| katty10. 07. 2012 08:18:40 |
Every year I have some peaks in mind that pull me with some special energy...and above all an indescribable desire to experience and see something more ...whether it's views or just observing the wonders of nature...
So we decided mid-week that this weekend would be spent in the heart of the Julian Alps, in the Razor group.
The parking lot in Vrata was packed full around 5:30. We knew most hikers were heading towards Očak, so only a handful of people turned right at Šlajmarjeva hut towards Škrlatica and the peaks above Kriški Podi. The path took us through the forest along a gully and above a scenic forest shoulder below Dolkova Glava. The markers turn sharply right from the wide valley below Stenar towards Bivak IV, where we enjoyed the sunshine for almost an hour . For me, standing by any bivouac is something completely new , so the joy under the walls of mighty Stenar was indescribable. A group of 12 hikers continued to Škrlatica, we and a few hikers behind us continued towards Bovška Vratca. The path runs across a high karst plateau full of sinkholes, scree and rocky areas. At the top of the saddle we can see the wonderful wall of Dolkova Špica, Razor, towards the peaks above Vršič, and more and more. But we turn our attention elsewhere...to a young lamb that was alone ...and all scared, hoping to finally find its mom, following us...without success. It tugs at all our hearts, as we really feel sorry for the animal. The afterbirth shows it's only a day or two old. We hurried to the nearby Križ, which is a few minutes' walk away. We climb to the top via a short fixed cable and narrow chimney, where I put my backpack down and pushed it in front of me ...The summit had quite a few visitors, as did the surrounding peaks. The mists and clouds over the peaks were getting thicker and darker, so we descended soon. No more trace of the little one-hehe, we called it Bacek Jon, later we saw it, especially heard it in front of the hut. The younger hikers were so kind that they took it with them to the mountain hut. We went towards Pogačnik Hut, but then quickly decided to go to Stenar too. Already a bit tired, we "lied" to ourselves that it's really just a little more, and we'll make it to the top. We reached it after about an hour of walking. And it was really worth the effort. The view of Škrlatica and surrounding peaks is wonderful and fascinating. Triglav had been in the mist for a while, so the summit couldn't be seen. There were quite a few of us again. We all enjoy the sunshine for a while, then a strong and cold wind quickly forces us to descend towards Pogačnik Hut. It lies on a rocky ridge called Griva. The path is quite gravelly again, so special caution is recommended. From Dovška Vrata to Pogačnik Hut, ibex accompany us along the path...some resting and ruminating peacefully, some showing off their strength to rivals, some just grazing... Anyway, they are all wonderful. On the plateau at about 2100m, there are three beautiful lakes. In the last few winters, a fourth one has appeared between the upper and lower lake. I also observe diverse flowers...well, I even spotted a gentian. The crowd in front of the hut tells me it'll be fun and lively today... Looking at Pihavec and Bovški Gamsovec, I spot more mists that persisted, so dreams of a "jump" to one of those two peaks vanished. Next time. There will certainly be plenty of opportunities.
The next day we also climbed Razor and Planja. We joined the crowd rushing to these two peaks dominating Kriški Podi. There are some fixed cables in places. They are in excellent condition. A few times we got a bit off track and walked more to the left of the trodden path. On one ledge I lost one pole, but thanks to a kind mountaineer, I got it back. During the ascent, we heard falling rocks on the right side...it sounded really scary. Later we learned that ibex on the rocky cliffs below Razor summit triggered them. Those on the path below them at the time were really lucky to stay intact, as there was quite a bit of rock. At Planja saddle, besides a handful of hikers, a rather cold wind greets us...yeah, we came out into the open and something like that was expected...Some hikers had already been to the summit, some still to Planja, some even came from Vršič...yeah, hats off. We continue towards Razor. I'm somehow watching for ibex and hoping nothing similar happens to us as to the group ahead. The path is crumbly all the way, meaning descent requires special care and 100% focus on walking. We went too high again-almost to the landslide spot...which is obviously quite majestic. We traversed left and reached the trodden path, well marked with cairns. We're walking as a group of four. Hands needed in some places, so better leave poles lower. At the top again wind and mists covering surrounding peaks . Shame. Still, we take some photos, then descend safely...without senseless rushing. We go down to Planja. Its smooth wall is, I assume, quite a tough climbing challenge. There are some steps here too, but shouldn't deter an experienced mountaineer. Below the summit we see an interesting play of nature-Tired Tower. It leans its head on Planja's shoulder. In a few minutes we reached the top. Looking at Razor, I smile. It's beautiful...and worth a visit. We don't stay too long. Descend towards Pogačnik Hut. We meet some more hikers, some from the forum too. We returned to the valley via Sovatna. The gully is quite long, and probably quite strenuous on ascent. Lots of ibex around here. But caution: they trigger rocks. Can be extremely dangerous, so careful. I was lucky the rock flew about a meter from me, otherwise it could have ended quite tragically. But from here divine view of the North Triglav Face and part of Tominšek Path to Očak. Wonderful. After estimated 3.5h we're at Aljažev Dom. Happy and glad we descended safely. Followed by necessary liquid refreshment, then slowly to the car and down to the valley.
"It's not necessary to reach a peak every time in the mountains, you must also learn that they defeat you and humbly satisfy yourself with what's achievable. Even so, you'll bring home enough joy."
dr. Julius Kugy
I'm extremely satisfied with the achievable this past weekend-reaching Stenar and Križ summits, and of course Razor too, was one of those "top" wishes on the list. There was plenty of joy, happiness, luck and smiles on the tour, so this hike, along with the one to Rušnata Mlinarica, deserves a full 10...and is worth repeating. Next time I'll add Pihavec and Bovški Gamsovec.
Oh, and sir, if you're reading this post by chance, I'd like to thank you for returning the pole. I was really glad. Also praise the hut staff, who are extremely friendly and helpful. Great job.
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