machinery :) And also to walk a lot with a backpack, since the main part of the trek is spent loaded down with gear)) But it's all worth it — for 10 days you just disconnect from the hustle and bustle, you just walk on the moss-yagel, wander along the rivers, climb and descend the hills, endless, sometimes cascading, lakes and the sea. Also, there's an endless amount of wildlife — all kinds of birds (which sometimes sing non-stop all night))), seals and whales (if you're lucky), bears (if you're a bit luckier), and just flowers, greenery, and algae)) After 10 days, a hard and level surface of asphalt no longer delights, walking on it just doesn't work!
I was planning a harsh hike through the mountain tundra, but in fact I lived this week in incredible care, as if I had a chicken under my wing, and in the stunning beauty around me.
The tundra turned out to be an incredible place. It would seem that there is a basic set of plants, mosses, lichens, rocks, lakes and streams, but behind each hill a new breathtaking view was waiting for me. And also the sea.
At some point, I caught myself thinking that I was almost running with a big backpack to see what was next. For the whole time that February has been going on, for the first time I was able to exhale to the end and even got tired of smiling.
I am very grateful to the wonderful Pavel Rudenko and Anna Migalina for this fairy tale and their care, as well as for their professionalism. You guys are the best! Rumor has it that Pasha still has places for other trips this summer - guys, don't miss your chance)
I've heard this opinion from people who went to heavy tracking in Europe and America: "You're being driven abroad as a client-professionally, but within the framework of a service agreement. But here in Russia, they treat you like a friend - with empathy and attention to personality, but ignoring safety and rules."
After the hike with Pavel and his team, I responsibly declare that this is not the case. We also know how to combine professionalism and attention to personality. Equipment, planning, instruction, solutions in difficult conditions are at the highest level. And how else would it be in an autonomous hike beyond the Arctic Circle.
I really enjoyed the trek. Rybachy surprised me every day with its changing scenery; I didn't expect such a variety of landscapes and views within a week's hike. Of course, the whales, submarines, and the number of reindeer were very impressive.
It was all new to me, like picking cloudberries from the bush for the first time. And, of course, it never gets old seeing fields of blueberries and lingonberries, and this time also scattered clusters of boletus mushrooms.
I was very pleased with the absence of human footprints. We had so many events on our route: obstacles, a barracks, reindeer herds, buoys, submarines, cliffs, interesting conversations. The views, nature, company, our guides, the atmosphere, the mood - that's why I go on trips again.
Everything was there, everything happened, one of the best treks of the season. Heartfelt thanks!
My first trip with Pasha: the White Sea, berry madness.
The landscape changed every day: we would either be making our way through bushes, walking on rocks, sand, kelp, or moss. It felt like five different hikes!
Amazing nature! And what a variety of autumn colors! You completely forget about the backpack on your back when there's such beauty around.
And the North does a great job of fulfilling dreams — we saw the northern lights!
It wasn't without difficulties: Pasha made us not look under our feet because the berries were everywhere. Oh, those meadows with huge delicious blueberries, lingonberries, and cowberries that a group of 13 people couldn't resist.
The hike was also very informative. Before starting, we visited the Kandalaksha Nature Reserve museum to get to know the inhabitants of the region better. Pasha also prepared maps and photos from different years. We even watched documentaries on a projector!
Special thanks to the second guide Roma. Under his strict supervision, we managed to enjoy the views, pick mushrooms, keep up with the group, and eat delicious and varied meals. It wasn't a hike, it was a sanatorium!
And big thanks to the Tundra! For the beautiful weather and for introducing us to new interesting people.
I had a great time on the hike and highly recommend it to everyone!
After yet another delight at what I saw, I found myself wondering: 'Yes, what else could there be?!! It seems like the maximum possible.' Feel as if you're in a lost world or a participant in a documentary about the formation of our planet, whichever you prefer! This is definitely something you need to experience and see with your own eyes!
I want to thank you once again for our awesome trek! Looking back at the past 9 days, my heart feels very warm. Your passion for your work, complete dedication, and sincere involvement with each participant are truly admirable.
Pash, special thanks for your sensitivity and ability to see and support at the right moment — it's very valuable. I especially enjoyed the people who go with you: warm, open, positive, with whom you want to stay in touch.
Thank you for making such wonderful moments possible!