Ucka National Park

In the hills behind our villa is Ucka National Park, one of the many Croatian National Parks. National Parks in Croatia are developed to be enjoyed by the general public in as many ways as possible. There are camping areas, picnic areas, hiking tracks and trails for mountain bikes. You frequently pass cars with a  family selection of bikes on their cars. Cycling is a definitely family oriented.  On our return from Pula yesterday we decided to detour off the motorway and explore Ucka National Park. The park itself is about 1600 m above sea level and looks beautiful.  Some rather large rock hillsides peeping out from the area wooded with trees creates a very pretty and green landscape. There were numerous hiking tracks leading around the area and even down close to where were are staying. As we came totally unprepared we decided on a short walk to the first stop. Imagine our surprise to be walking along quite a wide, well cared for semi metalled road / track,  through beech trees and something similar to rimu trees. If one closed their eyes they could perhaps imagine some of the walks around Pelours Bridge to be like this, or parts of the walk from Anakiwa to Onehou Bay, walking through the bush. The native bluebells growing on the side of the path made the whole experience seem surreal. Simply beautiful. Give me the country side any time. On Thursday we begin the trekking side to the holiday with a 2 day stop over at Plitvice National Park and a trek around the lakes and we will be prepared. Bring it on.