Monday 3 September: to Vodnikov Dom

Nice weather for Fire Salamanders but not so for us as we head off into the mountains for our 7 day high level hike. Heavy rain and low clouds look set in so unable to delay any longer we set off at about 9.30. We follow the Vojah valley stopping briefly at Korite Mostnice: an impressive deep gorge with a stone like an elephant with its trunk in the water. Hot chocolate in a Dom which is surprisingly full of Americans on guided hiking tours. We don’t think they’ll be making it up Triglav. Onwards and upwards in the torrential rain. It is very steep at times and without the euphoria from seeing any stunning views it feels like really hard work. Morale is at an all time low and we wonder why on Earth we are doing this. Finally we reach the top of our 1300 metre ascent and are rewarded with a misty panorama of distant peaks and two Chamois on the scree above us. A flat traverse brings us round the corner to Vodnikov Dom where we are staying tonight. It seems clean and cosy and the large ceramic heater is on. We add our soaking clothes to the ever increasing pile of wet walking gear draped around its warmth.
A wash with some wet wipes is surprisingly refreshing. We have a private room so hopefully we will get some sleep tonight. Supper is Goulash and Polenta for me-and pickled cabbage, beans and sausage for Simon (sounds fatal!)
We manage to stay up until 9pm playing draughts before collapsing into bed.