dRM - Recent messages

Where to start...
Expedition to such a remote peak brings quite a few different "journeys", first just getting there is a story in itself, then the expedition itself, and finally the return home.

After successful arrival at base camp (BC), days of acclimatization followed. Weather seemed delayed by a month here too, no day without precipitation. Looks like winter still lasts, new snow was a daily staple.

After a few days in BC we headed to camp 1 (C1). Here we still felt some presence of civilization. After acclimatization tour to Pik Juhin 5100m (where a day before our arrival they carried out a dead climber), we ate (as much as possible) and fell asleep.

Next day, glacier training: roped walking and mandatory rappel and ascent on rope. That day was also for rest, because at night at 4am came the hardest part so far, move from C1 to C2 at 5300m with all gear in backpack.

Glacier crossing was eventful, new snow always covered crevasses. Some fell into them, if not roped, probably wouldn't be here anymore.

Panting up to C2 was very exhausting. When my buddy and I get the tent, we quickly hide in sleeping bags, as temperature and wind are unlivable.

Here a vicious circle starts, you know you must drink, eat and go to WC, but "don't feel like it", because every "valley thing" so hard to do up here...

Despite all I survive the night (with panic attacks feeling like drowning...), morning action, off to C3 at 6100. I eat Snickers and half chocolate bar, took almost an hour... then step by step to the ridge leading to C3.

On the ridge I rest, know I'm not ok but continue. Before last "steep bit" to C3, last sense tells me "doesn't smell right", barely breathing and weather bad and will be... who carries me from C3?? Here at 5850m I stop, that's it, enough, "doesn't smell right".

Followed descent to C1, extremely exhausting and dangerous due high temps (saw people falling into crevasses).

After lucky return to C1 I think much more soberly and decide, also per weather forecasts, thing ends for me this year.

Without regrets head lower and then in two-day journey arrive home.

-->> EXPEDITION VIDEO <<--

I couldn't find a thread about conditions on Vrtača Pasture, so I'm opening a new one.

Finally winter conditions have returned and the day had to be made use of. Starting from the parking lot at the end of Mojstrana, still in the dark.
This path is really quite strenuous, you don't even have time to warm up, because as soon as you step off the road, the path goes straight up and knee grinding begins anyway, the path was good, mud still frozen so it went fast. More notable snow started around 1200 m.a.s.l. Snow amount increases quickly due to the steep path and gaining height.
I put on snowshoes just after the pasture fence and broke trail to the shepherd's hut. After a break I continued, for a while still on the marked path to Sleme, then straight up to the edge with nice view of Belca and Austria. Snow wasn't settled, so in places (with snowshoes) it sank even over knees, but still a pleasure to tread on untouched snow Tomorrow more snow forecasted, so Sunday might be similar to today, perfect for snowshoeing.

Attaching some photos of conditions and video here.

P.S.: No more winter room in the shepherd's hut (as described in Vrtača Pasture description). Now only shelter is right behind the wooden door, in small space, on the bench.

On Saturday we headed to Monte Plauris aka Lopič via the path starting in Povici di Sopra. In autumn due to leaves and wet ground, in the section below Slips saddle, it becomes quite demanding. Need to cross some torrent too. We descended via path to Tugliezzo hamlet. Nice and solitary tour, recommend.

-> Click for video <-

When a person needs anti-stress therapy, they must first free themselves from "trash" and choose sustainable mountaineering, then they can enjoy the path through uninhabited corners of our mountains.

Wonderful traverse (only) to the bivouac at Globoko pass. From Podbrdo it's about 20km and 2300m elevation gain. In such heat, a large amount of drink is mandatory, because you can't refuel along the way...

Video of the wonderful, peaceful path surrounded by mountain flowers can be found on the link below.

>> WATCH VIDEO <<

Finally managed to put together a slightly more comprehensive trip report. Whoever interested can find it -> here.

Path to Goli vrh no major features, apart from soggy ground and snow patches below summit. Quite windy on top, met two who bivouacked there. Attaching some pics of current state on north side of Grintovci.

Regarding conditions today, I can only say excellent, all soaked and (still) holds.
I won't ramble on, so I'm attaching just a few pics (had full hands so only a few ) and a recording of today's conditions.

You can watch the recording here.

@matic4 (if asking about snowshoes) I think no need, too much extra weight for too little effect. Some postholing yes, but that's part of winter tour charm.

