On July 20, groups 11307116 and 11307216 set off on a recreational and cultural journey to one of the most unusual places in our country.
Our point of destination was flooded chalk quarries widely known as the Blue Lakes located in the Luban district. Around six o’clock in the morning our small group of travelers met at the Minsk railway station to take the train to Osipovichi. There we got on the Osipovichi-Salihorsk diesel train and arrived at the Urechye station of the Lyuban district. From that moment, our hiking has begun. The distance between Urechye and the village Khotinovo near which the Blue Lakes are located is about 10 km, it took us a bit more than two hours to travel it.
So, what is interesting about the Blue Lakes? Has our goal justified all the time and efforts spent on it? Despite the name of the lakes, water therein has various shades of green: from grassy green to emerald. This phenomenon is characteristic of chalk quarries waters making them aesthetic. Experts say that the color of the water stems from the presence of alkali metal ions in it. However, the water is safe: it is transparent and you can even see swimming flocks of fish. Due to the unusual color of the water with dazzling white shores, Belarusians usually compare the chalk quarries with various exotic islands, for example, the Maldives.
The Blue Lakes are surrounded by miscellaneous gifts of nature, rare species of plants and animals. We saw many mushrooms in the forest, including brown boletus, feasted on blueberries and stone berries. On our way to the lakes, we admired meadows of blooming thyme. Its flowers filled the forest with spicy aroma and bright colors.
Near the lakes you can find an extremely rare species of Belarusian orchids Cephalanthera rubra listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. What about the forest inhabitants, we had the opportunity to meet a grass snake and stag beetles, the largest beetles in Europe (an average size of an adult male is about 70 mm).
It is not recommended to swim in the Blue Lakes on account of large differences in depths, unpredictable bottom relief and the possibility of a sudden collapse of quarries. Nonetheless, it was difficult to resist the desire to freshen up. Taking all the necessary precautions, we went swimming. Our exhaustion from the road traveled instantly disappeared.
If you decide to swim in the lakes you should always remember about safety. Though a cross sticking out from the ground warns of possible sad consequences, some daredevils jump into the water from a makeshift diving board on a steep bank. You had better not repeat such “feats”. Life is more valuable than a surge of adrenaline.
Near the Blue Lakes there is also a dry chalk quarry. It is worth visiting as the quarry trace back to the ancient warm sea, splashing in our country over 66 million years ago in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. Among the stones lying on the slopes of silent chalk hills you can find the fossilized remains of marine organisms - oysters, sea urchins, cephalopods, sea lilies and other inhabitants of the ancient seas. If you are lucky you can find sharks' teeth. Moreover, we found a sea urchin, segments of sea lilies, oyster shells and many shiny black pebbles. These are ancient sea pebbles whose surface is covered with a thin sparkling layer of salts.
All in all, the Blue Lakes is the place that is definitely worth a visit. We even threw coins from a high chalk cliff into the lake so that to return there. Finally, impressions of one of the hikers.
Angelina Rogovtsova:
“We had heard about these careers a long time ago, but didn’t dare to go there. Besides, it was difficult for me to believe all the beautiful photos. Nevertheless, we gathered with groupmates and our professor and set out on the journey. We were absolutely delighted with what we saw! Stunning landscapes around us free of charge. It was a bit crowded; lots of cars from different regions of Belarus were parked there (it was Saturday). Even so, if you go further there are plenty of private places. When we came closer to the quarries I could not believe that we were in Belarus. The downside of this place is the slopes: some are okay, but most of them are very steep - so you should wear comfortable shoes. The water is extremely beautiful and clean, its color is mesmerizing! I want to outline that these lakes are not for children to swim in because of the depth. If you swim badly do not risk it. The nature is breathtaking! Forest and fresh air surround you; you can swim or place a tent. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to come for a couple of days, but we saw several tents there. We plan to go for a few days next time. If you are a photographer you can take excellent pictures there. This place is called “the Belarusian Maldives” not for nothing, so if you can’t afford to go on holiday abroad come here. Even if you have already been abroad come here anyway. I am sure you won’t regret it for a moment."
Перевела Лахцутко Полина, студент БНТУ – ФТУГ
