Skocjan caves

Mulling about these Karst rocks in the morning, I discovered that I was not far from the Skocjan caves. They are famous and sounded quite special, so I decided to go check it out. At the least, it would be cooler inside a cave.

The Skocjan caves feature a grand canyon cut out by the Reka river, but all of it deep underground. The river plunges down underground and doesn't emerge for 40 km till just before joining the sea. It is a sublime experience for a rock lover to walk along a plunging canyon 50 m above a frothing buzzing river, while 60 m above is a rock roof festooned with dripstone columns and curtains and a million other forms - all of this 150 m below ground!

This is one of the largest underground canyons anywhere in the world. One of only four caves in the world listed as UNESCO natural heritage sites. No photos were allowed through the canyon tour, so it is good to have been here. Such a place of shadow and water and rock and mad exploration needs to be experienced. So I just walked through it in awe, and took some photos on the exit walk. This was special enough that I bought, I think, my first ticket to visit something on this rock and roll trip.

After the cave I read the placards about the first explorers having gone in more than 200 years ago, with candles and lamps. The paths they built are incredible. And how the river flooded the cavern in 1965, with the water level rising by 90 m within 2 days!

I felt like I had to now go experience the river I've felt the presence of all day. So even though it made no sense for my direction of travel, I descended in the forest and went for a swim in the Reka. Then I climbed back up and went for a three-course traditional meal to wind up the day.Read more