A Test of Strength: The Erőss Zsolt Memorial Hike
When it comes to outdoor activities, there are countless individuals who inspire us to explore the world. One such extraordinary athlete was Erőss Zsolt, known as the Hungarian Snow Leopard, whose remarkable mountaineering achievements left a lasting impact. Despite facing adversity, including the loss of his leg in an avalanche, Zsolt displayed unwavering determination and returned to the mountains, inspiring others with his resilience. Every year, the endurance hike organized in the Gyergyó mountains pays tribute to Zsolt's incredible life and accomplishments, coinciding with the date of his last expedition exactly 10 years ago.
Before embarking on the hike, participants and locals gathered at the Salamon Ernő high school in Gyergyószentmiklós, Zsolt's hometown, for a beautiful and emotional memorial service. Notably, Kollár Lajos, the organizer of the "Hungarians on the eight-thousanders of the world" expedition series, delivered a touching speech honoring Zsolt's legacy. Additionally, a bench with Zsolt's name was inaugurated in front of the school, symbolizing his enduring influence.
The organizing team for the 2023 Erőss Zsolt memorial endurance hike
Kollár Lajos, the organizer of the "Hungarians on the eight-thousanders of the world"
I eagerly joined the endurance hike, choosing the 30km distance to acquaint myself with the terrain. The journey began at the stunning Red Lake, where we received maps and detailed explanations of the route. The organizers meticulously planned the event, ensuring a seamless experience as we collected stamps at checkpoints. Every year, the booklet contains a hidden name of an eight-thousander, with each stamp revealing a letter. It was a thrilling challenge to decipher the name of Cho Oyu - the world’s 6th tallest mountain - by the end of the hike.
Guided by the organizers, we ventured through breathtaking mountains and highlands, providing awe-inspiring vistas of renowned peaks. The presence of shepherds, who temporarily relocated their flocks and intimidatingly big and protective shepherd dogs, enabled us to explore areas otherwise inaccessible on foot. The hike showcased the organizers' care and attention to detail, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
The weather remained favorable, with beautiful sunshine and refreshing breezes that occasionally intensified as we got higher into the mountains. As rain drizzled in the afternoon, we simply pulled up our hoods and continued our trek. The hike served as an opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers and exchange stories of outdoor escapades. Considering the presence of bears in the area, I carried pepper spray as a precautionary measure, though our lively group of hikers ensured we made enough noise to alert the bears to our presence.
At the halfway point, we reached a refreshing station offering warm tea and bread with toast, replenishing our energy for the remainder of the hike. Although we inadvertently took a slight detour on the last kilometer, we managed to complete the hike in good time. The descent gifted us with breathtaking views, leaving us in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us. Upon reaching the finish line, a delightful reward awaited us—a plateful of local goulash with delicious home-made bread. After bidding farewell to my newfound friends, we retreated to our accommodations for a well-deserved rest.
In the evening, I returned to the camp to watch a moving drama about Zsolt's widow and listened intently as Kollár Lajos recounted the details of Zsolt's fateful disappearance. The sound of raindrops on the tent provided a comforting backdrop as we immersed ourselves in the poignant story. I surely had one of my best night’s sleep after a long and tiring day, but I definitely felt accomplished for completing my distance within the time limit without any issues or injuries.
