Migeya is a unique place in Ukraine
After taking a break from Italian travels and summer sea holidays, we came to the conclusion that we need to close the season with something close to our hearts, relatives and home. We decided to show patriotism not far from our native land by visiting our closest neighbors - the Mykolaiv region.
Mykolaiv region is a land rich in attractions. There are places where you want to return again and again, having escaped from the bustle of the city, closer to nature and adventure. This time we have chosen an interesting ancient village of Migeya, which houses one of the seven natural wonders of Ukraine - Radon Lake. Well, in order to combine the useful with the extremely useful, in addition to lake recreation, we decided to “raft” again, that is, to make a descent along the mountain rapids of the Southern Bug on special boats - rafts.
First, a brief digression into history. I know it's boring, but there's no way around it. Since we have come to this unique place, we will have respect and learn the historical past of the steppe region, nicknamed "Little Switzerland" (however, this is from the category of "New Vasyuki").
So, the current village of Migeya is a former Cossack settlement, or rather a Cossack camp, where the Cossacks stopped for the winter. They were not stupid, the territory is clearly visible from all sides, and there are many rapids around which you can run away from the Turks. After all, on the one hand there were Ukrainian villages, on the other hand, there were Turkish settlements, and the Turks often raided our lands. And by the way, this is where the legendary Cossack Mamai comes from. But the name Migeya appeared long before these events. The first settlers here were the Hellenes (Greeks), who, sailing in boats and seeing these lands, exclaimed "Emigia! ", which means "my land".
The tour of the Buzhsky guard is called "Company Stitch". I will not describe the entire route in detail, I will only touch on interesting points.
The landscape park Buzhsky Gard is located on the site of the former Skarzhinsky estate. I liked the past rulers much more than the current ones, because they invested all their money in the development of the region and the improvement of living conditions, taking into account the eco-system. One of the Skarzhinsky brothers was engaged in gardening and created entire forests in an absolutely steppe region. Another, namely Iosif Skarzhinsky, built an interesting water mill in the 19th century, using the powerful power of the water of the Southern Bug River. And pay attention to how the river is blocked by a dam - not across, but along! In order not to disturb the eco-system, so as not to harm nature in any way. Why are things different now?
Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, the mill was transformed into a hydroelectric power station. That's it!
The hydroelectric power plant is still working, however, it is already in private hands, our managers have sold everything that could be sold, which is of diamond interest to them. But the turbines are working, electricity is safely sold.
Interesting viaducts reminiscent of ancient Roman ones were built nearby.
Sometimes the rocks narrow and the river resembles a small stream.
And then it expands and again goes out into the open space.
After studying the history in minimal volumes, we go to rest on the lake, before that we stopped for lunch at a local rural tavern, where you can order quite tolerable local grub - Ukrainian borscht with donuts and Ukrainian dumplings in various variations. Fans of strong drinks will not be deprived either.
Radon Lake is a former granite quarry with unrealistically beautiful turquoise water. The color of the water is due to the presence of green clay at the bottom of the lake. The lake looks amazing! It reminded me of Cape Fiolent in Crimea.
Thrill-seekers dive into the lake surface.
Those who like very thrills can jump from a ten-meter cliff.
Less emotional citizens relax on the beach. Of course, you can swim, which everyone does. However, radon is a decay product of radium, i. e. it is a very radioactive gas that is harmful to human health. Therefore, water procedures should not exceed 10 minutes a day!
Half-lazy people ride catamarans.
But be careful! The depth of the lake reaches up to 50 meters, and no one will save you. Even divers don't dive to that depth. and here, as nowhere else, the slogan "The salvation of the drowning is the work of the drowning themselves" is relevant.
You can sit on the platforms and just sunbathe.
It is possible to stay in a campsite, which is located right on the lake, but it is best to rent an apartment in the village so that you have close access to all tourist sites.
Well, we are leaving for the main object of our trip - the rafting camp.
Water tourism is very developed in Migeya. Kayaking, water slalom kayaking, rafting on river rapids, in general, all kinds of water activities are available here. And if physical training is needed for slalom, then any tourist, including children, can raft down the river on a raft, if there is a desire and a small “gold reserve”. The cost of a two-hour rafting is 250 hryvnia per person, well, plus for video filming, if you wish (300 hryvnia per boat, 7-8 people in the boat).
We are moving to the sports camp along the river. Have you been in a pioneer camp for a long time? I've been here for a long time, so its atmosphere brought back memories and took me to the past, where in the evening, sitting by the fire, you can finally forget about burning things and the bustle of everyday work.
The camp is a whole sports town in the forest, where athletes, coaches come, and, in principle, anyone can settle here. Despite the large number of young people, the camp is very clean. I will make a photo report from the "life of vacationers" in a 5 * hotel.
Apartments. Rooms "standard", "suite", "family room":
Restaurant:
Lounge area:
Entertainment and sports:
Amenities:
Safe (Free):
Having put things in the safe (which is important), we go to pick up our equipment.
Be sure to wear a life jacket and a helmet, as the thresholds are high, sometimes the boat skids on turns, and if you accidentally slip out of the watercraft, then in principle you can safely climb back into it.
Well, everyone is equipped, you can go on a long voyage. First, the course of a young fighter, i. e. a brief instruction “how not to get hit in the face with an oar”, that “move” and “taban” are diametrically opposed things, as well as “hook” and “break off”.
Having somehow mastered the river terminology, we say goodbye to the mourners.
And go! Well, with God!
The cameras also remain on the shore, the camera is only for the instructor, and then on the helmet, so the video shooting is arbitrary. But I can tell you that there is so much extreme, incredible sensations and positive in this that I just strongly recommend everyone, when everything is already stuck, to go on a river voyage along the mountain rapids of the Southern Bug or along other rapids, it doesn’t matter, the main thing is to go to nature , this is the best cure for all ailments.
There are places where you can jump off a cliff or just swim in the seething streams.
Already in the evening twilight, tired but happy, the newly-made rafters return to the camp in full force. No losses, no casualties, credit to all!
There are such beautiful places in secluded corners of Ukraine. And not only the Carpathians, but also our steppe regions can surprise. And it seems to me that having visited Migeya at least once, you will always be drawn to this incredible place. From the cycle "I love Ukraine".
