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Slovenia / Austria: Lokovnikov Grintovec - Hajnžev Praprotnik

Nada dropped us (Bronco and me) off at the last bend before the Ljubelj border crossing early in the morning, and from there we set off on foot towards Planina Korošica. Upon reaching the mountain pasture, we continued directly towards the border ridge and then on to Dovjak Saddle, where we chose the route leading to Lokovnikov Grintovec.

After a short break at the summit, we returned to the saddle and followed trail 650 for a while. However, we soon left the marked route behind, determined to visit Hajnžev Praprotnik, a peak neither of us had climbed before. Despite being rarely visited, it proved to be an excellent viewpoint, offering impressive views of Košuta and the surrounding mountains.

By then, the heat was already making its presence felt, so we took advantage of a patch of shade for a well-earned rest before continuing. A short descent followed, and then the final climb to Hajnževo sedlo saddle. With that ascent behind us, the hardest part of the day was over.

On the way back, we made one last stop at Planina Korošica for traditional žganci and sour milk, the perfect reward after a long day in the mountains (Garmin Connect). Another beautiful hike, great views, and good company made for a successful day in the Karawanks.

View to Košutica from Dovjak Saddle.

Top of Lokovnikov Grintovec, 1809 m.

Tuši and Bronco.

View from the summit to Košutica and Veliki vrh.

Looking across the Karawanks towards some of its iconic two-thousand-metre summits.

Hajnžev Praprotnik rewarded us with fine views of Košutica, Dovjak Saddle, and Lokovnikov Grintovec, the summit we had conquered earlier in the day.

Although already tired, Bronco still managed to find enough energy to chase after wildlife.

 

A well-earned rest in the shade gave us the energy we needed for the rest of the hike.

Hajnžev Praprotnik, 1727 m.

 

The dog-day heat was hard on all of us, but Bronco handled it the best. A quick rest in the shade, followed by a refreshing dip in a muddy puddle.

 

Last climb of the day to Hajnževo sedlo saddle.

Finally reaching Planina Korošica, where žganci and sour milk were waiting for us.

Traditional mountain food.

Geocache found:

- Zeller Prapotnik (1727m), GCA9W80, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #geocaching #CatahoulaLeopardDog