View from the Pillion - Last day of our ride

We're heading back to Ljubljana today - which as the crow flies, is not that far away. But we have some passes, mountain roads and sights to see on the way. We start with an invigorating ride through the Vršič Pass, in the reverse direction from the previous day. It's not as wet today, but the cobblestones and the tight corners are still intimidating. I find myself counting the turns, which are clearly numbered and when we get to 50 we're through the pass. This type of riding is quite tiring even for the pillion.

A brief stop at a ski resort, which is busy even at this time of year with many visitors and a big contingent of Harley riders gathering for their convention. We continue en route through the Julian Alps.

Riding beside rivers, around mountains and along lush valleys, we come to the beautiful spa town of Bled. Situated on a glacial lake which boasts Slovenia's only island, it is picture perfect and the whole setting seems staged for romantic fantasies. 

Now a busy centre of tourism, Bled is a very old town, appearing first in written documentation way back in 1004. The ferry man rows us in a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat to the island past swans and dawdling row boats. Tradition has it that at weddings, the groom has to carry his wife up the 90 steps to the church. We pause for a group photo. 

The view from the top is enchanting; across the lake to Bled Castle perched perilously on the top of a sheer cliff, Entry to the castle is free if you eat at the restaurant, so it makes perfect sense to make this our lunch stop. The food is excellent with plenty of local specialties. I order the John Dory, a fish I don't think I have ever eaten and Peter has the deer. They are both delicious. It is very relaxing sitting in the sun in the courtyard of this ancient castle. We all cherish the moment and reflect on the fun, the camaraderie and the exhilaration of our adventure together. 

At Bohinj Lake we stop very briefly before continuing on for our last mountain ride of the journey.

Soon after, the heavens open and we are pelted by heavy rain. So we stop beside a heavily wooded area and try to get some shelter while we quickly slip on our rain gear. By now we have become experts at doing this and it's not long before we are on our way again. But as soon as we crest the pass, the rain stops, the roads are dry and we have a nice ride to the lovely medieval village of Škofja Loka.

Škofja Loka is  one of the oldest settlements in Slovenia. It is a well preserved oasis in the middle of a bustling, modern town. Dan leads us through a maze of streets to the town square where we find a table and have our last coffee stop together as a group.

There are some nice shops in the narrow streets and June wanders off for a recce, returning with a stylish pair of sandals. It's time to say good by to Dan's daughter, Karin who will be leaving us along the last leg of the trip. We all enjoyed having her along for the ride and I think she had a good time too.

Back at the headquarters of Adriatic Moto Tours we are warmly greeted by Primož and other staff. Champagne is popped and we toast each other and give warm thanks to Dejan who has been an excellent guide; making each day a new adventure. Warm hugs to Primož too who was so much fun, took care of our bikes and made sure our bags were delivered to the right rooms every night.

Peter and I have an early departure in the morning, so back at Hram Kmeki, we enjoy a last delicious Slovenian meal and say our good byes to the group.