Hiking the wilderness of Bulgaria

#hiking, #Bulgaria, #adventure, #wilderness
This is a short documentary about a 7 day hike in Rila national park Bulgaria in April 2024 with Miriam Lancewood and Dieuwke Verstraten. It shows how to plan for such a journey regarding navigation, as well as lighting fires in the snow and spotting different animal prints. But most of all, it reflects the magnificent feeling when going on an adventure on your own, and climbing high mountains in challenging circumstances. Purpose of the video is to encourage others to go on a hike in the wilderness in any season.
Miriam tested the "Cecilie" (Bergans of Norway) raincoat, and concluded it was excellent. For more information: www.bushcraftshop.nl.
SPONSORED BY: bushcraftshop.nl, where you can find the best gear that last the longest, when living in nature.
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miriamlancewood.com
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Miriam Lancewood lived with her husband Peter for seven years in the wilderness of New Zealand. They left civilisation in 2010 and walked into the mountains with not much more than a backpack. They lived without technology, not even a clock. They roamed around like nomads, slept in a tent, cooked on a fire and Miriam learned to hunt with bow and arrow. Like our ancestors, they lived from hunting and gathering. Their observations and experiences are unique in this technological world.
Since Miriam met Peter in 2006, they have been nomadic and lived and traveled in many different countries. At present they are living in an off-grid shepherds cottage in the Rodopi mountains in Bulgaria.
Miriam's memoir 'Woman in the Wilderness', became an international Bestseller, translated into 5 languages. Dutch, German, French, Portuguese, and Chinese.
In 2020 the sequel 'Wild at heart' came out and won an important prize in New Zealand.
And in 2023 she co-edited a new publication called 'Wilder Journeys'.
Check miriamlancewood.com for more.
If you'd like to be informed when Miriam and Peter host another course, publish a new book or have news that's worth sharing, please fill in your email address via this link.
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[@muriellecordemans4556]

Waow this is so nice, you made me fall in love with Bulgaria again…. Time for me to go to explore! I much like seasons, they inspire me endlessly.

[@soniavodovozov4908]

I am such a big fan of your way of living and thinking. You are definitely an inspiration!

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Thank you so much, Sonia, that's nice to hear!

[@Homebound233]

You are a great warrior of the wilderness!!! You have definitely proven that. One of many things,I admire about you is… Your ability to live without modern conveniences.💪

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

We used to live without technology when we lived in the wilderness of New Zealand from 2010-2017. We had no phone, emergency beacon or even a clock. But since 3 years we have a phone. We're now living in an off-grid shepherds cottage in the Rodopi mountains in Bulgaria, with a small solar panel to charge the phone. Now I can film my journeys, post them online... and type replies on youtube 😊. For us it feels we entered the modern world.... But I very much like making movies. Good fun. I'm glad you're enjoying it. ❤

[@martincarrascoso1053]

Ohh nice to hear you are enjoying making the movies. I was actually wondering. Do you ever feel it takes you away from the present moment? Thinking about this take or the other, etc. ans having the video in mind while you walk? Instead of being present. Maybe you have found a balance, i’m curious :)

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

​@@martincarrascoso1053 a little bit perhaps, but I also enjoy I very much.

[@martincarrascoso1053]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild niice to hear this hehe good for us :) then so more people can learn and get inspired

[@Tony-kc2cj]

Elvis is The King, Bruce is The Boss but Miriam is The Chief !

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Hahaha

[@Grzes-jz2fs]

Bułgaria kraj różami pachnącą! 😊

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

And of mountains!😊

[@heatherbliss72]

Such a Joy to witness your adventures, always, Miriam. Epic filming paired with enigmatic music. Thank you! ✨Much love from a wild one here in the Southern Rocky Mountains of America ⛰️🤸🏽‍♀️🕊️

[@laura6754]

Another amazing video! Thanks for inspiring us, Miriam!!

[@andrevandenboogaartcamperr4554]

Go Miriam, hope we meet again some day...Inspiring video tnxxxx

[@nevillelaffy7472]

Hi Miriam. I just finished reading your book Wild at Heart. Thank you for showing us what it is like to really return to how we should be living. Sincerely Neville

[@iancho9587]

Rila - "the water mountain" didn't disappoints... What a hike from you two. Kudos for skipping the huts and keepin' it real to the wilderness

[@jovicadimitrijevic7346]

You find interesting music, from Finland to Bulgaria. Compliments. All the best ...

