Blog about Plitvice the Largest National Park in Croatia

Yesterday we did a two-hour drive to a protected forest and series of lakes called (Plit-Vit-Se) Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a beautiful forest with trails and boardwalks that move from lower lakes and streams into upper lakes and streams. Complete with ferries to cross the larger lakes and it is one of the largest National Parks in Croatia. The water is this beautiful turquoise blue because the leaching into the water from the vast quantities of limestone eventually cover the bottoms of the lake with this reflective white carbonization and it then reflects the sky and the color of the water. The cascading waterfalls are spectacular and the meticulous care of the park is something that is lovely to witness. I appreciate the way most Europeans attempt to keep their lands pristine and healthy.
The park was very crowded and as it is the end of high season, to be somewhat expected. I learned that the winds here in Croatia can end up being hurricane force winds of 120 miles per hour in the winter and it is one reason that they have fewer tourists at those times because planes cannot always land. The coastal areas can only grow grapes and olives. But the parts north and east are the breadbasket of this land. Even as we were landing in Zurich (as we were on our way), the planes were asked to circle as the winds were too strong. So, we landed an hour later but safe and sound. Then landing in Croatia it was blustery and though it was uneventful, I admire the pilots that do this route routinely. Very brave indeed.
At least we got all our steps in for the day and after sitting in the car for two hours both ways, that felt like an accomplishment.
I find it interesting that once I do anything different than my normal routine how much (if given the chance) I sleep. I feel like I am catching up on sleep and feeling more grounded and less stressed.
Hope everyone is having a great time. We are off on a catamaran today to go to Hvar. I am ready for some island hopping and boats. I love boats!
~Suzanne Wagner~