Awoke to a beautiful mornIng; blue sky!!
Today’s walk (14km) started on the Austrian border in a little town called Ljubeli where we were dropped off after breakfast; approx 40 min drive. The roads and highways in Slovenia are excellent.
The hike starts with 5 kms climbing followed by 9 kms descent from 1450m to 540m.
The first few kms up were at a very comfortable gradient passing through two tunnels burrowed through the rock over 100 years ago to reduce the travel time for traders moving between Austria and Slovenia. The last 2 kms were at a much steeper gradient challenging hearts, lungs and quads.
A lot of the ascent was on a narrow track along the side of the mountain with a long steep drop on the one side. Some sections had steel cables in the rock face for support but conditions underfoot were good(dry) and we didn’t use them. Need a good head for heights.
The landscape and scenery was stunning throughout the walk.
The descent was steep for the first few kms walking on a wide, rocky track occasionally deviating off into the forest for a steeper shortcut. On one of these shortcuts a young woman dressed in gym gear and shoes that looked like pumps ran past us, a steady spring in her knees and a wide smile (perhaps late for her Pilates class). We were impressed.
About 10 minutes after we’d stopped next to a river for lunch (protein bar) having given up any idea of finding a sandwich and coffee, we came upon a guest house/restaurant with a cheerful group of tourists just out their bus twittering around. We was not amused and walked on smartly into the forest ….. and encountered a big wooden bear. The area looks like it’s an adventure archery range.
With 3 kms to walk we found ourselves in the ruins of the 15th century Karmen Castle which was built to protect the route we had walked.
Perhaps because today is the first dry sunny day in a while explains the energetic grass cutting happening on many farms and home gardens that we passed approaching the dorp… setting off Rob’s nose. We also passed a number of bee farms (not surprising with honey being such an integral part of their food and drink).
Our hotel is lovely and we’re in a renovated villa dating back 500 years; heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna are more recent additions.
Now it’s time for a 🍺.
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