Trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia

Thursday 17th September 2009

Our trip commenced at Stansted, some of us wondering if our luggage would fit in the cars!

After a smooth flight which left on time we arrived at Ljubljana airport to pick up the cars, thankfully warm sunshine greeting us as the forecast had been cloud, rain and thunderstorms. Angela, Claire, Rosemarie, Michelle, Barbara and Jackie waited as Simon and Alan collected the cars. Alan came and informed us to go down a floor to where the cars were parked but it did not appear there was a down on the lift controls so we decided to go up a floor! Navigation was already proving to be a problem – was there any hope for the next few days! After starting again we found them by two cars which were rather bigger than anticipated.

We commenced our journey to Bled, Simon remembering to put his lights on as apparently this was a requirement and Alan wondering what the speed limit was, so was driving much slower than we normally experience.

On arrival at Bled Hostel we thought we had reached our destination. Luckily this was not our hostel as looked a bit of a dump. The drivers continued manoeuvring along the narrow and hilly streets until we soon reached our hostel Bledec 200metres away. The cars were successfully parked in the small car park, Simon making an excellent job.

We were welcomed by the staff at the hostel and we headed off to unpack. We all had ensuite rooms and a wardrobe each with a coat hanger and towels provided – one less thing we needed to have packed.

Our first meal was mushroom soup, bread (no crusts! – those who went to Exmoor will know what we mean) turkey which tasted like chicken, rice and a side salad of lettuce and sauerkraut and pancake drizzled in chocolate sauce. The food was similar throughout our stay – fairly basic but adequate. We were served throughout by a young girl with dyed orange hair which seems to be the fashionable colour in Slovenia.

Our supper was followed by a walk to the lake and a drink at a local bar. I think an early night was had by most of us only to be woken by drunken men coming back from a night out on the town and heavy rain.

Friday 18th September 2009

The Waterfall Walk

After a breakfast of bread, ham and cheese (Alan found out he was not keen on natural yoghurt) and popping to the supermarket for pack up, we left for Lake Bohinj about 30 minutes away. We booted up and got togged up in our waterproofs as it had started to rain. We walked along the edge of the lake, enjoying the panoramic views and the aquatic wildlife. The day’s objective was to get to the top of Slap Savica which was a waterfall. After passing through forest we climbed the 500+ steps to the waterfall.

We had lunch on a couple of benches that we had noticed on the way up which had conviniently become vacant. We then made our way down and the rain commenced again – waterproofs back on. We now were beginning to understand why a ? was on the Slovenian weather forecast – it can be very changeable and no one is sure of what it will be.

We then began our descent down the road passing a horse and carriage on the way and the sky not knowing whether to rain or not. We then left the road and entered the forest which appeared to be uphill again. Angela and Simon decided to catch the boat back to allow for ice cream and coffee. The forest route was tricky for some in a couple of places and the numerous wooden planks were very slippery but we all managed to stay upright. The 4.6 km seemed more like miles to the end where we departed to return to Bled.

Walk rating – Very good

It was an early night for some after a round of dominos although Angela and Simon (whom had cut the walk short) tried out a local wine bar!

Report – Jackie, Rosemarie, Claire and Michelle

Pictures – Alan

Lake Bohinj where we started our first walk.

Cloud hangs over the lake.

It’s looking brighter

These troughs are for people to drink from we think rather than animals.

We stop for a break by the lake where we watched the many fish.

More lake scenery.

We reach Slap (waterfall) Savica at the end of the valley.

The route back through the woods for those that didn’t cheat and use the boat.