First step into the world
- ivona-stajduhar
- 25. ruj 2015.
- 5 min čitanja
Well, this trip is the first step that led to THAT moment. As a gift for my 18th birthday, my love took me on a trip. Andrei has already seen so much of the ''world'' himself. So, that day, on March 22nd 2014, led by his hand, I myself set out to the world, with no idea about where we were going.
We woke up at around 8 AM and the first thing we did was had breakfast on his sunbathed balcony. A perfect start of the day! After we fed out tummies, we set out on and adventure. Ofcourse, on our way we had to feed the car too, because this was going to be a long ride. By car I mean Volvo as Andrei insists I write. You can't separate that man from his Volvo! Let's move on...We started in Karlovac, ofcourse, across Duga Resa, along the old road to Senj.
It wouldn't be us if we hadn't stopped to look around Tounj bridge. The bridge was built in 1777. but since then it's look was changed to what it is today. Except the statues of the roman soldiers that fell into the river during war but were taken out after. By the bridge you can also find remains of the old threadmill. Today the bridge is in perfect shape and it makes a great rest-stop. Besides, pictures speak louder than words. See for yourselves.
We moved on with two indispensable accessories - yummy Domaćica and a map! We then stopped at a rest-stop along the way to freshen ourselves up with some fresh water.
Traveling on, at the last minute we spotted some kind of fortress in Brinje. It turned out to be a Frankopan feudal town. Ofcourse we stopped, parked the car and started climbing up the hill. What we found at the top is on the next pictures.
On the way to the big surprise of the trip which still I don't know nothing about, Andrei took me to the source of river Gacka. Although it was a cloudy day, it didn't ruin the experience of the river Gacka because Gacka is always beutiful, no matter the weather or the season. The boat in the water also added to the country mood. Ofcourse, we drank fresh water here too from a very unusual pipe. There is also a great outdoor barbecue perfect for sunny day burger flipping.
The last stop before the big surprise was something like an abandoned military base. We stopped as soon as we spotted it and decided we wanted to explore. Then the entrance was allowed but today it isn't anymore and the plane that is on our pictures has been totally reconstructed. We even managed to climb into the plane and have a look around. It was a bit scary but most of all interesting. After all, it was my first time in a plane. EVER.
After driving for a little bit more we came to a little village. We went further and further and I just couldn't figure out where we were going. But, then a little wooden bear shaped sign appeared. Then I started to make assumptions to where we are. And, ofcourse, my assumptions were true. We arrived at the bear shelter in Kuterevo. It was a wonderfull experience, but, considering it was still cold outside and it wasn't the season, there was no visitors and tour guides that could take us to look around and explain to us how the shelter works. Although it was nice seeing the shelter out of season, it's a better experience when you're surrounded with guides who will explain to you closely everything that you're interested in. So I advise you to go in the summer beacuse you'll also have an opportunity to see the bear bathing, and whou wouldn't want to see that? You think we didin't go there in the summer too? Of course we did! ;) Also, little pathways that lead all around the shelter give you the opportunity to see the bears from all angles and to get a good shot of them while, ofcourse, staying at the safe distance and not disturbing their peace.
After a half a day of exploring and walking, we got hungry. Andrei knew a good buffet that he already was in with his dad when he was younger. I can tell you that we ate the best way possible and enjoyed the traditional food from Lika. I haven't enjoyed a meal more in my life. The buffet's name is Butina and it is situated on the road that leads to the shelter so you can't miss it. The prices are a bit on the pricey side but it's deffinitively worrth it and I advise you to go on and visit it. One more advice: order their traditional homemade bread(on the picture below)! Although it looks like cheese it's really delicious and a totally new experience! We also met the lady owner of the buffet and had a little talk and took a few pictures. AND she remembered Andrei and his dad! That is also one thing that I love about traveling, meeting and talking with new people. Listening to their life stories and sharing your own.
After we fed our bellies, we did something that you can only do in Croatia. Across the hills....
to the sea....in only half an hour!!
Andrei asked me ''Shall we pay a little visit to the Senj town?'' and I replied with a nonshalant ''YES!!'' On the sole entrance to Senj we visited the Nehaj fortress and experienced a wonderfull view on the sun that was slowly setting.
After that we took a little walk by the sea, had a drink and a little kiss in front of a setting sun.
We ended our trip with a horrible experience of strling thorught mountain fog that was so thick that we didn't even see the middle line on the road. While I was playing a role of GPS, Andrei tried to take turns according to my directions and not cross to the other side of the road. We actually taught we will stay in this fog forever and not find our way home. We were the only ones on the road except a few cars that passed by, but people was nowhere to be seen for miles. But, happy ever after did follow. After an hour and a half of this mess we finally saw civilization and got out alive. We arrived home in the late hours and dived into a well deserved sleep.
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