Somewhere around 1200m+ snow starts on the path. If you're early enough, the whole path to the top is firm or frozen and no postholing, of course proper gear is needed for those slopes (so-called microspikes aren't for that). From Srednji vrh to Cjanovci no obvious track, but it went nicely, for descent from Cjanovce I chose direct, there you could feel the base isn't quite right yet, so whoever seeks winter adventure for the upcoming weekend, Srednji vrh at early enough hour is the right choice.

Video of path and conditions from Mač via Dolgih njiv to Srednji vrh and on to Cjanovce you find >> here <<.

Bašelj Peak today was really the right choice. Conditions on the path were good, snow starts somewhere from the first bench onwards with view to "Preddvor lighthouse", then it increases with altitude. Since I was early enough it was creaking underfoot even on descent, otherwise crampons would be needed, as it's icy in places lower down. Along the ridge to the summit conditions varied. Yesterday it was very windy (info firsthand), which showed on the path. Track blown away in places, crusty snow elsewhere, and wind-packed snow on frozen base too, so caution and experience needed. Met people you can count on one hand, and that on descent

Short video of today's conditions here -> HERE <-

While everyone is looking for winter idyll towards Zelenice, this is the real paradise Psssss, don't tell anyone
Otherwise I visited this idyll on Friday, but conditions probably haven't changed, since the temperature was constantly around zero below freezing. As for conditions, I was most worried at the start, those ledges along the logging trail, but there was lots of avalanche debris to cross so I think no major danger there now.

Video from Friday
Click to view

On the last day of this "strange" year I went to the reliable (due to avalanche danger in high mountains) Kriška gora. Even though I was quite late, parking in Gozd was still fairly empty, which changed a lot on return as crowd on path was big. Path is good, doable without crampons, even with bike

In new year I wish all of you lots of luck, health and safe steps. May 2021 be more normal than the year we're leaving and may we meet in mountains as much as possible. Happy and optimistic 2021!

Although the title mentions crossing Na Možeh, my post skips that, namely from Triangel I descended to the path towards Vrtača and at the junction for Suho ruševje turned sharply right and continued to the walls and then up the gully to the beautiful ridge leading to Palec. I won't write about conditions because they will change soon anyway, so I'm just adding some visual snapshots.

Today past Ljubelj hut along ridge path to Triangel. Won't write about conditions as they'll change soon, just adding visual impressions.

Yesterday from hut at Savica, over Komarča and Štapce to top of Mala Tičarica. Path over Komarča is really well arranged, of course not for those who don't like abyss on one side. Path onward to summit nice, no special features, just some fallen trees in forest at Črno jezero. No snow on path, but some if someone wants to play.

Given situation, met no one from start over Komarča to hut at Triglav Lakes, nor on descent, around hut and lakes some hikers milling about, also on summit. When conditions normal and thus many visitors over Komarča, helmet obligatory.

Took few photos, phone is old, so better enjoyed peace and views, some beautiful autumn moments in Bohinj mountains caught on camera.

Click here to watch video of autumn idyll in Bohinj mountains.

Yesterday visiting our highest mountain and meteorological station.
Regarding the current "conditions" in the country, I don't know how much sense it makes to describe the current conditions on the path, so I'd rather attach some pics and a video, for all of us who love to admire the colors of morning in the highlands, so we don't forget what's waiting for us when we overcome the current situation.

But I can say I witnessed the supply of the hut or meteorological station by the Slovenian army, which first brought 6 soldiers by helicopter, who then carried each load (wood, gas, food etc...) to the hut while the helicopter went for new load. Really diligent and professional, bravo guys and Slovenian army.

You can watch the video of the beautiful morning by clicking on this sentence

P.S.: road to Lesa is "good" for those who know the road and know what awaits, for all others, Korito "it is"

Today did the mentioned route. To the Akom bivouac the path is good, damp, of course fitting the surroundings. Bivouac was empty.

Further towards the Three Larches pure idyll of peace, as befits pathless terrain. The last part, right below the Three Larches can be a big issue, terrain very crumbly, need to be skilled at scrambling, of course no words lost on proper footwear. I chose the most suitable passages for myself (different route than described on this page) and enjoyed the views after good two and a half hours walk from the car. Gotta say I really like this path, 'cause no overdoing with cairns like on some "pathless" routes and hope it stays that way.

On descent stopped by Ingota (they were just opening) for good coffee.
Martuljek group is always the right choice when seeking peace.

Attaching some pics of path condition.