Plitvice Lakes Ntl Park, Croatia

Arrived by bus from Zadar to the national park in the late afternoon. I met a older gentleman, Keld from Denmark who was on the bus and headed to the park as well. We found our accommodation, later met up for dinner and made plans to meet early in the morning to visit the park. The temperature I must say was rather chilly so early in the day. I certainly was glad to have purchased a scarf and some gloves in Slovenia! As we made our way to the park entrance, the lake had a low mist of fog over it. Both of us were hoping the fog would burn off and the sun appear soon to warm things up. Not a lot of people were at the entrance when we arrived, however later the tour groups came. A bus took people from entrance up to one of the lakes, from there a person could walk for 1 or 1 1/2 hours down to the next lake and take a boat across a couple of points. The paths were clearly by letters and signs as to where you could catch a boat or bus back up to the different parking lots and entrances. Very well laid out and organized.

Leaves on some of the trees were just starting to change, so there was a variation in colour on the landscape. There were many low waterfalls scattered about, plus groups of cascading ones. The scenery was different on almost every turn! Not only that, the water was various shades of turquoise and green!

It was breathtaking, needless to say a lot of photos were taken! This off season and when a few tour groups arrived later the walkway bridges were a lot more congested. I'd hate to imagine what this park would be like in the busy summer season! At one point I thought I saw a little bird fall into the water. Next thing I knew the bird bounced back up onto the rock, then repeated diving headfirst into water for a bit, later jumping back onto the rock. I had never seen anything like this before.

We walked up and down the walkways, around this lake and the next, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. On one of the walkways I looked up and on the other side of the shore was this very large bird. It appeared to be a heron, but looking through the binoculars it was even larger and had a different bill. Along came a tour group making noise, scaring this bird away. In the end we had walked for almost 8 eight hours, hardly realizing the time. Definitely one of the wonders of Croatia!! Although towns, castles and beaches are nice, this park was spectacular! Sure glad I went and on my own, rather than a tour, I had a lot more time to enjoy! The long day was ended by a wonderful fresh made pizza and Radler beer (lemon flavor). Super, super day, loved it!!