The park was a pleasant 50 mile drive from the campsite
and is Croatia’s premier National Park. From the start it seemed well
organised, with different walks pre-planned so you just follow the letter for your
chosen walk. We picked walk B. Pathways were either gravel, or wooden boards where
the walk crossed water or swamp, so no muddy feet. Right at the start we viewed
the highest waterfall in the country, and most spectacular it was too.
The park comprises 16 connected lakes, all at
different levels. There is an average of about 10 metres between each lake so
there are some incredible falls, rapids and rushing torrents where water flows down
to the next level.
At several point in the walk park transport is
provided as part of the planned route. We took a boat along the longest lake
after eating at the fast-food point near the jetty. The boats are electrically
driven so as not to disturb the wildlife, and provide a half-hourly service.
Speaking of wildlife, most of the big stuff makes
itself scarce when visitors are around. In the northern part there are bears,
wolves, lynx and boar. However, birds and fish are abundant, also some more
unusual water-dwellers like this crayfish. But sorry, nothing for the barbie. Fishing
is forbidden.
A road train forms part of the transport system so you
can walk a lot further and then take the train back. It does seem an
excessively rugged conveyance for ferrying walkers along a few miles of level tarmac
road, and put us in mind of the vehicles we came across in Morocco that had
crossed the Sahara!
The high level walk back gave us another angle on the
park, looking down on the lakes. The waterfalls are less impressive at this
height, but you can see how well the walkways are designed to take you right
along the face of the falls and rapids. The visit is more memorable if you’re
drenched in spray.
So another splendid day out, even though it took us a
long time to figure out how to persuade the barrier to let us out of the car park.
As usual, there were instructions nearby. In English. Don’t you feel a fool….
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