After dumping our bags in the hostel we set off in search of an ATM as we were down to our last 20 euros. After a frustrating 30 minute walk through the city we came to the realization that either no machines would accept our cards or those that would were out of cash until they could be replenished on Monday, the next day. As a result we had to spend the day fairly cheaply so we started off with a walk around the beautiful turquoise blue Lake Bled. The lake was absolutely gorgeous with the town situated at one end, a castle perched high above it next to the town and an island containing a church close to the far end. To add to the beauty of the lake there were gondolas paddling tourists around the lake. Half way around the lake we found a trail that climbed up to a view point overlooking the lake and the island containing the church after a 20 minute climb we emerged at the top with a fabulous view. Taking a break here we soaked up the great view of the surrounding area for a few minutes before eventually heading back down to continue our trip around the lake. At the completion of our wonderful walk around the lake we emerged back in the town of Bled and decided to enjoy the music from the nearby festival while relaxing in the park next to the lake. Thinking that we could enjoy the festival the next night and since we didn't have very much money we decided to skip enjoying dinner and a beer there but just enjoyed a cheap take away meal while sitting by the lake before heading to bed.
The next day got up and immediately set off in search of money. After having success and no longer feeling poor we then went to check out potential rafting trips and other extreme sports activities as Bled is a great place to give these a try. After talking to a couple of companies we quickly found that the rafting offered from Bled wasn't very good but the canyoning was apparently great so we decided to sign up for it the next morning. The rest of the day was spent lounging around the parks in front of the lake but sadly without the music from the festival as the previous day was it's last. That night we enjoyed cooking dinner at the hostel before heading out for a few beers with the largely Irish group that was also staying there.
The third morning started off with us heading off to go canyoning. We jumped into the back of a van at 9am and 15 minutes later we were in the middle of nowhere putting on wetsuits and harnesses to slide, repel and jump off waterfalls. After a short walk we found ourselves at the start of the canyon and after a quick safety talk we were underway. The first section was really just a warm up but jumping/sliding into the freezing water was more of a shock than a warm up we thought. The second part started off with a short slide down a waterfall before a zip line and then the rest of the trip was filled up with really fun and steep slides and sections of repelling down waterfalls. A very enjoyable morning after you got used to the extremely cold water. Unfortunately the canyoning only lasted half a day and we were back in Bled around 1pm where we spent the rest of the afternoon using internet and organizing transport for the next day. That night we again enjoyed a home cooked meal and a few drinks before heading to bed.
The following morning we got up and slowly packed our bags to check out of the hostel. After getting a quick bite to eat we made our way to Vintgar Gorge which was located just 4km outside of Bled. Arriving at the gorge we set off to walk through this extremely beautiful gorge along a great wooden walkway that had been constructed along its entire length. After enjoying the hike through the gorge we returned to Bled where we sampled the famous local cream cake before grabbing our bags and making our way to the bus station where we boarded a bus bound for Bovec, the town that would allow us to do some great rafting. The bus trip to Bovec was pretty spectacular as well as the bus went over the 1611 meter high Vrsic Pass which afforded some great views of the surrounding mountains. A very scenic and great trip before dropping us off in Bovec our next destination.
Lake Bled with a gondola paddler in the foreground and the castle perching over the lake in the background.
Lianne standing up at the viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled with the island visible and the town of Bled in the distance.
A view looking back up the Vintgar Gorge with the wooden walkway crossing over the river.
Lianne standing on the side of Vintgar Gorge.
A hay drying rack which you see all over the Bled region as historically the area was too wet for the hay to dry on the ground so had to be dried on special racks. Today though they are rarely used as the region has become dryer.
Unfortunately I've already mailed home the pictures from the canyoning trip so you'll have to wait until I get home to see those.
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