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Thank you! Yes, its kinda standard to use calm piano music, but I thought I do something different... something more energetic. ⚡️ I like OTYKEN. They write online: Our mystical throat singing, special elemental vocals, enchanting sounds of vargan (jaw harp), khomys, morinhur, leather drums will take you to the wild thickets of the Siberian taiga. We sing our songs in Khakass, Chulyms, Dolgans and Russian (sometimes).

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous cinematography my friend, outstanding scenery!

[@WoodRanger138]

Beautiful and Inspiring! Thank You

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Thank you. I hope to inspire people to go on a hike. Its not difficult or expensive. It's a great adventure, and it will bring a lot of self confidence if you go alone or with a friend (no guides or organizations).

[@majagoedegebuur9451]

Hello Mirjam , Nice to see you again many greetings from the Netherlands.

[@freeroamer9146]

The wilderness truly provides a special kind of solumness! Nice video! 👍

[@hazelwoods7399]

Thanks for another great video Miriam, with so much gratitude for the inspiration you provide, and the example you show of what real life, real living, actually is with the props of comfortable, 'safe', settled life stripped away. You seem to be reminding us how it can feel to be really alive in the world. Very best wishes to you and looking forward to more of your adventures

[@edwinpol]

The cold is your warm friend 😁 Beautiful scenery and complementaring with beautiful music 🥰 Thanks for sharing and the inspiration 🙏

[@vincentcotnoir1356]

I'm watching your video, sitting in front of my fireplace ;) great choice of music by the way, happy that you enjoy yourself in nature like I did today ;)

[@raggedblossom508]

Absolutely beautiful! Well-chosen soundtrack too. ❤❤❤

[@tessjones5987]

Your intention to share your beautiful adventure takes all of into a great State. Strong and beautiful vistas. Thank you and your friend for sharing Rila with the all y

[@naturelover6520]

Good to see you back in Bulgaria. This walk is not for everyone. Could be very dangerous for someone not as experienced as you. I guess too hard for Peter. You are an inspiration ❤❤❤

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Yes indeed, too hard for Peter, after his kidney trouble. Yes, you got to know what you're doing when caught in mist and snow. Beginners should start in summer, and slightly lower mountains. Cause even in summer the weather can change fast.

[@ingevansand9180]

Such a joy to watch you in the Bulgarian wilderness, a country we call "home" now for almost a year 😊

[@megm.c4026]

Ama ZING! I love you vids so much. They make me feel very happy.

[@kikih6389]

miriam, you're awesome! with so much time in the woods and in nature, please tell us of any strange and paranormal experiences you've had; there's much discussion about the other dimensions of our universe right now, and specifically the other dimensions accessible via our planet by natural vortexes of certain locations (missing time) and encounters with other worldly beings such as fairies, tree hoppers, large avian creatures etc.

[@mischadenbraven9826]

wat een prachtig land is bulgarije

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Bulgaria is not well known. Maybe it should stay that way... but it's incredible. High mountains, low population, lots of forest, and lots of bears and wolves.

[@kosmicheskiprah]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild And bats, storks. Google Prohodna Cave, 7 Rila Lakes, Elena and Etara close to the former medival capital of Veliko Tarnovo, Belogradchik Rocks, Stone Mushrooms, and because you talk about bears - the Belitsa Bear Sanctury which rescues maltreated bears in circuses, wounded, etc - very cool place in the heart of the mountains. The list is quite long :) thanks for visiting our country!

[@HenrikVGroth]

faboulus amazing music ❤

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

It's OTYKEN. A really cool band. Look it up online. ❤

[@elisabethboersma]

O wauw wat een prachtige video ! Ik bewonder je mateloos ....

[@liaigawa4695]

Absolutelly amazing and wonderful, I like every inch of this video 😊

[@kimspirit6510]

Heel leuk filmpje zeg! Mooooi!

