The morning started badly.We slept in.
We had to miss breakast and scurry around to meet our driver who was taking us from our hotel Casa Parenzana to Brtonigla, a small Hilltown about 20 mins from our hotel and the starting point for the first days walk.The temperature was already warm with 34 degrees mentioned on the news.
The day did not improve as we could not find our way out of the town because the instructions were so obtuse.Eventually we came across the Information Centre who helped us find our way out.Annoying though because Brad thought we should go down the road ahead but it did not match the street name we were given so I retraced steps several times looking for the impossible!!!
By the time we left the town it was getting very hot so we loaded up with water and hoped for some tree shelter along the way.
The countryside is very fertile with rich red soil and a great variety of crops.We passed by vineyards and cultivated fields of crops, olive trees and lots of vegetables.Quite bucolic.
We walked towards a small village of Baredine along a gravel road tthen crossing vineyards and eventually arriving at a nature park called Skarline where we crossed a bridge and climbed uphill for a hard slog in the heat.We were expecting a stop under some trees as it was a nature park but no such luck.We did pass a dead snake on the road so we were not keen to get into the undergrowth.
Eventually we came across a tree which we could crash under.It was midday, the lines mad dogs and English men go out in the mid day sun came to mind! It was hot,hot,hot and we were knackered.
After our break we set off along a gravel road which took us past the village of Baredine and on towards Buje.The track across the fields turned into a downhill walking track which was quite steep but thankfully through trees so we had another stop and prepared ourselves mentally for the climb up to the hill town of Buje.We were hot, sweaty and none too chipper by this stage so a rest at the top before entering the town was needed and at this point we decided to get a taxi from here to the hotel as we did not know if there was any shade on the remaining section and it seemed safer to get back without dehydrating.
We stopped at a cafe for a long cold drink which was so welcome.I managed to tip mine over and break a glass so I was gutted.I decided not to try my hand at anything else and just head for the hotel as soon as possible.
There was an Information Centre in Buje and we made our way there to ask for help, the girl organised a taxi for us and within minutes we were whisked back to our hotel, a cool shower,a makeover and a lie down.Bliss.
Not sure how tomorrow will go heat wise but we have opted for a shorter route as six hours in this heat is not sensible.
Anyway we are underway on our walking trip and we are enjoying the Istrian culture and hospitality to date.
Our dinner tonight was served out doors under the lavender bushes.We had local cheese,olive oils and salad and Brad tried a local dish with lamb baked with potatoes in a special oven. I opted for a white chocolate mousse which was lovely.A good ending for our day.
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