Day 32: Stunning Plitvice Lakes National Parks and Cute Cats

6/15/22

Today, we left Banja Luka and we spent hours at the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, located in the center of the country.

Okay, enough pleasantries- this place is crazy pretty. Let's get into it:

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's largest national park covering almost 30,000 hectares, is situated in the lower elevations of the Dinarides in the central part of the country.

Interconnected by many waterfalls and watercourses above and below ground, the lakes are grouped into the upper and lower lakes. The lake system is the result of millennia of ongoing geological and biochemical processes creating natural dams known as tufa barriers. These are formed from the deposition of calcium carbonate from the waters flowing through the property. In both the caves and canyons, dolomite and limestone make up the bones of this geochemical wonder.

Everything is green and blue! There are trees, grasses and moss throughout the lake system up and down the cliffs, creating an encompassing atmosphere of vivid life on display.

These special formations remind me of Minecraft's Lush Caves, but in real life, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this was part of the inspiration.

The lower part of the lakes is rimmed with a boardwalk that allows you to immerse yourself in the lushness. All around was the sound of running water and a cool breeze complimenting the warm sunny day.

Here we are in our bright yellow shirts! Visible from miles away... lol

You have several routes to take, ours was the 2 hour length. Plenty of hiking to be done!

We took the boat across the lake, which was completely still, and very scenic.

Getting a coffee after the hike.

A dark photo, but the best we got- lol!

I met a family of cats at the lodge. They were the prettiest little things! They were playing together, and I watched as they scratched and stretched on the bark of the tree. I had never seen feral cats do this, only my Maine coons at home on their pampered kitty palace.

They scaled the trunk too, very impressive. Their momma was keeping a close eye on them, and went into the gutter. We watched as they tried (and nearly failed but eventually made it) to make the jump there.

Watching momma cat and following along...

A peaceful, fun day and enchanting sights.

Ćao for now!