Love, love ... Gdynia :)

These days, it is incredibly difficult for me to peel my face off the computer screen. Barely have time to get out of the house. Fortunately, a few weeks ago I did. And since it was the first time in weeks I decided I have to visit a place that is not around the corner from my house.

I heard that recently an embankment in Gdynia was opened, so I decided I had to check it out. I must say that it was worth it. 

I took us around an hour to get to our destination. I must say that three smartphones with navigation didn’t help much, and we still ended up wondering around. 

When I got to the point where I could see the sea, I was amazed. I felt I am in Greece or other South European country. Breathtaking views. As it turned out, the way down to the beach was also breathtaking. All because of a steep hill and thousands of stairs we had to conquer. 

The recently made embankment is beautiful. This area started out as a fisherman village. There are still remains of that, with rails that fisherman used to bring up the catch and colorful boats that I hope are still being used for fishing.

The embankment is pretty long - about 1,5 km. And since I had to find out where it leads to, I dragged my not-so-happy family till the end, and back (because we came by car, that we had to go back to :).

To sum up, this place became one of my favorite beaches in TriCity (although, not much beach there). I also managed to set a plan, that basically consists of me winning few millions zloty, and buying a house there. Maybe not the closest to the cliff, but in a nearby area.

Grzëpa Pachôłka

Panorama

What goes below the surface of earth must come above the ground as well, or something like that :) Since I went below, it was time to go above. No better way that go to amazing view point.

Climbing, or not?

Grzëpa Pachôłka is a Kashubian for Bollard Hill. Peculiar name, if you ask me. I never analysed it before. I always thought of it as a name that doesn't translate, like Jennifer or Tom.

Me like :)

First time I came across this lovely hill was when few years back my parents thought I needed exercise. One weekend they decided they will take me hiking, the goal was the top of the mountain. Boy that was a hike! Few times I thought I am having heart attack, numerous time I hopes I twist my ankle so I don't have to complete the hike. My parents didn't seem to have such problems. Does that mean I am not fit??? Naaah.....

Still climbing....

You shouldn't then be surprised that I was preparing mentally to climb the hill over a week. Finally I gathered enough courage. I remembered too well from previous time the branch grabbing, the panic when faced almost flat surface that I was supposed to climbed over. Imagine my surprise when I saw stairs ! with handrail (?) and occasional benches! This is not how I remembered this hill. I say, well done!

And climbing, getting hazy...

The hill first was known as Pacholkenberg, that was in 1734. Between 1797 and 1945 the hill was called Carlsberg or Karlsberg, that essentially means Carl's Hill (lucky Carl, right? :) At one point the hill was managed by Cistercians, who converted the hill into some kind of a garden, they also build a view tower. Nice!

Old picture of the Hill

However I think it adds to the experience. Also it makes almost impossible to take still picture of the view up there, so the memories will be pretty much stored in one's mind than on photographic film.

And shaky finish :)

But whatever you do. Don't look down...

I looked down for you :)