Trip to Davit Gareja Monastery

Paul here. We took a trip to this series of cave monasteries in southeastern Georgia. After climbing the mountain, it started to rain, and the trail turned to mud. We had to slide down the steep slopes, partially on our behinds, so as to make it down in one piece. Needless to say, we were one muddy group of people. We unfortunately do not have any pictures of the treacherous descent because we were too wet and muddy to handle a camera. The boys, including the baby in the carrier, were real troopers, until the thunder and lightning came and scared Liam and the baby for the home stretch. All in all, a day to remember!




Livestock in the villages on the way to the monastery




Two lakes: the one on the left is salty and the one on the right is fresh




The wilderness around the monastery (in the middle of nowhere and the desert, which we were fortunate enough to see while it is green)




View of the lower part of the monastery, partly carved straight out of the rock.




Climbing the mountain




Into the mist




Over the top, and on the other side of the ridge, a series of cave dwellings/churches carved out of the rock. Down below the cliff is Azerbaijan. I think you technically are just over the border for part of the hike.

















Many of the caves were decorated with frescoes.










The boys enjoyed exploring the caves, especially the one that you have to shimmy underground to get into.







Fog and cliffs make for a surreal combination.

The only evidence of the treacherous way down is this wet video from the bottom.




Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) warmed our dampened spirits.

So did the image of Liam sleeping while eating at the same time.




And livestock to end the adventure as well. Honking was futile with this dense crowd.

All in all, a day that we won't soon forget. Looking forward to more adventures.

Location:Border of Georgia and Azerbaijan