16614

Slovenia: Ukanov Štruc

Ukanov Štruc is a peak nestled between Dobrča and the mountain pasture Prevala, and it is mostly known only to locals. The marked trail passes along the east side of the summit, but reaching the actual peak requires following an unmarked path. Bronco and I hiked to the top from a spot called Za Šijo. On the way back, we tried to find a shortcut, but all we found were impassable cliffs, which ended up prolonging our hike as we had to return to the main trail - Garmin Connect.

Our starting point Za Šijo.

Most of the time, we were in the forest.

My companion Bronco.

 

Foggy valley below Julian Alps.

View to Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Running after the chamois exhausted Bronco.

Short break at the top of Ukanov Štruc, 1358 m.

 

Shortcut on the way down wasn't a good choice.

Scenery on our way.

Time to go back on track.

#MTB #Karawanks #hiking

16613

Slovenia: Rjavka in Konjščica

In the morning, Bronco and I went for a hike to Rjavka, a peak just behind our house. The view isn't spectacular, but it was still amazing to see the valley below completely shrouded in fog - Garmin Connect.

In the afternoon, I joined my friends for a mountain bike ride starting below Spodnja Konjščica, where they maintain the MTB track. The trail is quite challenging for us amateurs, but still manageable. It was also great to watch the younger riders and see how skillfully they handle their bikes - Garmin Connect.

Morning on Rjavka.

Just above the fog.

My Mamba was ready.

Tweaking the bikes before the start.

Too fast for the camera. Wasn't me.

Far quicker than me.

#MTB #Karawanks #hiking

16610

Slovenia: MTB - Šija

The Zelenica ski resort was closed in 2012, when the ski lifts and groomed slopes ceased operation, followed by the removal of the infrastructure and the gradual decline of the maintained ski area. At its peak, it was served by two chairlifts and three drag lifts - one of the old chairlifts can now be seen at Mojca's and Tomaž's house.

Lost my skis.

#MTB #Karawanks

16607

Slovenia: MTB - Šija

Nada and I wrapped up this year's potato holidays (autumn school holidays) with a mountain bike ride in our city. We descended to Tržič, and from there the uphill section began, taking us through Jelendol to the mountain pasture Šija, our highest point of the ride. We then continued on to Kofce and descended back to Podljubelj. On the way back, Nada injured her knee, but she was still able to continue all the way home - Garmin Connect.

 

Through Dovžanova soteska gorge.

 

It's not so easy to follow electric bike.

Our destination, Zavetišče na planini Šija mountain hut.

 

Returning back.

Nada.

Just before the knee injury.

#MTB #Karawanks

16606

Slovenia: Kršiše and Za Šijo

Nada, Bronco, and I went on a hike from our home to nearby Kršiše. We were still fresh, so we extended the trip to Za Šijo, where we enjoyed the sun. After returning home, we finished the day with a game of rummy - Garmin Connect.

 

On our way to Kršiše.

 

Bronco the hunter.

We enjoyed soaking up the sun.

 

We finished the day with a game of cards.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #rummy

16605

Slovenia: Hike & Fly - Begunjščica

It was a beautiful day, perfect for flying. This time, Štefan joined me on a hike and fly expedition to Begunjščica. We chose the normal route via Zelenica to the summit, and then flew back down to the valley - Garmin Connect.

Once we crossed to the sunny side of Begunjščica, the view opened up in all its glory.

Vrtača with nearby peaks.

On the summit at 2060 meters above sea level.

View towards the East.

Take off site.

Preparing the wings.

Landing behind my home.

#hiking #paragliding #mountains #Karawanks

16604

Slovenia /Austria: Nockalmstraße

It had been quite a while since Nada and I had taken a longer motorbike trip together, and today we decided it was time to hit the road. Our destination: the stunning Nockalmstraße. We started our journey from our home region of Gorenjska, taking the scenic route over Korensko sedlo into Koroška, Austria. The winding roads and mountain views were the perfect start to our adventure. From there, we followed the Krems Creek, a peaceful and cold companion along the way, until we reached the entrance to the famous Nockalmstraße in Innerkrems. It was here that we realized Nada had lost her license plate. But it didn't slow us down. We simply continued, embracing the freedom of the ride and the unpredictability that comes with life on two wheels. Our first major stop was Eisenthal Hohe, sitting at an altitude of 2042 m. From there, we hiked up to one of the peaks above the saddle. Next, we made our way to Grudalm, where we discovered Silva Magica. This magical forest felt like stepping into another world, with twisting paths, ancient trees, and the kind of serene beauty that makes you pause and just breathe. It was a perfect spot to slow down, take in nature, and enjoy a moment of tranquility amid our lively ride. Eventually, it was time to conclude our journey and head back home. By the time we rolled in, 270 kilometers lay behind us.

 

Slovenian side of our trip.

Quick hike for a geocache at 2000 meters above sea level.

Great day to be outside.

Eisentalhöhe (2,042 m) - the highest point of Nockalmstraße, where the road meets wide-open panoramas.

Nockalmstraße runs through the Nockberge, known for their rounded, grassy peaks.

The landscape was shaped by ancient uplift and Ice Age glaciation, which smoothed the summits.

Geocache found.

 

Back to our motorbikes.

We didn't have a sticker with us. Next time maybe.

Leaving the highest point of the road.

There are 52 numbered bends on the road.

 

There is always time for a selfie.

 

Our second stop was at Grundalm, where we wanted to see the Silva Magica trail.

Silva Magica is a forest-themed nature trail that feels like stepping into a magical woodland, with artistic and educational stations along a circular path.

 

Painted and carved rocks.

Nada and Tuši.

 

It is a must stop along the way.

 

A 700 m circular trail through woodland and meadow with stations about nature spirits, elements (water, air, earth, fire), plants, rocks, and myths.

 

Blue eyes and singing trees.

 

Art and storytelling elements - golems, undines, fire spirits, and mythical figures set among the trees.

 

Where forest paths feel a little enchanted.

  

Interesting rocks and another geocache.

 

Dancing circle.

 

Time to rest.

Motorbiker Nada.

Sunbathing before Halloween night.

 

After we explored the Silva Magica trail, we needed to find a geocache in the rocks.

 

And soon it was found.

 

We even took a trackable item from Slovenia with us.

Schiestlscharte, 2024 m.

 

That's us.

Last photo on the sun.

Geocaches found (all received  a visit  by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8):

- Biosphären Panorama Eisentalhöhe, GC9WGV8

- Gesteine Kärntens, EarthCache, GC34Z8C

- BaumReich FICHTE, GCACMF9

- Silva Magica, Multi, GC28KYK, where I took trackable item "I Met Signal Tag Ojstrica (2350 m) - ti moje kraljestvo / you my kingdom...", TB8MHFG

#motorbike #Gorenjska #Koroška #SilvaMagica #geocaching