16929

Slovenia: Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih and Stenar

It was time for another longer hike, this time just Bronco and me. We set off early in the morning and drove over the Vršič Pass to the Zadnjica Valley, where we left the car and began our adventure.

A long but relatively gentle climb along the old military trail brought us to Pogačnik Lodge on Kriški Podih. The weather was perfect and, since we still had plenty of time and energy left, we decided to continue all the way to Mount Stenar.

Bronco had to put in a little extra effort on a few rocky sections, but there were no major difficulties, and together we successfully reached the summit. A little stronger wind greeted us at the top, so we didn't stay long. After taking in the views and enjoying the satisfaction of another successful ascent, we slowly made our way back down to the valley - Garmin Connect.

Once again, it turned out to be a beautiful day in the Julian Alps, shared with my loyal four-legged hiking companion.

Above Trenta valley.

Taking a break by Spodnje Kriško jezero lake, a jewel of the Julian Alps.

Spodnje Kriško jezero (1880 m) is the largest of the Kriška Lakes. Surrounded by grassy shores and towering alpine peaks, this oval-shaped lake measures roughly 140 by 100 metres and reaches a depth of 8.5 metres. Despite its clear waters, no fish live here.

Around 9 a.m., the first rays of sunlight appeared over the mountains.

After a steady climb along the old military trail, Bronco and I finally reached Pogačnik Lodge on Kriški Podi.

 

Recharging at 2050 metres before continuing towards Stenar.

Looking towards Stenar across the tranquil waters of Srednje and Četrto Kriško jezero.

The name Trenta is believed to be of Friulian origin, derived from the word Tridenta, meaning "three-toothed" or "divided into three parts." The name reflects the local geography, where the valley branches into the Soča and Zadnjica valleys, with the latter later splitting again near Beli Potok, creating a distinctive three-pronged landscape.

Looking back towards Pogačnik Lodge, with Mount Planja rising in the background.

We encountered quite a few Alpine ibexes along the way.

The Julian Alps are once again home to healthy ibex populations after their successful reintroduction.

The sign at Dovška vratca says just a little bit more.

View towards our highest mountain, Triglav.

A view from the summit towards Škrlatica, the queen of the Julian Alps.

Vrata valley and The Karawanks.

With Bronco on top of Stenar, 2501 m.

The majestic peaks of Planja and Razor.

Bronco need to cool down.

Following the gentle military trail back to the Zadnjica Valley.

Looking back at the rugged landscape.

Sticks holding the mountain.

#hiking #mountains #JulianAlps #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16928

Slovenia: Kamnik 2025 Block Party

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of geocaching, geocachers from Slovenia and abroad gathered in Kamnik for the rare Kamnik 2025 Block Party event. Since Block Parties are not very common, Nada, Bronco and I decided to join the festivities as well.

Of course, we couldn't resist adding a bit of geocaching adventure to the day. Before heading to the main event, we completed an 8 km walk around the surrounding area (Garmin Connect), collecting several caches from the HoG (History of Geocaching) series along the way. These caches were a little different, as each one required solving a puzzle related to geocaching history before heading out to find the cache and sign the logbook.

After our walk, we joined the main event at Zaprice Castle, where a lot of geocachers gathered to celebrate 25 years of the game. It was a great opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones, exchange geocaching stories, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that only a large geocaching event can provide.

The Chapel of the Crucifixion of Christ.

 

While we were busy hunting for caches, Bronco seemed bored with the whole geocaching business.

View towards Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

The cache series took us through a scenic mix of meadows and forests.

 

We spent quite a bit of time here.

 

We spent most of our time among the trees.

Returning to civilization.

 

Adding our names to the event logbook.

 

A well-deserved pizza after a long and eventful day.

