Eat your heart out Uncle Walt, Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plit-viss-uh) is better than an “E Ride”.

4.5 mile walk around, through and over water falls.

Literally miles of hills that seem to gush water.

More water running wild than drought stung Californians can imagine.

It is a buck-list item that exceeded our expectation. Truly magical place that words and photos can’t justly capture.

Slovina’s capital Ljubljana, with a fortified castle on top and a river running through has cafes everywhere

and a dragon as their symbol.

At impossibly picturesque Lake Bled Jerry reneged on the tradition of carrying his bride up the 99 steps of the church on Slovinia’s only island.

A road with 50 hair-pin turns through the snow covered Julian Alps was originally build by Russian POWs during World War II

We stayed in Kobarid, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of that war.

We’re trying to digest some of the horrific history of the creation and break-up of Yugoslavia and its strongman, Tito, whose memory is still revered in some areas as seen on this Croatian hillside. So many stories that we didn’t learn in our history classes.

Who knew Croatia has many medieval hill towns like Motovun where we slept in the castle on the hill after carrying our luggage partway up.

The Adriatic boasts coastal gems like Rovinj, with incredible blue water lined with water-front cafes.

Rovinj is hosting the Red Bull Plane Race event between and around pylons. Thrilling to watch and hear the roar of the planes in their practice runs.

This Rick Steves’ tour is packed with information, walking, early bus rides and food

FOOD

Surprises, delights and a daily awareness that given the lack of infrastructure attempting this on our own would be madness. Grateful to be doing the Croatian version of Mr, Toad’s Wild Ride.