We’ve learned that a friend will be in Zagreb this weekend, so we’ve left the Istrian peninsula and are making our way over the mountains towards the country’s capital to arrive before the weekend.
As beautifully scenic and historic the Istrian coast is, we are quickly falling in love with the countryside with the barely touched landscapes, smiling friendly locals, well-paved roads, and a complete lack of tourist crowds (though we did stop to chat with two other cycle tourist couples and at dinner met some women from Vancouver celebrating their graduation with a hiking trip through Croatia.
It’s too bad we are rushing a bit to get to Zagreb (today’s ride will be our longest so far: close to 160km, 100 miles), but we’ve resolved that we will come back to enjoy the countryside of Croatia, perhaps venturing east into the rural Slavonia region before doubling back through Bosnia towards the Plitvice waterfall lakes, Croatia’s gem of natural parks.
Ferry heading to the island of Cres, where we will definitely return.
Our view from lunch at a small road side restaurant with just one dish on the menu.
Top of the mountain marker after a long day starting at Sea level in the Gorski Kotar mountain region.
Where we started the climb near Rijeka on the coast
Can you breathe??
Haha, yes we are breathing in the fresh air, it’s amazing! After our rest days in Zagreb, We will do some leisurely rides through the country
What a beautiful world we inhabit!!
Cathi