Thursday 26th September 2024

Walking The Hole of Kranjska Gora

Started the day well by confirming I was actually seeing wildlife on the wall and not dreaming – they were in fact artworks.

With no early walking start required, courtesy of a booking for a 10am game of golf organised by mine host, it was a late breakfast without guests.

The Japanese had headed off to practice jumping on the synthetic grass about 6 Kms away and apparently the US and Norwegian teams are expected before the season starts to take up digs next door.

Three English ladies we met yesterday doing this section of the walk are headed for Lake Bohinje – an 850 metre downhill run from the drop off point. Something we will attempt in 65mm of rain tomorrow if forecasts hold up.

Luckily it was only a short walk to the golf course, through an almost deserted town, other than the 8 whippets who bounded up their backyard to greet us.
They had one ring-in a buck toothed, crossed eyed mutt who must have been there guardian.

Wound our way down the road and crossed the river for the first of many times today, as the golf course straddled it and its streams.

We arrived a tad early and despite a 9 to 5 opening hours sign it was 10 before anyone arrived. In tne interim we had a little course tour and drank in the fabulous surroundings of the course.

A lone player, hit off before us and another chap was on the driving range which effectively shared the first of 9 holes.

The course looked to be in immaculate condition with lush well cultivated fairways and small but undulating greens.

The Pro turned up and set us up with clubs, buggies, gloves, balls and tees all for the princely sum of €110 or about $150.

Having been briefed about the course we stocked up on balls and after 2 holes there was good reason to.

First hole was relatively straight forward and having read about balls carrying much further at elevation I was pumped. One slight problem was distance required balls not to run along the ground. Run was another problem the lush grass was unlike Aust versions and ‘dribblers’ soon got caught up and stopped. Poor score on first was attributed to lack of course knowledge and being a bit rusty, not to mention modicum of ability.

Second hole was an even greater challenge – a long tee shot over the river followed by a suspension bridge crossing. Suffice to say the Golf Ball Gods gobbled up a couple here.

In windy and wet conditions it was not President Cup level golf for the first nine and we both acknowledged the crowd for our 50’s.

Course numbers had swelled to 7 by the time we started the second nine where we both played with a bit more confidence , even getting over the river on 2nd.

The ground staff were busy preparing the course for the weekend, constantly buzzing passed us on various types of tractor.

The 8th / 17th was a signature hole. The conventional play was up the left and then a tricky shot over the river. Jane managed to conquer the crossing both times.

Your correspondence took the bold line first time and got over in one, only to butcher a couple shots to have a 6.

Replication of tactic second time around failed miserably – feeding fish the first time and next shot hitting some shed on the adjacent fairway. Score – two fat ladies.

In the end a great day was had by us both, amazingly recording the same score – if I believe what my playing partner recorded. I actually thought she beat me.

Handed back the hire sticks, all seven of them, and packed away balls and gloves in case we get a game later in the tour.

Took the trip back over the river before grabbing a bakery lunch enjoyed in the Peace Park in middle of town where we teased the sparrows with our crumbs.

On the way back to the hotel we passed a restaurant with seat covers that might not sit well with Animal Rights activists.

A bit of souvenir shopping ( sure there will be a Christmas decoration secreted away somewhere) before a couple of pre/dinner Aperol Sptitz.

Again a very enjoyable traditional restaurant meal washed town with local wine and beer.

Home journey was in ever increasing rain which might substantiate the heavy rain forecast for tomorrow. In the words of Jane it will be “suck it up Susan and get on with it”.