The Dalmatian Coast ( Senj)/ Plitvicka Jezera

Having been woken by torrential rain, I had no preconceived ideas about the coming day apart from the fact that we would be visiting one of Croatia's star attractions, their number one national park ( one of 8), Plivicka Jezera ( jezera meaning lake) . For me, wet or fine, I was sure we were in for a treat!

Our 40 minute drive along the start of the Dalmatian Coast was glorious. The rain stopped and the dark clouds over the densely bush- covered mountains looked ominous and yet really beautiful. Our first stop was the little fishing village of Senj. Nothing sensational, but calm and picturesque.

The 200 km drive from Opatije to Plitvicka was fantastic. The lush green forest carpeting the hills and valleys is quite breathtakingly vibrant. This, and possibly autumn, must be the best times to visit. As we climbed the winding road to the top of the 800 metre pass , we headed into fog and drizzle, so once again our weather for this all important trip to the park was uncertain. 

Down into the valley and through sparsely populated plains where so many lost their lives during the wars in the 1990 s. What a senseless loss and so much heartbreak and devastation. Many of the houses were in a delapidated state, about to be repaired to offer back to those who fled the war, or the recently repaired houses still had holes in the walls from the bullets and shells.
However, down the road, the only battle was amongst the dozens of groups of tourists pushing their way past others.

What a paradise we had arrived at, apart from the throngs,  and the sun shone for us. It was magnificent, and the emerald green waters certainly lived up to their reputation.

Due to heavy rain over the past week, and even snow just one week ago, the Upper Lakes of the park were inaccessible due to flooding, and so everyone was on the Lower Lakes. I am such a coward when it comes to crowds and narrow slippery boardwalks and steps. All this aside, the afternoon at the lakes was one of the most incredible I have experienced.

The waterfalls were raging torrents with the recent heavy rainfalls. The steps and boardwalks led us right nect to them, between rocks and water. The noise of the water was deafening but the views heavenly.

I felt rather unnerved as we were descending the fairly flimsy looking wooden stepsw with no handrails, being bustled along by hoards of mostly Asian tourists who seemed in a horrible rush, probably trying to keep up with the red umbrella waving in the distance ahead of them!
Just metres from this mass of water, I really did not fancy losing my footing. Health and Safety would be shocked here - not a life saving ring in sight.

It was absolutely fabulous, though, and such serene vistas at the base of the falls, were absolutely gorgeous.

For just a couple of seconds, the path ahead of us was clear. Before that, we had been in single file, one behind the other, one lane up and one down! 

There were so many different falls to wonder at, from narrow gorges to wide valleys just covered with water

To more gentle, rounded and small falls which were so tranquil and beautiful.

The final Piece de Resistance was this incredible 75 metre high falls. 

We didn't take the one- way path to it, as the congestion was horrendous. However, we did take the pathway across the bottom of the lake at the start of some new falls, but that proved to be  truly hair- raising! There were groups of school children standing three abreast and  Japanese tourists taking selfies, oblivious of others trying to pass,  on the other side of the narrow walkway, and the fear of falling in to the freezing waters as we crossed. What a pity we were not there ten minutes later! At that moment we could have really enjoyed the experience instead of battling our way through. 

It had been a wonderful visit , challenging at times, but it will certainly be something I will hopefully never forget and I am so thrilled I did not chicken out!.

Our hotel this evening, in the midst of forested hills, is fabulous, smaller and less luxurious than the previous ones, but for me, much more comfortable and welcoming . I am sitting outside in the evening sun writing this. Perfect. Before, Janey and I explored a little,  and en route to this little waterfall

Discovered a couple of different types of local orchids, very pretty indeed. Unfortunately, my ipad cannot take such perfect close- ups. Never mind!

Time to end a great day with a delicious meal of fresh trout and Croatian mashed potatoes and silverbeet.