Day 7–Plitvice Lakes

Today our driver picked us up in Opatija at 10:00 am to take us to the Plitvice Lake area. Along the way we enjoyed the beautiful country side, quaint homes and gorgeous scenery. Many people were preparing their firewood for this season and the next. We’re told over 80% of residents use wood fires to heat their homes.

Also along the way, our driver was pulled over. Two potentially undercover police asked for our papers (passports). We were all able to provide them except David, whose passport was in the back of the van. He got out of the van to walk to the back of the van to retrieve it…without being asked to do so which escalated me. This is typically not a wise move when pulled over but one of the officers saw him and said, “ah, he looks American…like one from Kentucky. You can go.” It was a bit unnerving, especially since a police van pulled in behind the undercover car. Our driver (Daniel) told us the road we were on is common for refugees from Serbia and Pakistan to use. Vans attract attention and perhaps that’s why we were pulled over. Although we weren’t sure how to take the comments about David looking like an American from Kentucky, we’re taking it as a win. The thought of the refugees who use the road left us all feeling a bit somber.

Once at the hotel, we dropped off our bags and jumped back in the van for a ride to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plitvice Lakes are a system of 16 interconnected lakes. The lakes are split between the upper and lower lakes and contain over 90 waterfalls.

The natural beauty of the park and lakes was amazing. I’ve never seen water so clear and yet turquoise in appearance. We did a 3 ish hour walk around the lakes. Amazingly the walkway had no handrails so you had to mind your way and those around you. The only one we saw get a little wet was a pup who stopped for a drink. The lakes were amazing and we all took a ton of pictures.

For dinner, we ate a delicious meal at the hotel and enjoyed each other’s company. Another great day!

Step count = 13,090 (the knees are noticing this)