Post It from Camping Bled, Bled. Slovenia. Tuesday 16th June, 2015.

Our final day in Croatia was spoiled by a heavy thunder storms directly overhead and bolts of lightning that could be see through the roof lights! Needless to say a lot of rain accompanied it but having been forewarned I was able to pack all the things away before the storms came. We enjoyed a day walking along the shoreline and an evening of fine food at a local Taverna just outside Camping Amarin.

On the Monday morning we washed off all the fallen pine needles from Bessie and set off, via motorway this time, for Slovenia. For those who like to know the costs for the 146 mile journey mainly on toll motorway it came to 41 kn in Croatia and 31.70€ in Slovenia. Had we have been a little lighter we would have had to buy two vignettes, one for each country and I am not sure what they would have cost.

The journey was a dry one all the way to Ljubljana but then the rain started as we neared the Julian Alps which surround Bled. We knew it was going to be a wet visit but thought that we might as well make the effort to see the world famous Lake Bled and move on after a full day there.

The camp site is right at the western end of the lake and only a narrow road separates it from the shoreline. The lake I understand is heated by thermal springs and was told it was actually 24ºC in parts, no doubt where the swimmers go. In the middle of the lake is the Island of Bled and local information I read said that the first occupants of the island had originated back in the 11C BC. The Church on the island is probably the one most photographed image of the lake that anyone will have seen and new brides are carried up its steps by their grooms.

There is an excellent footpath all around the lake perimeter, about 5 miles in total I was told, and a tourist train also does the rounds for those who prefer not to walk. You can hire rowing boats or be carried on a much larger one that is rowed by a single oarsman at the rear like a gondolier does, but they have two oars. Motor powered boats are not allowed on the lake at all and I am sure this will help keep the crystal clear waters that way. Mute Swans and their cygnets are on the lake and Trout is well stocked and a local speciality on the restaurant tables.

The camp site itself is situated in a ravine that rises up from the lake shore with sheer sides of rock and a variety of tall trees. It is rather quite beautiful and tranquil, except for an infrequent tourist train that runs through the National Park whose track is cut into one of the sides of the ravine. It is a busy place with lots of movement and many British vans were here during our short stay, we have never seen so many on any European camp site before but I did hear there was a Caravan and Camping Club rally visiting.

On the Tuesday we set off with our walking boots on to walk around the lake in the showers. We had our large umbrellas so we did not really get wet and whilst not liking the rain the vastly reduced temperatures of around 20ºC maximum was quite welcoming. Bled was at the opposite end of the lake from the campsite and by the time we got there the showers had ceased. It was very much a tourist place for the activities that take place on the lake and we had just missed international rowing that weekend. There was a Castle overlooking the lake and many four and five star hotels on the lakes edge. A film festival was being prepared for and we noticed many Asian and American tourists were there as well as the normal European nationalities we see everywhere. It was good to see we were back in the Eurozone as the prices were much higher than we had witnessed in Croatia, perhaps this is a lesson for the UK?

The walk was very enjoyable and we decided to stay for lunch in Bled after Sharon scoured the handful of shops that were there in search of something to buy. We came away with another sticker for the inside of the van’s garage door to add to the collection but nothing else. A slower walk back in the afternoon to complete the full circuit was equally enjoyable and more so when we arrived back just as the rain started again.

Bled is on the edge of the Triglav National Park, the only one in Slovenia, so whilst recognising we would not be able to drive around the park in our big van to see the sights we are going to drive along its northern perimeter to Italy before crossing into Austria when we leave tomorrow. Hopefully the roads will be fine and we shall certainly get to see some more of this country’s beautiful countryside. Had the weather been better and we were staying longer I think we would have hired a car to see the park properly. It looked as though it had a lot to offer the visitor.

Although there is Wi-Fi on the camp site the quality is so poor I cannot always get connected or send emails when I do so I will have to post this story when we next have the opportunity to do so.

Regards, Roy