one of the bears in the sanctuary in Kuterevo
We have lots of plans for the rest of Croatia, on our way home. But we are running out of time, because in the end we spent quite a few more days than planned in several of the towns we have been to, not in the least because of our newly-discovered fascination with brutalist architecture. We also have some unfinished business left in the NW of Slovenia, where we fled from the rain at the start of our trip. So we decide to skip the Istria peninsula, with its picturesque towns, more churches and Roman remains. And head back to Slovenia, instead.
early morning scene in the Adriatic hinterland
one of the holding pens for the bears at Kuterevo
another bear, huggable
this one searching for something to eat
the details of each bear are written down, together with an often original name
The Bear Sanctuary
On the way, we pass through the Kuterevo bear sanctuary, a lovely place full of volunteers, who look after bears rescued from captivity – you know, people who held a bear for fun, or for commercial gains. Or young bears whose mothers got shot as part of the annual quota of 120 bears that Croatia allows to be shot, no doubt for good money (that is unlikely to make its way to the sanctuary, I suspect). It is a wonderful place, with a number of extensive holding pens where a total of eight bears roam around, relatively freely. And those bears, such cuddly animals, you would almost hug them, if there hadn’t been a serious fence between them and us!
and this one just contemplating
more countryside, on the way to the coast
The Coast
From Kuterovo we drive to the coast, which provides spectacular views of the islands in front, the biggest one being Krk. Along the coast there is still substantial vegetation, but the coast-facing side of the islands is entirely barren, starkly contrasting with the azure blue waters of the Adriatic here. The Nehaj Castle, in the small coastal town of Senj, is not more than a solid stone cube, tastefully restored, but its ramparts offer another great view of the islands, as well as over the roofs of the town.
next: to Slovenia, to the Postojna Cave
the view of Krk island
with not a lot of vegetation on the island
and the peaceful, azure Adriatic
the Nehaj Castle at the town of Senj
which essentially is a stone cubicle
inside, the castle has a collection of heads
some in excellent condition
others a little more worn
and from the ramparts another view of Krk
and in the other directions, the roofs of Senj
