Monja's Adventures: A Quieter PLNP

Plitvice Lakes NP is a main attraction here in Croatia and extremely busy in July and August. The park itself is very large, but the area most want to see is the 16 lakes connected by the waterfalls. Through this area, there are boardwalks about 6 feet wide, built of wooden planks (some very rough and uneven, NOT a place for strollers and high heels!). With thousands of people these boardwalks become very congested and cultural norms for traffic and waiting politely seem to be as different as the nationalities. Seeing the lakes early in the peaceful morning was very rewarding. But by noon, it's like Disneyland gone MAD! I decided for Day 2, I would venture off the busy tracks! Still in the park, but completely alone, I walked opposite the direction of the lakes into the forest. On an 8 kilometer trek, I reached three peaks: Oštri Medvedek at 889 meters, Tupi Medvedek at 868 m, and Turčić Medvedek at 801 m. The forest of mostly beech was beautiful. Lots of fern and limestone formations covered the ground and interesting mushrooms spouted from the trees. There was not another human around to enjoy such natural beauty!

Heading back towards the park to see those beautiful lakes again after this short jaunt, I was quickly overwhelmed by people. I kept going to the opposite end, up past the large waterfalls. Figuring there had to be river up there somewhere feeding these falls, I went exploring. Finding some more trailhead signs, I wandered along streams that had only private access for neighboring guest houses.

And finally I found the access I'd been searching for. At least, there were no signs against it!

After a picture perfect picnic, I put my feet in. The silt is extremely soft and you sink quickly, but the ice cold water is what forces you out even faster!!

I continued hiking further along the trail, not at all sure where it lead, but my stubborn streak felt sure "something" was just around the corner. The journey itself was my reward, for there never was a true destination. After hiking for 3 hours on an unknown trail, I decided to return. I allowed myself the time to enjoy the scenery I had so hurriedly passed before. The tranquil flow of the river my teacher.