16851

Slovenia: Happy Birthday Rade

Nada's uncle Rade celebrated his birthday today at a gathering hosted by a friend on Vrhe. I decided to ride there by bicycle, and after nearly 90 kilometers in the saddle, I finally arrived - Garmin Connect. The day was filled with good food, drinks, and great company. In between the celebrations, some of us even climbed a nearby peak called Krvavica (Garmin Connect) to enjoy the views and stretch our legs. It was a wonderful day spent with family and friends, and a great excuse for a long bike ride. Happy Birthday, Rade!

Quick stop along the way.

Shortcut.

 

Arrived.

View on the way to Krvavica, 909 m.

Summit.

Although only 909 m high, it stands prominently above the surrounding hills because its slopes are very steep, especially on the western side.

According to local legend, Veronika of Desenice was imprisoned in the tower of Ojstrica Castle above the Church of St. George in Tabor. Above Ojstrica lies Krvavica, whose summit is surrounded by cliffs ranging from 50 to 150 metres in height. According to legend, Veronika was pushed to her death from these cliffs. To this day, it is said that on moonlit nights she returns to sit on these rocks. It is after her tragic fate that the hill is said to have been named Krvavica.

 

Happy birthday.

#birthday #roadcycling #hiking

16849

Slovenia: MTB - Prevala

Today's MTB ride took us to the mountain pasture Prevala, located beneath Begunjščica. After a short stretch of asphalt, we began a long gravel climb that never seemed to let up until we reached the mountain hut. We took the opportunity to stop for a break, enjoy the views, and recharge with some refreshments.

For the descent, we split into two groups. The first group followed the same route back down, while we chose a steeper parallel forest track for a bit more excitement. In the end, both groups successfully reached the valley, finishing another great day on the trails - Garmin Connect.

 

Dusted.

 

We were a big group today, Grega, Mateja, Nina, Tuši, Sabina, Samo, Kristina, Nada and  Aleš.

 

On the more difficult version of our trip.

 

Every challenge brings also some excitment.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks

16845

Slovenia: Over Kramarica to Korošica

Today, my neighbors Klemen, Borut, Rajko, and I decided to hike to Kramarica and then descend directly to Korošica. We had been talking about this idea for several years, and today the right opportunity finally arrived.

We met at Pr Cvirn', where Klemen prepared breakfast for us before we set off. The ascent began on forest tracks, after which we followed a faint and rarely used path all the way to the Košuta ridge. After a short break and some beautiful views, we started descending through the dense dwarf pine towards Korošica.

Finding the correct exit route proved a bit challenging, but thanks to Klemen's navigation skills, we managed it successfully. We reached the base of the cliffs, crossed a scree slope, and continued along forest paths to the Korošica pasture, where our girls and children were waiting for us.

After a longer break, we came up with the idea of extending the hike all the way to Koča na Ljubelju. So we did, bringing another wonderful day in the mountains to a perfect end - Garmin Connect.

Breakfast.

On our way up on the southern slope of Kramarica.

We were equipped.

View from the ridge to mountain pasture Korošica and Košutica (Baba) mountain.

Before the descent.

Selfie and we were ready.

 

No, that wasn't the correct exit.

But this one was.

The hut was close.

Extending the trip to Koča na Ljubelju.

 

On border path with nice views.

 

Happy people.

We met up with Nada again at Koča na Ljubelju, as she had reached the destination by bicycle while we were hiking.

Not a bad way to spend the day.

Returning back into the valley.

  

The day was far from over. We finished it with a barbecue, making an already great day even better.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks

16843

Croatia: Weekend House

This Friday, I decided to visit our weekend house to see how everything was and to mow the grass. After a long drive and a bit of work around the property, the job was done. Since it was getting late, I decided to stay the night and head home the next day. It turned out to be a great decision, as I enjoyed a peaceful evening and a good night's sleep in this quiet and relaxing place.

The grass needs some trimming.

The day was coming to an end.

#HrvatskoZagorje

16841

Austria / Slovenia: Spodnji Plot and Zelenica

For quite some time, I had been studying the map and looking at a trail that starts on the Austrian side of the Ljubelj Pass tunnel and climbs up to the border ridge beneath Vrh Ljubeljščice. Today was finally the day to explore it. My neighbor Žiga joined me, and together we set off on what turned out to be a beautiful mountain adventure.

The trail led us through peaceful forests and steadily higher into the Karawanks. Apart from one slightly steeper and more demanding section, the route was pleasant and enjoyable. Before long, we reached the Slovenian-Austrian border ridge. Since we were already up there, we decided to extend our hike and visit a couple more peaks along the ridge, including unknown peak in the ridge of Ljubeljščica (Irenin vrh plate is on top of it) and Spodnji Plot, both offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Our final destination was Dom na Zelenici, where everything was ready for the festive "Laško Gremo v hribe" event. The gathering on Zelenica celebrated Slovenia's Statehood Day and also marked the impressive 200th anniversary of Pivovarna Laško. Hundreds of hikers made their way to the mountain hut at 1536 meters above sea level, creating one of the largest gatherings Zelenica has seen in recent years. Visitors were treated to live music, a festive atmosphere, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the mountains, friendship, and Slovenian heritage.

Soon, more neighbors joined us, and together we enjoyed a few well-earned beers while taking in the lively atmosphere beneath the mountains. With the celebrations slowly winding down and the afternoon sun beginning to soften, it was finally time to head back to the valley - Garmin Connect.

Our hike started on the Austrian side of the Ljubelj Pass tunnel. This area also has a significant historical background. During World War II, a branch of the Mauthausen concentration camp was established here, where prisoners were forced to work on the construction of the Ljubelj tunnel through the Karavanke Mountains.

Plate on an unknown peak in the Ljubeljščica ridge.

View to our valley.

 

Exploring new paths.

Tuši and Žiga on Spodnji Plot, 1682 m.

Zelenica was warming up.

Tjaša Božič was the first to "stretch the bellows" of her accordion, filling Zelenica with lively tunes.

Beer, music and mountains.

We finished the day at our "Sledding house" back in the valley.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #GremoVHribe