Part 1 (MORNING) : Part 2 (NIGHT)

Well, it was an early morning (very early), roads were empty, perhaps only couple of cars passed me. Probably some youngsters going home from a Friday party. I was driving towards Kamnik and then towards Podvolovjek. Heavy snowing last two days made me think I would need to leave my car far away from normal starting point of walking. Are the roads cleared of snow yet?

And I was thinking, am I early enough to get through snow to Velika planina, to catch the good light of dawn? Surprisingly, roads were clear and not slippery, so it took me less than an hour of driving from Kranj to get to Podvolovjek and start my walk. Freezing wind convinced me I made a good choice of super warm gloves and heavy jacket. After a couple of minutes wind subsided and I was sweating. Clouds that gloomed heavily over valley dispersed and I could see stars. Not many as night greeted morning way too early. And I made a promise to myself, next time I need to wake up an hour earlier. Well, now I am here, lets make the best of it. Clear dark blue sky above me, gray clouds in a valley below me, moon racing towards west. I was not there yet, but sky turned heavenly blue, not bright, not dark, not middle blue, just special blue. I could not yet see the highest peaks of Kamnik Alps (Grintavec, Kocna, Skuta,…), but the light was here.

I knew I did not have enough time so I decided I will photograph without tripod and explore the region. Next time I have to wake up earlier. Next time. I increased ISO setting and managed to take some decent shots. Later at home, when processing I regretted my decision. Heavenly blue sky was great color, but there was too much noise. Sure I did make some nice shots, but postprocessing files was too brutal to make them very good photographs. Lesson learned again.

Sun came up from low laying clouds, warmed me up. What a great day to be here. In a mountain cottage I had a cup of tea and goulash. Next time I need to wake up earlier. On my way down towards my car, out of nowhere fog appeared, first between the trees, then rose above me and above trees and in matter of minutes sun lost the battle with fog and clouds. Just right time to go home.

You may also check VELIKA PLANINA in GALLERIES.

Go to Part 2 (NIGHT).