Monday 12th June Klenovnik - krapina EPW day 11

Before we even put our boots on today, we are well aware that this is noted to be the hardest day of the walk.... Yippee 

Whilst we are sitting with our feet in an ice bath at the Barrocks hostel in krapina, I would suggest they were correct. 

We had over 30kms and 4 major climbs today and the temps were in the 30's

All that said, it was a fabulous day. The scenery was extraordinary. 

It was pretty much up hill from the time we left our accommodation, walking through the little town of Klevonink proper. Stopped for a coffee about 14 k and this is also our last opportunity to buy anything including water. From here we pretty much left the track/ road and headed into the woods.

Thè first climb was exceptionally challenging( once we found it!!) it could only be described as nothing more than a goat track and a little scary at times.

Had a few stops in the shade during the course of the day, refuelling with an orange and banana here and there. Completely out of water with about 5k to go but Stuart says that we can survive for 3 days without. I don't think so... Starting to feel a little precious. 

Of course what goes up must come down and down and down. Crazy steep and ongoing. On the outskirts of Krapina we decided rather than give the 3 day theory a try , it would be more suitable to knock on someone's door and beg for some water, which we did....

Finally arrived at the hostel and greeted with those ice buckets, that I previously mentioned and some elderflower drink.

Amazing host Malissa and her family. Everything we could possibly want was provided.

Wonderful dinner, mingling with the previous group as they were still there after their day trip to Zagreb.

Did we mention the foot ice baths?