Natural Beauty at its Best

Friday, August 3, 2012

We left Venice after doing some shopping.  Traffic heading out of Venice was a little congested. Schloss hunting (see our post from 2009 for rules of Schloss hunting) did help pass the time.  We headed toward Bovec, Slovenia near the entrance of Triglav National Park.  Lunch was at a little restaurant called Martinov Hram.  We sat outside on the grapevine covered terrace in the shadow of the Alps.  Lunch was pork roast with gravy and prosciutto for Abbey and Mark, Jenny enjoyed wiener schnitzel with a caprese salad.  For dessert we shared a bowl of blueberries with whipped cream and a piece of tiramisu.  

After our amazing lunch we headed into the Julian Alps following the Soča River.  The water was crystal clear and ice cold.  The color appeared fake.  

Abbey & Jen
Soča River
Slovenia

The entire trip through Slovenia was breathtaking.  We stopped a few times along the way to take in the scenery.

Julian Alps
Slovenia

Julian Alps
Slovenia

Abbey & The Alps
Slovenia

After travelling through the mountains we made our way to Lake Bled (pronounced blade).  We stayed at the Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec.  Our room was upgraded to a two bedroom suite overlooking the pristine lake and had a wonderful view of the Church of the Assumption and Bled castle.

View from our Hotel Window
Bled, Slovenia

Our Room of the Suite
Bled, Slovenia

We took the opportunity to hike up to the Bled castle.  It was a tough climb in the Alps - unless you are half mountain goat like Abbey.  The castle was a nice representation of features a castle in the 1500's would have.   The original castle had been destroyed by a series of earthquakes.  

Abbey at Bled Castle
Bled, Slovenia

A highlight of our time at Bled Castle was when Abbey worked with a 'monk' (the term monk is used loosely) to bottle wine.  

Bottling Wine
Bled, Slovenia

The stroll down from the castle was leisurely.  We shopped at a local craft fair before heading to dinner at our hotel. This time Mark & Jen had Slovenian Sausage, and Abbey had weiner schnitzel.  Once again the food was great. 

Bled Castle in Twilight
Bled, Slovenia

Church of the Assumption at Night
Bled, Slovenia