8-18-19 - Plitvice Lakes - seeing something special

Day 63. Leanne Here.

Some days you just know you are going to see something stunning. 

Today was one of those days.  We had hod big plans to get out early and beat the crowds at Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National park but this time it was the adults that delayed us.  In our defense we did meet a very nice retired couple, Ron and Shelia, from Canada — both big GOT fans too — on their month long retirement trip.  We had a nice breakfast with them and picked up some tips for our next stop!

We grab the group about half past nine and head down to the first of 13 lakes to explore. Fortunately we still beat the crowds. 

At the dock, we are shocked to see how absolutely crystal clear water as if the lakes came out of the tap! We hike up to the Upper Lakes and see dozens of waterfalls that melt into turquoise lakes.  Every turn on the path led to another beautiful vista, another stunning nature find, another turquoise lake. After a while I think to myself, they really need to up their prices. 

It’s no wonder this park gets over a million visitors each year.  Over 400 waterfalls and 13 turquoise lakes to explore, Plitvice has us covered.  It’s probably one of the most pristine places I’ve been to. And we have no doubts why this place has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. 

Kyle scores another homerun on this find. He literally booked the last three rooms in a great hotel within the park.  

I’d love to say we have a funny story from today but we really don’t. Probably the funniest thing that happened was Kyle and I decided to try the hotels whirlpool - thinking a hot soak would do the muscles good after a 7 mile hike.  The photo of a woman relaxing drew me in!

After finding the “whirlpool” down a long corridor, getting dressed and showering. We are ready for relaxing hot water and bubbles.  Heck maybe they will serve champagne like another place we once went to?  Maybe a bit of steam coming out? 

Instead we find two 5 year olds with those inflatable arm swimmers (what are the called again?) splashing around and hooting it up in tiny a “slice of pie” shaped mini indoor pool.  

Dream evening hopes crushed. 

No bubbles. No heat.  Definitely no champagne coming.  

We collectively last about a full minute in the freezing cold water. Dejected, we head back up to the room after a hot shower. 

But nothing could steal our joy today - not even icy mini indoor pool water