frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Went to Crni Vrh (little carat over the c to indicate a 'ch' sound) for a funeral yesterday. As I was getting ready one of the men told me to wear everything I brought with me. He was not kidding. CV is about an hour west of LJ at an elevation of about 2400 feet (730 or so meters). It means Black Pass, in part referring to the color the hills studded with coniferous trees in a manner similar to the Black Forest in Germany. The spread out village (population 600 and change) sits on flatlands surrounded by mountain peaks. We reached it after a continuous uphill climb. There are good reasons why Slovenians drive a stick shift.

The temperature was brutal. Perhaps high teens to low 20s but accompanied by strong persistent wind. The church was mostly unheated, as is true of most of the churches here. Had six layers of shirts, sweaters, polartec, and nylon under the vestments. Even the skinny guys looked as if they had suited up for the Boston Bruins. Hiking boots gave marginal protection against the cold and were welcome when stepping into snowdrifts with the camera afterwards. We processed to the cemetery for the interment with the wind whipping vestments all over the place. It was a long 200 yards between the church and the cemetery and then the cemetery and the church.

Afterwards there was some time to shoot a few in the church, drive about 2 km to a flat plain, and then, as I was not driving, shoot through the windshield. The beauty of Slovenia continues to astound me.

From the back of the church. Typical of Slovenian churches in the villages.

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Farmhouse near the church.

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The church shot through the streaked windshield of car as we began trip back to LJ.

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The mesa at the top. The wind was brutal. We lasted less than ten minutes without gloves.

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Looking back toward the church on the other side of the horizon and downhill.

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The sun attempted to come it. It did not succeed. The ice was like glass with occasional cracks in it.

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Stopped for coffee and gas. A little transient folk art on an outdoor table top.

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Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Very appealing compositions and well done B&W work. It would be difficult to pick a favorite as each has its own appeal.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thank you for looking and commenting. Had frostbite and/or hypothermia not been a real risk I would have been happy to stay there all day.

RLSeipleSr Loc: North of Boston

Many thanks for sharing ... !

Bob S

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for looking and commenting. Completely unexpected photo outing.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice assortment

SonyBug

Beautiful little village. My Great Grandparents came from Slovenia and I always hoped to visit. Just not in those conditions.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

Great photos of a stark beautiful winter scene. The B&W shots add to the atmosphere of the day. My wife and I were in Slovenia a few years ago but it was summer so we did not have the opportunity to experience the winter scene you were afforded. Thanks for sharing, it brought back fond memories of a wonderful trip. I think we may want to return.

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

Interesting essay, enjoyed

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Slovenia is one of the most consistently beautiful places I've ever been. The late autumn was magnificent. The colors were more of a pastel than the brilliant reds of Vermont. I've yet to be here in the spring. Arrived in late September. Many people vacation in Croatia and bypass Slovenia. Big mistake. LJ is a small, very small, city. But, after I'm in larger cities it is always good to get back.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for commenting. Stark is a good way to put it. I've been here since September and will remain until July. Wondering what spring will be like. LJ is one of the greenest cities, both in lifestyle and the number of trees, in all of Europe.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for commenting.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Thanks for braving the elements and sharing these photos with us. Photographically, we don't see much from this part of the world and I always enjoy your excellent captures. Like a pleasant stroll through wonderland for me!

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Nice lighting inside that church building.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thank you for commenting. You are correct, Central Europe is pretty much ignored. My mission, on the side, is to help correct that.