East Poland

It's been few days since we finally crossed south east border of Poland. This time our welcoming party consisted of only one but very important friend 🙂.

I have a confession to make. I don't know Poland at all. I left when I was 22 so don't actually remember what my country has to offer apart from Baltic sea ( where I am from) and Tatry mountains.

So here's the reason that we've decided to first follow east side from south to north.

It's a difficult time so yes, we've noticed increased army vehicle movement close to east border. Obviously the Ukrainian conflict is always on the back of each one's head but you don't feel any difference. 

Our first stop was Magurski Park Narodowy ( National Park). I didn't know that this park existed. It's quite small but has a lot to offer. Still wild and unspoiled nature, clean river and a feeling of great space.It was a great surprise. 

The entry to National Parks in Poland is paid. We didn't have any złoty ( no euros in Poland) but the park ranger was friendly enough to accept Euros and we also gave him a beer since we were few cents short. During the week though they don't bother with the entry fee so it's free.

The place is full of ex wooden Orthodox churches that are now Christian. The churches are the reminiscent of Łemkowie, a minority that lived here before second world war. 

We also did a 30 km bike trip following the trace of non existing Łemkowie villages, that had us exhausted for few days🤣, so much that we had to replenish our liquids at the Zwierzyniec brewery.The brewery was built in 1800 and we can confirm that the beer is delicious 😋. 

We only had enough energy left for a small walk to nearby " Echo ponds" popular for a summer dip.

Today we drove 340 km to see the last European bisons🦬 in Białowieski National Park.

We had a high expectations . And obviously it was a huge disappointment. You can visit the park in 2 ways.In reservoir you can see few bisons and other animals ( typical touristy trap) or you can hire a guide to take you to the actual forest( where you cannot go on your own) but it's rare to see the bisons there so the tour is mostly flora focused.Trully all the animals seemed sad or maybe it was just our impression. Tomorrow we will go to the lake district.