Tuši's blog

Sunday, March 23, 2025

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

Saturday, March 22, 2025

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

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

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

Monday, March 17, 2025

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

Sunday, March 16, 2025

16740

Italy: Backcountry Skiing Camp - Below Gornerberg-Henne

The second day of our fourth Chera Hiking Backcountry Skiing Camp brought a fresh layer of snow overnight, so we decided to adapt our plans and choose a route with more forest cover. Our ascent began in the direction of Gornerberg-Henne, 2475 m. While travelling through the forest, conditions felt safe and enjoyable. However, once we climbed above the treeline, the situation changed. The fresh snow and prevailing conditions no longer looked stable enough for a safe ascent to the main summit. Rather than pushing on, we made the decision to stop at a small subsidiary summit below Gornerberg-Henne, where conditions were still acceptable. In the mountains, safety always comes first. After regrouping and enjoying the views, it was time to transition for the descent. We skied back down through the beautiful snowy terrain, making our way towards the valley. About halfway down, we stopped at the cosy Marxegger Alm hut for a well-deserved break and some much-needed hydration. Refreshed and re-energised, we continued our descent, enjoying the final turns all the way back to the valley and the starting point of our tour - Garmin Connect. Another great day in the mountains - proof once again that good decisions and flexibility are essential parts of every successful backcountry adventure.

Previous day of our backcountry skiing camp in Ahrntal Valley: Day 1 - 16739.

Previous backcountry skiing camps: