Bird Paradise

This place was on my radar for a long time - "Bird Paradise" reserve on Sobieszewo Island. In fact, I asked to go there as my birthday gift last year. Unfortunately, the trip didn’t end well. I start by saying that half of people that came didn’t want to leave the car. All because of huge amounts of mosquitos. Only me and my stepdad were brave enough to take a hike. Although it was a very short one.

This place was on my radar for a long time. In fact, I asked to go there as my birthday gift last year. Unfortunately, the trip didn’t end well. I start by saying that half of people that came didn’t want to leave the car. All because of huge amounts of mosquitos. Only me and my stepdad were brave enough to take a hike. Although it was a very short one.

We didn’t see many people, but surely we must have looked like crazy people. To protect ourselves from the incredible amount of mosquitoes we were waving our arms around us. Also, we were almost running. As a result, we didn’t get to see anything and end up with a record amount of mosquito bites.

Almost a year later and I managed to come back. This time, I wasn't attacked by an army of starving mosquitoes. I must say, though, that for a bird reserve, there is surprisingly very little birds there. I see more birds looking outside my bedroom window. Regardless of that, it is a beautiful place. Very peaceful and relaxing.

If you decide to go there for a walk, to which I encourage you, please take provisions and binoculars. Maybe then you will be able to finish the walk and spot some birds :) The route is quite long and there is no shops or stalls anywhere. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish the whole walk.I hope that next year will be the year I'll do that.

Forest. Run.

So what did you do this weekend? I got lost in a jungle. Well, almost :)

Swampish river

I decided to try one of them orientation walks. Silly as I am, I imagined something in terms of a childhood game, I loved and played when I was young - Paper Chase. I found an orientation walk that offered different difficulty levels, to not be cocky I signed up fo the easiest one. The boot message said to bring compass, so I downloaded one on my phone (although I am not convinced it really works, but I don't know how to work a compass, so it was fine by me:).

Other "gamers"

Luckily for me, I managed to find "volunteer" to tag along. As we arrived I was full of enthusiasm, that unfortunately decreased by the minute (we got lost on our way to the starting point :(

Berry bushes

I determined to do the walk and come back alive. Even when at starting line I asked if I can be explained the rules of the game and was told that the remaining 5 minutes to my start wasn't enough time, or when I saw advanced team map in a shape of a thong (and as wide).

Our map

Time... Start! So off we went (in the wrong direction) about 10 meters away. I had no idea how to read the map we were given, there was no mark indicating where we (except start/finishing line circle). I'd just say: thank heavens for my partner and GPS! Half the time I didn't know where we were.

Polypore

According to the rules, we had 3 hours and 12 points to find. It took us 1 hour to find first point. Beginner's pace I guess:) I didn't mind though. I love forest, I grew up around it, played in it, so I was happy.

Intersection

During our 5 hour walk we saw rabbit hole, wild deer, duck and a terrifying wild snail. My partner lost his shoe twice, we ended up at swamp couple of times and most of the time we were pretty lost.

Can you see the duck? It is there.

Overall, if you like spending time outdoor and always say yes to an adventure, I'd say: Go on orientation walk! I explored Tricity Landscape Park, but there is plenty to choose from: bike orientation, night orientation or kayak orientation.

Feeding station

If you feel it's not your cup of tea, but still enjoy outdoors, I'd say: Go to Tricity Landscape Park. There is plenty of paths for both biking and walking. I was actually surprised how many people go to the park and take advantage of the peacefulness in the city.

Highway

But remember! Whatever you take with yourself take it back with you. Do not leave any rubbish in the forest! Ever!