We left Italy around 10 am and drove north back into Slovenia enjoying some amazing mountain views, which as the driver, I have no photos! Oh well. When we left the main road, we stopped at the entrance of Kranjska Gora for a break and I took a photo of the entry poster - hope to return here some day to high around but today was not the day. Later our host also recommended this area and gave us several names of places to visit.
Also while driving we came to a halt for DW to photograph this bird which was constructed from long boards, perched on huge logs and much larger than life!
On checking in to the Jazz, our host suggested we immediately drive to the entrance of Vintgar or Bled Gorge, a 1.6-kilometer (0.99 mi) gorge which is a major local attraction. He said after 4 pm was the best time to go because it would be much less crowded and indeed, when we arrived about 15 minutes later, many were leaving. It was carved out by the Radovna River and the canyon walls are are 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) high, The swift moving river (in Slovenia it is called a stream) has created many erosive features such as pools and rapids and terminates in the picturesque (43 ft) Šum Falls (literally, 'noisy falls'), the largest river waterfall in Slovenia.
Until 1890, the gorge was mainly inaccessible, and soon after, was equipped with wooden observation walkways and bridges with great effort and was opened to the public on August 26, 1893.The walkways, are the most prominent part of the gorge, and have been renovated several times since, most recently two years ago when the entire spot was closed for 9 months after fierce storms destroyed the remarkable walkways.
The water is clean, 100% drinkable and filled with large fish. The fish in the lower foreground was swimming upstream with his buddies and at least two feet long. No one was fishing and swimming is verboten for good reason - many currents and swiftly flowing water.
The sturdy walkways hang off the side of the canyon and are a marvel of engineering. They stretch from side to side for over 1.5 miles.
Plenty of opportunities for nice photos!
Slovenians know how to develop a tourist attraction and wonder of wonders, there is a cafe/snack bar with picnic tables to rest and refresh at the end of the walk!
Beyond that, down a set of stairs is another waterfall which can be viewed after crossing the green bridge pictured here.
There are several gates which can be locked to prevent trespassing by more aggressive visitors!
We returned to the center of Bled after our trip the Vintgar and ate at a local restaurant Spica on the lake which was recommended by our host.
First some local draft beer - cold and refreshing. Then I foolishly ordered ribs which turned out to be way more than I could eat - I got no help from DW (of course) and took half back to the Jazz which had a full kitchen - the next night's dinner!
No comments:
Post a Comment