So i change my plans again - I'm missing out the whole of Slovenia (but vowing to come back). I wanted to go to Bled and the mountains there but really it's the wrong time of year (the weather has turned really cold), i cant get a ferry from Venice to Porec in Croatia which i really wanted to do and it would be hard for me to see Plitvice, and Plitvice is a place i really want to see.
The bus drops me off in the middle of seemingly nowhere with a Japanese couple who amazingly have less of a sense of direction than i do. we eventually find out way to the national park - a glorious mix of bright blue/green lakes and waterfalls all linked by small boats and buses to transport the weary tourist. i have a great 5 hours of walking - yes it's a very touristy set-up, but there are no tourists at this time of year. it was just a nice pleasant walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in Croatia.