First day of autumn, a lovely day and close to nature.

I can’t keep my eyes off the mountains around me as we ride on the cycle paths, the sun is shining on bald mountains making them even brighter.

Firstly a short ride to Planica, I just thought it was a ski jump area, but a lot more.  A small climb for us and on the downhill several inline skaters with poles, next they were going up the hill.  We learn later that they are training and they have to go up and down 4 times.  Ahead is a series of ski jumps and also there is practise going on.  The Nordijski Centre is like a museum along with an artificial ski area inside, we watch skiers practice in the Snow Tunnel, like bit like a 2 level multi story carpark.

The village of Ratece is the start of a 7km hiking trail to reach Tromeja (Triple Border) 2 and a half hours hike … John won’t be in it.  The peak is where the Slovenian, Austrian and Italian borders meet.

A ride to the picturesque Jasna Lake, those who dare, go swimming, it’s very cold but a great picnic spot.  A small stream on the river bed entertains kids as they play with the rocks.  Heaps to do here, lots of hiking trails, swimming, a couple of restaurants it is a hive of activity.

Not to mention the population increase of road cyclists  … tomorrow is a race from Kranjska Gora to Vrsic, first to the top it’s only 13.5km. There are a lot of roadies sporting their team jerseys.

I’ve read about it … a dairy vending machine … common in Slovenian villages … I got a forest fruits yoghurt … delicious to be drunk like a milkshake. Vending choices: Milk, Cottage, Yoghurt, yoghurt pineapple, yoghurt forest fruits, three types of young cheese, sour cream, and sour milk.