Spring Holidays

The Julian’s Log

Ninth Post

"SPRING HOLIDAYS"

With the snow melting down here in the valley, but still deep snow lying up in the high mountains, the best form of exercise and way to see the scenery at the moment is by bike. When we bought our bikes, I thought that mine wouldn’t be used too much, as I’ve never found a bike and a hill go together very well. However, there are many accessible and enjoyable routes from our apartment and many more for us to aim towards another time….including the 50 hairpin bends up and down the Vrsic Pass…

FOCUS On……….LOCAL CYCLE ROUTES

Mojstrana lies on the disused railway through Kranjska Gora and on to Tarvisio in Italy. With the aid of European funding, this has been converted into a fantastic 33km cycle path, taking in meadows, local villages and cycling under some of the biggest alpine peaks in the Julian Alps. One option is to cycle 12 km then, diverting from the track, leave the bikes at the bottom of the Gozd Martuljek Waterfalls and hike up right alongside these awesome falls, arriving at a typical alpine pasture with superb hut and outside kitchen.
From Kranjska Gora, you can cycle across the border into Italy and if you want to take in a small challenging hill and be rewarded by stunning lakes surrounded with a backdrop of the Julian Alps, then cycle on to Laghi di fusini. Here you can enjoy food from one of the lakeside bars or take a picnic whilst admiring the view.
Another route from the apartment is up the Vrata valley, a 16km track with a couple of testing of climbs; total ascent 300m. Cycle past the spectacular Pericnik waterfall and through shady forest glades, with wild flowers all around and nearer the top, some alpine cows wander amongst the small summer- houses. If you don’t see them, you may hear their cowbells. Again, at the top there is a superb Mountain Dom, serving traditional food and the view is one of the best, as you are literally at the base of the North face of Mount Triglav. There are plenty of opportunities to have a refreshing paddle in the crystal clear water of the River… you follow it for the whole route.


For a more pastoral route, cycle from Mojstrana to Bled, along a 22km track through the pretty Radovna valley. Small farms, hamlets and lakes lie nestling in this green valley. En route, stop at the “Kreda Lake” and enjoy a swim in the peaceful, natural surroundings.





Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition. The next Blog focus will be on

May Day Celebrations

Spring in the Julian Alps

The Julian’s Log

Eighth Post

“SPRING HOLIDAYS”
The snow is finally melting and the weather has been fantastic now for 10 days. The grass is beginning to recover from being under snow for 4 months. Spring in the Alps is beautiful as the contrast in colours between the blue sky, white snow capped mountains, greening trees and blossoms is so clear. There are now people out and about walking, roller blading, running and cycling as we all endeavor to get fit again!

FOCUS On……….EASTER AND EMERGING FLOWERS

The Slovenian people enjoy this time of year for both it’s religious importance and as a time to anticipate Spring and celebrate the awakening of nature. This is evident as they
place decorations of catkins and decorated eggs outside their homes. On the Saturday before Easter Sunday, an Easter basket is taken to church to be blessed. The basket may comprise of cured meats such as sausages, salamis and ham, potica (traditional cake) horseradish root that is then grated on the meats and, of course an Easter egg for each member of the family. The eggs are hard boiled and decorated with patterns having been cooked in onion skins.




On Easter Sunday we visited Ljubljana with friends and the children enjoyed a street fair and painted eggs using melted wax. This decorating of eggs is an old tradition here in Slovenia.
With the sun, have come the early flowers; hellebores, primroses and hepatica which lighten the forest floors and violets, coltsfoot, anemones, Spring Horsetail and toothwort on the banks of the paths. The pastures are full of Purple crocus, which are generally white, and, at first glance, look like sprinklings of snow on the grass. This is just the beginning

we look forward to the rest….

Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition. Next Blog focus will be on
LOCAL CYCLE ROUTES