JUNE 3014 : EASTERN EUROPE : Slovenian walk : Day 6 : Stanjel - Tomaj(3 and a half hours)

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Day 6 : Stanjel to Tomaj (3 and a half hours)

Weather : fine, hot, 26o

Very homely breakfast room in Marije's B&B in Stanjel

Marije and her husband are former teachers who renovated several buildings in the castle precinct

Today was a glorious walk past vineyards, through small towns, shaded woodlands. The most interesting phenomena was the sink holes along the way. Sink holes are characteristic in Karst limestone country. They are large holes that fill with soil, which is particularly red and fertile. They look like UFO landing bases.

Leaving the castle

This attractive home at the lower end of the castle has renovated rooms in the wall.

Villagers below on Stanjel proper continue the castle theme.

 

                                 A view back to the castle

                                   

                                  Hot day but we were on soft paths and shady lanes

                               Butterflies and bees out circling the wildflowers

 

       View back to Mt Nanos (and villages further north) which we circumnavigated two days ago

                                  

                Mark, map and guidebook in hand, following instructions like a treasure map.

         A sink hole - a phenomenon of the limestone cave system in the Karst region

         Note the rich red fertile soil

  

    Another huge sink hole with me in the middle.

        A welcome drink with our packed lunch at a bar/cafe in Tomaj

Our accommodation tonight is a working farm on the outskirts of a sizeable town. The large property, a little like a Mexican hacienda, sits on a hill  with fabulous views, a vineyard out the back gate and four generations of family activity around about. And they have a pool! We are so pleased that we are here for an extra night as we plan to do some sightseeing in the area tomorrow. 

        

      Tourist Farm Skerrj. Wine, honey, livestock (including breeding rabbits), cherry orchard, olives and

      huge vegetable garden

  

   Internal courtyard with accommodation in rooms above, bar/ restaurant below

 Across the road below their olive grove is a beautiful pool and relaxation area. Perfect temperature for swimming, which of course I did. 

M&M

19/6/2014