From Mallorca to China in Camper Sumant Km – Cap.1 Mount Olympus

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Text and photos by Sumant Km

On our route from Mallorca to China, we have crossed a small part of Europe that neither of us had known before. We have been able to see, walk and live mountains of Montenegro, Albania and Greece, and travel a few kilometers of the most important mountain ranges of these countries.

A few weeks ago we were able to put our Bestard shoes to the test in the heart of the Durmitor Natural Park, in Montenegro, where we climbed its highest peak. We were also able to tour the Albanian Alps, from Teth to Valbone, and marvel at the landscapes that separate Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.

The last adventure that we have lived, has been in Greece, where in addition to beautiful beaches, there are imposing, rocky and gigantic mountains.

Mount Olympus ascent

One day in July, we decided to ascend Mount Olympus, or “the luminous”, the highest mountain in Greece and the second of all the Balkan mountains, with 2918 meters and a final ascent only suitable for the bravest. This mountain is located in the Thessaly region, and has been a Greek nature reserve since 1938 and a natural heritage site of the European Union for more than 30 years. This mountain, as many of you know, was the protagonist of Greek mythology, which believed that Mount Olympus was the home of the Olympic Gods, presided over by Zeus, and who lived there in Zeus.

The ascent to Mount Olympus is very pleasant, especially at the beginning and until reaching the Spilos Agapito refuge, since the route takes place in the shade provided by the pines and the rest of the forest species. In addition, in this first section the slope is gentle and is offset by wooden steps for a large part of the way.

Once past the refuge, the route continues to the two peaks that make up Mount Olympus: Skala and Mytikas, which would be the last and highest of the two peaks. This second part is more complicated, since in just over 3km you must climb more than 800 meters of unevenness, and above all, before reaching Skala, the ascent is very frequent and steep. Once you reach the first peak, one of the most complicated parts remains, which is reaching Mytikas, through an almost vertical and extremely exposed neck. From the top of Mytikas, you can really understand why throughout history this summit has been considered the home of the gods, the 360 degree view of a large part of the region and of the sea, leaves whoever climbs breathless.

Bestard TR Quantic Lady

Because of all this, and especially because of the final, exhausting, long and steep ascent, we had to feel that we had our feet firmly attached to the ground, and that there was no possibility of slipping, since the steepest areas were made up of ridges of stone where it was easy to lose your balance. We both put on the boots from the Trekking line. Carme specifically chose the TR QUANTIC LADY boot for several reasons. To begin with, it is a mid-calf leather boot that supports the ankle but gives you freedom of movement when you walk. In addition, it is very light, which makes it easy to carry it during long walks or excursions that last many hours, like the one we did in the Mount Olympus. On the other hand, the sole is very flexible and has a high impact absorption in each step, which makes walking on different terrains more comfortable. Finally, knowing that we had to walk in very hot times, Carme chose the TR QUANTIC LADY, since it is a breathable and cool boot, but with the peace of mind that the Goretex protects you in case of rain or finding wet terrain.

After this ascent, the TR QUANTIC LADY boots have been left full of dust and dirt, but they have made a long and expensive journey, a very good experience, and have given us the comfort and security we needed.

Now we are clear that in the following ascents that we make, or in the crossings that we want to walk, the TR QUANTIC LADY boot will be the best companion.

IG: @sumant_km

Marc y Carme de Sumant Km