[ESN EVENT] Trip to Sigulda

In the same weekend as the CLP event, there was also the ESN event 'Trip to Sigulda' (7 October).
I joined in, eventhough I had been to Sigulda (also called ''Little Switzerland'') before. At the time it was recommended to come back later, in either mid-September of October, when leafs start falling down. It was the 4th of October that I saw a woman starting to sweep the leafs at the busstop in Rēznas street, so time to go?
In the end we concluded that we had to wait a little longer even, as there were too many green leafs still. However, compared to August Sigulda was now definitely a lot more crowded with people, this being around the ''time of the year'' to go.
Apart from the difference in the color of the leafs, I also used an alternative transport mean to get to ''Turaidas muzejrezervāts'', first time by bus, now by foot.

Down the hill we went, utilizing the wooden path. Try not to slip while moving downwards if rain has fallen. Some of our group failed this test. Hiking boots are ill advised.

Moving on through the woods, we arrive at Devil's cave, it either being the Little- or the Big Devil's Cave (I don't know).

In this area of the forest you can also find mushrooms. Latvians like picking these as a hobby. After another short walk through the woods, we crossed the bridge to get to the other side of the water.

As an in between part, we passed  some of the houses of people who lives in this area, these on the picture being among the most beautiful ones (there are also ordinary & old flats).


Moving on through the forest once again, we reach Gutman's Cave dwellers. This cave may look uninhabited, but it isn't. The information sign closeby mentions that Harvestmen, Velvet lichen, The wren, The liverleaf, The lesser Celandine, Grass snake, Scented Liverworts, The brittle Bladder-fern, The tortula moss & The common polypody call it their home.

From here walking onward, passing some food stands and up the hill, you will arrive at Turaidas muzejrezervāts. Here you can also find some standards for souvenirs. I also have been told that the canteen across the street still is in Sovjet style. I might have to check that out if I decide to ever go to  Turaidas Castle (more about that later) for the 3rd time still. But before you get there, you will first have to pass Church Hill.

''Ancient church building place and churchyard where since the 13th century baptized Livs and local inhabitants were burried. Turaida Church is one of the oldest wooden churches in Vidzeme, consecrated in 1750 when Daniel Merkel was a pastor. The memorial tomb of the Rose of Turaida cherishes the most beautiful legend in Latvia about faithful love.'' 

Moving on, you will get to see the following sight.

The object in the middle is the Main Tower. When inside you can read some interesting information about the dimensions.

''The outer walls of the tower are reveted with especially long bricks 9 x 15 x 33,5 cm. The thickness of the walls is made depending on the direction of the expected attack. Towards the yard the wall is thinner (2,9 m), but towards the north it is thicker (3,7 m). The tower has 5 floors with a platform on top, used as a look- out place under the tent- roof. The 3rd and the 5th floor are vaulted. The height of the brick wall is 29,20 m, but the height up to the spire is 38,25 m. The outer diameter of the tower is 13,40 m, but the inner diameter is 6,80 m.''








Time to go in and have a look! 

Lastly, if you like you can also do some archery on this location (don't know the costs). Or, if you
were lucky like us, get some tasty small pancakes with jam for 0,40 LVL each, cooked in open air.
Unfortunately no music as it started raining, it provided the opportunity for a great picture nontheless.