Sunday 9 September: to Crna Prst

We are up with the lark and on the track at 7.15. Blue skies and cloud inversion as we zigzag up the mountain side towards the summit of Vogel. The sun breaks out from the east as we reach the top and we see spectacular views of the top of Triglav clear in the clouds. We admire the incredible panorama and feel proud to see how far we have walked. The path down from Vogel is steep and we begin to meet groups of walkers who have come up in the cable car. The path meanders down and up through meadows with cows (we wonder how they got here!) scree slopes and narrow paths. After about 5 hours we reach the top of Rodica where the day walkers are having their lunch. We talk to a local couple whose daughter is walking in Cornwall. A light mist envelopes Rodica as we continue along the ridge. We are now on the dotted path on the map which is described as “very difficult” and my anxiety levels increase. The path is incredibly narrow at times with sheer drops on either side. “Airy” I think they call it! Terrifying is what I call it. There are a few tears after a particularly steep section but Simon is encouraging. I think this is probably the most challenging thing I have ever done. Ahead the path looks impossible but it does tend to improve as we approach. I can barely look down but keep my eyes firmly on the path ahead with Boots’s advice “bring your world in towards you" ringing loudly in my ears. My spirits are lifted by the frequent crops of Edelweiss and Gentian that line the path. Eventually we spot our hut perched on a cliff in the distance. It never seems to get any nearer but eventually after nearly 9 hours of walking we arrive. An incredible situation. I am so relieved to arrive safely that I feel like crying. Dom Zorka Jelincica na Crni Prsti is welcoming and despite a group of English on a tour there seems to be room for us tonight. I think I could sleep anywhere. What a day!
We drink beer outside and later watch the sunset in this idyllic setting.
We eat hungrily and are then invited to join in a game in a game of spoons with the KE Adventure Group which is fun.