Sigmundfreund - Recent messages

In general, although I am a big mountain lover, I personally assess that today the Slovenian Julian Alps no longer return what I financially invest in them. There are other, equally attractive alternatives at more reasonable prices.
Fortunately, I am a representative of a generation that still managed to catch some other times, when we could enjoy them thoroughly in still acceptable traffic-logistical, economic and prohibitive as well as obligational circumstances.

Question posed to artificial intelligence 1:
"Please calculate the costs of a two-day visit to Kriški podi, if I live in Koper.
Take into account that I drive to the paid parking lot at the beginning of the Zadnjica valley with a car that consumes 6.1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. I already have the vignette purchased. Take into account one overnight stay in Pogačnik's hut on Kriški podi for a family of 4, who treats themselves to one dinner.
Child's age 15 years. All family members are PZS members (thus discount in the hut). Additionally, also take into account the purchase of food for the trail and one lunch in Bovec on the way back home."

Answer from artificial intelligence 1 (I am publishing only the summary of total costs):
"Realistic cost range from 280-360 EUR"

Question posed to artificial intelligence 2:
"Do the same calculation for me, without taking into account that all family members are PZS members (thus without taking into account the discount on overnight stay in the hut)."

Answer from artificial intelligence 2 (I am publishing only the summary of total costs):
"Realistic cost range from 330-410 EUR"

In short, not little.

Every period brings a different level of accessibility of certain goods.
In old Yugoslavia travel to distant destinations was difficult to access, foreign brand cars mostly unattainable. Building a house was affordable to anyone compared to today's conditions.
Once hiking in mountains was accessible practically to everyone, today it is becoming a luxury. But for that reason mobile phones and applications are accessible, it is possible to get 1 TV set in every room of the apartment (in the time of Yugoslavia 1 phone and 1 TV set per village).
Man is an adaptable being, so I am not afraid that he would not be able to manage the transition from physical mountain feats to mobile screens and Garmins.

Some of us already abandoned the Julian Alps a few years ago because of the increasingly complicated system of visits, rules and restrictions at every step and also rip-offs.
Basically, if you want for example from Koper to Prisank and back, almost as extensive logistics organization is needed as for an expedition to Karakoram. Not to mention the financial, even more the time investment. Theoretically required time: 1 hour to Nova Gorica + min. 2 hours on the “demanding” road to Trenta + 1/2 hour waiting for the bus + 1/2 hour driving with bus to Vršič + ascent and return from the tour + 1/2 hour waiting for bus + 1/2 hour driving with bus back to Trenta + min. 3 hours home.
Just the (tiring) drive with bus transfers takes 8 hours. If we add the ascent and descent (approx. 6.5 h), we get to 14.5 h. This already requires in addition to transport costs, paying possible parking fees (and finding a legal parking spot), additional activities for organizing overnight stay and quite substantial overnight costs.
For those of us who live a bit further from the mountain starting points, due to the forcing of so-called “sustainable measures” the Julian Alps almost no longer come into consideration. It is simpler and faster (better traffic connections) and cheaper (in many places there are no parking fees, but there are well-arranged parking lots) to step on some peak in the Dolomites.