Interview Rayu over solohike door Poolse wildernis in Pools magazine

Rayu: There’s a big difference between the Main Beskid Trail and the Blue Trail/ Szlak Karpacki. I hiked the former last year, and it offers far more spectacular views because of the significant elevation changes. However, I particularly enjoy the Szlak Karpacki, which goes through wilderness areas with plenty of wildlife tracks.

Nothing frightening happened. I’m used to dense forests and wildlife. I admit I was hoping to encounter a bear. I know it sounds odd since most people are afraid of such an encounter, but I have considerable knowledge about bear behavior.

It depends on the type of bear. In the Bieszczady, there are only brown bears, which are usually harmless. They’re not interested in people. To avoid them, you just need to let them know you’re nearby. Be noisy. If you’re walking through a dense forest, shout: “Hey bear, I’m here, get out of my way!” That way, you’ll definitely be safe. The problem arises if the encounter is sudden. The bear then defends its territory, especially if it’s a mother with cubs or if it’s eating. In most other cases, the bear will simply walk away. I tried to encounter a bear by walking very quietly, but I didn’t see any. Maybe next time? (laughs)

My interactions with people in Poland have been very positive; I’ve never had any problems. I spent a month here this and last year, and I always felt very safe.

I think it’s a pretty common custom everywhere. Polish is a very difficult language, especially the pronunciation. I haven’t made much progress in learning it. A few times, I said just “dzień dobry” (good morning), and people started talking to me in Polish. I then replied in English, apologizing that I don’t speak Polish. I only know how to greet people. Once, I met a man who was fetching water with his dog. We greeted each other, and he started talking to me in Polish. When he realized I didn’t understand, he said my “dzień dobry” was so good it completely confused him (laughs).

I like walking alone. It’s easier to focus on the surroundings and wildlife. You can maintain silence since you don’t have to talk to anyone. Plus, the views of what’s happening around you make up for the solitude.

I used every option possible: I slept in a tent, shelters, private lodgings, and mountain huts.

I’m used to them. I’m aware that animals are nearby at night, but I know they won’t attack me. It’s highly unlikely they’ll enter a tent. I understand that the first night outdoors might be a stressful experience for someone. You need to relax and enjoy what’s happening around you.

I brought some packets of dried food to cook with boiling water. They were very useful during the last days on the trail in areas without civilization. Sometimes, I bought food at gas stations.

I’m from the Netherlands, so no question is uncomfortable for me. We Dutch are very direct; you can ask anything. I planned to take my last shower in Ustrzyki Górne, but… the shower was broken. Sometimes, you can’t bathe during a trip for a long time, but I’m used to it. It’s one of the perks of traveling alone – even if you smell bad, only you notice it. In the city, I shower frequently, but trips have their own rules.

This year, due to record-high temperatures, many mountain streams marked on maps had dried up. There was a moment when I had very little drinking water—not life-threatening, but still unpleasant. When I reached the village of Ożanna, I approached two women. They didn’t speak English, but they immediately took me to the only person in the village who did. At his house, I filled my bottles with water. Suddenly, everyone in the village gathered around—they all wanted to give me something to eat. I especially remember an elderly lady who gave me four apples and said: “Take them.” That was really nice.

It was sometimes challenging. I usually upload two videos where I talk about what happened that day. Occasionally, due to poor signal, I couldn’t post anything for several days, and then I had to upload multiple updates at once.

You know, I already have followers from Poland? I often hear that I’m showing the best parts of your country—it’s very flattering. Of course, they also ask if I’m afraid.

I don’t collect material items because I carry everything in my backpack. Stones are definitely too heavy, but I photograph animal tracks. This fascinates me because there isn’t much wildlife in the Netherlands. We’re a small country with a highly developed agricultural culture. That’s why Bieszczady is a true paradise for me, offering an opportunity to explore wildlife.

In the Netherlands, I run my own business, training hikers in physical and mental preparation for challenging expeditions. I ensure that they have the right equipment and are resilient to the hardships of their journeys.

With pleasure. Poland remains a fascinating country to me—there’s so much to discover. When people in the Netherlands ask me to tell them about Poland’s history, I reply: “But from which period? Poland’s history is very complex.”

 

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