Platavicka

Driving through to the lakes was really moving- the bullet holes, destruction and bombing of buildings still in evidence and the occasional scrawl across a deserted and partially destroyed home ‘Serbian’. The whole area is still quite depressed perhaps a sadness would be a better description and in some respects with the war only 10 years past in their recent history the memories and lose of life in communities must still be very fresh in their minds. There is a lot of new building going on and rebuilding but some houses are just as they would have been after the ravages of the war. We had taken a slightly wrong turn and were well into areas off the tourist track at this time. After four hours we found a major road or rather something better than an almost one car potted carriage way and headed for the UNESCO world heritage park at Platavicka, consisting of several lakes at various levels all flowing by waterfalls from the upper lakes to the lower lakes. , Extremely interesting, well worth it and well run with all ferry ride and two train trips included in the entry price. It took us about 4hours of solid walking to complete the round trip and just towards the end the heavens opened and the lightening flashed and thunder and we were drenched to the skin returning to our car a little more than wet and exhausted to head south to the coast. The bush was very much like the Redwoods and the lakes similar to Rotoma in Rotorua.

Kay’s navigation skills were excellent finding us a place just out of Zadar with water views and at an affordable price with cooking facilities. Will probably stay two or three days to check out the area as it is another national park area but this time canyons and rocky barren environs.

Life’s great. Having a tremendous trip. Not missing work at all. The Croatian people are lovely even with my inability to speak the language.