August 22nd
In the morning we set off in search of Camp Koren, a campsite that had been recommended to us by the "Cool Camping" guidebook. Many thanks to Rachel's ladies - a wonderful birthday present! The road to the site was hairy to say the least, so I let Rachel do the driving to avoid any blame should anything bad happen. The weather had become even hotter since Austria and today was no exception. In the glorious sun we wound our way through the mountains to the campsite.
As soon as we arrived we knew we would have a "cool" time here. After checking in we found the ideal spot on the edge of the campsite (and a cliff), overlooking the main river, which set the background noise for the site. After the awning was set up and we had made camp, we set about the strenuous task of relaxing for the day, and exploring the river a little. We also used the free facilities and washed all our clothes, had showers, used the internet (for which there was a small charge) - all in all the site is great value for money. On top of this, the site staff were really friendly and welcoming which made life really easy for us.
August 23rd
We started today with a walk around Kobarid. Immediately outside the campsite entrance you come across the Napoleon Bridge which has wonderful views on either side. The was initial wooden bridge was destroyed by the Venetians before the French built the first stone bridge over the river to march to Predel Pass (where the monument we saw two days ago stands). It was subsequently destroyed in WWI to be rebuilt by the Italians, and during WWII was the scene of heroic defense from Slovenian partisans against Germany forces who occupied the territory in November 1943. There are monuments to these defenders on the bridge.
During our little walkabout we crossed the stream to get to the waterfall of Kozjak which was stunning. There were minor waterfalls around this too which made for a very pleasant stop. Crossing the river again, we stopped for a quick dip in the river, which was absolutely freezing despite the roasting hot temperatures on land. Up on the Tonocov Grad, a large hill overlooking Kobarid, there is a Roman settlement, dated from the 5th Century with a tremendous view of the town below, and on the way there you pass through the trenches used by the Italians to defend the area against attacks from the Austro-Hungarian and German forces during the Battle of Caporetto, or the 12th Battle of the Isonzo during WWI.
We then arrived in the town, where we went to a cheese museum to see how cheese was made through the centuries in this area. After this we bought some of the local produce and rushed back to the van to make dinner and scoff the lot!
We finished the day with another stroll down to the river and a quick dip (very quick!) before relaxing at the on-site bar.
Click here for our photostream (flickr)
Click here for our route (google maps)
In the morning we set off in search of Camp Koren, a campsite that had been recommended to us by the "Cool Camping" guidebook. Many thanks to Rachel's ladies - a wonderful birthday present! The road to the site was hairy to say the least, so I let Rachel do the driving to avoid any blame should anything bad happen. The weather had become even hotter since Austria and today was no exception. In the glorious sun we wound our way through the mountains to the campsite.
As soon as we arrived we knew we would have a "cool" time here. After checking in we found the ideal spot on the edge of the campsite (and a cliff), overlooking the main river, which set the background noise for the site. After the awning was set up and we had made camp, we set about the strenuous task of relaxing for the day, and exploring the river a little. We also used the free facilities and washed all our clothes, had showers, used the internet (for which there was a small charge) - all in all the site is great value for money. On top of this, the site staff were really friendly and welcoming which made life really easy for us.
August 23rd
We started today with a walk around Kobarid. Immediately outside the campsite entrance you come across the Napoleon Bridge which has wonderful views on either side. The was initial wooden bridge was destroyed by the Venetians before the French built the first stone bridge over the river to march to Predel Pass (where the monument we saw two days ago stands). It was subsequently destroyed in WWI to be rebuilt by the Italians, and during WWII was the scene of heroic defense from Slovenian partisans against Germany forces who occupied the territory in November 1943. There are monuments to these defenders on the bridge.
During our little walkabout we crossed the stream to get to the waterfall of Kozjak which was stunning. There were minor waterfalls around this too which made for a very pleasant stop. Crossing the river again, we stopped for a quick dip in the river, which was absolutely freezing despite the roasting hot temperatures on land. Up on the Tonocov Grad, a large hill overlooking Kobarid, there is a Roman settlement, dated from the 5th Century with a tremendous view of the town below, and on the way there you pass through the trenches used by the Italians to defend the area against attacks from the Austro-Hungarian and German forces during the Battle of Caporetto, or the 12th Battle of the Isonzo during WWI.
We then arrived in the town, where we went to a cheese museum to see how cheese was made through the centuries in this area. After this we bought some of the local produce and rushed back to the van to make dinner and scoff the lot!
We finished the day with another stroll down to the river and a quick dip (very quick!) before relaxing at the on-site bar.
Click here for our photostream (flickr)
Click here for our route (google maps)
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