In 80 Days Around the Balkans

Day #80

Sunday, July 19th

From somewhere between Bukovje and Podkraj to Tolmin

Country: Slovenia

It was a great plan to set an alarm for myself.

Which I skillfully ignore at first. And in my theory, I simply reset it to seven o'clock.

A false conclusion, as I realize when I finally wake up around eight o'clock.

At least I wished to be able to sleep in again.

So it will be a late start after I pack my things together.

In the sunshine that shines through the green canopy onto the moss-covered stones and me.

Casually, I continue along the forest path that winds lightly up and down through the mountains.

Until an extreme incline makes me become a pedestrian.

A shortcut over the country road would have been possible, but it's the last day of travel, and everything along the route must be experienced.

Moreover, this way, there’s another descent as a reward.

My headphones are having serious issues charging, but after much patience, they finally charge, and I can finally turn on the Once Upon A Dream playlist to relive the journey during the last kilometers.

I take a break when I find a bench in the shade.

Conveniently, there's a water point nearby, so I can refill my bottles.

A short while later, I follow the recommendation from the travel guide and treat myself to some Hike & Bike fun.

It is, as promised. The reward is an incredible view of the flat land before me, surrounded by mountains in a wide arc.

I briefly secure my bike and walk a little further on foot.

This brings me to the Otlica window.

A huge opening in the rock face that rises before me and through which an exciting view into the lowland emerges.

But a final long climb awaits me, and it must continue.

In the last meters, I get overtaken by a group of older gentlemen. Reassuring for me that they are using electronic assistance.

After a short exchange, we head down into the depths.

The descent is incredibly beautiful and especially winding. On the left, the steep rock face rises, and on the other side is the slope down to the valley.

The road is quite narrow, but fortunately, driving quickly is still possible without any issues.

Perfect for the final descent.

Once back on the country road, a couch blocking one lane is removed from the road together with a driver.

Clear road and final sprint, Tolmin is only a few kilometers away.

Arrived!

At the confluence of Soca and Tolminka, I let myself fall into the sand and try to realize the moment.

It's a hard-to-describe feeling that overwhelms me.

Joy at having completed the distance, pride in the achieved performance, happiness that everything has gone well, regret that it's over.

A wild mix.

And there's no one here to share the moment with.

I briefly look at the preparations for the upcoming festival before making my way to the intended campsite.

To find out there that all spots are taken.

Also for the coming days, so I need an alternative.

There is another campsite in the city, and there I have luck; there is still plenty of space.

First, I quietly drink something in the bar and then start setting up my tent.

My plan was to drink something again in the bar, edit the next report, and then go into town for pizza.

And then Goraz and Igor come along.

Two older Slovenians who sit down at my table, and we quickly get into conversation.

It's about the festivals in the city and their benefits for the people.

Moreover, Igor himself has been a visitor at the PunkRockHoliday for years.

My journey becomes the topic, and football is playing in the background.

At least behind me, as I want to ignore the final match.

Much better is the conversation with the two Slovenians, and I learn that pizzas can be ordered from here through the reception, which we promptly do.

But since we wait quite long and there might not be a delivery, Goraz heads out to another pizzeria himself.

And shortly after our order arrives, we soon have four pizzas and many people around us whom we can make happy with food.

The highlight is that the prospect of seeing Jenni again increases immensely.

Due to incorrect information from her campsite in Austria, they must continue driving and decide to drive through the night.

Moreover, the reception is okay with them arriving in the middle of the night.

Things are going well.

This way, Jenni and I see each other earlier than expected again, and there is a crowning conclusion to the end of my tour.

Song of the day:

Lamb of God - Now You've Got Something To Die For