37.4

Surrounded by the towering peaks of the High Tatras, the undisturbed glass-like surface of Morskie Oko mirrors the beginnings of a perfect morning. The weather breathless and undisturbed, so rare in these mountain ranges, where often climate chaos takes reign with cold and rainy conditions. This was a moment worth savouring, especially with the knowledge that only myself and a handful of others (all tight asleep in a mountain hut) were confined within the peaks surrounding this amazing lake. The fact astonishing in itself, as for in only four or five hours, thousands upon thousands of visitors would arrive and transform the lake into a thriving mass of day visitors.

Morskie Oko (translates directly into "Eye of the Sea") is the largest lake in the High Tatras and also takes claim to being one of the most popular sight-seeing destinations within the Tatras, often receiving upwards of 50,000 visitors during peak holiday periods. The journey to reach Morksie Oko is not simple however - one can not simply drive their car here or catch a tourist bus, but instead must reach it by foot -- an uphill hike of about two hours. Those unwilling to make the journey by foot can opt for one of many horse-drawn carts, operated by local Gorale inhabitants. This detachment from any sort of modern transport infrastructure makes it an even more amazing place, and one I highly recommend visiting.

Nikon D800e + Zeiss 21mm

Cheers, Bernie - www.australianlight.com.au
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