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The other positive aspect of our mate Saly was that he threw in free breakfast - and what a treat that was! Upstairs above the reception area looking over the ocean in a quaintly decorated breakfast room - all prepared by his daughter. Yoghurt, cereals, breads, eggs.....really appetising.
Drove slightly further on to Lovran before turning back and heading on to Opatija and its "Riviera". And, that's exactly what it is! Unreal! Despite it still being quite early plenty of sunbakers were already out on their sun lounges and swimming. And the hotels and restaurants! All very opulent and ritzy! Certainly Riviera style! Adam was taken with inflatable aqua equipment, apparently similar to Montenegro. He enjoyed a swim and sun bake while Raym and I wandered along the winding beach area. Really beautiful. The Europeans sure know how to capitalise on the beach to maximise area for eating, drinking and having fun- and as close to water as possible. Too good!
Once we returned to Ad, enjoyed a coffee, by the water - naturally - before heading off for the days driving.
Managed to avoid motorways and stuck to predominantly coastal roads meandering through tiny often desolate looking villages with the narrowest of streets. Incredibly picturesque drive - every turn an OMG experience.
Stopped at the quaint township of Senj, our last coastal point before turning inland. Had lunch overlooking the town and the coast in a restaurant called Kresimir. Really lovely - seafood pasta, grilled octopus, and kebabs!
Not surprisingly the terrain and scenery changed heading inland - still on regular highways with roads quite windy through hills and with many small villages. Once through the town of Otocac it wasn't far to the start of the Plitvice National Park and that's where the fun began! About 14kms of really hairy winding VERY narrow roads! Though incredibly picturesque with overhanging rainforest like vegetation, the odd small herd of cattle - it was a tad frightening! And that was the way the GPS sent us! Thankfully there were only three occasions where we met an oncoming vehicle!
Was with much relief that we arrived at Plitvice Miric Inn at Jezerce - a chalet style inn that is just delightful and our room is spacious with an outdoor patio area!
Didn't waist much time as really needed to try and see some of Plitvice today so drove to gate 1 entrance, parked and headed off on foot (after advice from a girl a Miric Inn) at about 4.45pm. Still quite warm but was a light sprinkle of rain that was helping to cool things down a tad.
Spent over an hour and a half walking the tracks to the Big Waterfall and along some of the boardwalks made of logs. Strenuous at times as plenty of stairs but worth all the sweat and strain. Phenomenal! Not hard to see why this national park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. So extraordinarily beautiful! Cascading waterfalls of various dimensions, vibrantly clear green lakes, not to mention the foliage and water life....!!!!
Can't wait to come back tomorrow and see more!
Stopped via a little township on way back to purchase some supermarket supplies. Decided to stay in for some meats, cheeses and bread etc for tea - and of course a few "pivos"!
Should sleep well tonight - Raymo's already snoring!
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