Lake Bled Tuesday 30 July 2013

Tuesday 30 July 2013

A free day today and I think all the passengers will be happy about that after a couple of long days, I know I am looking forward to it.

It is another glorious day and we decide to go for a stroll around the lake. So myself, Hollie, Dot, Deb, Sophie and Luke set off around the lake for a gentle walk amongst the most stunning of scenery. I have walked around the lake before but did it on my own at a faster pace than today and it took me about an hour and a half. Today will take a while longer, and why not, we are in no hurry.

We pass the lido area of the lake that looks very inviting and through gaps in the trees can see the island with the church in the middle. This is the only island in Slovenia and can be reached by a boat propelled by a man and two paddles.

The walk is lovely and once we reach the southern end of the lake it is time for a refreshment stop. There is a cafe in the rowing club right by the lake so we go in there and bump into another couple from the coach Jane and Dobbie, who are enjoying a welcome drink.

We have a drink and the kids  enjoy an ice cream as I go down to the waters edge to gaze at the crystal clear water where a lot of families are taking advantage of the hot sunny weather. Feel like a dip myself!

There are a number of points around the lake where you can reach the island by boat and this is one of them so we all decide to go for a spin in the boat.

Dobbie and Jane are also in the boat along with four others. I’m sat at the paddle end and when our man gets on I have to change sides, something to do with ballast! Makes the kids laugh anyway!

The boatman doesn’t seem big enough to row to the island but once we get going he gets into a rhythm and we are soon mooring up at the island. We only have half an hour so after climbing the steps to the top they all go into the church while I wait outside with a water and a coffee. It is a lovely spot where we could have stayed for longer but we have to do as the man says as it is along swim back! Mind you there are a lot of people swimming over from one side of the lake, walking up the flight of steps, going back down the other side and swimming across to the other side! I am strictly a swimming pool type of swimmer!

We pay the man €12 each as we return to the boat and I sit at the other end this time and don’t have to move!

Once back on dry land we have a little paddle at the very popular beach area and I am splashed by young Luke! I don’t mind as it is cooling on a hot day!

It is a lovely walk if a little tiring in the hot sun. On our way back we pass the path that leads up to the toboggan run which I know Debs is very keen to try out!

Opposite the hotel is a small shopping centre with a few bars and cafes in its courtyards. The building doesn’t really go with the beauty of the lake as it is made of concrete and although practical is not a place of beauty. A comfy seat and cheap beer do improve its image though!

We all have a lunch in one of the cafes and afterwards Dot goes back to the hotel for a rest while we all go to the crazy golf course next to the hotel.

This course has eighteen holes and a small clubhouse! It is great fun and seeing Luke so competitive is funny, especially against Hollie who is not so sporty or outwardly competitive. We played a few years ago and after a hole in one made her take my picture so you can imagine her sheer delight to score two hole in one’s during her round!

Dobbie and Jane join us a to watch as we negotiate this lovely little course and afterwards treat us all to drinks in the clubhouse!

I have had it after this and decide to go back to my room but Deb is keen to go swimming so she takes Hollie, Sophie and Luke to the very impressive pool on the top floor of the hotel. I go up to have a quick look and meet Dot doing the same thing. Luke had knocked her door to see if she wanted to go and watch them swimming.

After dinner the three girls and Luke go off for another game of golf while Dot and I retire to a nice little bar on the promenade for a drink. I have a couple of beers but Dot sticks to water! I know hard to believe but true!!