Plitvice, Croatia, 11/01/2006

Well the rainy, cold weather the predicted finally arrived. Luckily we were able to get a full day in at the lakes before it got bad. It was overcast, but dry.

Walked all around the upper lakes (there are 16 in all, about half are in the upper group). I wanted to start with the upper for 2 reasons: 1) the lower are supposed to be the most spectacular, and I did not want to see them, then rush through the upper because they were not as exciting, and 2) I am hoping that it is sunny tomorrow and I get some great pictures of the lower falls.

Cathy and I started out on our walk. Unfortunately, we somehow got on the tram path instead of the walking path. Once we realized it (it was closer to the water), we made our own path down. We had to sit and scoot part of the way or risk falling. Later, we took the high path that goes up the mountains overlooking the lakes and once again got off the main path, so found an old path and made our way down. Needless to say, we broke the rule that said to stay on the paths. We did find that the easiest way to find the path is by following the trash cans that are frequent throughout the park. Unfortunately in the mountains, we must have run into a couple of old trash cans no longer used.

The falls are gorgeous. Lots of little and big ones. By the time we got back (5 hours later), I was exhausted. I sat in the room, reviewed pictures, and read for a while.

Really did not see any animals, but was told there is bear, otter, fox, birds, etc. Did see two ducks. They seemed a little aggressive when I got near the water, so I thought maybe they were protecting a nest (although it is out of season). Then we realized they were looking for food. Cathy had a pear with her, so she ripped of bites and fed them and the fish. They loved it, although one only wanted the pieces without the peel. Just like kids, huh?

I could walk around this land for days - the only thing I can complain about is the cold, but a front hit the whole country with this rain. However, I think Cathy is going to run out of steam after tomorrow, so we will probably leave in the afternoon. But who knows. We are a day ahead, so we can stay another day if we chose. Will depend on how long it takes to hike the lower falls.

Guess that's it, and my meter is out. Bye