We tried to go to the coastal village of Piran but it was mayhem and there wasn't any parking for camping cars so we got the hell out of there and checked out the Postojna caves. It was a bit too crowded for our liking. We managed to keep our distance but once again swore to only go to outside sites (until we forget).

It really was an impressive cave. first opened up when the King of Austria (those Hapsburgs again) came to visit, it has grown since then and is a good trip on a little train and then a very easy walking path. This photo shows spaghetti stalactites which really were amazing but not quite captured in the picture.

The growth rate for stalactites/mites is 1cm for every 100-400 years. One is 16m tall amd estimated to be 150,000 years old.

This is Predjama castle that is built into a hill. The Robin Hood of Slovenia, Arasmus sheltered here and was able to get supplies via a secret tunnel when the castle was besieged.

Last night we stayed at the Lepa Vida winery in the Littoral wine region. We did a wine tasting here which is exactly what I had been looking for. We, (four couples, at separate tables) were introduced to the wines by Irina who owns the winery with her husband. The winery was previously owned by her parents and went through some interesting times when Slovenia was communist as all grapes were bought by the state and turned into not so good wine. When it was possible for wineries to create their own wines, a designer created special bottles that were assigned to specific wineries. This winery used a bottle that represented that women from the region that were separated from their children to earn money as wet nurses in Egypt.

The wine was very good and we also had an amazing food platter that had lots of local delicacies.

Left early this morning and drove to Solcan bridge. A scramble along side the river we got here. The centre part of the bridge was destroyed by the Allies.

This is the Franja Partisan hospital named one of the founding doctors. The gorge to get to it was tricky and the workers needed to bring people up it on stretchers. It was well hidden with hiding spots to avoid the Nazi occupiers. Much of it had to be rebuilt in 2007 due to a flood that washed most of the buildings away but we were able to get an understanding of how difficult but rewarding it must have been for those working there.

On our way to the hospital and on to Lake Bohinj we drove some magnificent roads, Damian at the wheel and me 'helping' with gasps and tight grips on arm rests. More to come in the next few days.

This where we are staying. Using the BBQ - has been a while with quite a nice outlook out to the mountains. Is about 4km's into town on the bike so is a nice few days off driving for Damian.

This is a Zlotorog or Goldenhorn. There are many in the area.

Zlotorog and me at the top of the Gondola part of the way up Mount Vogel.

The summit - Mount Vogel.

Walking back down to the chairlift - a very good socially distanced method of transport (highly recommended),

Lunch. Not sure Slovenian food is entirely our style but was good to try some traditional dishes. Might just stick to Strudel and Bled Cream Cakes from now on.

The river walk up to the Savica Waterfall. Very impressive colours and a nice bike and walk to get there. Waterfall was in a letter A shape and came out from deep inside the mountain.

Lots of these types of barns around in Slovenia. They hang hay from the rails and often it's not even a barn; just a set of rails with a small roof to protect the hay.

Today we cycled 11km around the mountain (cycle paths all the way which is appreciated) to lunch in Bohinjska Bistrica. Then back to the lake for a paddle.

Today we drove a short distance north to Lake Bled. Prettier than Lake Bohinj where we've been the last few days but a little more touristy and not so well set up for cycling. Was 7.2km around the lake but we had to avoid cars and pedestrians.

We climbed up Mala Osojnica for this lovely view.

After the steep climb Sally rowed me across to the only island in Slovenia where we took a brief look at the church there and went for a swim.

This is Kremna Rezina. A regional specialty but they're common in the Baltics, all slightly different. Our current favourite was from Trogir in Croatia but this was up there.

Tolmin gorge