Obava Stone

I’ve been many times to my favourite sky resort in the village of Syniak (Mukachevo district) but I had no idea that there was a spot of fantastic natural beauty only 1.5 km away. I am talking about Obava Stone (ukr: Obavskiy Kamin’), named after the nearby village of Obava (Mukachevo district).

In fact, it is strange that it is named after Obava which is twice as far from it as the village of Syniak. Not only it is a unique rock formation but it also offers an excellent view of the surrounding mountains from its top. A usual route to the rock starts from the “Syniak” resort at the spot where a small mountain stream enters the resort’s territory, near the restaurant and the open-air cages with wild animals. The trail is well marked and very popular. However, there is an alternative older route along the ski chairlift with a sharp turn to the right at the end. This route provides a better view of the valley and the village of Syniak, but the trail is rather overgrown and mostly used by local mushroomers.



After half an hour up the hill along the ski chairlift one is granted by an amazing view. The penultimate chairlift pillar is at the right, the old beech forest at the left and the valley of the Syniak village is right before your eyes.



The bird’s-eye view of the village is truly fantastic. The pristine forest makes the view especially charming. Local terrain precludes the windfalls and deforestation process did not touch this place either – kudos to local authorities and businessmen!



As soon as you enter the beech forest, the play of light and shadow combined with the undergrowth and blackberry thicket offer a spectacular view.



It may take up to two hours to reach the top of the rock formation. In some places, the trail is rather steep for an unprepared tourist, so frequent stops might be necessary to rest and drink some water (you can refill your flask from the springs in the forest).



This is the edge of the rock, with the precipice behind it. Mountains Seredniy Verh (981 m) and Solochinskiy Dil (943 m) can be seen, with Dunauka Mountain (1019 m) slightly off the frame of this photo, all three mountains forming a Syniak ridge. Somewhere in this forest is hidden a unique Blue Lake (ukr: Synie Ozero). It was a clear water lake until 1962 but then the reeds covered it completely. It is famous for its high concentration of the hydrogen sulfide. It is only 6 km from the Dunauka Mountain to the village of Tur’ya Bystra in the valley of the river Tur’ya (Perechin district). Somewhere in between there is a rock formation known as the White Stone (ukr: Biliy Kamin’).



The edge of the rock is fully covered with a low grass and bizarre bonsai-style dwarf trees. The tops of the fir-trees can be seen below, contrasting with the deciduous forest.



This picture should give you an idea of how high it is. It is hard to stay calm on the edge even if you don’t suffer from acrophobia. Similar feelings we experienced at the edge of the rock near the village of Novoselytsya – very high, unpleasant and uncomfortable.



Here is another scenery. A rock, a mixed forest and mountains in the background. Beautiful. The only complain – strong, bitter cold wind. It is still October, winter is not coming for another two months, but the temperature is already -3°C (26°F).



A table and improvised benches. As usually – a lot of garbage around…



There is a cross in the middle of a clearing…



… with a wreath made of rowan twigs and some meadow herbs. A touch of psychedelics, amidst natural splendor and calmness.

Three roads lead from here with a lot of jeeps’ tracks. One goes to the “Syniak” resort, another one – along the mountain ridge towards the “Vodogray” lodge, and the third one – towards the “Soleni Mlaky” resort in the village of Lysarnya (Mukachevo district).

Visiting this natural wonder is highly recommended for experienced tourists and beginners alike. It is truly amazing.

05.10.2010. 07:55

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