Saturday 22 August 2015

AUGUST 2015 : EASTERN EUROPE : European Peace Walk : Day 14 : Zasadbreg, Croatia- Varazdin, Croatia (24 kms - 6 hours with stops)

Distance travelled : 322 kms

                                        

It was a straightforward walk today. It was mainly flat and like the last few days through wooded areas and some farmland, mainly cornfields. There were some lovely views to the regional centre, Cakovec.

          

          Breakfast at the Accredo Centre. A fabulous business only 6 years old with such potential.


         

                 Vanya said that our group, Group 14, had been his favourite and least stressful!


          

            We left the quiet village at about 7.45 am.


         

Down the road, we were greeted by a friendly fellow, Josef, who was checking out his weekender.
He invited us in to look at his small orchard and the view. He was most excited that we were from
Australia, although he couldn't quite believe it.


       

               Then he insisted we take some of his pears "Williams". Such a wonderful character.


         

           Meanwhile Ros, Thelma and Kumi walked on oblivious to our absence.


         

            View of Cakovec from a small lake.


        

        Bit of activity around the lake.


        

           Pumpkin harvest.


        

          Shady paths.


      

          Fungi as large as dinner plates.


      

        Welcome coffee and ice cream stop.


       

          Another rest break...


       

           while we waited for Emma...


       

        Walking along the old canals as we entered Varazdin.


         

Crossing the large Drava River at the entry to the city. The river is a centre for canoeing, slalom and other water sports.


                                      

Walking into the city we could see it was special. Baroque style. Also known as 'little Vienna'.

       

           Special summer festival.


                                

                                           Historic buildings including three castles.


         

                                      The main square featuring the town hall.


        

              Street theatre 


        

           Everyone getting in to the swing of things.


         

          Dinner as we watch Varazdin celebrate.


          

              A quasi- Eastern European act entertaining the crowds

                           

                                Aerial drummers extraordinaire


          

             Wonderful to be in the city at the beginning of the festival.

            PS EPW have organised rooms for us at a 3 star hotel, Hotel Turist, close to the old town.

M&M

1 comment:

Marlo Woods said...

What fun to be there while the festival was on!!! It looks like a great time for all those involved!! Another wonderful experience.