Ganchovets, Bulgaria. I’m no historian, but it seemed that everywhere I looked in and around VT there were small reminders of a battle, and a narrow time line of 1877 to 1878, it seemed to be significant on several levels, and it was a pleasure to finally realize why these dates were important. Plaques, monuments, statues, and propaganda slogans all quoted these dates, and on asking we found that there was a significant battle (well several) that meant the end of 500 years of Turkish rule in Bulgaria, as the Russians and Bulgarians battled alongside each other to regain rule over the Turks for the Shipka Pass, a place where a monument stands high on a mountain side, and somewhere that will never be forgotten for the sovereignty of the people of Bulgaria.

I was caught between looking after my pal Dave, who at this point was very ill and asleep in the van , and a 816 step climb to the top which doesn’t sound much, but was enough in the heat, and with a backpack of camera kit.

At the top you have a wonderful view over the pass and the mountains in the distance, they had gunning positions marked out with Cannons that could well have been the last chance saloon for the Bulgarians. It apparently took four battles to secure the pass, described in detail here. I’ll post a few images from this trip, as it founded most of the shots I took whilst away in BG, and it was just a shame that DJN was ill, because I would have loved his input, and a chance to shoot with him, and to get an idea of his interpretation of the subject. I’m sure I’ll have another chance all in good time……

CSJ