AUGUST 2015 : EASTERN EUROPE : European Peace Walk : Day 23 : Gornja Kosana, Slovenia - Ocizia, Slovenia (30 kms - 10 hours with stops)

Distance travelled : 606 kms

Hot weather forecast today so we had another early start. The directions were straightforward but there was some confusion over the time frame for today's adventure..and an adventure it was. Long and hot but with some very special sections.

        

 At breakfast today our host offered us schnapps - traditional morning pick-me-up for some. 

Jason and I took up the challenge. He was fired up and I had a more relaxed style today.

       

           Leaving Gornja Kosana.

         

           A donkey with distinctive markings greeted us in the early light.

            

             Gravel paths in the dappled light.

           

             Thistles masquerading as beautiful blue flowers.

         

We had been warned that being a Monday that many of the bars and restaurants would be closed.

A sports bar was open at 8.30am, so we were delighted to have our morning coffee.

                                     

                            The boule cupboard with each ball with an individual design.

                               

      

               Road sign - but what does it mean? Should we be prepared? Martians landing?

        

 We walked into the forest towards the Skocjan Caves. The caves are enormous caused by the Reka River. It is part of a UNESCO program and known as the Karst Biosphere Reserve.

         

         Our notes mentioned a quiet walk by the Reka River.

         

          Suddenly we were on steep goat tracks grateful of guide ropes to aid our ascent.

         

         Then it was a hands and knees exercise to clamber to the top.

       

         A fascinating old ruin at the top. 

         

         Back on the safe forest path.

                                     

                                      

We had fabulous views of some of the caves and passages, linked by bridges and the Reka River flowing through the caves and then disappearing underground, resurfacing near Trieste.

       

          Lunch at the Caves' cafe. Good break before another hot four hours on exposed roads.

        

           Kiwi fruit covering a verandah.

        

           Soldiering on, following red arrows...

       

   A sink hole prevalent in this karst limestone area. They result from the collapse of subterranean cave roofs.

         

             Rest, regroup, drink and reassure ourselves of the directions.

         

            Skirting the highway.

         

          At last, signs of civilisation as we pass under a railway bridge.

        

           Beauty in an ageing building.

         

 Our accommodation tonight is a small village hostel in Ocizia on the Slovenian/Italian border.

         

           We have two dormitories.

      

     Simple meal of mushroom soup and spaghetti bolognese. A quiet, quick meal as we are all 

     tired and some a little battle-scarred.

     Hard to believe tomorrow will be our final day!

M&M

AUGUST 2015 : EASTERN EUROPE : European Peace Walk : Day 22 : Postojna, Slovenia - Gornja Kosana (25 kms - 7 1/2 hours with stops)

Distance travelled : 576 kms

We knew we were up for another hot day but with predictable waymarking, so we opted for a 6.30am breakfast. It was moderate climbs today through pasture, small villages and on minor roads. Hot condiitions with no water available except at cafes. Walking mainly along a ridge with views to the valley below.

       

         Early breakfast at the hostel.

                                       

                      ,                     7am start.

          

              Quick exit out of the town of Postojna and into the countryside.

         

             Attractive hamlets along the path.

       

         Sunday worship. Families checking family plots. All immaculate with fresh flowers.

       

           Some walking on the highway but lovely views and mild conditions early in the day.

       

             Mountain views.

      

          Morning coffee at a 2 star hotel and riding school at Grad Prestanek.

      

         Beautiful buildings on the site.

     

        Barn with colourful roofing.

      

        Walking by freshly mown pasture.

     

       A well dated 1863.

         

           Soft forest paths along a ridge with views to valleys below.

       

          A perfect toadstool.

      

          Woodstacking an artform.

                                

      Still evidence of the February 2014 ice storm, which devastated this area.

     

       We really appreciated shady paths today as the temperatures increased.

       

          Still plenty of delicious blackberries to sample along the way.

                                   

                  Underneath the railway bridge. Much of the construction in this area is of limestone.

        

            Pride in gardens and properties.

         

           Midday. The promise of refreshments and a rest.

        

           A bar in Kal. No food so beer and ice cream had to suffice.

       

          Travelling well. Feeling fit and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

                                     

                                                Geraniums out of the bar window.

        

             Flowers cascading out of window boxes everywhere.

        

          We took the road for the final stretch.

        

Our divine accommodation for tonight. Restaurant, bar and several levels of rooms. We have 

a section of the hotel with 2 rooms (with multiple single beds), a bathroom and verandah for relaxing and drying our clothes. Our generous hosts are Slepca and Istok.

       

          Fresh white linen and air con.

         

        

            Picturesque verandah.

           

         

              Exquisite lunch and dinner.

         

           The little church a few steps from our hostel. 

                                           

I was wandering around the church when a fellow approached me and asked whether we'd like to have a look inside. He went to collect the key - the original key from 1654 when the church was built.

A young stonemason built it in 5 years and then died of the Black Death.

                                         

Branko had made it his mission to restore much of the woodwork. Some of the artwork has been sent away for professional restoration. The church is dedicated to Mary Who Visits Us.

       

Branko has made this ceramic replicas of the church. He gave one to Emma on behalf of us all. The rest of us were conscious of carrying extra weight in our packs!

We could just give him one of our gold kangaroo pins in return.

M&M

PS further to the story of the cute creature we discovered a few days ago. It is a Nutria, an import from South America for its fur. Unfortunately it doesn't stay that size for long but balloons into the dimensions of a large cat and propagates like rabbits and cane toads and has become vermin, endangering native populations and crops.