{We took the red path... 6 hours!}
During the millennia, the water has eroded and dissolved the rocks of its own course and beds; subsequently, with the help of particular species of moss and algae, the dissolved calcium carbonates have been sedimented out to create tufa or travertine, porous stone that is being created even today in conditions of continuing ecological balance. With the ongoing process of creation of the travertine, barriers grow up between one lake and another, so that new falls and cascades are constantly being created. The tufa coats and petrifies fallen trees in the lakes, constantly changing and enriching the beauty of them. The travertine forming process is biodynamic and thus and exceptionally interesting scientific phenomenon and a leading attraction. There are several caves in the lakes as well, and in the same area, archaeological remains from various times in the past have been found.
The Park contains the habitats of many species of bird, of the brown bear, wolves, red deer and roe deer, wild boar and wild cats, while the waters of the lakes are home to trout and crustaceans."
- excerpt from "Nacionalni Park Plitvička Jezera Izletnička Karta" OR "Plitvice Lakes National Park Tourist Map" :o)
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{Lake Milanovac}
{Colin and "Veliki Slap" or "The Big Waterfall"}
{leaving rainy bus station #2}
From Batinovac we came upon Lake Galovac, where the path bordered the water. There were no boardwalks there, so it was pretty muddy... but beautiful!
{bundle up!}
Between Lake Galovac and the next lake, Gradinsko, there were many, many beautiful waterfalls.
{me and Colin}
{some of the petrified trees}
{Jezero/Lake Gradinsko}
After following the boardwalk we came upon Boat Station #2. From there you could take a boat back to Bus Station #2 or over to Boat Station #3 to continue the hike. We of course took the boat about 15 minutes across Lake Kozjak. There were so many fish in the water! The ride was pretty cold (as we were underdressed... c'mon Croatia!) After the boat ride we had a snack at an amazingly old "eastern europe" cafe - the atmosphere was insane! Old communist sounding tunes on the radio and super gruff looking folk. It was great!
{Our boat – and the fish!}
After our warm-up snack of tea and strudel, we continued on our way past lake Milanovac, where we saw TONS of waterfalls! After Milanovac, we walked past Lake Gavanovac.
{Milanovački Slap/Waterfall}
{The teal waters of Lake Gavanovac}
{One of the caves off of Gavanovac}
{Boardwalks and Waterfalls}
{And one last look over Lake Kaluderovac at Veliki Slap - the big waterfall!}
After our 6 hour hike I was SO ready to get to our room for the night, get dry and get some dinner! Unfortunately we still have to walk a good 20 minutes to the nearby village of Mukinje (muk-in-ya). We stayed in a beautiful house run by a family. Nearby was a !-ski hill-! and had a fantastic restaurant (the only one around)... after a hot shower at home we went over and had the best pizza... and the place was hoppin! The owner/waiter was super friendly and we even had some dessert - crepes! After such a good dinner we came home, watched part of a Jackie Chan film and slept like babies!
{Beautiful weather to take the bus to Split}
And that was our time in Plitvice Lakes! Croatia's hidden gem. :o)