16479

Slovenia: Cheers Neighbors

After the yesterday's party we needed to wake up, so we simply used a home made medicine for that, so that we were ready for the picnic, that followed in the afternoon.

Cheers!

#neighbourhood

16478

Slovenia: Prelaz Ljubelj

Today, Bronc and I did another hike to Koča na Ljubelju on Ljubelj Pass. We reached the top, enjoyed a drink there, and then made our way back down into the valley. Another beautiful day in the mountains and another great adventure together before the celebration of my birthday. Cheers.

Resting at the top.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16477

Slovenia: Grenladnija

After my morning bike commute to and from work (Garmin Connect), I spent the evening watching Grenlandija ("Greenland"), performed by the amateur theatre group 3. vrsta, 5. sedež from KUD Podljubelj. The evening was even more enjoyable because Nada was part of the cast. Written by Slovenian playwright Vinko Möderndorfer, Grenlandija is a comedy that combines sharp humor with social satire. It follows a wealthy businessman who transfers his assets to his grandmother to avoid losing them, only to discover that she has her own plans. Behind the laughs, the play explores family relationships, greed, dementia, and the values of modern society, showing how comedy can reveal uncomfortable truths. The performance by KUD Podljubelj was lively and full of energy, delivering plenty of laughs while also leaving the audience with something to think about. The cast worked well together, and their enthusiasm and dedication made for an enjoyable evening.

When the tax officer Nada and Fredi appear, the story takes another entertaining turn.

An outstanding performance by the cast of KUD Podljubelj.

#cycling #KUDPodljubelj #stage

16475

Slovenia: Cycling to Nova Gorica

Cycling to Nova Gorica is one of our favorite traditions. In 2025, we continued this tradition with another memorable ride across Slovenia. This year, Katja, Dejan, Janez, Jernej, and I shared the adventure. Beautiful scenery, quiet roads, great company, and plenty of good moments along the way made it another special day on the bike. As always, the journey was about more than just the kilometers- it was about enjoying the ride together and creating new memories. After reaching Nova Gorica (Garmin Connect), we returned home by train. To add a little extra to the adventure, some of us continued cycling from Bled to Brezje pri Tržiču (Garmin Connect).

Previous cycling trips to Nova Gorica: 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019

We (Jernej, Dejan, Katja and me) met in Kovor.

 

Dealing with the first climb of the day.

One of Slovenia's most recognizable views - Saints Primus and Felician Church on Jamnik.

 

Towards Dražgoše.

 In 1976 the Dražgoše war memorial was built just outside the village to commemorate this battle and the destruction of the village.

 

Ending our second climb.

 

Resting at Petrovo Brdo.

Direction Tolmin and Nova Gorica.

Break before the last climb in Postaja.

Finishing the last uphill section.

Katja.

 

Janez.

View to Soča Valley, Solkan and Nova Gorica.

 

While we had a photo session, Janez took a detour to Sveta Gora.

Our destination was reached.

Pizza time.

Janez, Dejan, Katja, Tuši and Jernej.

Waiting for the train.

Cheers!

#roadcycling #tradition

16798

Slovenia: Geocaching

Today, while driving from Velenje to Ljubljana, I decided not to take the fastest route. Instead, I made a few small detours to explore interesting places along the way and collect a few more geocaches. My first stop was Letonja Waterfall, hidden beneath the Letonja farm in Penk Gorge. Here, the right tributary of the Paka River has carved a narrow and picturesque gorge into the landscape, creating a beautiful waterfall system. The main waterfall drops around 8 metres over a rocky ledge, with a vertical lower section and an additional smaller cascade above it. Surrounded by forest and the quiet atmosphere of the gorge, it is a perfect example of one of Slovenia's many hidden natural treasures. Another stop on my journey was Braslovče Lake, a small artificial lake surrounded by the peaceful landscape of the Savinja Valley.  The lake was created in 1961 by damming the Trebnik Stream. It covers an area of around 4.5 hectares and reaches a depth of approximately 3.5 metres. Originally, the lake was built mainly as a place for tourism, leisure and social events, with various activities taking place around the lake throughout the year, both in summer and winter. Today, Braslovče Lake has a much quieter character. It is a pleasant place for walking, relaxing and enjoying nature away from the busy everyday life. With a few more geocaches found and two new places explored, a simple drive between two cities turned into a small adventure. Sometimes the best discoveries are found in the detours.

 

Waterfall Letonjev slap.

Braslovče Lake.

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

- Letonjev slap, GC6BGA1

- 15. poldnevnik, GC6BGA7

- Kužno znamenje - Preseka, GC6NJK8

- Lake Braslovce, GC2A4MC

- Čeplje, GCAZMGM

- Magični mostič, GC919A4

#geocaching

16796

Slovenia / Austria: MTB - Rjavca

Today I took some time to explore new trails on the northern side of the Karawanks, more specifically the area north of Loibl Pass (Prelaz Ljubelj). This time my companion was my Black Mamba, ready for another mountain adventure. We crossed the Loibl tunnel to the Austrian side and continued along forest gravel roads. I rode as far as the terrain allowed. One of today's goals was to reach the summit of Rjavca (1789 m). Since there is no rideable trail all the way to the top, I left Black Mamba lower down and continued on foot. After reaching the summit and enjoying the views, I decided to make a circular hiking route through the surrounding terrain. The loop was beautiful and remote, but the final section was not the easiest. The trail disappeared several times, requiring some navigation, route finding and a bit of adventure spirit. Once the loop was completed, I returned to the bike and continued with the best part of the day - the ride back home. Another day spent exploring hidden corners of the Karawanks, combining mountain biking with a bit of hiking and adventure. These are exactly the kind of trips I enjoy the most: gravel roads, unknown trails, a little uncertainty, and the satisfaction of discovering something new - Garmin Connect.

Alone on the gravel road.

View towards Košuta ridge.

One of the hunter huts on the way.

Near the end of the road, I spotted another hut.

 

End of the road and time to continue on foot.

 

Approaching a peak called Bela peč (Weiße Wand), 1684 m.

An old larch tree on the summit of Bela Peč.

Auriculas blooming above the Poden Valley.

Trees on Bela peč.

View to the North, towards Celovec (Klagenfurt) basin. Sinacher Gupf / Psinski vrh and the ridge of Singerberg / Žingarica are obstructing the view.

Rjavca, 1789 m with Palec, Zelenjak and Vrtača behind it.

You are being watched.

View towards the Western part of the Karawanks with Kozjak.

 

Admiring the view.

Once the snow is deep enough, we'll be back to ski this couloir again.

Even Storžič could be seen in the far distance.

Descending to the South side of Rjavca.

Avrikelj - Primula auricula is often known as auricula, mountain cowslip or bear's ear (from the shape of its leaves).

Primula auricula grows on basic rocks in the mountain ranges of central Europe, including the western Alps, Jura Mountains, the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Tatra Mountains.

Tiny alpine treasures hidden among the rocks.

Alpine auriculas, perfectly adapted to their rocky home.

#MTB #Karawanks