Day 28, Monday, October 2, 2017
Krka National Park covers 109 square km. so we only see a small portion of it today. We visit the Skradinski buk which is the longest and most visited waterfall on the Krka River and is one of Croatia’s natural wonders. This link has more information and a couple arial photos of this 800 meter long series of waterfalls. Why don’t you follow along with us as we visit the park?
We start by walking 840 meters down a steep path near the parking lot to get to the main boardwalk. These beauties grow along the path.
These are some of our first views of the many water features here.A viewpoint along our walk gives a glimpse of the Skradinski buk waterfall below.
We turn a corner and there is a profusion of purple flowers everywhere! These are wild cyclamen and they are stunning.
There are the ruins of several old mills along the path.
Every corner we turn present us with another beautiful sight.
We arrive at the waterfall and stop to watch some of the people swimming. We brought our bathing suits, but decide that the water is much too cold for us.
We find a little spot to sit and relax after we have our lunch and Bob gets his feet wet before he finds a spot to sit and read and have a little cat nap or two while I do some sketching.
Just before we set off again I try out the water too. It is pretty cold and this is enough bathing for me. I really enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and sketching the waterfall. I don’t usually draw landscapes so it is a bit of a challenge. It was too dark to photograph my drawing when we got home, so I will include it in tomorrow’s post
I am standing on the long boardwalk that was crowded with people earlier in the day but most of the crowds have left by 4:00.
We climb a bit on our way out of the park and get some different views of this magnificent waterfall which has 17 steps and we see most of them.
The Krka Hydro-power Plant began opertions in 1895, just two days after Tesla’s hydroelectric plant at Niagra falls, which was the first in the world. The Krka plant was decommissioned during the First World War. Not sure what this is but I think it is a turbine?
This view is along the path to some cultural and historical displays, including…
these huge stones which were used to grind corn and wheat.
We thought we would have to climb the very steep 840 metre path that we walked down to start our day, but there is a shuttle bus which cliimbs up to the parking lot for us. We drive home and arrive just as it is getting dark which is great timing as either of us want to drive on narrow winding roads in the dark.
Oh yes, the answer to yesterday’s question is…they are paint balls. Someone had been using them around town and we found them all along our walk yesterday and then found this stash, which was rather curious.
Thanks for answering the paint ball query
Bob should have posed with the turbine holding it like it was barbells to lift!
Too COLD? You are CANADIANS, remember? LOL
Needless to say the flowers & waterfalls were a sight to behold. Funny part was I read the caption while looking at a photo of Bob reading “beautiful sight”. Pondering which is the more beautiful sight…you 2 or the waterfalls!! Thanks for the beauty & extra link.
LikeLike
You are very welcome. Never thought the bar bell pose..too funny!
LikeLike
I second Gayle’s comment….nature is amazing.
LikeLike
It certainly is. I said to Bob that I didn’t think would be possible to construct this place with all of it’s waterfall and water wonders.
LikeLike
Croatia is a gorgeous place and your photos definitely share the beauty with us! Thank you! Miss you guys but glad you are enjoying your vacation! xxoo
LikeLike
We are enjoying it and it is hard to believe how quickly the time is going.Wwe have been away over a month already. I feel very fortunate to be able to take such a long leisurely holiday.
LikeLike