Lazy Day in Lake Bled

Today is the first overcast and rainy day of our entire trip (so far). Big puffy white clouds were hovering over the lake outside our balcony when I woke up this morning. Darker, heavier rain clouds (with thunder and lightening) threatened over the mountains.

Before the rain hit, we drove about 25 minutes into the town of Bled. Lake Bled is the most famous tourist attraction in Slovenia. The lake’s small island and church are featured on all the brochures and postcards.

For a small fee, we took a ride to the island on a boat called a plenta. This is as traditional for Slovenia as the gondolas are for Venice. A very strong, young man rowed our group of about 20 people across to the island.

Apparently, the island has quite a romantic lore for newly married couples. To prove yourself “fit for marriage” the groom is supposed to carry the bride up all 98 (steep) stairs from the landing to the church. FYI: John and I walked up together, but had our picture taken at the top. That’s not cheating, is it? (Not after 30 years of marriage anyway!)

We ended the day paddling a canoe on Lake Bohinj. We had the whole lake to ourselves - along with a few flocks of ducks and their babies. You can see hundreds of large and small fish in the very, very clear water.