Wheels Around Europe . . . . . . . : Caves and Castles

This area of Slovenia is famous for it`s Karst caves. Karst is the name given to soluble rock, usually limestone. This is eroded over centuries by rivers which create caves and sinkholes which sometimes collapse in on themselves. The rivers often drop into these sinkholes and travel for miles before re-emerging somewhere else. This area of Slovenia is famous amongst cavers as the whole area is basically a Swiss cheese of these geological features and there are some amazing caves.

Sue definitely didn`t want to spend time down a cold damp sinkhole and Louis couldn`t go so I went alone.

I chose the Škocjan Caves near Divača, as they had a relatively short 1.5 to 2 hour tour so not too long. Some are much longer.

It was still quite a contrast from yesterday on the beach in 30c to today down a cave in 12c. Brrrr

The caves were well worth the effort, many many steps, there were some amazing sights but unfortunately no photographs were allowed. I`ll try and get some off the internet but my connection is very slow tonight so It`ll have to be another day.

The caves were first explored in the 1800`s presumably by locals after some thrills, and it is still possible to see the route they used with crude steps hacked into the rocks and the flimsiest of rope handrails to hold onto.

The River Reca flows on the surface for 50 kilometers before dropping into the Karst at Škocjan. It re-emerges near Triest in Italy.

Inside, a labyrinthine complex of passages and collapsed valleys, which is believed to be the world’s largest network of subterranean chambers. First, the silent cave with magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites that seem to stretch endlessly in all directions. Then on to the great hall with a massive 50ft stalactite. We wound down and deep inside the caves. Then to a pretty collection of limestone pools. The last cave, Murmuring cavern was a real wow. It was huge but the noise from Reka river, as it raged through the cavern was deafening. We entered at the top and we could see a small meandering path winding down to the bottom and then carved out around the perimeter a narrow ledge. The whole way lit with tiny LEDs. We descended 350ft to the bottom, passing the underground river and several waterfalls, it was stunning and worth the effort of all those steps.

After some lunch it was off to find a castle and I decided upon Predjama Castle as it looked interesting as was not too far away.

It is a castle built half way up a cliff face with it`s own cave network behind and underneath it, quite a remarkable achievement. It was clearly not a luxurious castle as must have been extremely damp, cold, drafty and uncomfortable to say the least. But it must have provided it`s occupants with enough protection and security to make it worthwhile living there.

It was an interesting place to spend a couple of hours and quite unlike any other castle I`ve been to.

We selected Pivka Jama near Postojna for tonights stop (GPS 45.80287 14.20164) It`s set in a forest but unfortunately a thunderstorm started soon after we arrived so I`ve not been able to get out to explore much. There`s no tv signal and limited internet so maybe not the best choise. It`ll do for one night.

The storm also started Louis off again with distressed barking at the thunder and we feared the worst for a nights sleep. Fortunately the storm has passed now so we just hope it doesn`t return.

The plan for tomorrow is to go into Ljubljana the capital city. Research suggests there is nowhere decent to stop the night near the city so we`ll visit in the day then head up towards Lake Bled to find a campsite where there seem to be more options.

Photos to follow when I have a better internet connection ! Done.