Slovenia: Kranjska Gora, Day 3

Today we are exploring the Soca River, known for its emerald green color. In the morning we got on the same free Kranjska Gora to Bovec bus, and rode beyond the Vrsic Pass, bypassing the Soca Source stop, to the Soca (village) stop to start our walk. The trail is the Alpe-Adria again, as well the Soca Trail, following the river, along the Greater Soca Gorge. Our original ambition was to walk to Bovec, but we spent too much time gazing at the river, only making it to Kršovec before catching the bus back.

Before we go to the video, let's talk about the Vrsic Pass, and the famous 50 Hairpin Road road to Bovec.

The AI Says: The Vršič Pass (pronounced vur-sheech) is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and the Eastern Julian Alps, reaching an elevation of 1,611 meters (5,285 feet). Located within the spectacular Triglav National Park, it connects the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora in Upper Carniola with the remote Trenta and Soča Valleys.

The pass is legendary for its dramatic, twisting The 50 Hairpin Road (Route 206) which spans 24 kilometers. It features exactly 50 numbered hairpin turns—24 on the northern ascent from Kranjska Gora and 26 on the southern descent toward the Soča Valley.

It's standing room only on the Bovec bus. We were lucky to get seats.


A cyclist on the 50 Hairpin Road


We got off the bus at Soca Village, intending to walk to Bovec, about 12 kms west on the Soca Trail. The Soca River is beautiful, and we see a couple of guys fly fishing for trout.




The Soca Trail runs right along the river with steep rocky walls on each side.








Then the river plunges down into the rocks, becoming a gorge within a gorge, 20 to 30 feet deep.


Check out this video.


And this gorge within a gorge continues for several kilometers.




We pick a great spot to eat our picnic lunch; and have some photo fun




After several kilometers the gorge flattens out. Conveniently, or maybe not, there is a big parking lot. Thus, many people are enjoying the water, rocks, and sun.






Look for the man at the right in the speedo who is ready to dive in (1st below). Not me (2nd below).




A very pleasant day along the river = everyone is happy.




John crosses one of the more-than-expected foot bridges over the Soca. This one is near the village of Lepena.




The valley widens. The river is shallow here. We walked along a road, seeing the occasional fly fisherman, and picnickers. Not to mention a small herd of milk cows headed to the barn (see video way below).






And it's an uneventful bus ride from Kršovec back to KG knowing there is a cold beer in the fridge.








Bonus video from the return bus stop.

Slovenia: Kranjska Gora, Day 2

Our goal today is the Slemenova Spica Hike. During the summer season, there is a free hourly bus from Kranjska Gora to Bovec over the Vršič Pass. This time of the year the free bus still runs on a reduced schedule. The hike ascends from the Vrsic Pass, the highest pass in the Julian Alps at 1,611 meters elevation, to Slemenova Spica at 1,911 meters. One of our guide books says if you only do one walk in Slovenia, this is the one. We could not agree more. It's like we are back in the Dolomites.

On the way home we got off the bus at Lake Jasna and walked back. John felt slightly better today.

We hopped off the bus at Vrsic Pass, and our task was clear; the blue sign verifies the elevation, and the red sign points 1hr 30 minutes to Slemenova Spica.




And soon we've gained some altitude.




Sun-Ling hates scree but makes the crossing in good shape.


The sign says 55 minutes!


And across a forest.


And then an amazing view down to Ratece where we walked yesterday. Wow!


Even though we are in the highest pass in the Julian Alps, the peaks are still high above us.


Then unexpectedly, just before the Slemenova Spica Viewpoint, we crossed a dry high meadow with sheep. Lots of sheep droppings. It smelled like a barnyard. The sheep tried to eat the food of two hikers who were heating a can of beans (or something) on a small stove (2nd below). Chaos for a few minutes. ;-)




Slemenova Spica Summit at 1,911 meters elevation. 2nd and 3rd below are views down to Ratece and its ski lifts. Notice the large parking lot.






Panorama


The summit was too barnyard-like to eat lunch, so we headed down a bit.


And with a good lunch in our bellies we made good time down to the bus stop.




Sun-Ling Powers Through the Scree Crossing


We got off the bus one stop before Kranjska Gora at Jasna Lake.