Tuši

Tuši's blog

Sunday, January 12, 2025

16677

Austria: Hike to Sopotniški Grintovec and Žingarica


This year seems to be full of trips to Austria. Today, Nada went skiing at the nearby Bodental ski resort, while Bronco and I chose a quieter plan - a hike in the same area. Our first objective was Sopotniški Grintovec, a rather unknown and rarely visited peak. As expected, we had the mountain entirely to ourselves. From there, we continued toward Žingarica (Singerberg), 1589 m, walking through fresh snow and following only the tracks of wild animals. After reaching the summit, we joined a more frequently used path, which led us back down into the valley toward Slovenji Plajberk also known as Svinčnica or Windisch Bleiberg, finishing just next to the church. We reached the valley first and waited for Nada, and once she arrived, we all headed back home after another beautiful day in the mountains - Garmin Connect.

The first steps already hinted that this would be an interesting route.

 
Soon we found a geocache.

View to the main ridge of the Karawanks with Vrtača.

 
At Sopotniški Grintovec also called Loibler Grintoutz, 1295 m.

View to Drava valley.

Let's mark this spot.

View to the Košuta ridge.

Geocache found:
- Auf Ossis Spuren #1, GC9C9WA, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8 and where I dropped off trackable item "Cape Town Travel Bug #2", TB40BGZ


Saturday, January 11, 2025

16676

Austria: Backcountry Skiing - Schöpfing and Aignerhöhe


A week later, with snow conditions in Slovenia still unchanged, Anže, Robi, Marija and I decided to head to Austria once again. This time, we drove to the village of Wald near Zederhaus, where we started our ascent via Muhreralm toward our first goal: Schöpfing (2144 m), a peak we last visited back in 2016 (13414). We didn’t linger long at the summit - the wind was strong and the cold cut right through us. After a quick pause, we skied back down to Muhreralm, where we took a short break and discussed whether to continue toward Aignerhöhe (2104 m). From below, the peak looked rather bare, with much of the snow blown away by the wind, which made us hesitant. In the end, we agreed to give it a try - at least halfway. But as it often happens, "halfway" turned into something more. Step by step, we kept going until we eventually found ourselves standing on the top. Despite our doubts, there was still enough snow for a surprisingly good descent - you just had to choose your line carefully - Garmin Connect.

White opium.

On the Muhreralm.

Following the tracks in the snow.

Mountains in the vicinity.

We already smelled that the summit will be windy.

Somewhere here we crossed the Tauern Road Tunnel.

We weren't alone.

At the top of Schöpfing, 2144 m, with the view to Kleines Mosermandl and Mosermandl, a destination still to be conquered.

Marija, Tuši, Robi and Anže.

Time to ski.

 
Lines through the forest.

Ascending towards the Aignerhöhe, 2104 m.

Just below the summit.

At the top.

 
Soon we skied back to our starting point, where we packed all our gear carefully into Marija's car.


Saturday, January 04, 2025

16669

Austria: Backcountry Skiing - Benzegg


There hasn’t been much snow in Slovenia this winter, so Miha and I decided to head across the border into nearby Austria. Just beyond the Tauern Tunnel, we found a place to park and set off.
The cold was biting - around -15 °C - so we quickly geared up and started our ascent on skis toward Benzegg (2076 m). We followed a snow-covered road leading us to Ranstlalm, and from there continued through the forest until we reached the ridge between Schilchegg (which we visited back in 2020 – 14884) and Benzegg. The ridge was a bit icy at times, but it didn't cause us too much trouble. After about three hours of climbing, we reached the summit cross. We took a few photos, enjoyed the views, and then began our ski down back into the valley - Garmin Connect.

Driving in cold morning.

Ascending on snowy road.

Ranstlalm at around 1500 m.

Destination for beginners as it is not too steep.

Through the forest.

On the ridge between Schilchegg  and Benzegg.

Selfie with the cross.

At our destination, Benzegg (2076 m).

Miha.

Tuši.

One for the facebook.

Skiing back to the valley.


Wednesday, January 01, 2025

16666

Slovenia: Veliki vrh and Toplar


Every New Year's Day is a little different, and this one was no exception. Nada and I spent New Year's Eve at home, and the next morning we woke up early because we wanted to reach the summit of Veliki Vrh in time for sunrise. Of course, Bronco joined us as well. This year there wasn't much snow on the peaks, so the hike wasn't particularly demanding. We reached the summit just in time to watch the sun rise. After taking a few photos, we began our descent. First we conquered nearby Toplar, found a geocache and then on the way down, we met some friends, and we all stopped at the Dom na Kofcah mountain hut for a few drinks and a chat. After spending a wonderful day in the mountains, we returned to the valley about seven hours after setting out - Garmin Connect.

Yep, it will rise over the silhouette of Kamink-Savinja Alps.

On 2000 meters above sea level for sunrise for New Year.

Bronco explored the Western part of Košuta ridge, while we only admired Julian Alps and Western Karawanks.

Nada and Tuši.

Returning back to the valley.

Some of our friends had same intentions.

Typical lunch for new year back home. Sarma (stuffed leaves) time.

Geocache found:
- GeoAddict: 2K Challenge, Mystery, GCA1Y7J, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55,  "Cape Town Travel Bug #2", TB40BGZ and "Twin Star", TB33TN8 and where I dropped off trackable item "Ojstrica (2350 m) - ti moje kraljestvo / you my kingdom...", TB8MHFG


Tuesday, December 31, 2024

16665

SloveniaNew Year's Eve at home


For the end of 2024, Nada and me decided to stay at home. Nothing special, just a dinner and two of us. Cheers!

 
Romantic dinner.

 
Two serious-looking photos.

Some statistics for 2024 (Tuši, GeoCaching):

  • travelling in Europe, this year 11 foreign countries
Countries visited: Italy, Austria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom and Cyprus. Together GPS recorded 57485 kilometers.

151 geocaches found in 2024.

Activities 2024

Event Events Distance [km] Elevation Gain [m]
Road Cycling 13 800,61 9.812
Hiking 159 705,83 45.315
Mountain Biking 19 645,82 22.422
Backcountry Skiing 11 124,52 9.880
Sailing 1 107,62 57
Flying 7 66,34 6.376
Kickscootering 13 53,47 329
Sledding 1 11,14 452
Canoeing 1 6,27 16
Boating 1 3,40 1
Summary 226 2.525,02 94.660

Less activities than in 2023.

  
Charts of distance, elevation gain and number of events for 2024.