Something new, not both foreign nationals:
On Sunday, October 13th, the nice weather was calling us to the mountains. So with my colleague from Canada, we set off from Planica to Kotovo sedlo. We were decently shod and dressed. The mountain tops were snowy, but I figured it would melt by afternoon. We climbed to the bivouac below Kotovo sedlo via the summer path. The snow was nicely south-facing and allowed reliable and safe walking. I had a rope and some karabiners with me, so I could belay my colleague on exposed sections. Since walking on the soft snow was so pleasant, I decided to descend past Jalovčev ozebnik, along the ski touring route, as I figured the descent on the south snow covering the gravel path, where walking in dry conditions isn't the most pleasant, would be quick. When we got below Jalovec, the snow was getting more frozen, but I figured it would be better lower down. At first, kicking steps was enough by kicking harder into the snow, later I helped myself with ski poles. I didn't have an ice axe with me because I didn't expect winter conditions in mid-October. The snow was getting more frozen, the surface like glass. Two pitches below the end of the glacier, I assessed that the conditions had become too dangerous to continue, so I called for help by phone. Via Austrian and Slovenian police, they connected me to GRS Rateče station, where they promised assistance. Just in case, we climbed back below Jalovec wall, where I dug a shelter in the snow from the wind. Luckily we were well dressed, but if we had to spend the night there, I don't know how it would have ended. In the first twilight, we spotted the helicopter. A friendly rescuer descended to us on the winch, then everything went smoothly, we landed in Rateče as it was getting dark. In the dark and under the impression of what happened, we could only thank the rescuers for saving us. I couldn't remember their faces, so now in Rateče I greet everyone on the street. Finally, on behalf of both, I want to thank the Austrian and Slovenian police, GRS Rateče rescuers and the helicopter unit for saving us from a hopeless situation that was solely the result of my wrong decision to ascend in conditions that initially seemed favorable but could easily have become fatal. Thanks guys! Shawnda Morrison and Miro @[100005903953954:2048:Vrhovec>