16759

Slovenia: Spring Chera Hiking Camp - Arrival

This weekend, the annual Spring Chera Hiking Camp took place, running from Friday to Sunday. Participants had the chance to choose between climbing, hiking, or cycling - each option offering its own unique way to experience the outdoors. As for me, I opted for cycling. Since there wasn't anything specifically planned for Friday, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and ride straight from work in Ljubljana to Ocizla, where the camp was held. It turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only was it a great way to kick off the weekend, but the route itself was also surprisingly interesting, taking me along several new and unfamiliar paths that made the ride even more enjoyable.

Detour through Zaklanec - our traditional once-a-year breakfast stop and a chance to catch up with our friend Klemen.

 

Stop at Močilnik Springs, one of the sources of Ljubljanica river.

Another detour over Strmca.

Flowers along the road.

 

Not very suitable for road bike.

At Rodik Mythical Park - a quiet landscape where ancient stories still linger, from dragons and giants to weather‑shaping spirits and hidden paths to the underworld, all woven into the stone and scenery around you.

 

Majekavc Abyss features a vertical shaft about 61 m deep.

And finally my destination village - Ocizla - Garmin Connect.

Preparing the dinner.

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

- Life Amphicon 🐸, GCB2TCY

- POT V Močilnik, GCB2QNE

- Mitski park/The Mythical park, GC9KAPA

#RoadCycling #geocaching

16757

Slovenia: Prelaz Ljubelj & Niet Concert

After a noon hike to Prelaz Ljubelj (Garmin Connect), we wrapped up the day with something completely different - an evening concert by the punk rock band Niet at Kino Šiška. This time it was an acoustic version of their set, which gave the music a more intimate feel. Combined with the small and cozy venue, the sound was excellent and the overall experience truly memorable.

 #16/40 in 2026. Still a long way to go.

Ticket for the concert.

The concert was sold out.

Let's go acoustic.

NIET - Škrati in gosenice (live, Kino Šiška 2025)

Niet: Vijolice

Setlist (from setlist.fm)

1. V bližini ljudi
2. Perspektive
3. Sam
4. Tvoje oči
5. Bil je maj
6. Rad imam dež
7. Dekle izza zamreženega okna
8. Melanholija
9. Depresija
10. Škrati in gosenice
11. Ogledalo
12. Ruski vohun
13. Vidim rdeče
14. Ti in jaz in noč in večnost
15. Tema rjove skozi mesto
16. Lep dan za smrt
17. Molk
18. Ritem človeštva
19. Čas za revolucijo
20. Vijolice

Encore:

21. Beli prah (with Severa Gjurin)
22. Strah in krik
23. Februar

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #concert

16750

Slovenia: Prelaz Ljubelj

We decided to have an easy day, so we only did a short morning hike to nearby Koča na Ljubelju on Ljubelj Pass - Garmin Connect.

Nada, Bronco and Tuši.

 

Back to Šentanska dolina valley.

View towards Begunjščica.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16747

Slovenia: Scottish Lunch

Last year, we spent our summer vacation in Scotland, and somehow we almost forgot about the whisky we had brought back home. To remedy that, we decided to prepare a traditional Scottish lunch – accompanied, of course, by a glass of Scottish whisky.

Just as a reminder, reports from our trip to Scotland: Day 16 - 16529, Day 15 - 16528, Day 14 - 16527, Day 13 - 16526, Day 12 - 16525, Day 11 - 16524, Day 10 - 16523, Day 9 - 16522, Day 8 - 16521, Day 7 - 16520, Day 6 - 16519, Day 5 - 16518, Day 4 - 16517, Day 3 - 16516,  Day 2 - 16515, Day 1 - 16514.

 

Bon appétit and cheers!

#lunch #whisky

16746

Slovenia: Jermanovi slapovi,  Brunarica Krmiše and Prelaz Ljubelj

The Jerman Stream originates in the Karawanks, close to the Austrian-Slovenian border, just south of Trupejevo Poldne (1931 m). It flows through the village of Srednji Vrh, below which it forms the picturesque Jerman Waterfalls. Today, Bronco, Nada and I visited these beautiful waterfalls. From there, we continued our hike up to the Krmiše Log Cabin, a charming mountain hut where visitors can usually enjoy delicious homemade treats from the nearby Pr' Vahu farm. Unfortunately, the hut was closed today, so we had to continue without sampling any local delicacies. We returned to Gozd Martuljek by following the road through Srednji Vrh, enjoying lovely views of the surrounding mountains along the way - Garmin Connect. However, we felt that the day's outing had been a bit too short, so I decided to add one more climb in the evening - an ascent to the Ljubelj Pass, making it a perfect end to another day in the mountains.

One of the waterfalls behind the three of us.

We signed the logbook.

 

At the hut, that offers great views to Julian Alps.

 

Chapel Kapela Svete Trojice.

WW2 monument.

 

On the way back to Gozd-Martuljek.

Evening hike to Prelaz Ljubelj - Garmin Connect.

