Day 3 Slovenia.

Slovenian TET Covered today.

Decided to stay in Belluno on Saturday night (Day2), which was equidistant from us and the Slovenian border. Belluno is the Capital of the Dolomites region and is an old town, it's pretty, has 36,000 inhabitants and seems to support under aged drinking (or I'm getting old)

We had a fantastic three course meal at an Italian restaurant (of course) for almost nothing.  The town is surrounded by the dolomites, but i only took one photo. (The view from the cheap hotel room.)

Up early and we charged towards the Slovenian border, the dolomites being the backdrop to the journey.

As soon as you cross the border the change is notable, even though the actual border is not. The stoney mountain peaks lay behind, in front, forests that stretched forever, verdant valleys and cooler plateaus.

Entering the country at Nova Gorica (nr Gorizia) and parking the Surf Bus at the only McDonald's, we headed north towards Bovic on the bikes to join the TET as it crosses the border.

The first sections are road, but the scenery is stunning with emerald rivers and lakes , complete with beaches and babes!

The first off road sections in this part are wide forest trails, the road literally stops and the trail takes over.  On the map, the trail has the same road numbering as the actual road, leaving more than one bewildered BMW driver creeping along it.

The trail turned to road again to pass through a tiny hamlet, high  on a plateau, where we stopped at 'Penzion Planota' an authentic Slovenian restaurant for lunch. The host was incredibly hospital, teaching us some local dialect, offering free booze and sharing a story or two.

Our host even brought us some local spirit, a sweet liquor made from Pine Trees and honey. The pic below is the view from his restaurant over the plateau.

We ate whilst it rained and set off thereafter, the local boys watching the bikes whilst we prepared. (The next generation of bike adventurers?) Picking up the trail,  which, as before, started when the road stopped, we descended through the forests.  When the road  began  again it was carved into the mountain rock and clung onto the hillside as a bra strap does on a fat back.

We pressed on through the hot green  valley until the track swept left off the road. It then began a gnarly, muddy, stoney accent through the forest. The going was really tough and I loved it! The route lasted for miles until the summit. Jason taking a little rest below.

As a reward, the view from the top was spectacular. Tiny villages nestled in forest clearings dot the slovenian landscape and the Adriatic could be seen in the distance.

It was about six pm and pulling off the TET at Ligo we headed back to the van to find a wild camping spot.  Camping is a more luxurious affair with a van and we were packing a shower, chairs, and other home comforts. After a day in the saddle being able to shower in the wild makes a huge difference.

The moon was bright, the mood was good, we enjoyed a bottle of wine from a petrol station!