Since last year’s blog in the SIAE Newsletter, blind and visually impaired people, as well as people with other disabilities, have been welcomed by many .
At the beginning of June, we climbed the Paški Kozjak Ridge to Basališče and descended to Vitanje, where we visited the Centre of Space Technologies Herman Potočnik Noordung.
Shortly after, we participated in the all-Slovenian inclusive hike to Planina above Vrhnika and from there to Stari Malen.
I should also mention an important inclusive hike. On Slovenian Mountaineers’ Day, 10 June, around 1,200 of us gathered at Kal above Hrastnik. The most diligent even ascended Mrzlica.
Diverse sports activities at the Parafestival
In July, we attended the Parafestival at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers. The sports activities there are adapted for people with various disabilities. There, many people engaged in stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, climbing, cycling, archery or rafting down the rapids. The InPlaninec Committee organised two hikes: a longer one from Most na Soči via Bučenice Hill and a shorter one for wheelchairs and paracycles, both finishing in Tolmin, at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers.
We were particularly active in July. We conquered Slemen’s Spit, and those who were the fastest also reached mountain hut Zavetišče pod Špičkom.
Storžič served as a sort of test for our highest peak
The crown of our hikes was Triglav, our majestic mountain. On 18 July, the dreams of numerous blind and visually impaired hikers, as well as their assistants, came true. Seventeen blind and visually impaired hikers, four neurodiverse and deaf individuals, as well as their assistants and guides – a total of 64 InPlaninec members – conquered it.
The hike was organised into three groups to spread out nicely at the top. The joy was endless. It continued the next day after descending to Krma. We stayed an extra day as foresters and firefighters worked on the road, which was completely impassable due to a hurricane-like wind. The caretaker, along with her assistant, kind-hearted ladies, warmly welcomed us. They pampered us with food and provided everyone with a place to sleep, so we had a really lovely time. That’s the real story about the so-called ‘rescue in Krma’, which the media covered in a sensational way! Lastly, Jurček and Marjeta deserve praise for their excellent organisation. All our blind and visually impaired participants safely reached the top and returned to the valley, being excellently taken care of.
Across the Primorska and Gorenjska region to the end of the season
In September, InPlaninec organised a hike for people with mobility impairments to the mountain hut Planinski dom pod Ježo and a longer hike from there along a circular path, guided by members of the Valentin Stanič Mountaineering Society from Kanal.
Before concluding the Slovenian Mountain Trail, on a beautifully sunny Sunday, we ventured to the mountain hut Dom na Kališču and Hudičev boršt. We wrapped up the hike with our friends from the Gorenjska region, who prepared a lovely surprise for us. This gathering was also unforgettable.
On 23 September, we participated in an inclusive hike from Ankaran to Debeli Rtič, where there was a celebratory conclusion to the endeavour. Speeches were given, followed by an awards ceremony. The amiable Urška Vučak Markež moderated the programme. Our anthem echoed, and the tent was filled with our dancing and laughter. The atmosphere was emotional, and many tears of joy were shed.
Our celebration marking the conclusion of the Slovenian Mountain Trail continued in Elerji, where we spent several wonderful days. Together, we cooked and tidied up, danced, had fun, went for walks and more. InPlaninec also ensures that we discover and learn something new. Thus, we explored the archaeological site of Kaštelir Elerji and acquainted ourselves with local history. We admired the sunsets and enjoyed the coastline. The last day was particularly lovely. We visited Škocjanski zatok Natural Reserve and observed some of its inhabitants. At Debeli Rtič, we took a swim in the sea.
It was hard to say goodbye. We hope for many more longer gatherings that bring us even closer together.
For more information, photos, acknowledgements to supporters and sponsors and detailed statistics of the hikes, you can visit the Slovenian Mountaineering Association’s InPlaninec Hikes website (in Slovenian), as well as their Facebook page. Additionally, on YouTube, among other content, our Duo SIMI has posted their original song, which they also performed at the ceremony at Debeli Rtič.
Marija Metlika (m.metlika@gmail.com), volunteer
