boštjanko - Recent messages

13.11. from Soča to Ovčje Planje Peak.

Already on the way back from Bavški Grintavec last year, the view from Planina nad Sočo towards the ridge above it charmed me.
It felt like there shouldn't be a problem reaching the ridge along the grassy clearing leading to it in the middle. The only unknown was the not-too-wide strip of forest to cross.
It turned out to be quite dense in places, plus there's quite a bit of avalanche-fallen trees. Fairly quickly I came upon something that looked like a path and was quite traceable. After emerging from the forest, orientation is no problem - just along the clearing to the ridge. The meadow is steeper than it looked from the hut. Upon reaching the ridge, a "second world" opens up - vast meadows towards Ovčje Planje Peak. The steepness eases from here.
Then along the little ridge to the summit Pri Banderi and a short descent and ascent to Ovčje Planje Peak.
Anyone seeking peace in the mountains will surely find it here. I didn't meet anyone all day...

On Saturday 22.4. a nice one for "after lunch" - ascent to Kopa above Gozdec.

My "interest" in this peak started a couple of years ago when returning from Babanski Skedenj and admiring its steep walls. It looked almost inaccessible...
In January this year I noticed that some maps even show a path to it. So I went to check before heavy snowfall. From parking (start for Babanski Skedenj / Laško Planjo) another cca 1.5 km on gravel road to its end (cca 1000m asl).
Then the more interesting part began. I immediately found the start by feel and soon noticed some faint markers. But soon lost the trail. After a few unsuccessful search loops I remembered the free Outdooractive app. Quickly back on the right path. Markings and trail visibility improve greatly after 100 elevation meters. Then I turned back about 100 elevation meters below summit due to night approaching...
This Saturday completed the ascent.
As often, a new goal appeared on the ascent. From the top a wide and well-preserved (at least upper part) mulatiera leads to Gozdec. So a loop from start possible. Took a short walk on this "highway" to viewpoint above abyss.
Interesting peak with steep walls on two sides towering high above Boka Waterfall. Who seeks peace and solitude will find it there for sure.

29.6. from Trenta to Zadnja Lopa, Little Špičje, Goriški rob, Big Špičje and over the Valley of the Seven Lakes to Prehodavci and back to Trenta.

For some time the idea of a circular tour over the wonderful ridge of Lepega Špičja has been ripening in me.
Path without features, on the ridge path met only 3 female hikers. Temperatures in the highlands very pleasant, only the sun burned mercilessly.
Descent to the Valley of Seven Lakes dragged on but was worth the effort. No need to waste words on the beauty of the lakes. But I was surprised by chamois and marmots along the path. They were not scared of encounters at all and even let themselves be photographed.
Arrived at Prehodavci and the hut already "on fumes" as my drinks ran out below Zeleno jezero. No need to emphasize how the beer went down that I had been dreaming about all afternoon...
Got to the valley already in the dark but full of unforgettable impressions.
In total almost 2300m altitude and under 35 km.

12.1. to Clean Peak in fresh snow.

Start at second ramp at cca 1000 m. Road almost bare at start. At 1250 m snow still less than 10 cm, at Planina v Plazeh (1540 m) already over half meter. There I put on snowshoes, as sinking became more annoying. Path through forest nicely trackable thanks to ski tourer who went a bit before me. Snow as expected more and more. After forest exit wonderful views to snow-covered trees below peak. In sloped traverse used ice axe for better feel. Last part of path quite windy. Every few minutes stronger gusts, swirls and snow carried over slope. On summit small plain of drifted snow formed. Due to harsh conditions soon turned back to valley.
When I thought I saw all for today, experienced "golden light" in forest. Right place right time.
Road to ramp walked so many times it didn't drag. Especially recalling memories of unforgettable day. Full moon lit it for a while.
Total almost 18 km...

Thanks, zokipoki.
Better a slightly worse photo than a perfect one that doesn't show the essence...
Good luck to you too!

Congratulations on the epic tour. If the views were even better, it would be too much beauty for one day.

29.6. from Trenta to Zadnja Lopa and Little Špičje.

Wonderful day above the Valley of Seven Lakes, one of the most beautiful highlands for me.
Path without features, just a little snow along the path to Prehodavci - just for refreshment. Also on the continuation of the path to Big Špičje according to two hikers there is no more snow. But there are still some snow patches towards Zelnarice.
Met quite a few hikers on Špičje. Even more on the way back to Trenta. A friendly girl explained to me that they have
celebration of the 70th anniversary of the hut at Prehodavci...

22.1. from the parking in Zadnjica to the end of the valley (junction of paths to Dolič/Prehodavci).

A beautiful winter walk where, despite low temperatures, fairy-tale views warm you from all sides.
At the start there was snow only as a sample. It became more and more fairy-tale above the last homestead. From there on, snow-covered branches were bending over the path almost all the time. But it was possible to proceed nicely by "slaloming" between them. At the end there were cca 25 cm of unpacked snow.
A special feeling when stepping into pristine whiteness.
Only at home did I think how lively it would be on the path if temperatures were above zero. Certainly not so fairy-tale...

