Saturday, 29 August 2015

AUGUST 2015 : EASTERN EUROPE : European Peace Walk : Day 21 : Bistra, Slovenia - Postojna, Slovenia (33 kms - 9 1/2 hours with stops)

Distance travelled : 551 kms




Today's directions were a little unclear and have been criticised for the lack of red arrows after 10 kms. Others have suggested taking the bus from near Bistra to Postojna and spending the afternoon at the limestone caves. We decided to take the suggestions on board, so Ros, Kumi and Mark, taking the terrain and heat into consideration, opted for the bus. Jason, Emma, Thelma, Sue and I voted to walk but with a revised route, devised by Emma and maps.me.

         

               Up early to start at 6 am but the hotel provided breakfast buffet and fresh coffee.


         

             Out in the dawn light.

                                         

                                        Castle, across from the hotel, now used for wedding receptions.


          

            We took the highway for several kilometres.


         

            The first town we reached was Vrhnika. The church bells were chiming across the valley.


         

              Horses close to the town.


         

             Fresh produce.


         

The Argo, the boat used by Jason and the Argonauts, in their pursuit of the Golden Fleece. Legend has it that when Jason travelled west towards the Adriatic Sea, he dismantled the boat and the Argonauts carried it overland through this part of the country.

         

We used some back roads out of towns to avoid the busy, main highway. This one led us by a large army camp.


         

          We were fortunate to find some shady roads as the day heated up. 30+ expected today.


        

In the prosperous town of Logatec we found a milk outlet with a difference. Locals buy fresh from the farm milk and yoghurt on tap. You select how much milk you want, place your container in the machine and presto, fresh milk. Sue and I had to experience it, with the help of another customer.


        

          Across the road we had apple strudel and vanilla slice, freshly made and still warm.

                                       

                                          The talented pastry chefs.

                                   

  Jason and Emma led us south- west, trying to find as many quiet, safe paths as they could.


        

          Some logging routes in the forest.

       

         Some attractive houses and apartments. Neat and stylish.


       

           First views of the Julian Mountains.


         

            Lazing in Laze.


         

         Farmland sparkling green with rich, rich soil, ready for the next crop.


         

            Sweeping vistas.


         

           Planina - a town with a rich history.


         

           Distinctive architecture in this limestone country.


         

            One of the grander public buildings.

       

        Lunch in a quiet bar in Planina, sheltering from the heat of the day.


       

        No food available - so it was strudel with beer and nuts.


                                      

                             A tower in the distance, with the roof gleaming like gold.


         

           Still more bulging apple trees and vegetable patches.


        

            Only 7 kms to go.


       

           Some minutes away from the highway and into Postojna.


         

             Jubilation at seeing the city sign. Great work, Jason and Emma!

                                     

                          The first red arrow of the day and only 200m from our destination.

        

            Meanwhile Kumi and Ros enjoyed the afternoon at the Postojna limestone caves.

         

            Tonight we are staying at a large youth hostel close to town.
M&M

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