The Bora 😱😱

So, onwards to the Plitvice Lakes! This is the national park with waterfalls in the north of the country, known for the Winnetou movies. We have been there once before, 14 years ago, and we liked it. After our visit to the Krka waterfalls last week, we want to make the ultimate comparison once again. We remember the Plitvice Lakes as being much larger and more beautiful.

We have about 200 km ahead of us. After about half the distance: traffic jam on the highway, complete closure in both directions 😳! After about 2 hours, we finally reach the exit. At the toll station, we ask why it was closed. Answer: "Strong Wind" 😳😳. So far, only a breeze, but okay, since a storm was forecasted for today and there is a highway bridge on the route, it makes sense.

But wait, doesn't the detour route via the country road also go over a bridge?? Maybe that's why the police officer didn't let us turn left after the exit 🤔? But since buses, trucks, and caravans were still heading in that direction, and the route suggested by the navigation system was also closed, we used the next opportunity to turn around and followed them 🤷‍♀️.

It didn't take long for us to realize that was a mistake! The wind kept increasing, the gusts became stronger and stronger. Ingo, as the driver, still appeared quite composed, but I was starting to panic and clung to the armrests. 😬 I like wind, really, but this is a different story, especially when you're traveling in a moving wardrobe!

Many motorhomes and caravans had already stopped at the few parking spots on the side. After a bridge where we were hit by strong gusts again, we stopped at a junction to catch our breath and come up with a plan. The next campsite is 14 km away 😰. We decide to drive to the next village (about 1 km away) and park somewhere there. Luckily, in front of the small supermarket, there were already 3 motorhomes parked, so we joined them.

After 1-2 hours, the two motorhomes in front of us set off and turned into the street that leads down to the beach. Curious, Ingo followed them and discovered a great car park right by the water. Here, you are just as safe as at the supermarket, but it's much more beautiful and peaceful!

So we followed suit and settled there. When the wind subsides later, we can also go out briefly and take photos. Not bad at all, here! Now I'm just curious if we will be allowed to sleep here - free camping is strictly prohibited in Croatia 🚫 - but after all, it is an emergency situation. But whether the police see it the same way?