27.12. from Trenta along the wonderful mule track to Staro Utro.

Start in Trenta under the cloud dome that's been persisting for a couple days. After a few clumps of hardened snow by the road I'd guess winter conditions start soon. Actually the first snow patches appeared almost 700 m higher. Above 1400 m walking on softened snow began. Before the hut up to 25 cm. Winter gear not needed.
As expected, I rose above the clouds and enjoyed the views.
As expected, on the whole path I met no one, not even Lojze.
It added up to nearly 16 km.

On Sunday to Polica and Peščenk for views and autumn colors.

The July storm caused real devastation in this area. I hoped for new views, as it cleared a strip in the previously dense forest in the upper part of the road. I deliberately went on Sunday, when less chance of foresters working. Actually in the last part there's quite a big worksite with mobile cable crane. And judging by the huge piles of wood in the lower part of the path, foresters aren't resting...

Boka Waterfall yesterday afternoon - a day after heavy rain...

12.10. from Trenta to both Zelnarice.

Another one fulfilled from my "bucket list".
Start at parking in Zadnjica autumn chilly, parking almost empty. Larches along the path to Prehodavci slowly getting autumn color; need another week. From Prehodavci descent to Green Lake. Then quickly to the top of Mala Zelnarica. Views wonderful, especially the view of the lake in Ledvice doesn't leave you indifferent. All the time looking towards Velika Zelnarica guessing how pathless it is to it. Worry unnecessary, as it's quite easy to reach. Just about 100m below the saddle turn uphill, head to narrow grass strip where there are even cut steps.
Shorter day dictated faster descent pace. Still last part with headlamp...

Wonderful experience on one of the last pleasantly warm days this year.

App calculated over 2000m ascent and ca 30km distance.

30.9. from Bavšica along the ridge to Bavarian Grintavec and descent to Soča.

Wonderful day in the kingdom of ibex (and deer ).
Start in Bavšica at 7am; right away my buddy and I heard familiar sounds - deer rutting. It accompanied us for at least 2 more hours, at times quite close. Nice addition to the otherwise steep path, with various associations quite some laughter.
At the junction for Sedlo Kanja new direction signs are installed. At the "Soča 7h" we noted it's one of the longer times on these signs. Upon reaching the ridge a nice surprise awaited us - freshly marked path!
This greatly eased progress. If I think of my searching for faded marks 3 years ago...
Continuation from Mali Grintavec quite interesting, ridge picturesque, descent on scree slow and "for sure". Here we met a group of young ibex. They warned others of our presence with a special kind of whistling that kept us laughing for a while.
Almost alone at the top, followed by the less pleasant part of the tour - descent to Soča village. Glad we chose September for the tour. Temperatures just right.
The tour is quite demanding, ascent from Bavšica quite steep. On the ridge and scree need careful steps. Otherwise mountain delight.

App calculated 1750 m ascents and 1950 m descents for me.
Žiča, thanks for joining!

Great tour! And apt description I can imagine those motorcyclists in full gear
My consolation for similar "feats" was "bad start, good end"

Thanks, ločanka.
You think well

@garmont, I wish you would fulfill your wish as soon as possible Just order nice stable weather beforehand.

@darinka4, I believe Plaški Vogel wouldn't be too big a bite for you...
And in these beautiful places it's hard to rush. How else would you absorb all those beauties, solitude, wilderness...

@Trobec, I too was a bit surprised by this otherwise friendly couple.
They weren't on any summit, but it's already praiseworthy they didn't get lost. They had very minimalist backpacks though...

27.8. from Pod Zjabci to Travnik and Plaski Vogel.

The start looked quite miserable when a few drops sprinkled my buddy and me at the starting point. Both agreed with my theory "bad start, good end".
The path to Planina za Skalo passed very quickly on "auto pilot". The rocky jump secured with a chain isn't overly overgrown with nettles. The path through Travnik Valley is quite well trodden.
The valley is really picturesque and enchanted me years ago with its fairytale quality.
Continuation up the valley (more and more off-trail), then left into steep grass to Travnik Saddle. From here right along the grassy ridge with wonderful views. At the top of Travnik we sat a bit; the cold wind already hinted that summer is ending.
Few come here to enjoy the peace - the last entry was 4 days ago.

Continuation to Plaski Vogel initially looks easy, but crossing steep grass didn't feel too good. If they were just a bit wet... There aren't many cairns either.
Descent from the top of Plaski Vogel to the saddle at the end of Travnik Valley and then descent down the left side of the valley over scree (here the path is most obvious).

In the middle of Travnik Valley I was just explaining to my buddy that this is one of the last hidden corners before Czechs and other foreigners. Then we spot two dots descending between Čelo and Vršac. Later we learn they are a young Belgian couple...

In total about 1700m ascent and ca 20 km. Thanks Edo for participating in pathfinding!