Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih
We woke up to another gorgeous day in the mountains of Slovenia. Because today’s walk to our next hut was short, less than four miles and most of it downhill, we didn’t get out of bed until most of the other guests had left. We took our time enjoying breakfast and wandering around until it was time to check out at 10 AM.
Behind the building, billions of bees buzzed busily between bushes bursting with blossoms and blooms beside beaten paths. Here’s an interesting fact we learned about Slovenians. They’re champions of bees. There are over 11,000 beekeepers in Slovenia, which is almost 5 out of every 1000 people making them among the top of all EU nations in beekeeping and yearly honey production. That’s pretty cool.
Our next destination, Koca Triglav Jezerih was only 2 hours away, but we knew it would take us longer since we were walking in the Seven Lakes Region, the most scenic area in all of Triglav NP. Right behind the hut, we found the first lake. There was a short trail down to the lake where hikers went to fill up their water supply if they didn’t want to buy water bottles from the hut. We went the easy, lazy route and just bought water bottles with every meal.
The second lake was the most beautiful and elegant of all six lakes we saw that day. The water was so pristine we were able to see clearly all the way to the bottom. Its glossy surface mirrored the land around it and skies above it so perfectly. I’m surprised to find out that this stunning blue lake is named Brown Lake.
We wanted so much to jump in and take a dip, but that was prohibited. There were multiple signs posted around the hut about proper lake etiquette. Due to the fragile lake ecosystem, contaminating the water in any way was a no-no. We couldn’t even touch the water, let alone go swimming in it. Confession time. The day before when we reached the lake covered in sweat and dust, Lyle and I both washed our faces and hands in the lake. It was so refreshing! I actually wanted to jump in for a swim, but Lyle stopped me. Honestly, we had no idea we weren’t supposed to touch it. I understand that laws are put in place to protect and conserve nature, but it’s still disappointing to deny the temptation of plunging into such refreshing bodies of water. As the day progressed, with almost every lake we saw (with the exception of Green Lake), I couldn’t help but feel a little more robbed of a divine swimming experience each time.
At the base of the slope, Green Lake was the third lake we came across. This one was appropriately named. This shallow lake was filled with green algae from the center of the lake all the way to its marshy banks. Nah, we walked by this one quickly. With insects flying all around, it didn’t seem like a pleasant lake to diddle-daddle about.
One of the most noticeable differences between this area and the other valleys we had traveled through was the abundance of green grass, wild vegetation and flowers in peak bloom from the sides of the mountains to the edges of the lakes. Dragonflies, butterflies, bees and all sorts of flying insects fluttered about above the wildflowers. We even found what we think is a Carniolan lizard sunbathing on a rock. On this glorious summer morning, everything felt so new, free and full of life. Us included.
View down to Lake #4.
The Lake at Ledvica is reminiscent of many lakes in the High Sierras back in California with steep rocky banks sliding right into the clear blue waters of the lake forming a small basin that’s bordered by groves of pines and evergreen. It’s funny that most places we’ve hiked around the world would contain a small section that reminds us of home, which only affirms what a special place California is and how lucky we are to have such accessible natural beauty within driving distance any time we feel the need to wander in the great outdoors, any time of the year.
It seems very likely that there was a massive rockslide in this area sometime in the recent past. The vegetation hasn’t had enough time to overtake all the boulders yet. No doubt, in several years, this section will once again be mostly covered in green growth.
And just like that, we were back in the forest amongst the trees. One of the worst parts about hiking in the forest is the biting insects, but luckily for us, there weren’t that many flying around. In fact, I don’t recall being bitten by mosquitos at all during the trek. This small detail makes me love Slovenia even more!
What a perfect swimming hole! So clear, so deep! Look at the flowing waters and those big, solid flat jumping platforms surrounding it. I repeat: What a perfect swimming hole! But if swimming were allowed, it would have been clogged with people splashing, shouting and making havoc all around. We wouldn’t have been able to appreciate its beauty in peace and quiet like we did. Fine. I succumb. There are times when we must prioritize common good above our own desires, and this was one of those times. I’ve made my amends with thee, Seven Lakes Region.
As we came upon more and more day-hikers coming from the other direction, we knew our destination wasn’t far off. When we arrived at the hut, sure enough, it was crawling with people milling around the outdoors sitting areas and the banks of the lake. Everyone wanted to take advantage of the perfect summer day, taking in some Vitamin D after all the wild rainstorms from the previous weeks.
Since we arrived before check-in time, we decided to have lunch. Surprisingly, the dining area indoor was completely empty, cool and quiet.
Anywhere in the mountains, getting private rooms, having indoor flushing toilets and hot showers is a luxury, and we surely were appreciative of these amenities. Our rooms even had windows and ours looked out onto the double lakes, Lake #5 and #6.
After a lovely afternoon rest, we headed back out to poke about around the lakes. We found a nice secluded spot on the furthest end of the second lake looking straight back at the hut for some sunset pictures and time lapses. As we waited, we thought it fun to disturb the calm, glossy surface of the lake by flinging pebbles and seeing how the ripples intersect each other.