Sunday 22nd September 2024 Kobarid to Bovec

Another bell free night and woke with the sparrows for our moving day to Bovec –  the outdoor capital of Slovenia.

Even though a sumptuous breakfast was available I again took the minimalist approach with fruit, veges and a bit of toast.

Ran into a couple of Aussies who were on a cycling tour with today’s outing a mere 80kms and 1000 feet in elevation and neither seemed  particularly excited. Just hope the lithium batteries outside their door were fully charged.

Our 13-14 km walk with 250 metres of elevation paled into insignificance until you added in the track conditions, scree and severe downhill sections.

Our walk started in a town upstream of Kobarid on the Soce River – about a 20 minute drive. The mountains again were stunning with Mt Krn at 7300 feet overlooking us.

The starting point was another village with less than 40 houses , but it did have some farmlands with horses and cows.

We wandered adjacent to the river through thick forests on beaut earthen paths, nothing like what lay ahead of us later in the day.

Popped over a small stream where another bridge had fallen by the wayside and were soon right on the crystal clear river where a couple of fisherman were fly fishing ( supppsefly 20kg trout are not uncommon. – but we know how fishermen can bend the truth). Just adjacent to them a family dipped their toes in the fast flowing icy water

Popped up off the river and started our journey towards the tough part of track which led to the huge Boka Falls.. A severe uphill on pebbled paths was followed by a traverse of the mountain side across scree  and also some scrambling over small boulders, with an eagle eye looking out for signs.

We found a little bit of equipment on the track should we need some track improvement.

Relatively unscathed we reached the viewing point, but could not see a thing. We inadvertently didn’t re-read instructions and struck off up a very steep and rough track. After 300 metres we ran into a couple of frazzled walkers who suggested the trip was too hazardous. 

I didn’t take much convincing and headed back to the turnoff. The instructions said the track we dismissed was where you needed mountaineering experience. 

Found the steep and treacherous way down and managed to take a tumble on a rocky step as I foolishly got distracted. Pride was only injury, other than a container of squashed figs in my backpack.

Close to the bottom we found a pristine lower trail which apparently gave a great view.

Finally reached the bottom and crossed the Soce River where more fly fishermen on the river were taking guidance from a spotter on the bridge as to where the fish were. Looking from on high the fish were sizeable but too cunning for the anglers.

Followed a minor road along the river where heaps of people were in rafts, kayaks and on paddle boards testing their skills in both flat water and mini rapids. We did eventually get a distant view of the falls.

There was a constant buzz above from small aeroplanes which were plying their way up the valley above the river and dropping off parachutists. Along with the water and air based activities the area is the playground for rock climbers and in the winter skiers- we obviously haven’t seen the ski slopes as none of the hills we have noticed would be skiable.

Found ourselves in a small village which was alive with people using this part of the river as the kickoff point.

Made our way up some more steep stony paths and popped out next to the grass airfield which was full of light aircraft and eager parachutists. Just on the latter there was one at the local ice cream shop with his packed up and being carried like a backpack – closest I have seen to a human turtle.

The town is definitely a sports enthusiast destination full of hotels, apartments, bars and fast food outlets. Many a young thrill seekers was  hanging out of bars letting their hair down.

We found our restaurant come guest house in the middle of town, enjoyed a welcoming drink from mine host ( not sure if it’s gratis) then collapsed on the bed. With a combined age of 140 I don’t think we will be hanging out with any of the young bucks we just passed.

Nice room with balcony and the obligatory mountain view.