Somewhere down south
This was an exploration holiday and also an escape from the bad weather we had in the Czech Republic. We packed our gravel bikes and drove about 7 hours somewhere down south. We ventured out to very top of Istria where I’ve never been before… and this is what’s happened.
Expect lots of photos combined with my journal entries and maybe some additional text to get the full picture. Also I’ll share Route collection (all the way at bottom of this story).
DAY ONE
We are leaving and it’s snowing. We’re glad to leave the spring winter behind! Sunshine is awaiting. Are we there yet?
The magical town of Piran is one of the most beautiful out there.
We got caught up with a sunset on a first day which was a nice change from snowy a cold days.
DAY TWO
Even though I planned this route I somehow overlooked this 16% climb. But it was our first day and our legs were full of power. It has nice views but no need to repeat it in the future.
A classic Vinnetou gravel paths.
I know, I planned this as well and I guess I didn't see this one coming either. It wasn’t actually that bad to try out some MTB trails on a gravel bike.
I have to try out schnitzel in every country and this was good! And potatoes with spinach, also good!
Narrows streets of Koper.
Always windy at the coast and the salty sea smell is so precious for us who doesn’t live by the sea.
DAY THREE
The Great White Road–the best bit of gravel we found here. White, dusty, crunchy, fast, primo tiny stones.
Lost villages of Croatian border.
View of Piran and bit of Izola.
DAY FOUR
Italian mountain peaks in the distance.
DAY FIVE
We had a long discussion about what fish or possibly dolphin could that be in the distance? There were hundreds of them. If anyone knows what’s up, shoot me an email. Thank you.
A sample of Croatian gravel. Not pleasant.
DAY SIX
Steep, narrow and wavy roads which are connecting villages are so pretty. With all this mirrors which can be used not only for cars but for artsy stuff too. Just sayin’.
An unknown bridge between Slovenia and Italy.
A final beer with a cat that came with the apartment. He or she was hanging out with us every time we came from the ride.
This six day trip was pretty awesome. I think we managed to squeeze the most out of the roads, gravel and paths. It is an interesting bit of land I am thankful we got explore it.
Here you can find the complete route collection which you’re free to use if you decide to explore top of Istria.
