Outdoor activities in Ukraine

[idea_guy0]

Hi all,

Some of the advice I received mentioned that due to my age I might be better served by taking the backpacker route as opposed to the agency tour route.  This makes sense, although I haven't completely ruled out the agency option.  I'm a big fan of outdoor activities and getting to hike around foreign trails would be a big bonus...especially with a new lady friend!  My questions are: How is Ukraine for hiking and such?  Is there sizeable number of locals that also enjoy such activities?  Is this a good idea for one that is looking to meet local women?  As I see it, if I found a woman that enjoys hiking and climbing, that'd be a huge plus.

Thanks,
Idea_guy

[Gator]

Hi Idea Guy,

Most of the FSU is relatively flat (as in steppes) and farmland.  What they call "forest" is far from wild with too many people looking for mushrooms, having picnics and leaving trash everywhere.Yet, there are some interesting areas.

- The very rugged terrain in Crimea that reminded me of parts of the Sierra Nevada. 
- Some UW have expressed a fondness for the nature around the Carpathian Mountains (never been there) in Western Ukraine.
- Chernobyl  ???

She probably is too old for you, but I know one 42-yo woman who was a competitive rock climber/scaler for many years.  She had a bad fall and is not as keen on this sport.  She may have contacts such as clubs.

I suggest that you examine the large listing agencies with good search engines and try keywords "trekking", "climbing", "skiing" and the like.  Such women are out there.  Start looking.

[jb]

How do they do that in high heels and mini-skirts?