Day 13 15/9 Zabok-Brecize 51 km

After a very wet night, it was still raining in the morning but the forecast was to improve during the afternoon so we delayed our start until midday. Ivan, our understanding host allowed us an extra hour in his apartment.

I decided to plan a shorter day and explore some of the smaller bike trails in the hills, as we had had enough of following roads the previous day.

Quite a climb, but we were rewarded by great views, and no rain😁

From here we descended down a steep gravel track, which was a bit hairy.

This bike trail I think was meant for unladen mountain bikes! When we saw the steep uphill slope shortly after this muddy stretch , we turned around, back onto tarmac lanes

A very steep incline which was hard work, even with a battery to help.

Hilly but lovely scenery, and although the odd few minutes of light rain, mainly dry.

Looking from the hilly terrain we’d been cycling though, into Slovenia, and the town of Brezice

We had a great ride down along lanes into this valley.

Just before the border we passed this tiny 2 person church on a road junction. We’ve seen several since.

As we went through the Croatian border we passed through 100 metres of no man’s land! On this ground was a duty free shop, in which Sue found her favourite perfume, for half price😁👍🏼. She’d nearly run out of her existing supply, so we purchased a bottle and I followed a happy wife into Slovenia.

I didn’t understand how a duty free shop could be allowed when both countries are in the EU🤔🤔?