Lots of us play ‘what-if?’ mind-games, or sometimes we play them out loud with friends and family:
- If you could make two laws which would affect the whole world, what would they be?
- What two people from history would you most like to have dinner with?
. . . and so on.
I have been privileged to live for extended periods in Africa, North America, and the Continent, and also have travelled extensively as a tour guide. I have been asked from time to time: If you could only make one more trip outside the British Isles, where would you go?
It’s a tough one, but I think the answer would be: Poland in winter. I have led a wildlife tour there every winter (save 1987) since my recce in 1984 and I never tire of it. The initial appeal of this trip for most people is probably the near-certainty of seeing large mammals such as European Bison, Elk, and Wild Boar; and the chance of seeing others such as Wolf. However, once they get there people find there is much, much more than just superb wildlife-viewing.
Crisp snow on the ground; hoar frost on the trees; frozen lakes: the beauty of the forests of north-east Poland in winter can hardly be exaggerated. Tracks in the snow remind us, as one of our Polish guides said, that even if you’re not seeing Wolf or Lynx at that moment, they may be watching you.
The accommodation is another attraction, especially the lodge of Zytkiejmy, in the far north-east. Zytkiejmy dates from the East Prussian time, and was a hunting lodge for a period. It’s one of my 10 favourite accommodations in the whole world, and the great majority of our guests react very strongly to it too. Difficult to put one’s finger on just why: partly the actual appearance of the building, partly the wood panelling, partly the old-fashioned, huge ceramic heating stoves, partly being well off the road, and with forest starting just a hundred yards away …
The forests, though managed, have a much finer ambience than any I know in Britain, with a good mix of conifers and hardwoods. One feels one might turn a corner and come on a gingerbread house or something else from a fairly tale.
And at the end of the day, of course, there’s wonderful food waiting us at the lodge!
Tour details
If you would like to join our next 9-day Poland in Winter tour departing 23rd January 2010 call Paul Stanbury on 10962 733051 or email paul@naturetrek.co.uk