On that first hike up to the Ozalenka Valley, one of the most memorable experiences I had was crossing over the many creeks, carefully balancing with my arms out, as I slowly and carefully, made my way over the logs suspended over the roaring creeks. After the Ozalenka Alpine Club was formed and many volunteer hours of work, make-shift bridges were constructed. Above are some photos of some of those old, retired first bridges, which have now been replaced by wider and more substantial bridges.
It is no longer necessary to ford the big creek at the trailhead, because there is well-built bridge for hikers to cross. On the many crossings over creeks up the 7 km (4 mile) trail, regular bridges now provide a much easier and safer hike. Below is an example of one of the newer bridges that now dot the trail.
Certainly, not enough praise can be showered upon all of those volunteers, who spent days making the trail better for everyone who wants to make the hike. A mountain trail like the Ozalenka needs constant maintenance, as trees fall, and high rushing water from snowmelt, wash away bridges.
The steep uphill trail can be exhausting enough without having to worry about falling into a rushing creek.
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