Black Rock Lake is one of the most popular and breathtaking hiking routes in Georgia. A day before our trip, the emergency service 112 sent out a nationwide warning advising everyone to stay indoors. Naturally… we did the opposite 😄
Together with my friends and our travel company Travel Man, we set off on a challenging three-day mountain adventure that turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
From the very first steps, it was raining. Our feet were soaked and cold almost immediately, but since we were climbing uphill, our bodies warmed quickly and we stopped paying attention to the discomfort. Soon, we found ourselves walking through the misty forests of Lagodekhi, surrounded by towering ancient trees, heavy fog, and steady rain. The atmosphere was absolutely magical — moody, mysterious, and deeply peaceful. We stopped often to rest, snack, and take photos, trying to capture the surreal beauty around us.
There is something undeniably mysterious about a misty forest. At one point, I clearly heard footsteps nearby. When I rushed toward the bushes, there was nothing there — only silence. Whatever it was, it vanished before I could catch a glimpse. To this day, I still wonder what creature crossed our path.
After a long day of hiking, three of us — still strong and stubborn hikers back then — reached the first shelter ahead of the group. We unpacked our food and enjoyed a much-needed hot meal. But the shelter itself was in rough condition. Rain leaked through the ceiling, the mattresses were damp, and by the time the rest of the hikers arrived, it became overcrowded. Some of my friends had to share beds, and overall, it turned into a long, cold, uncomfortable night. Still — we laughed through it.
The next morning greeted us with… more rain. As we climbed into the alpine zone where trees no longer grow, the cold intensified. Our dry clothes quickly became soaked, forcing us to layer up just to stay warm. Despite the harsh weather, the landscapes were mesmerizing — endless misty fields, rolling mountain slopes, and clouds drifting silently around us. Visibility was limited, but the atmosphere felt otherworldly. As a true pluvophile and lover of mist, I was completely in my element.
Halfway through the day, we reached the border service checkpoint, registered ourselves, took a short break, and continued onward. By afternoon, we finally arrived at Black Rock Lake — and at that very moment, we were rewarded with pure luck. The mist suddenly lifted, revealing a spectacular view of the lake in all its glory. The water shimmered under shifting light, framed by dramatic mountain ridges. Cameras came out instantly, and memories were frozen in time.
After a short rest, a few of us decided not to wait for the rest of the group and pushed forward toward Demidov’s Shelter. That decision quickly turned into a mistake — we took a wrong turn. Thankfully, one of my friends heard distant voices, and when we looked carefully, we spotted our group far off in another direction. Realizing our error, we rushed back and managed to rejoin the correct trail. After several exhausting hours, we finally reached Demidov’s Shelter.
And what a reward it was.
Perched high above the valleys, the shelter offered breathtaking views: clouds flowing beneath us, golden sunbeams piercing through, and endless mountain horizons. It felt like standing above the world. Unlike the first shelter, this one was dry, warm, and cozy. We cooked a hot meal using my portable gas stove and wrapped ourselves in sleeping bags. After being soaked, cold, and tired all day, the feeling of warmth, comfort, and safety was pure bliss. That night, I slept deeply — completely relaxed and restored.
In the morning, nature surprised us with the first snowfall of the year. Snowflakes covered the landscape in delicate white silence. We washed our faces, brushed our teeth in the icy air, took countless photos, and prepared for the final day of hiking.
The third day was all downhill — beautiful, but brutal on our knees. Step after step, we descended through forests and valleys, stopping often for coffee, snacks, laughter, and conversations. Eventually, we reached our final destination. Taking off our boots and plastic shoe covers, we walked barefoot across the grass — a simple pleasure that felt unbelievably refreshing after three intense days on the trail.
We were exhausted. We were soaked. We were cold.
And we were incredibly happy.
Life is short, and moments like these remind us how precious it truly is. These memories — the rain, the mist, the laughter, the fatigue, the beauty — will stay with us forever, warming our hearts for many years to come.
