This is the last blog to be posted for a while. After the first three pictures, we share some feelings about various people who have traveled with us vicariously, followed by some pictures of two very steep climbs in the amazing Julian Alps of Slovenia. Prior to this posting are 4 others displaying Slovenian scenes (scroll down for these.)
The only reason we are not moving steeply upwards is because we diverted to catch a glimpse of the 'slap' (waterfall). The climb to Black Lake looks vertical and from ground level appears impossible.
As in many countries, there are often cables/ropes where you don't need them and none when they are necessary.
Perhaps, it's us.
Lake Bohinj from height. Now you're talking...
While we would have wished to include in our book, ("A Life Experience..."), the names of people who read our blog and make interesting, fascinating and perceptive comments, instead we have settled for this narrative which is inadequate but sort of has our hearts in the right place, if we may be so bold and also be permitted, to express such sentiment.
The first section deals with people mentioned by name in the book.
Mom features briefly, so do our three children, Gavin, Natalie and Robert plus our two grandchildren, Ellie and Benny. Thereafter, Gary Lewis asks a perceptive question; Derek Lichter provides an interesting comment; Barry Jahn, someone we met on a trail in Oregon in 2013 had us laughing hysterically at my expense (what a pleasure) for which we still smile if not laugh; Bill Arras, also from Oregon whom we met on ‘Charity’ Mountain, when not in hot air balloons, is well grounded in affairs of the world; Ben Brooks, an influential school master from the sixties; Dr. Norman Kane fixed me ‘good and proper’ and more importantly, canceled his subscription to National Geographic in favor of ours, so he charms us.
The next section incorporates a list of readers who have contributed in their own way. We could not include everyone, as much as we wished to, and know we will omit people who should have been on the list. Nevertheless, being on the mountains is a dangerous pastime but not as dangerous as the consequences of leaving out deserving individuals.
Here goes:
Maude Alge provides consistent encouragement as well as a view from the clouds;
Ron Allegretto is over generous, both in compliments and emails. Since meeting him and Joanne in Palm Desert one winter, we can’t help having a stronger feeling for Canadians (Vancouver) because of them…eh! What a special man!
Brian Murray, the musician supreme, encourages us steadily, complemented by Johan Meiring, two fellows from the Barclays days, back in South Africa;
Hil Saks, Jenni’s sister, who should have written the book;
Nora Laiken who encouraged us strongly in the early days;
Jonna, who we met with husband Tim, in Sedona years ago. She provides a wonderful perspective as well as perception of what she sees in the pictures and gleans from the text;
Norman Smith writes so beautifully that we stop to consider his words carefully;
Colyn Levin is a great friend and mean golfer. Had to think for a moment not to mix the order of the two adjectives;
Errol Grolman can write in five words what takes us a whole paragraph to explain. He neither wastes nor minces words so when he says something nice, the soul is touched.
Paul and Debbie Shtein are terrific. Paul is an inspiration and Debbie makes us feel incredible when she puts pen to paper. Their brother-in-law, Hugo, captures the nub of things and sister-in-law Stephanie is a treat;
Lionel Greenberg, a man with a courageous and generous heart is a good friend to us;
Doug Morton of Pietermaritzburg is a superb writer and photographer with an understated sense of humor and a ‘pile’ of wisdom;
Linda Bernstein writes beautifully, succinctly and with understanding;
Robyn Lichter sends ‘pick-us–up’ words of praise at the right time;
Bessie Wainstein does the same thing;
Barbara Frank knows how to tie one of our anecdotes into an amusing incident of her and Gary’s life;
Dani Marcus encouraged us to get into print, thank you;
Adrienne Bernstein in Israel and Reina Kraft from Houston, both cousins of Jenni and each other, write the sweetest words;
Jackie and David Diamond are wonderful supporters;
Ana Olivensky has her own style of expression that reaches deep inside us;
Chaya, we miss you and your perception; where are you?
Nina Varkel, we enjoy your comments;
The Zimbabwe ‘girls’, Gill Midgen and Josette Bernstein now of Seattle have been inspirational supporters from the early days;
The Peipers from Dallas blow wonderful tunes to us;
Betty Hoffman, always a source of inspiration: older, wiser and even stronger;
Mark Michealow, someone Jeffrey met recently, actually 55 years ago. We have a long-standing ‘serious joke’ between ourselves, at my expense;
Howard Greek always provides his ‘continental’ slant on things;
Barry Kassar for his insights, and prodding when necessary.
And a special expression of appreciation to Stan Smookler who runs articles/links of Hike-about in his world renowned publication.
Thank you one and all as well as those not mentioned. Each has contributed in some way to enriching our lives. For that, we are most grateful.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Further book information, "A Life Experience..."
Truth be told, after writing the above note it did not seem or feel appropriate to write text for a blog (I felt quite flat). So pictures follow of the two high elevation gain hikes.
On Vogel track, mostly a loop, Jenni comes out the glacial valley on the left while the return trail snakes to the right.
After a few hundred feet, we diverted from the trail to find a 'slap', a waterfall (Savica). I think
that's the only word in the language we have perfected thus far.
Meantime, we struggle against the elements, toward Mount Vogel. Jenni is next to snow pack below.
The editor plays coy about going into a dark cave with her trustworthy boy.
Down the cliff but this time with support of cables.
Back to Vogel and we continue to be amazed at the awesome Julian Alps and the difficult challenges they provide.
We faced a dilemma. The snow was too dangerous to cross as it covered the path at an acute angle.
We went behind it amongst the rocks to continue.
The last bit was rather easy after a tough ascent to that point.
Lake Bohinj, far more impressive from height.
Some highs on another tough day, below Vogel, and before brunch.
A big 'Cheers',
Jenni and Jeffrey
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