Zeljko Petrak

Joining the traditional hike with P.D. Vršak through the majestic Kupa River Canyon. Click to watch the video: https://youtu.be/bllDKvFEknU?si=B5SuCFABA5KwFb2g

Napoleon Road – from Krčić to Badanj, through wind and whispers of history This two-day hiking journey begins at the Krčić waterfall, which was completely dry at the time of filming — a haunting sight that evokes silence and reverence. Click to watch the video: https://youtu.be/S8uKoMJuNdY The trail follows the historic Napoleon Road, crossing the stone Napoleon Bridge, climbing to the summit of Tomin nosić, and reaching the Brezovac mountain hut, where I spent the night in a tent under strong winds. On the second day, I continued toward the peak of Badanj, surrounded by the meditative stillness of the karst landscape. Napoleon Road was built in the early 19th century as part of the French strategy to connect the Adriatic coast with the inland. Today, it stands as a living path of history, blending nature, stone, and memory.

The Ridge of Košuta – A Hiking Fairytale in Motion We set off from Planina Pungrat, where a steep ascent greets us right from the start, leading us toward the saddle. As we continue along the Košuta ridge, the peaks unfold like pearls on a string: Vetrnik, Kladivo, Malo Kladivo, Mali Turn, Kofce Gora, Toplar, and Veliki Vrh. The weather shifts constantly—clouds and sunbeams dance across the landscape, painting scenes that linger in memory. Along the trail, wild blueberries tempt us with their freshness, and at the end of the journey, a true reward awaits: homemade blueberry and raspberry štrukli at the mountain hut Dom na Kofcah. You can experience it all visually in this video: https://youtu.be/dljNpaheGrU Watch the video, breathe in the beauty, and perhaps you’ll be inspired to embark on this magical hiking adventure yourself.

The Heart Wants It, the Body Says No, and Reason Prevails Hike toward Sutvid, Velika Kapela – Biokovo After dropping off my wife at the hospital in Korčula for physical therapy, I decided to take advantage of the return trip and attempt a solo ascent to Sutvid, one of Biokovo’s peaks. It was already midday, and the sun was blazing, but the trail called to me. The scent of wild sage and the stunning views of the Adriatic made every step feel worthwhile. However, even on the ferry from Korčula to Orebić, I felt a slight pain in my right temple. I brushed it off, excited for the climb. But as I pushed further uphill, the pain intensified. I noticed a swollen blood vessel under the skin—about 5 cm in diameter—painful to the touch. With 1000 meters of trail and 280 meters of elevation still ahead, I knew the final 600 meters would be the toughest. That’s when I faced the hardest decision a hiker can make: to turn back. To avoid complications, rescue operations, or unwanted comments (as I usually hike solo), I chose to stop. This video isn’t about reaching the summit—it’s about listening to your body and making the wise call. The heart wants it, the body says no, and reason prevails. Watch the video https://youtu.be/dRD0xtG4M8M?si=1TdoDMwb18bv7jXz

Julian Alps – Hiking Through History and Nature Starting from Udine, we passed through the scenic Val Dogna and reached the Battaglione Alpini Gemona bivouac – once a military chapel, now a mountain shelter. The ascent to Monte Piper was tough, but the summit views were absolutely breathtaking. Along the way, we wandered through forests, ruins from World War I, and felt the deep connection between nature and history. Due to the rain, we had to skip the Due Pizzi peaks, but our hearts were full. Join us on this unforgettable hiking journey through the heart of the Julian Alps!

Via Ferrata Renke 1: Short but Unforgettable Seemingly short, Via Ferrata Renke 1 held more challenges than we had anticipated. Though the trail itself is modest in length, every step delivered a dose of adrenaline, sweat, and — ultimately — genuine satisfaction. Our very first encounter with the ferrata was a true little adventure. The approach begins with crossing an abandoned suspension bridge over the Sava River. Built from wooden planks and a metal frame, the bridge is officially closed — but that didn’t stop us. Fragile underfoot, with the river flowing beneath, the bridge set the tone for the entire outing — this wasn’t just a walk, it was an experience. After turning left along the railway, we crossed the tracks and entered the forest. The trail is steep and well-marked, but the combination of humidity, heat, and incline quickly pushed us into serious effort. By the time we reached the ferrata entrance, we were already feeling tired. Two Routes, Two Challenges • Nenad chose the right, more difficult route (D/E) — bold, fast, and focused. • Nataša and I opted for the left, slightly easier one (B/C/D), though by no means simple. Every grip, every rock demanded full attention. Technically engaging, thrilling, and packed with just enough adrenaline to keep us on edge — both literally and figuratively. After returning, Nataša refreshed herself with a swim in the Sava River. The emerald water, surrounded by wooded hills, felt almost therapeutic. Nenad and I went for a cold beer— simply the perfect ending.

Martuljka Falls are located above the Martuljka Forest Valley. The area was declared a landscape park in 1949, and in 1981 it became part of the Triglav National Park Below Mount Špik are two pearls of the Slovenian alpine world. The Upper Martuljka Waterfall is particularly spectacular, descending in three levels over a 110-meter vertical wall. Then the stream continues its way over Mount Jasenje and, as the Lower Martuljka Waterfall, falls over a 48-meter high wall into a 400-meter long and narrow gorge, formed in limestone – the Martuljka Gorge. We did not go to the upper waterfall because a warning was posted that the path to the waterfall was closed.