Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

We drove several hours north to the Plitvice Lakes National Park area — an area with an impressive amount of home selling cheese and honey — found our little cabin to rent, changed and headed to the park. Because of a major rain storm heading to the area we decided to change plans and hike this afternoon instead of the next day. We struggled to get on the right path at first but enjoyed the heavy green forest and eventually (!!) slid down the steep embankment to the tru path below. The waterfalls, turquoise blue water, boardwalks and green moss falling everywhere made views in every direction absolutely stunning.

We were nervous about missing the last boat at 5:00pm so we hurried through the last of the upper lake waterfalls but made the ferry and enjoyed the ride to the start of the lower lakes.

Matt, always climbing in the trees — especially when over water.

The covered trails were just amazing.

“Plitvice is one of Europe’s most spectacular natural wonders. There’s nothing else like this lush valley of 16 terraced lakes, separated by natural travertine dams and laced together by waterfalls, boat rides and miles of pleasant plank walks. Countless cascades and water that’s both strangely clear and full of vibrant colors make this park a misty natural wonderland.” Rick Steves

We ended up walking 13 1/4 miles today with 19,200 steps. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip! Something I’ve wanted to see for awhile now.

The finale was the longest waterfall in Croatia (the top half of the picture to the left) and an area of a hundred waterfalls that was just gorgeous. The pictures just don’t do it justice. It was so beautiful!

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Chris found a burger place not too far from our cabin and the boys enjoyed their meals, especially dad. I ordered a side dish of grilled vegetables and liked it. We played a game of Project L back at the cabin, which Luke won, and then headed to bed.