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

- #02 HoG: 2001, Mystery, GCB4VNY

- #03 HoG: 2002, Mystery, GCB4VP0

- #04 Hog: 2003, Mystery, GCB4VP4

- #05 HoG: 2004, Mystery, GCB4VPA

- #06 HoG: 2005, Mystery, GCB4VPB

- #07 HoG: 2006, Mystery, GCB4VPE

- #09 HoG: 2008, Mystery, GCB4VPH

- #11 HoG: 2010, Mystery, GCB4VPP

- #12 HoG: 2011, Mystery, GCB4VPQ

- #13 HoG: 2012, Mystery, GCB4VPR

- #14 HoG: 2013, Mystery, GCB4VPT

- #15 HoG: 2014, Mystery, GCB4VPY

- #16 HoG: 2015, Mystery, GCB4VPZ

- #17 HoG: 2016, Mystery, GCB4VQ2

- #18 HoG: 2017, Mystery, GCB4VQ3

- #19 HoG: 2018, Mystery, GCB4VQ5

- #20 HoG: 2019, Mystery, GCB4VQ6

- #21 HoG: 2020, Mystery, GCB4VQ9

- #22 HoG: 2021, Mystery, GCB4VQB

- #23 HoG: 2022, Mystery, GCB4VQD

- #24 HoG: 2023, Mystery, GCB4VQE

- #25 HoG: 2024, Mystery, GCB4VQG

- Bonus HoG: 2025, Mystery, GCBCF7P

- Kamnik 2025 Block Party, Geocaching HQ Block Party, GCB2VZH

- #01 HoG: 2000, GCB4VNJ

#hiking #CatahoulaLeopardDog #geocaching

16926

Slovenia: Hike & Fly - Potoška gora

I haven't done much paragliding this year, so after a longer break I wanted an easy and familiar return to the skies. Potoška gora is perfect for that, with its forgiving terrain and straightforward launch. Together with Miha and Rudi, I spent a beautiful hike & fly afternoon soaring above Preddvor and enjoying the freedom of flight once again - Garmin Connect.

We weren't alone at the take off site.

The wind was optimal.

Another take off.

View to Ljubljana Basin.

Miha and Rudi arrived.

Our flight ended at Lake Črnava, where the swans seemed to be waiting for us.

#hiking #paragliding #mountains #KamnikSavinjaAlps

16922

Slovenia: Krogovnek and Handball Match

For today's walk, Bronco and I headed to a quiet corner beneath Košuta. We drove to Pod Košuto, left the car there, and first made our way to our small cabin below Krogovnek to check that everything was still in good shape. Fortunately, all was well, so we continued up to Krogovnek, a local peak that sees very few visitors.

Although it is not known for spectacular views, Krogovnek offers something just as valuable: peace, quiet, and a chance to enjoy nature away from the crowds. After reaching the summit, we turned back and descended past the Čižov farm, where we joined the road and followed it back to our starting point. It turned into a pleasant circular walk and another enjoyable outing with Bronco.

The afternoon was reserved for cheering from the stands. We headed to Radovljica to support the Hornets, where both Tim and Matic play handball. In the opening round of the M20 2nd Western League, RK Frankstahl Radovljica delivered an excellent performance and defeated MRK NG by a convincing 37-23 scoreline. We did our part from the stands and were rewarded with a great victory and a perfect start to the new season - Report.

Our cabin in the woods below Krogovnek.

Left Wing – Matic #51

 

The crowd held its breath, but the ball sailed past the goal.

The home Hornets were simply the better team.

 

Tim (#24) on the left wing.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #handball

16921

Slovenia: Vrtaška Planina, Votlo Sleme and Vrtaško Sleme

Today, Nada, Bronco and I decided to spend the day in the Julian Alps and explore some new trails. We drove to Mojstrana, parked the car, and set off on the rather steep path leading to Vrtaška Planina.

After a short break at the mountain pasture, Nada started making her way back down to the valley, while Bronco and I continued towards Vrtaško Sleme. As we were approaching the summit, we noticed another nearby peak on the map called Votlo Sleme. Since we were already close, we decided to make a detour and visit that peak first before continuing to our original destination.

After reaching Votlo Sleme, we finally stood on the summit of Vrtaško Sleme, enjoying the views of the surrounding Julian Alps. We did not stay long at the top and soon began our descent back towards Vrtaška Planina.

For the return to the valley, Bronco and I chose a different route that took us past one of Slovenia's most beautiful waterfalls, Peričnik Waterfall. The impressive cascade made for a perfect final highlight of the hike.

When we eventually reached the road in the Vrata Valley (Garmin Connect), Nada was already waiting for us with a surprise. Earlier in the day, she had run into her cousin Nastja. The three of us then headed down the valley, where Nastja's husband Tomi was waiting for us. A cold beer that followed was the perfect reward after a long day in the mountains.

 

Steep ascent.

Dovje and Mojstrana.

 

The sky opened on our way up.

Arriving to Vrtaška planina, 1462 m.

Nada, Tuši and Bronco.

Meadow called Njivice.

Mountains above Gozd Martuljek.

 

Bronco on Votlo Sleme, 2049 m.

And finally, we reached our destination.

Vrtaško Sleme, 2077 m.

View back to Votlo Sleme and our return path.

A moment by the Upper Peričnik Waterfall before continuing our adventure.

Both Peričnik Waterfalls can be admired from both sides, including from behind the cascading water.

Bronco, waterfall, Tuši and an intruder.

Standing behind the waterfall, surrounded by mist and roaring water.

Time to move on and avoid the crowds.

Well deserved beer with Tomi, Nastja and Nada.

Geocache found:

- Peričnik Waterfall - Virtual, Virtual, GC88YX3, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#hiking #mountains #JulianAlps #CatahoulaLeopardDog #geocaching