I talked My Legs Into It: A Day in Plitvice National Park, Croatia

                                                The Never Ending Trail

       When I woke up this morning my legs and I had a long talk. I promised that if they held out for the day on the trails of Plitvice National Park that I would be kind to them the rest of our vacation. They agreed so Lynda and I set out to explore the wonders of the Park. This Park was once a river but through time and geologic phenomenon had caused the limestone to dam it up in several places resulting in sixteen lakes and waterfalls connecting them all, some small, some slow, some magnificent and some powerful.

One of Many Falls

The 'walk' took us about six hours to accomplish. This is 'my legs' story.
       We were full of pep, energy and anticipation as we trekked to the park's entrance.

Most of this was downhill on a gradual slope but we were reminded that what goes down must come up. We came across this unusual toilet which reminded me of days of yore in Europe where there was no functioning toilet seat, just places for your feet.

Ladies, would you use this?

       A large diesel train/ bus took us to the top of the trailhead and we were happy that mark had chosen to walk downward and not the opposite. This began our journey over hewn log walkways and stairs, through paths in the forest, around rock formations and over the water itself sometimes.

Rock Trails

Wooden Trails

      With each new lake there was a new set of waterfalls, making noise and crashing down below, sometimes on our feet and misting our bodies. We saw ducks cuddled up like Mark and Lynda often did.

We saw fish of all sizes swimming in the Amalfi Coast pristine clear water.

There were underwater rock formations which resembled the time we went to the islands off Mexico. Each new turn provided us with new excitement and a gathering storm of joint pain.
      At about two thirds into the trek we began to curse Mark and thankfully a boat was there to take us the length of the longest lake.

Thanks For the Boat

We were able to rest for a half hour on this electric boat. It seems that no one is allowed to fish, swim or motor in this set of virginal lakes. I overheard Mark saying North Americans should take a few lessons from the Croatians. This is probably why they have it listed as a World Heritage site.

      After a short break we were on our way to find the "Big Waterfall". On the map Mark held it looked like it was just around the corner, but after a few more lakes and a treacherous downhill it was not to be found. Lynda could be heard saying words children shouldn't hear as her feet were giving out on her. The only good thing is that Mark was saying, "not much longer, dear." We've heard that before, haven't we?

       We were pinching and throbbing but soon we saw the "Big Waterfall" and it lived up to it's name. Now only to find the train again.

A Welcome Sight

There it was and not too soon. Mark and Lynda were rewarded at the end with a few refreshments and strudels.

Another Welcome Sight!

We made it but we made him promise not to do this again. We can't wait until we have a day of driving tomorrow and perhaps a dip in the Adriatic. We deserve it.