cupkovic - Recent messages

On 12-09-2010 in the hut at Triglav Lakes, someone (probably by mistake) swapped my Alpina Vision boots no. 12 (47) and left his two sizes smaller (same model boots). Please, let that person contact me at 031 236 107.
"Descending to the valley with too small boots I would forget as soon as possible, although the black toenails will remind me for a long time."

Yesterday, by egg to D station – Kanin. Today's goal was the pathless summit Lopa. As fog was rising, we didn't dare up the ridge from the south side (today recon tour, ridge some other time). Normal access is along the north Italian side over scree. The scree and rocks were still damp and cold from morning dew. The track is marked with cairns (we even saw a faded mark?). Before the summit section we roped up, as we didn't know what else awaited us to the top. Summary: climbing is "I" grade and nowhere problematic (exposed). We descended without additional protection. After the flat ridge section we walked to the notch between Lopa and Vršiči pod Lopa (ridge foresummits). Due to clouds, the full course of the ridge traverse wasn't visible. Rating: the tricky (annoying) spot is the central notch (rocks and grass at about 70 degrees slope) and the ridge cut where rope protection is mandatory. En route we also climbed Prestreljenik and back with the last ride down to the valley for beer and planning ahead. Nice greetings from Koper.

We set off to Bricejk (Loška stena) from Bavšica at 7:00. No clouds, no wind either. To the hunting hut (above Planina Bala) the path is pleasant and marked (marked path continues to shelter below Špička). Before the hut there is a small spring, so I recommend refilling water supplies. It spurts more than it flows from the spring, but that didn't bother us as we enjoyed the rest. We continued sharply left towards our goal. The forest path is easily traceable because the cairns are frequent. On rocks there are remnants of marks which were obviously diligently erased. At the forest exit we were greeted by sunshine and steep grasses. We followed the trail only by cairns as it was no longer visible. A bit of patience is needed to the first boulders. Later we spotted the trail on the left side and started grinding our knees again. An annoying spot on the path is crossing the small slope (left of Stador - above scree) because it is very crumbly and there is no sense trusting the grass. Mists started gathering towards the summit and we raced to see who would reach the summit first. Sadly the clouds were the winners and there were hardly any views. We didn't continue to Oltarji. Descent in fog seemed quite risky to us, so we drank beer on the summit and went straight down to the valley. On descent be careful of holes in the grass (between rocks), which can be a rather nasty experience. On the path we met only one hiker, so Bricejk is the right choice for anyone seeking a nice panoramic summit and solitude.
Greetings from Koper.

@Ksena, it seems to me we met at the summit on Saturday. I added a photo of one of the groups to my post (maybe you're on that photo - see summit photo). I added path description to Current conditions - Viš.
@DarjaZaplotnik, always glad when I meet forum mountaineers. Hope you had a good time. Until next meeting in mountains, best regards from Koper.

Corrected. Igor, thanks for the remark. If any other error has crept in, it would be right to fix it so as not to mislead anyone. Regards,

Yesterday (03-09-2011) we went to Viš via Gola Nord-Est (NE couloir of Viš) from Pellarini hut. To summit under 5 hrs and we were first on top just before 11. Even if we ordered the weather, probably wouldn't get such a beautiful day. For crossing the snowfield before wall entry we used ice axe and crampons. Otherwise possible without gear since snowfield is loaded with stones, but we chose the "safe" variant as we were already carrying all gear. If you scratch the snowfield you find solid ice below!! Path marks are sparse and faded, but there are cairns at key spots so orientation is not difficult. The wall entry at snowfield exit bothered me somewhat. We entered at the upper ledge although there was a red dot visible 20 m lower! After the ledge the path is trodden and we quickly find cairn and mark. Path through gully is beautiful, varied, pristine. Path follows natural passages and scrambles over smooth loaded boulders. Cables only where really necessary. Some damaged but no major obstacle. Distances between pitons large so intended for belay not progression. Climbing next to cable nowhere exceeds "weak" II grade – short jumps or entry chimney (if I allow this terminology for technical scramble), plenty holds so climbing is pure pleasure. 7 m high overhanging rock obstacle well protected no problems (carved steps and added pitons). Only annoying is short descent along cable before exit to grassy ledge (God's ledges), otherwise path without special features. Of course constant concentration and experience from similar paths needed. Summit almost windless and great views. For descent we chose Anita Goitan traverse as we had to return to Pellarini hut for items left there. Path scenic on ledges. Continued on path 627 to fork for Pellarini hut. Path 618 to Žabniška škrbina (Sella Carnizza) is secured. Descent from škrbina "straight" on scree was adrenaline (at one moment had to brake with all claws ). Don't recommend chosen off-official path option, as it's not pleasant at all. Path 618 goes on left side of debris (viewed from top of škrbina). Still beer in hut and end of this nice tour.
On path met only 3 Italians and more than 50 Slovenes. Before we descended from Viš several Slovene groups reached the top and from their talk I concluded they are active hribi.net portal users. Nice greetings to all from Koper.

