We are deep in the canyon. The whole area is very damp and cool. The moss all around us is thick and lush green.

Really not looking forward to that steep climb that we have to go UP on our return.

Pronounced Kamey-nitza – almost like Chichen Itza in Mexico – it means stony river. That is because of the steep sandstone rocks on either side of the river. This river flows lazily into Elbe finally.

We drove to the village of Mezna. And now there is a 20 minute of steep walk down followed by another 15 minute hike along the river. The walk down is very steep with steps all the way…

If you carefully notice, the picture is taken thru the gap of two mountains on my either side. It is a sheer drop going thousands of feet down.

Petr taught me a lot about the local flora and fauna. He showed me very small strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. They need another couple of weeks to become bigger and ripen. And then he jumped over the fence and picked up a few blueberries. We tried them out. He said they need another week or so. Meanwhile, what I am stunned by is all these berries growing in sandstone at such a high altitude.

Well this is how it looked from the top of the mountain next to it!!

The long hike did not bother me. But moment I had to get on to this platform from the top most point, all my acrophobia hit me at once. I could not stand up for a moment without holding the railing. And I could not walk back a few simple steps to the safety of the mountain. That walk was much harder than the hike itself. Fear is such an inhibitor for me.

We can now see the arch below us. Amazing views. The mountain behind the arch in the distance is Kaiser Coruna (meaning the Crown of the King). If you notice the arch itself, it is attached to the left side but is resting on the right side. This has allowed it to expand and contract with temperatures without breaking up. This has helped it survive for millions of years.