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Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea) in the Tatry Mountains

Poland Traditions & Interest

Tim Firkowski

Saturday, 10 September 2016

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This morning we were up and about early, because we were heading to the Tatry Mountains. It is not really that far of a drive, but because it is so popular, the traffic is unbelievable, and they are working on the road down to the Mountains, so road construction does not help. We arrived at about 9am and the parking filled up quickly. We found parking about a mile from the start of the climb up the mountain to Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea) which is a beautiful lake up in the mountains.

Personally, I was not sure about this climb. I had walked down once from Kasprowy Wierch in the Tatry and my legs were cussing me out then. I have also climbed a "small" area in the Bieszczady Mountains with the prodding from a friend, & again my legs were threatening divorce from the rest of my body.

The trek up to the lake is on an asphalt road & is not steep, but the 3 hour, 6 mile walk up to 4576 feet where the lake is, is continuously going up. There are rest areas and bathrooms at various points along the way for the thousands of people enjoying themselves trekking to

the top. Poles do this for recreation, both young and old. I felt so out of place as I am not in the best of shape as kids and elderly were taking it all in stride.

The highest peak near Morskie Oko rises up another 3293 feet above the lake. If are not able to do the climb, there are men dressed in traditional outfits of Zakopane with horse and wagon that will take you up or down for a price.... and it is not cheap, but unless you want to be classified as a wimp by your fellow poles, I would not recommend it.

Despite the long climb up, I thoroughly enjoyed the end result and I highly recommend taking the time to see this wonderous place! I must thank my cousin Gosia for her patience while I stuggled to the top.

Once you get to Morskie Oko, you can climb up to a second lake called Black Lake as long as you still have energy. I did not have the energy so I will have to save this for another time.

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About the author

Tim Firkowski

I have been doing genealogy research since 2002 & have worked full time as a Professional Genealogist since 2008. I specialize in Polish and American-Canadian Genealogy. As a member of APG, I was the 2010/2011 President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (NEAPG). I have Certificates of Completion for studies in "Foundations of Forensic Genealogy" and "Advanced Forensic Genealogy Techniques". I have been a volunteer librarian at the local Family History Center, and a genealogy research consultant at “Ask the Expert” Ancestry Road Shows. I have traveled to Poland numerous times & researched in churches and archives. At conferences and special events, you may find me dressed up in my Sherlock Holmes outfit, or my Kujawy (the folk costume from the region in Poland where my ancestors came from).

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Comments 2

Guest - Leon Konieczny on Saturday, 10 September 2016 05:34

I am so thoroughly enjoying your posts and photos. It's great to hear mention of some of the places I've been, and many more mentions of places I've heard and read about but not been to quite yet. Morskie Oko is definitely one of those. Keep up the posts and photos, I am visiting Poland vicariously through you!

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