Today start at 5:00 from Koper and arrival at the mountain pasture and cheese dairy at 7:30. We repeated the route already described by I. Zlodej. Thanks for the inspiration for this great tour. Marmots were hiding so we only heard them, didn't see them. Weather stabilized quickly after yesterday's rain so we had a nice day for the mountains today. Rock on Zermula is compact so we bypassed many cables by ourselves (free climbing on natural holds). On descent from Zuc della Guardia need to be a bit careful due to scree. Took 5 hours for the tour.

Today on Jalovec there were quite a few of us (I counted 10). I started before Erjavčeva hut on Vršič at 5:00 and it took me less than 5 hours to the top. For the ascent I chose the path (turnoff Mali kot) over Jalovška škrbina and wall of Goličica. There is still plenty of snow (snowfield approx. 250m) on the exit part of Goličica - scree (or that exit part of Ozebnik). For the crossing I used ice axe and crampons. When you reach the saddle between Jalovec wall and Loški žleb you need to cross a small steep snowfield (without ice axe you are tempting fate). Those going from Špiča side will have to cross only that short steep snowfield! Jalovec wall crumbly with faded marks. Where there are no marks there are cairns (marks at key points renewed). On the ridge it blew like a hundred devils. If you hid on south side no wind, then on ridge very dangerous gusts. On descent still beer at shelter under Špička and finished circular tour at Vršič. Path from Špička to Vršič drags on . Unfortunately I forgot camera at home, so please if someone else who was today on Jalovec adds them.

Photos were taken on Saturday (26-03-2011) morning. We started at 6:30 from Planina Kuhinja and reached the summit in a good 3 hours. Summit was in fog, so no views at all. Snow starts above 1800m. In places it broke through. On descent slushballs formed. Winter conditions up top, spring in the valley.

Sunny weather and more than a meter of snow lured crowds of hikers, ski tourers and boarders to Snežnik. To find some parking spot, you have to set off earlier. The path is well trodden (as igorf mentioned before). Bushes can hardly be seen anymore. In the last hundred meters a strong wind was blowing annoyingly. Great trip, I recommend when there is no strong bura .

Cloudy weather and fog didn't bother us on the ascent to Gradiška tour. Several groups were going up the Furlan ferrata. Upper part of the path needs to be a bit more careful, due to wet leaves and slippery rocks. The fog-shrouded summit was too small today for all who were heading up.

A few days ago the bora blew everything away and the Julian Alps were clearly visible even from Koper.

Today we ascended Kuk Spire. At about 1500 m you need to watch out (right after coming out of the forest). The first cairn can be misleading because the real path starts only after 15 m. You can hike on that path too, just need to struggle a bit more. Then follow the barely visible track to the right. The nasty scree drags to the saddle, then it gets better somehow. Weather was fantastic, no wind, so we hiked in short sleeves. A bit below the saddle we basked in the sun. At the summit about 15 people. The alpine mouse is still eager for company so it posed for the camera.

They mistakenly exchanged my Alpina Vision 953 boots in the hut (See forum). I was very satisfied with Alpina boots so I bought new ones - again Alpina. Hope they will serve me as well as the old ones.
In Alpina you can claim one year warranty with receipt.

Of course the small boots are useless to me. I'll leave the chance for a few more days that the "newly baked owner" of my boots contacts me, if not we can do business.
Let the money circulate!
"One thing is certain; when I overnight in a hut, the boots will be next to me (in the backpack)."

Today I bought new boots, because I strongly doubt I'll get the old ones back. I'm not giving up mountains because of this. Thanks everyone for suggestions on solving this issue. I left my details in the hut, so it's still relevant.
Safe steps and happy in the mountains.