Sibenik & Krka National Park, Croatia
After our embarkation yesterday in Venice and the whirlwind of information and activity that entailed, our relaxed morning at sea enabled everyone to catch their collective breath, unpack, unwind, and get acquainted with the ship and fellow travelers. The extra time also presented us with an opportunity to hear from our National Geographic archaeologist, Jim Russell, who introduced us to Diocletian’s role in the latter stages of the Roman Empire. The discussion provided a timely tune-up for our upcoming visit to Split, where Diocletian’s Palace will be among our visited sites.
During lunch, the ship anchored just outside of Sibenik, Croatia; where our journey began in earnest. We took our Zodiacs into the town for a brief introduction to the UNESCO-recognized St. James Cathedral and its intricate relief work. Afterwards, we drove out to beautiful Krka National Park, one of seven in Croatia. The park was designated as such in 1985 and is a popular destination for both local and foreign vacationers. It covers just over 100 sq. km and is situated around the Krka River, providing a dramatic setting for the prodigious flora and fauna of the area. Of course, during daylight hours and along the well-used boardwalk trails, we were unlikely to spot some of the larger animals such as bears, wolves, or river otters. However, a few of us did manage to glimpse a species of bat, possibly a Daubenton’s fishing bat, but more likely one of the more common insectivore bats that also make their homes in the park.
The extensive waterways and marshlands surrounding the Krka River also serve as an important refuge for many migratory birds, but the magnificent waterfalls and inviting travertine pools seem be the main attraction for the human visitors. Obviously with so much moisture around, the park is also home to a prolific plant population; over 800 species in all, including this delicate species of cyclamen found blanketing the forest floor alongside one of the trails.
By the end of the day, the park had not only provided some much needed tranquility and relief from our transition to the ship from home, but also served as a reminder of just how rich and diverse the ecosystems of this area can be. The natural resources of the Mediterranean coastline have long served the human populations that have thrived here for thousands of years. And as we move forward in our own Mediterranean Odyssey, today’s experience should help us better understand some of the reasons for the successes of the many historic sites we will visit along the way.
After our embarkation yesterday in Venice and the whirlwind of information and activity that entailed, our relaxed morning at sea enabled everyone to catch their collective breath, unpack, unwind, and get acquainted with the ship and fellow travelers. The extra time also presented us with an opportunity to hear from our National Geographic archaeologist, Jim Russell, who introduced us to Diocletian’s role in the latter stages of the Roman Empire. The discussion provided a timely tune-up for our upcoming visit to Split, where Diocletian’s Palace will be among our visited sites.
During lunch, the ship anchored just outside of Sibenik, Croatia; where our journey began in earnest. We took our Zodiacs into the town for a brief introduction to the UNESCO-recognized St. James Cathedral and its intricate relief work. Afterwards, we drove out to beautiful Krka National Park, one of seven in Croatia. The park was designated as such in 1985 and is a popular destination for both local and foreign vacationers. It covers just over 100 sq. km and is situated around the Krka River, providing a dramatic setting for the prodigious flora and fauna of the area. Of course, during daylight hours and along the well-used boardwalk trails, we were unlikely to spot some of the larger animals such as bears, wolves, or river otters. However, a few of us did manage to glimpse a species of bat, possibly a Daubenton’s fishing bat, but more likely one of the more common insectivore bats that also make their homes in the park.
The extensive waterways and marshlands surrounding the Krka River also serve as an important refuge for many migratory birds, but the magnificent waterfalls and inviting travertine pools seem be the main attraction for the human visitors. Obviously with so much moisture around, the park is also home to a prolific plant population; over 800 species in all, including this delicate species of cyclamen found blanketing the forest floor alongside one of the trails.
By the end of the day, the park had not only provided some much needed tranquility and relief from our transition to the ship from home, but also served as a reminder of just how rich and diverse the ecosystems of this area can be. The natural resources of the Mediterranean coastline have long served the human populations that have thrived here for thousands of years. And as we move forward in our own Mediterranean Odyssey, today’s experience should help us better understand some of the reasons for the successes of the many historic sites we will visit along the way.