#hiking #mountains #CatahoulaLeopardDog #Karawanks

16742

Italy: Backcountry Skiing Camp - Below Achsel

The last day of our fourth Chera Hiking Backcountry Skiing Camp had arrived. Since we still had a long drive back home ahead of us, we decided to keep our final ski tour relatively short. After breakfast, we drove to the end of the Ahrntal Valley, to the village of Kasern (Casere), where we parked our cars and put on our skis. For the first part of the tour, we followed the Ahr (Aurino) River before continuing deeper into the valley along the Windtalbach stream. After a while, we changed direction and started ascending towards Achsel Peak (2334 m). The climb was pleasant, and before long we reached the shoulder below the summit, which became our turnaround point for the day. With clear skies and beautiful weather, there was no reason to rush back. We spent some time enjoying the sunshine and the magnificent surroundings before finally preparing for our descent. Jure had brought his paraglider along, so instead of skiing down, he took off directly from the mountain and soared into the valley with his skis. The rest of us enjoyed a final ski descent back to Kasern - Garmin Connect. Once we had regrouped in the valley, it was time to return to our apartment, pack our belongings, and have lunch. Soon afterwards, we set off on the long journey home, bringing another wonderful Chera Hiking Backcountry Skiing Camp to an end.

Previous days of our backcountry skiing camp in Ahrntal Valley: Day 3 - 16741, Day 2 - 16740, Day 1 - 16739.

Previous backcountry skiing camps:

• Planina v Lazu: Day 1 (15652), Day 2 (15653), Day 3 (15654), Day 4 (15655)
• Komna - Majerca hut: Day 1 (16016), Day 2 (16017), Day 3 (16018), Day 4 (16019)
• Campill / Lungiarü: Day 1 (16373), Day 2 (16374), Day 3 (16375)

We started on a cross-country skiing piste, that run along the Ahr river.

The Holy Spirit Church is the oldest church of the Ahrntal valley.

Sunny day.

Final push towards the shoulder below Achsel.

Windtalbach.

Above the Arnthal valley.

Relaxing at the top.

Jure decided to fly back down.

Some tried to follow him, but he was too fast.

See you in the valley.

Time to catch the breath.

Admiring the beautiful day.

We stopped many times on the way down. I guess nobody wanted to go home.

Back at our apartment, lunch, beer and packing.

#BackcountrySkiing #CheraHiking #VenedigerGroup

16741

Italy: Backcountry Skiing Camp - Magerstein

The weather finally improved on the third day of our fourth Chera Hiking Backcountry Skiing Camp, which meant it was time for a truly royal tour. We drove to Rein in Taufers (Riva di Tures), where we began our ascent towards Kasseler Hütte. After a short break at the hut, we continued on our way, as our main objective - the 3273-meter-high Magerstein - was still far away. Soon we found ourselves traversing the Westlicher Rieserferner Glacier. Unfortunately, the weather began to deteriorate. Visibility dropped significantly, and the strengthening wind started to show its teeth. Faced with these increasingly challenging conditions, many participants decided to turn around. A few of us, however, remained determined and continued all the way to the summit. Reaching the top of Magerstein was a rewarding moment, but due to the poor visibility and strong wind, we didn't stay long before beginning our descent. The first 100 vertical meters offered little visibility, but then the clouds finally broke apart, revealing fantastic slopes covered in excellent snow. Suddenly, all the effort of the ascent was forgotten, and we enjoyed some truly memorable skiing. Back at Kasseler Hütte, a well-earned beer was only the beginning of a successful hydration session. Refreshed and in high spirits, we set off for the final descent into the valley. The snow conditions lower down were far from ideal, so we opted for a steep forest trail - a choice that nobody in the group will forget anytime soon. After a long and adventurous day, everyone returned safely to the valley - Garmin Connect. Another unforgettable tour and another reminder that perseverance, good teamwork, and sound decision-making are key ingredients of every mountain adventure.

Previous days of our backcountry skiing camp in Ahrntal Valley: Day 2 - 16740, Day 1 - 16739.

Previous backcountry skiing camps:

• Planina v Lazu: Day 1 (15652), Day 2 (15653), Day 3 (15654), Day 4 (15655)
• Komna - Majerca hut: Day 1 (16016), Day 2 (16017), Day 3 (16018), Day 4 (16019)
• Campill / Lungiarü: Day 1 (16373), Day 2 (16374), Day 3 (16375)

Start of our royal trip.

In Rieserferner Group of the High Tauern.

It's a beautiful day.

Kasseler Hütte stands at 2177 m.

Time for another push.

Looking for options where to ski on our way back.

 

Long way to the top.

The smell of fresh snow.

 

Approaching the Westlicher Rieserferner Glacier, a frozen giant nestled between Magerstein and Schneebiger Nock in the heart of the Rieserferner Group.

The summit was closer and closer, but the weather worsen every minute.

Some of us on top of Magerstein, 3273 m.

 

Rodeo on the way back in the lower section.

 

I don't know if that is also called skiing, but I guess it is still fun.

#BackcountrySkiing #CheraHiking #RieserfernerGroup