31.3.2010 - From Osor with the mountain bike on the Osorcica mountains
I drive from Mali Losinj to Osor for a mountain bike ascent of the Osorcica, taking advantage of a good gravel road.
On the way, I have to stop before Sveti Jakov to appreciate these lots of flourishing Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias).
They are growing on the acclivity of the old road trace.
In the background Televrin - the summit of Osorcica, today´s goal.
Laurestine (Viburnum tinus)
I make a visit to the early spider orchids (Ophrys sphegodes) I have found last year at the outskirts of Sveti Jakov.
Osor, at the isthmus between Losinj and Cres, cut through by the short canal.
First, I ride a bit into Cres heading for Punta Kriza, to appreciate the view to the mountain. The gravel road leading to the summit can easily be seen.
Once more huge lots of Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias).
Now I am riding up the steep gravel road, several times enjoying a stunning view down to the cove of Osor. The isle of Cres behind. Click here or into the picture for a larger version.
Another panorama, this time from a bit more up. Click here or inside the picture for a larger version.
Now I have reached the northern end of the ridge, with a remote mountain hut, where you get simple food and drinks. The roof is accessable as view terrace, from here you get a stunning view down. Click here or into the picture for a larger version
View down to Osor ...
... and out on the wide Adriatic sea..
Zooming in on Osor, this time from nearly the top. In the background in the sunshine the isle of Krk.
Panoramic picture from shortly before the Televrin, the highest summit of the Osorcica range. Click here or into the picture for a larger version.
The southern part of the isle of Cres, tomorrow´s goal. In the distance, the mountains of the Croatian continent.
Summit cairn on Televrin at an altitude of 588 m.
Once more the view to the east with Cres, Krk and the continent.
Zooming in on the continental mountains. It is growing clearer, so like the day before yesterday, you can see the mountains at a distance of more than 50 km air-line.
A short desacent to the west opens the free view to the southern part of the isle of Losinj. The town of Mali Losinj can be seen, though a bit in the dust.
Osor with the isthmus, the continent behind now even clearer.
Viewing to the north with Cres.
The hut offers sitting facilities outside.
Back to the descent.
On the drive back a have a short stop at the cove of Mali Losinj to look at the Naples garlic (Allium neapolitanicum)
Onion-leafed asphodel (Asphodelus fistulosus)