[@Karen-ul9hd]

How absolutely gorgeous! Thank you!

[@sophiehilaire]

Awww it’s so good seeing you over an open flame again! I’ll have to try that sap trick, I had no idea 😮

[@sasaveljkovic804]

You are the best!!!!

[@WildernessHighlands]

Far beyond civilization cool, where is the snow coming from

[@alexandruion8049]

Hi Miriam,so nice to see you,in this wonderful video,you just show as again the beautiful of the nature,Thank you!

[@gideonporter537]

I remember a tv yarn on you and Peter in NZ years ago. I thought what an (impressive?) woman. Nice to see not much has changed 😅🤣😂

[@allanwalli2935]

Bulgaria Miriam! Who would have thought? You are one of a very few who get top priority when I go on YT. Last time I waited a few weeks before I watched the Himalaya trek. Not this time….Great stuff❤❤❤❤And so awesome that you and Peter are living there. You make me contemplate my next few years. Hmmmm…

[@blloodstone8762]

U are truley living . Amazing to see. Amazing footage too ypu are very talented. Can i ask the name of the music/ band it is class .

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

My favorite is OTYKEN. They create traditional music. Very powerful. Watching their music videos on KZbin is impressive. They write online: Our mystical throat singing, special elemental vocals, enchanting sounds of vargan (jaw harp), khomys, morinhur, leather drums will take you to the wild thickets of the Siberian taiga. We sing our songs in Khakass, Chulyms, Dolgans and Russian (sometimes).

[@annalinekennedy1027]

Beautiful stay safe and enjoy

[@worstchannelever5232]

Amazing mountain region I'm glad you weren't going it alone. And you don't have to carry water plenty about, it must have been cold at night

[@AndredeWit-cu8nb]

ze is zo mooi..een droom.

[@petra8888]

💚💚💚

[@martincarrascoso1053]

It is so i spirting and exciting to watch this video. This highness of life is contagious! And really nice and interesting music! I can also see a huge improvement in the flow of and quality of video. Congrats!

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Very nice video, BIG Tyou! ☀️🤗👍 Have a cool adventure 🏕️ I like your freedom and wish I could be like you

[@user-rm7fz2et8i]

Really stunning video, thanks for the insights on hiking and freedom, which rain jacket do you use?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

The best raincoat I've come across: the Cecilie 3L Bergans of Norway. Via Bushcraftshop.nl. I certainly recommend it.

[@user-rm7fz2et8i]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild thank you so much 👍

[@mitkodimitrov8396]

Have you see Devil's trout cave,where is entrance of Underworld,where Orpheus go,to search his love Evridika and village Gela,where he was born hihi

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Not yet. Thanks for the advice! ❤

[@esaluda.1719]

You are my hero, so inspiring, so true. Groetjes uit Griekenland!

[@DOCTRJ]

Hope youve been well lots of love from Upper hutt New Zealand 👍🤠🤘🤩🎸🌳🏞️🌄🌌

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Actually, this week reminded me a lot of hiking the Tararua Range, as part of Te Araroa. We did it in May, and the weather was very similar to what you see in this video. Rain and snow!! Back then I didn't have my Bergans - Cecilie raincoat though. Big difference.

[@DOCTRJ]

Ive been up to my knees in snow as a teenager up there looking at wild deer ahead ♥️👍

[@leddralegallais8076]

Hi again, and there you are...

[@vittoria1954]

Has Miriam ever thought of visiting Aghafia Lykova, who is 80 years old and lives far from civilization in Siberian wilderness?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

No, she hasn't. 😂 Haha, but maybe I should. That sounds far away from civilization.

[@FilipStasresinic]

Miriam, hi from Croatia! I have been your follower for a long time. You and Peter are great inspiration! I have one question. Do you ever hear bears or boars near your tent during night now when you are in europe?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Thank you for following!❤ We never heard bears, but we seen their prints not too far. We've heard wild boar in Turkey near the tent. But after hunting wild pigs in New Zealand it's impossible to be afraid of them. I've never seen them aggressive. I've only seen them running away. So I'm not worried about wild boar. (Even though the locals are, here in Bulgaria).

