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Three Countries Walk
Tuesday, 17th July 2012
| Distance: |
12.5 miles |
| Total Ascent: |
2,600 feet |
| Total Descent: |
2,510 feet |
| Maximum Altitude: |
4,957 feet |
| Time: |
7 hours |
| Weather: |
Sunny for most of the day |
Meeting at the supermarket we crossed the river
and walked through meadows to Podkoren. From there
we climbed through woodland on a rough, steep path
then on a wider track to reach the road to take us
to the Austrian border. After crossing the border we
immediately turned off the road to start climbing
steeply through woodland again. Being enclosed in
the trees and lush undergrowth it was uncomfortably
hot and we were pleased to reach a forest track
where the air could circulate more freely. Following
this track we reached the Dreilanderhutte where we
met the D+ group who had walked up from Rateče. A
long lunch stop was taken here then we walked across
to Peč where the three countries of Slovenia,
Austria and Italy meet.
The summit is marked as ‘Peč’ on the map, but it is
known locally and on all the signposts as Tromeja
(literally 3 borders). It was here that
representatives of the three governments of Italy,
Austria and Slovenia met to welcome Slovenia into
the European Union in 2004.The inscription on the
lower monument translates as follows:
Tromeja
The Mountain of Peace by Šri Činmoj
Mountains are a symbol of peace, tranquillity and
inner depth. Mankind needs all these virtues on its
way to growing worldwide harmony.
‘FINDING ONE’S INNER PEACE IS MAN’S GREATEST END’
May this monument to understanding and friendship
among nations be erected at this important meeting
point of three great language groups and cultures.
Tromeja has become a link in the chain of the
several hundred different monuments dedicated to
peace. There are buildings, mountains, bridges,
cities, parks and natural phenomena which should
encourage harmonious co-existence of people and
nations, improve harmony and help to overcome both
inner and outer borders.
PEACE DOES NOT ONLY MEAN NO WAR, PEACE MEANS RULE OF
HARMONY, LOVE, SATISFACTION AND UNITY.
After spending some time exploring this area we
headed down the military roads on a zig-zag course
and met up with the other group who had left earlier
than us. It was decided to continue on together as
we followed the military road then a shorter route
to Rateče. Most of us caught the bus back to
Kranjska Gora and eventually made our way back to
the hotel, some stopping for coffee and cake while
others called in at the bar. |
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Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The D+ group wait for the bus as the C+ group continue on foot
Taking a look back on the outskirts of Kranjska Gora
Didn't really expect to meet an ostrich . . .
and I think he wants to join us . . .
but the fence gets in the way!
An unusual garden feature . . .
but with a familiar scene . . .
and an unusual house in Podkoren
The group takes a break . . .
in the shade
Leaving Podkoren a rather 'English looking' garden
We haven't come across many herds of cows . . .
but it looks like there are a couple of interlopers in this bunch
Making our way up to the border . . .
where we find a duty free shop . . .
before crossing the border . . .
and passing a slippery customer
But will 'Border Guard Chris' let us pass?
Another pleasant woodland section . . .
and our first views into Austria . . .
Eventually the Hutte comes into view . . .
but there are some warnings on the way
We join the D+ group at the Hutte
Making our way across to Peč we have views of the Austrian valley .
. .
in both directions
Looking back across to the Hutte . . .
and another view into the Austrian valley
The summit of Peč . . .
and nearby a representation of the three countries . . .
with its own plaque . . .
followed by a monument with the inscription translated above
Now what's he doing here?
A view into the Planica valley we saw yesterday . . .
and just to prove I was here
On the military track . . .
both groups combine for the rest of the walk
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