65.02 Slovenia revisited 7 years earlier; some of the memorable experiences and photographs.

Hold ('tuck') in the tummy.
Maybe 'stunning' will cover the position and view.
  I always knew that relating the story would be far more enjoyable than creating the experience, that is, living through it. It’s one of the few things I got right. Anyway, there we were tucked away in Slovenia having a most enjoyable and testing experience. Unfortunately, Jen tripped on a protruding stone on a trail and landed on her chest in a damaging manner. That put her out of hiking action for a week.

  I decided to take a hike or was it Jen that told me to ‘take a hike, I forget which. I drove to a trailhead, enjoyed the experience, missed my girl much, and then headed back to our apartment. Within 3 miles of home, I came across a construction crew who were repairing the road. They had closed access until 6pm or some 3-4 hours later. I then turned the car about and headed back up the long hill but pulled over at the crest to study the map. I saw 3 cyclists stopped on the side of the road and approached them, hoping for a quick but accurate directional lesson. 

  Before I even opened my mouth, their leader pulled out a phone indicating I should snap a few shots of these magnificent specimens. While I was concerned about finding my way home, they were interested in capturing their images for posterity. After completing the task for them and then asking for some help, it appeared I would have to drive over the mountain, enter Italy and make my way past Austria, re-enter Slovenia, and then I should be quite close to home. Of course, the map, the GPS and the cyclists did not know with whom they were dealing. 

  If I recall, the journey, together with bicycle shots and confirming I was on the correct route with a German couple as we stopped at another set of road works, took a little under an hour. That I had to leave Slovenia, travel through part of Italy, pass close-by Austria, and reenter Slovenia to return home is in one way quite amusing; it could also be construed as frustrating especially as I did not anticipate the event as well as lacked confidence about the route. As mentioned earlier, it’s a nice story when told post return. Also, I'll never forget the experience.

A good climb including chains to assist.
Jen enjoys the high diving-board; for me, makes me a little bored...should read 'rather make me a little board'.
Getting to meet our neighbors.
Lake Bled.
A lot of upward movement.
How green (deep) is our valley.
Searching for the gap.
Jen makes a comeback after an injury...great effort.
Gentle landscapes?
Gorge(ous).
At Lake Bled, perched on a rock.
Fascinating but also very challenging...the best kind.
...and again. Nature sure knows how to boast. Barry Jahn, a prolific Oregonian hiker, liked this one.
A view from Vogel Peak.
Heading to...'nowhere', the story of my endeavors in the wilderness.
Jen appears lost so you can imagine my fear of having our 'human compass' losing 'north'.
It's a struggle then and I was still 'young' in those days.

I wish I could paint this scene; then again, the colors are just fine as they are.
A room with a view into Italy.
We were heading down to that minor peak which we termed 'major' or even 'Sir'.
Looking down into Austria.
Looks like we'll make Vogel Peak.
A tranquil position.
Shower time in the great outdoors...with bathing suit, without soap.
Jen takes a break just off a path as we head to the peak. (See Lady in Red...I mean 'blue' left of snow).
Confronted by this sight as we close in on the top.
Standing in the carpark with the incredible Svinjak Peak behind. We think the usage of the carpark is indicative of the strenuous ascent.
A reverse view from the peak.
Speaking earlier of a high-diving board (Telephoto).
The service makes the hike a lot easier, they even serve tea and coffee, but only one-way. The roto-blade ceased spinning so it became a little 'trickier' to maintain height. Does reduce time of the return journey though.
Unfortunately, Jen was injured, so she sent me up to scout the peak. Most impressive.
The big one of Slovenia, Mount Triglav, one early morning.
From Vogel Peak.
Jen making her way amongst the jagged rocks.
Both taking the gap to reach the peak.

Fifty years ago, someone said we made a 'cute' couple. We have been searching profusely for that person, even on peaks. The person is obviously unique.
Jen reaches a high while a little round-the-bend.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

What's not to like of the land; time to consider a return.