Leaving Tihany, I still had most of my way to go. I stopped briefly at the Inner Lake, which had shrunk so much that I could walk almost 10 metres into the dry pool. This is quite frightening, knowing that the inner lake is also quite shallow and not far from drying up completely.
The state of the lake, however, seemed to be of no interest to the grey cattle, which lay placidly in the blazing sun. They are undemanding animals and can survive in dry climates.
Unlike cattle, ground squirrels ran up and down. In this area, thousands of them live in extensive burrow systems and are used to being around humans. If I had sat down early in the morning, with dry bread or seeds in my hand, they would have appeared sooner or later and even taken the food from my hand. Perhaps 100 years ago, when ground squirrels were not yet protected, the gypsies poured water into their burrows and collected the fleeing animals, then roasted and ate them.
Ground squirrels have become very scarce due to intensive agriculture, and were given special protection in 1982.
I set off on a marked trail to see the geological wonders of the peninsula, the so called "geyser" cones. Previously, researchers thought that geysers were at work here, but it later turned out that they were just heat sources, with minerals dissolved in warm water forming the cavernous rocks.
There are several of these rock outcrops, which can be climbed up to the top, and the views from them are very nice. Meanwhile, it was getting hotter in the sunny places, so I only spent a short time on the rocks.
The most spectacular of these rock formations is the Golden House. The sign explains in English how it was formed and why it is called the Golden House.
I also found other, unnamed rocks.
From the top of one of the cliffs, you can see the lookout where I was heading.
Another such rock is the Net diver, with a small cavity in it.
It was getting hotter in the dry forest and my water was running out much faster than usual. For quite a long stretch the trail was not very spectacular, but then as I climbed up, I reached the top of the ridge in places and could see Lake Balaton.
In the distance I saw the Köröshegy viaduct, the largest in the country.
A little further on there is a forest school where children spend time with teachers during school and holidays, learning about nature. This is usually one or two days per child per year, which is very little. In fact, the forest environment would be the best for the children.
This image was taken at 60x zoom. One of the most common birds on Lake Balaton is the white swan.
Such staircases have recently been built to make walking easier and safer.
The following pictures show the best of Lake Balaton. It looks like a Mediterranean bay.
At 60x magnification, you can now see a rubber boat with a family. I also heard their cheerful voices. Frankly, I would have preferred to be down there with these people.
Looking a little further away, you can see a truncated mountain, part of which has been excavated. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's the Hegyestű (Pointed Needle).
Among the rocks again, approaching Csúcsos-hegy (Peak Hill).
Development of Lake Balaton.
Landscape in a natural framework
The view of Aszófő. Here I decided to walk to Aszófő rather than back to Tihany.
Boat dock with 60x zoom
Finally, I've reached the lookout! Here I was getting fed up with the heat, but up at the top of the lookout there was a constant, cool wind. I drank the rest of my water and lay down on the wooden floor. I felt wonderful now. I was sure that I would not go back to Tihany, because the short road was blocked by an electric fence. I knew that Aszófő is not much further away, and there is a better bus service from there.
But before I left I admired the view.
The outer lake is best seen from here. And yes, unfortunately there is very little of it left!
An ancient chapel at Sajkod, beautifully restored
I was dripping with sweat, and I couldn't wait to get to a well. Suddenly, I saw an umbrella with bubbling water bottles and home-made elderflower syrup. Oh, this came at the right time! A self-service refreshment with an honor cash register!
But to my disappointment, there was barely half a glass of bubbling water left.
As I was standing there, a van appeared, a man got out and brought bubbling water bottles, which were full! I was so happy that I bought a bottle of syrup, made by his wife. He even offered to take me to Aszófő, where he lives.
I had more than an hour on Aszófő. I bought a can of beer and drank it at the bus stop. I was tired, but satisfied! This beautiful region is welcoming me back, and I hope to return in the winter, when it will show a less familiar face.