[@FilipStasresinic]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild Here same. Locals are afraid of wild boars. Thank you so much for reply Miriam!

[@NK__NK__NK]

What a wonderful video Miriam! 🥰 Thank you for sharing your adventures, they are truly inspiring! I wanted to ask you if you have brown bears in Bulgaria and if so, whether you see them often or if you need to practice any bear safety measures like carrying a bear spray and hanging your food away from your camp for the night. Thank you!🥰🙏

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Yes, there are many brown bears in Bulgaria. We hang up our food 100 meters from where we sleep. We brush our teeth far away, and even store our toothbrush and toothpaste far away at night. I'm not sure if we act with too much caution though... I don't know. I'm used to New Zealand where there are no dangerous animal at all... I've seen dozen of fresh bear prints here in Bulgaria. I've actually never seen a bear, but I'm sure they have seen me!

[@NK__NK__NK]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild Thank you so much for the response!! 🥰 Enjoy your beautiful adventures and thank you for being an inspiration!

[@alberthartl8885]

It would appear that sun glasses would have been a good idea. The light reflected off of the snow is a real hazard. ⚠️

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Yes, agreed. For the video I rather take them off though.

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Don't let the Yeti catch ya!😁

[@vrouwkevanrotterdam4637]

You live the life I would live if I was healthy. So now that am bound to my house more often than not, I try to experience adventure through your video's and your enthousiasm. I am also learning to try to live my life although my also much older husband, who I love dearly, is even more ill than a I nd needs lots of help medical from me and hospital as he is staying now also. Very sad. But I still want to maintain some freedom in my life, and not be completely overtaken by caregivers medical or others. Even while he would need them, I could live like that, with anyone just walking in every day to care for him. So I explained him, that I would go live somewhere else if that is the life with the care. He doesn't. And maybe It could harm him at the end. But Peter did also chose not to go on dialisis, with 5% that his kidneys would sirvive and he won! H And you go on yourneys without your love Peter, and that incourages me, to be myself and make my choices that suit me, and not what is expected of me. Thank you for all that you both tought me. And I feel as if I am stronger and seeing all the beauty myself. I would love it if I could mlbe really as strong as you Miriam. And you have a great body. So powerfull. A bit jealous I am. 😉 Thanks for all. And keep enjoying life as you alwys did. Love from Holland. Het beste landgenote. ❤

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

It's very hard to say goodbye to Peter, even if it's only a week. But it's necessary to remain free and wild. I'd recommend going for a walk in the forest, even if it's only a day. Just a day to be by yourself, be with the trees. It has a healing effect. ❤

[@kosmicheskiprah]

Not your boring average KZbinr, this is pure cinema. Well done and the music is EPIC! The highest peak in Bulgaria is Musala 2,925m and fun fact is only 7m higher than the Greek Olympus 2,918m and this sometimes "pisses" them off lol. There is a total of 39 mountains in Bulgaria. The country itself is "divided" by the Stara Planina that streches all the way to the Black Sea, it acts like a natural boundry, similar to the Danube which acts like a natural boundry with Romania. The Pirin, Rila mountains offer a lot. Bulgaria is not visited that much, because it has the etiquette of the poorest of EU, gypsies, corruption, etc when in fact it is a nature and history freak paradise. Roads are still bad, but nature compensates everything. Not to mention the Rose Festival, lavander and sunflower fields or the abundance of flora and fauna, birds. After all, there is a lot of sunshine and water starting March to October. However, this April 2024 in particular was very crazy because temperatures were literally 30ºC and dropped to 5ºC in a few days. The people were at the beach in the Black Sea and then suddenly it was snowing in Southern Bulgaria. Bansko usually is a more touristic ski resort, but also recommend Pamporovo or Borovets. But judging your style, they might be too commercial. Finally, if you really love your hikes go to the spa town Devin or Prohodna Cave (Eyes of God) - could almost guarantee you will be impressed :)

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Thank you! Great information. Indeed, precisely in the week that the temperatures went from 30 to 5, we were in Rila. But yes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going!! 😂

[@davidneal6920]

Beautiful. Is that the mountain range that sits between Bulgaria and Romania?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

