Gorge of the Stream Bela

In the gorge of the stream Bela there is a huge climbing wall, which attracts a lot of climbers from Slovenia and abroad. We passed it and saw a few climbers in the wall.

Stream Bela.

Climber in the wall.

Rock climbing in the gorge Bela.

The Vrhpolje Hike

The Vrhpolje Hike is one of many well organized mass hikes in Slovenia.

View from the Old Castle above Vipava.

At the Old Castle.

Hiking in Slovenia.

Arriving to Vrhpolje.

The Vipava Valley

Hiking in the Vipava Valley we passed some characteristic Mediterranian villages, besides Vrhpolje, Budanje, Duplje, Zemono ...

Duplje.

Duplje.

Vrhpolje with two churches.

Vrhpolje.

Almond Tree

The traditional Vrhpolje Hike among Vineyards takes place every year on the last Sunday in February. I am going to post some pictures from the 2008 hike.

Almond tree in blossom.

Almond tree is native to the Mediterranian region.

Almond tree blossoms.

Almond tree blossoms.

Back to Vrhpolje

From the Bela stream gorge we ascended the slope of Mt. Nanos and returned to Vrhpolje where lunch and music were waiting for us.

Ascending from the gorge.

Approaching Vrhpolje.

Back to Vrhpolje.

Dancing in Vrhpolje.

The Bela Stream

From the Old Castle we returned - taking another path - to Vrhpolje. We continued the trail along the wild gorge of the Bela stream. In February it has abundance of water due to melting snow and rain.

The Bela stream.

Walking along the bottom of the Bela gorge.

The Bela stream.

We were offerred tea and wine on the way.

The Old Castle above Vipava

From vineyards in the Vipava Valley we ascended to the Old Castle above Vipava. The castle was built in the 12th century. In the 17th century it was abandoned. Today only ruins are left.

Ruins of the Old Castle.

View of Vipava and the Vipava valley from the Old Castle.

Hikers at the ruins.

Ruins of the Old Castle above Vipava.