Picturesque Lake Bled, Slovenia!

We were blessed with the unexpected opportunity to use someone's car for a month this summer, so we scrambled to find the cheapest location options and ways to explore new places, since our travel budget for the year was about at its end. Camping, of course! We borrowed a tent and a cooler and off we went to Lake Bled, Slovenia; little under a 4 hour drive from Trumau and a place I have wanted to visit for a while.

Crossing over into Slovenia heading towards the Julian Alps.

Here is beautiful Lake Bled crowned by an island in the middle, and 11th century Bled Castle perched on a cliff on one side. The water colors were remarkable in the sunlight!

This lake is very peaceful and quiet. We learned that no motorized boats are allowed in order to preserve the cleanliness of the water and the serenity - only rowboats. These are traditional Plenta boats; a style of boat that has been used to row visitors to the island since 1590. 

After a bit of a swim, we walked halfway around the island. The total circumference is 3 miles.

The church on the island is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is a famous spot for locals to marry.

Our very very basic and simplistic pitch. I'm pretty sure we were the only ones there without a huge camping spread and amenities - we didn't even have a table and chairs. We missed all our normal gear, but were quite satisfied and comfortable. European campgrounds are quite amazing, with free hot water showers, electricity available, WiFi, chest freezer and fridge in kitchen for campers' food storage, kid shower areas, washer/dryer and always fun for the children like playgrounds/trampoline/mini golf/archery/ping pong, etc. And everything was very clean and well maintained! No campgrounds had fireplaces though; we heard that open fires are not allowed in Germany and Austria.

 Right next to this campground was a restaurant, cafe, and market where I even saw campers go pick up their fresh rolls and bread every morning! Now that's camping luxury. Michael and I had a little coffee date one morning.

The next morning, we rented a row boat for only 10 euros/1 hour and our able seaman rowed us out to the island.

The flight of steps leading to the church. The tradition is that if a groom successfully carries his bride up these 99 steps with his bride not uttering one word, their marriage will be fortunate. I found this interesting: the groom must use his strength for protection and the bride show her trust through silence.

As Michael said, "We are docking now!" Here you can see that our particular rowboat is in the shape of a swan; there are quite a few swans that grace Lake Bled.

Climbing up to the church. We didn't go in because of cost, but enjoyed a quick walk around the island; it was such a beautiful day and scenery.

Afternoon hike in nearby Vintgar Gorge - beautiful crystal-clear water and lush vegetation!

 Waterfall at the end of the gorge.

 We are getting better at remembering to ask for someone to take our family's picture.

 Great to always have the lake nearby for a quick cool-off! Michael enjoys being carted around on someone's back in the water...

There were no bugs or mosquitoes, but there were wasps. Our boys both got their first stings - Michael's did not phase him at all with no swelling, but Dominic cried for a bit and had swelling that lasted a few days. Well, we know now that they are not allergic. 

 The locals say that Lake Bled is beautiful at any time of the year or weather condition. Sunday morning it had rained and there was heavy fog; a different kind of beauty! We headed out to Ljubliana, Slovenia's capitol, for Sunday Mass and the sunlight!

 At the main square which is uniquely marked by 3 footbridges which intersect in front of the Franciscan church.

We attended Mass the the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.

 Ljubljana is a lovely city divided by a canal lined with walkways, cafes, shops, and sitting areas.

 A bit of gelato is an essential comfort on hot days!

 Walking across the "dragon bridge". Behind us is the funicular which we took up to Ljubljana's castle. We didn't pay to go in the castle, but took in some nice views of the city and walked the castle perimeter.

 The Franciscan church.

 In the afternoon, I checked the weather back in Bled, and it was still raining, so we decided to drive out to the coast which was only 1.5 hours. Plus, Prince Michael wanted to go swimming, so why not? And it was nap time=good time for getting miles in. We drove to the town of Izola and enjoyed the Mediterranean water, the play areas and coastal views.

Sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

 Our last morning in Bled, we hiked up to an overlook. It was a bit steep and muddy from the rain, but we enjoyed the challenge!

 The views at the first overlook were stupendous!

 Dominic conked out on Andrew's back so Michael and I continued on to the second lookout alone, while we let Dominic sleep.

 Michael see benches as his opportunity to lay down and rest. He always informs me, "I'm tired now, I need a little rest here."

 Sleeping Beauty and Papa were right where we left them, and it didn't take long for Michael's noise to wake Dominic.

What a beautiful place and a beautiful weekend. I felt so relaxed (even tho we were camping!) I think because one can only bring a small amount for camping, and things must stay organized so that they don't get lost - a place for everything and everything in its place - sort of deal. And due to good organization (mostly managed by Andrew) and simplicity, I felt very carefree and relaxed. But oh, how wonderful it is to have the freedom of a car for a short, blessed while! Thanks be to God.