Green Lantern

Today I took advantage of my family member, who wanted to spend some time with me. Of course, he had different idea of what we would do. However as the weather was favourable today, a walk by seaside was in store. Unfortunately, by the time we were able to get out, the sun hid behind clouds. However I shouldn't complain as in December we have temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and mild cold wind.

Do you see it? Green lighthouse...

Few months ago I heard about breakwater being open to public. Till then this area was restricted to port free zone. Not only the breakwater offers different viewpoint of the bay, there is also a green lighthouse at the end of it.

I see Gdynia ...

Since it was open around six months ago, the path is a little rough, but I read that there are plans of renovating it and also of opening a cafe on breakwater. It certainly is nice place to have coffee :)

But, to be honest, I didn't mind the path. For some, I'm sure, it will be a bit uncomfortable and not too pleasant with high fence on one side. Some also could complaint about "rubbish" at the bottom of the cliff. As I was explained by my companion, the reason for the concrete blocks is to protect the cliff from falling apart, as the waves would wear it down.

I liked little bays made of stone - sort of little viewpoints. I also liked writings on the stones, but not all of them - some were unfortunately profanities :( but some were love confessions, or just memory marks.

When it comes to the history of the breakwater and its green lighthouse I didn't find much information. What I found was one old picture of the lighthouse, which doesn't look like lighthouse at all.

I also read that the green lighthouse and breakwater is part of port entrance. The lighthouse has a twin - red lighthouse, which is located on eastern breakwater. I hope there is access to that lighthouse as I would like to visit it very much.

Can you see the red lighthouse?

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 :)