July 4th, 5,6 Plitvice Jezero, Croatia

Jen and I don't get moving early and I drive back roads.  It took us 9 hours to get to Plitvice Lakes.  We had an amazing storm along the way.  I pulled off because I couldn't see to drive.  It only lasted about half an hour.  Then windy roads until dark. Driving with no civilization in sight.  It was 9 or 10 before we finally stopped at a "sobe" room.  We were only 10km from the park.
Checked into the Bellevue, one of only 2 hotels, the fancy one wouldn't take a dog.
The park/lakes are beautiful but very controlled.  There are 2 main walks, along wooden pathways, (beware bifocal wearers, the steps are invisible).  Boat loads of people more along the 2 1/2 hour path, took me 3 but I waited until everyone had gone ahead.

The next day Jen left and I took the boat across the lake to the other path.  but I didn't do the walk on that side.  Drove to Pog Island, stopped in Graca for coffee and tried to visit the caves, but couldn't. The woman at the coffee shop gave me a photo taken in the cave. Beautiful picture, warm hospitality and a connection made, without much English.
 Pog is small cute, island town.  Hotel Belvedre, last room was a suite with a huge balcony, 70 euros.  I took it for two nights.  Hung out at the small pool with three Brits.  Pool in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, water shoes, two pair of earrings, blue blouse and pizza.