Velika planina with Foto klub Koroška

Last Saturday our photo club had a visit from about a dozen members of Foto klub Koroška. We decided to exhaust them so we dragged them up Velika planina. :))) Hehe, they didn't mind at all, or at least they didn't show it! We had a blast walking around, taking pictures, exchanging equipment and tips how to use it, and we all agreed to repeat such a get-together.






David had a fun, home-made lens similar to a tilt and shift lens ...

... which I immediately tested and got this:

The sun was about to set ...

... but we marched on to capture more of the beautiful scenery.

The merry group. :)

Some of us were really, really thirsty. ;)

The pinkish light was followed by darkness and cold, so we slowly headed back.

What is he doing??

Snow-capped cottages.

Last look towards the Kamnik Alps and the chapel ...

... and time to put on headlamps for the descent back to the valley.

It was fun! More photos can be seen here: FK Koroška, Matjaž, Borut, Matej, Jože, Jaka, Klemen, and a few more of mine.

Zelenica

Last Saturday was too good to be spent at home. After a busy morning I headed out at about 2 p.m. I had no idea where to go, I just followed the blue skies towards the west. My goal was to enjoy some fresh air and possibly take a picture or two. Snowy mountains would be a bonus. Looking right to the Kravanke range I made my decision and turned off the highway. The short ascent up to the Ljubelj pass was a breeze and off I went from the parking lot.

The first surprise was that the ski lift on Zelenica wasn't working! In fact, it was a good surprise as I could enjoy the peace and quiet. There was almost nobody there, and I only saw a couple of skiers and hikers. The valley was dark, cold and ominous with the imposing faces rising above me, but my heart was dancing with joy! I kept looking back at the Košuta range which was still bathing in the sun and at the dramatic clouds high above Begunjščica. Heaven. Well, except for the wind that chilled me to the bone! Not knowing exactly where I was going beforehand I didn't bring the right clothes and shoes, so I didn't venture far, but the short hike was infinitely better than sitting at home!











Before returning home I made a quick stop in the gorge of Dolžanova soteska.



Driving home was an experience. I kept looking at the sky and the mountains instead of the road! :)) The sight was really worth it.

Mali Golak and wonderful views

Last weekend was glorious - sunny, warm, ideal for some outdoor activity. After getting whipped with some late afternoon wind on Zelenica on Saturday (more about that in the next post), I went on an early-morning hike with Jaka on Sunday. The original plan was to catch the sunrise on top of Mali Golak, but a series of mishaps prevented us from getting there on time. :) We didn't really mind as the hike was worth going at any time of day.

We set off at 4 a.m. and after almost 1.5 hours we parked the car in the forest above the village of Predmeja. The walk through the woods in the dark without headlamps was exhilarating and we kept listening for wolves. Yes, we both have a vivid imagination, haha. Getting lost wasn't part of the plan though, and we ended up backtracking a bit. Soon it got lighter as we climbed the trail through the forest. There was quite a bit of snow, which was hard and frozen. In the last stretch below the summit the sun rays finally reached us as we were ascending up the western slope and away from the morning sun. The long shadows of the trees in the soft morning sunlight were mesmerizing.


Once on top, the views all around opened up. It was amazing! We could see the whole Slovenia and then some! Apparently Mt. Blanc can be seen on a really clear day!
Jaka was ecstatic. :p
The visibility was really good. This is Mt. Triglav, 48 kilometers away.
Mt. Kanin and its wide range.
Mt. Krn (38 kms away). An avalanche trail is visible on its slopes proving that hiking in some parts of the mountainous world can be pretty dangerous at the moment.
The Kamnik Alps are about 70 kms away.
The views towards the Adriatic Sea.
The Vipava valley.
After taking pictures in all possible directions, eating a sandwich and drinking some tea we made our way back. We were in no hurry and preferred to enjoy in one of the most beautiful beech forests in Slovenia.
Play of shadow and light.
Some of the blazes were barely visible as there is so much snow it covers the tree trunks up to the height where blazes are usually painted! Well, this one is, obviously, an exception. ;)
The obligatory "looking up" shot.
I couldn't help but play with the fish-eye a bit.
By the time we returned to our car (after some hearty jota in the hut on the way) at about 11 a.m., it had got really warm and the snow was seriously melting. But the hike was pretty nice! I have to explore this part of our little country more often.
More photos here.