Spaces & Places
I had cruised through Croatia, exploring the coast, waterfalls, and rocky outcrops that has rendered this country so spectacular.
I had skipped up into Italy to explore the Dolomites, investigating numerous areas within this magnificent region.
Now it was time for Slovenia.
Although not originally part of my trip itinerary, I discovered that it was … Read more
Spaces & Places
Like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese, some things are simply meant to be together.
Enter: lakes and mountains.
Throughout my national park travels, I have been privileged to experience some incredible lakes – soft and shimmering in their placidity, juxtaposed against the hard edges of a mountainous backdrop. It’s phenomenal, and creates … Read more
Spaces & Places
Sorting out the various regions of the Italian Dolomites was somewhat confusing. I wanted to discover which hikes and viewpoints would be the best to visit. I also sought to maximize my time in this glorious, wild place. The internet was helpful, but I was a little frustrated that there weren’t clear maps like I … Read more
Spaces & Places
Every so often, nature leaves me speechless. I often get this giddy feeling when I am completely and utterly overwhelmed by the landscape around me, mouth wide open like the proverbial fish. Oftentimes this sense of awe or wonder occurs when what my eyes are seeing far surpasses my brain’s ability to take it all … Read more
Spaces & Places
What comes to mind when you picture Croatia? The glistening Adriatic Sea? Ancient walled coastal cities? Thousands of idyllic islands?
Perhaps, like me, your knowledge of this Balkan country is minimal. Over a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to locate Croatia on a map. As I grew in my understanding of this phenomenal … Read more
Spaces & Places
I had thoroughly appreciated my time at Plitvice Lakes, enjoying the cascading waterfalls, lush landscape, and unique topography. Krka National Park is very similar, so many Croatia travelers choose to only visit one or the other.
I wanted to see both.
Throughout all of my journeys, I have come to realize that natural settings … Read more
Spaces & Places
Adriatic sea + five islands + warm sunshine + cool water = bliss.
I took a quick break from Croatia’s national parks (Paklenica and Plitvice) to experience life on the coast. There are over a thousand islands that Croatia considers its own, all varying in size and degree of settlement. I decided to … Read more
Spaces & Places
A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes a well-taken photo of a beautiful natural place can leave you speechless. It was the above picture of Plitvice Lakes National Park that first drew me towards Croatia and filled me with a sense of wonder towards this unique Balkan country.
Further research revealed that visiting … Read more
Spaces & Places
My first day in Paklenica National Park was impressive. I was able to tackle a bunch of climbs that whet my appetite for bigger and better things.
I decided it was time to climb a little* higher and a little** harder.
* 450 feet ** one whole climbing grade
And so the following morning, I … Read more
Spaces & Places
The sheer size of the rock faces on either side of me was gloriously overwhelming. The early morning sun had yet to rise high enough to light up the canyon, resulting in a shadowy peacefulness as I slowly made my way deeper into the park. The small babbling river to my right was deceiving; it’s … Read more