Jungle experience in Lagodekhi Nature Park

Thursday, May 30, 2024. Day 5 of 13.

Our day began in the restaurant of the Hotel "Brigitte" with a solid breakfast and a view of the lush green mountains on the slopes of the Inselberg, on which Sighnagi stands. On the drive to the Lagodekhi Nature Park we saw the snow-covered high mountains of the Caucasus coming closer. The mountain tops shone like icing on the cake. The mountains themselves are hardly accessible by road, there are almost no roads, paths are rare - pure nature. A jungle-like, dense, green forest covers the high mountains like a blanket. The ranger who registered our group was keen that we, as guests from the long-awaited EU, get a good impression and also report positively, because funding for the nature reserve is important for the maintenance and expansion of the facility. We hike in several groups along a path along a mountain stream up towards the waterfall. A lush green jungle world reveals itself to us in all its splendour. The heat and high humidity make you sweat. Many plant species originate from here, as Asmus explains, including the sweet chestnut, which was first brought to Italy by the Romans. We climb steep slopes and look at our watch to plan our route and our strength. We spot a slowworm, but it is only related to our native species. It has light blue spots. There is a warning about ticks and the wooden steps along the torrent become very steep. The path continues upwards in serpentines. Not everyone makes it to the Black Grouse waterfall. Ferns are everywhere on the rock walls. On the way down we dip our sweaty feet in the cold mountain water - a relief. Finally, we relax in the café of the nature park, which also seems to be a kind of leisure park with a swimming pool. From the wilderness to coffee and ice cream specialties and even Belgian waffles.