I think you're talking about the Balkan range. Rila and Pirin national park are further south (and more west). Balcan range is beautiful too, but it's less high. ❤

[@davidneal6920]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild thanks. I live in New Zealand but have always been interested in that part of the world

[@margaret5095]

Tena ❤🤍🖤koe 🇬🇸

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Ngā mihi nui! ❤❤❤

[@bryanbadger6841]

Good morning Miriam. Just calling in from Nz. I have "Wild at Heart " and "Woman in the Wilderness." Love those books. They are the type of book that one reads and reads again. And again. Back in March, I caught up with T in Takaka. Was asking what you and Peter were up to and he told me. Btw not sure if I could use his name on this site, so used T. I met you over there, 2-3 years ago when I was doing the wnbr. When I found your channel, I got my priorities right. Firstly subscribed, then viewing. Because I knew that anything from you would be worth subscribing to, whether I had seen it or not. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Hullo to Peter as well. I'll be in Takaka next year, organising the WNBR again if you happen to be there. If you are, would you be happy to sign both your books for me? Thank you again for taking the time to upload your adventures. Until next time, take care.

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Hi Bryan, good to hear from you! When we're back in NZ I'll sign your books! Enjoy the wonderful beaches in Golden Bay! Make sure you'll climb 'the Dragons Teeth' in Kahurangi this winter! ❤

[@bryanbadger6841]

@@miriamlancewoodinthewild the climb is on my bucket list. Thanks again.

[@arnoldschwarzenegger1527]

Why did you leave Brazil?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

The spring in Bulgaria is to die for, I wouldn't want to miss it for anything in the world. ❤❤❤

[@yentlstoops1184]

Miriam I would like to give you a suggestion: maybe this summer would you be open to organise a woman - (bushcraft) gathering where we could spend time in the nature remembering again our intuition as woman in the wild. Sharing, being in silence. Would love to, I feel spending time in city makes us woman forget our essence, our pure beauty and powerful intuition - Greetings Yentl from Belgium

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Hi Yentl, thank you for your comment. Please contact me via my website miriamlancewood.com and we can chat via the email.❤

[@anthonycraddock6739]

From cococabana to snowcocabana miriam. Do you wear special merino socks ?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Hahaha. Yes. Bit of a change of scenery 😂. I didn't wear merino socks. But a friend gave me waterproof socks, that I was wearing for the first time. They were very useful.

[@_m34]

How much do such trips cost, if any? It's not written on the website. Do you know other languages, for example Polish?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

It costs very little. Only basic food. We bought lentils, oats, flour, couscous, coffee/ tea, ghee, milk powder, eggpowder, a salami and 8 boiled eggs. It would be about 100 euro in total. That's it. If you go hiking in the mountains in winter conditions, I do recommend you buy good gear though. Wool instead of synthetic clothing for example. Wool is warm when wet. Bring a 4season tent too. I speak a bit of Bulgarian. If you speak Polish the locals could understand you too. (Not that we met anyone...)

[@Howdy3000]

Maybe they want to buy a trip with you as a guide?

[@clawtygerz7983]

​@@miriamlancewoodinthewild i think the question was how much the trips cost from one country to the next and not the food...?

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Oh, well, that depends where you're coming from. If you hitch hike, like I do, then that costs nothing.

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

​@@Howdy3000one day I might organize a trip into the Himalayas. If anyone is interested, please contact me via the website Miriamlancewood.com ❤

[@bsavov4300]

You are very gentle and beautiful!

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

Pirin National Park in Bulgaria is also amazing, take a look at a Short I made last year. Photography was done by Sebastian Solberg. kzbin.infovbNM0Z7JEj8?feature=shared

[@keithdouglas9848]

Your so beautiful ❤

[@Uponn1]

do you have any means to combat bears? :D

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

I'm not used to bears, cause in New Zealand are no dangerous animals at all. So, I'm very cautious. I'm sleeping with bearspray right next to my head. I'm not sure what I'd instinctively do when faced with a bear, since they climb trees and can run 60 km/h... but I trust I'll do the right thing at the right time...

[@paulmitchell5349]

Civilization sucks until we need a good dentist or a good pizza delivery.

[@miriamlancewoodinthewild]

That's right 😂