A favourite haunt of ours on a scorching summer afternoon is heading up to Mount Ponikva. Around 10km out of Kocani we head into the mountains and drive up and up. Our ears pop, the air gets cooler, we open the windows and listen to the birds and the crickets chirping. Sometimes we meet another car, occasionally we pass a cluster of cars where friends and family have driven up to find cool air to have a picnic.

Once at the top, having passed a number of vacation houses which are being built, the road turns into gravel and cars are parked wherever they have stopped. We park the car up and step out, every time we stop and stare at the amazing views. Its probably due to living in the Netherlands that we just cannot get enough of hills and mountains, the views are just stunning.  

There is a small church, sometimes the priest is there for a chat but more often than not it is deserted save the candles that have been lit for the sick and bereaved.  

There is a restaurant where you can get refreshments, and a small play area for children. We frequently see mountain bikers there recovering from the long haul up the mountain. All hail to you guys! I would recommend a drink from a closed bottle/can and order food if you have a reasonably strong constitution. Or wash it down with the local rakija which would probably kill all bugs along with your stomach lining.  

There are a number of footpaths which you can follow but there is nothing signposted maps are hard to find of this area so its best to walk with someone who has a clear sense of direction, in this case not us!  

We are planning on exploring this area more but as yet we haven’t found the opportunity to do so.. we will keep you posted.  

It is worth mentioning that this is the local ski area, there is, according to Johan a ‘green’ slope, i.e. you go backwards its so flat, and a black slope. Being an experienced skier if Johan ever goes here he takes the black slope, bearing in mind that maintenance is not a strong point here he has once had the joy of skiing to the bottom only to find that the lifts, which are only pull along, were no longer working.  

It’s a place worth visiting, even if only to sit and admire the view.