as was the castle directly across the lake from the hotel.
But the days of bacon & eggs for breakfast are over, though there was lots to choose from (including OJ with 'champaigne').
First up for the day was a drive around the lake and then a trip up and into the 11th century castle. We were led by a local guide who would be with us throughout the day.
The castle houses a small museum and provides magnificent views of the town, lake and mountains.
After our visit, we were driven to the other end of the lake to board a unique Slovenian boat (a 'pletna') to take us to Bled Otok, a tiny island in the middle of the lake.
This island is the scene of many traditional Slovene weddings; that is once the groom carries the bride up the 99 steps to the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption!
Others come simply to ring the church's bell and have a wish come true.
We then drove to Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in Slovenia, in Triglav National Park.
From here we took a cable car climbing some 1537m up to Mt Vogel, the mountain ski resort. As it was a clear and sunny day, we could see the peaks of the Julian Alps, including Mt. Triglav, the national symbol of Slovenia. Also, at our feet, was a spectacular panorama of Lake Bohinj and its basin.
[Note: differences in colour were introduced by the photo stitching program]
We had lunch at the top. Then back down at lake level, we took time to wander around and enjoy the park's natural areas and its pristine waters - I have never seen such clear water. We returned to Bled late afternoon.
The group supper was at a restaurant specializing in area cuisine. The main course (for all) was a Balkan mixed grill platter (čevopčeče meat, pork chop, sausage, baked beans, etc.) which was followed with ice cream.
Tomorrow we head north and west into natural and thinly populated areas.
-- Post From My iPhone
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