February 16th 2024

Change of country today. Another 30km or so on the flat in Italy, then I enter Slovenia.

I wind my way through the valley of the Soča river, whose bright blue-green colour in the sun contrasts with the bare, brownish forests everywhere on the surrounding slopes. First on a perfectly smooth cycle path, isolated from the road, which is on the other side of the valley. Each ascent or descent is indicated with a sign on which the gradient is marked, and there are benches, tables and litter bins scattered along the route. What luxury !

Then the cycle route takes a minor road with very little traffic through a few hamlets.

Then, just when I think I'm still on the same secondary road, following the cycling itinerary, it becomes narrower and finally not paved anymore. Then the going gets tougher and it climbs so much that I have to push my bike. Finally, it descends so steeply, and over large stones, that I have to carry the loaded bike. I hope this is the last obstacle, and above all that there won't be a landslide or the road cut off a little further on, because going back would require a lot of effort when I've just expended a lot of energy for just a few dozen meters.

One last climb where I have to push the bicycle... and I can see houses a little further on, and above all cars parked in front of them. Phew, I can breathe !

But that's just a few hiccups... I'd forgotten that cycling in Slovenia is pure bliss. The nature, the torrents so clear that you can see every pebble on the riverbank. And above all, in contrast to the last few days, 3D at last. I spend the night in Bohinjska Bistrica, with a circus of mountains all around and snow-capped peaks as a seond layer. Perfect ! I'm happy to be here to visit my friends...

That's gonna be for tomorrow, after a very short stretch along Bohinj lake.

Livorno to Ukanc