Zabljak Patterns
Zabljak is a small town in the Durmitor National Park region and is not far from Black Lake (Crno Jezero) so today was a very relaxed and easy day. The morning consisted of a relatively short stroll around the small township to get a better feel for where I was and to imagine what it might be like during the winter months, since Zabljak is a popular skiing destination.
Some new developments are being constructed and I would suggest it is about time. Most of the existing larger winter accommodation is very run-down and appears to be in need of significant renovation and updating or demolition and replacement.
The 'outskirts' of Zabljak
View towards Mount Durmitor and Black Lake (Crno Jezero) from Zabljak
After the morning stroll and a relaxing lunch I headed off on the bike the short distance to Black Lake.
Black Lake is set within a wonderful forest as part of the National Park and is a popular location for both leisurely and active recreation.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
There is an extensive pathway network surrounding the lake and within the forest that many people were taking advantage of. Although I didn't venture into the water I imagine it was rather cool for those who did.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
I decided I would take a walk around the lake and enjoy the changing views. I followed one of the paths to an elevated vantage point where people would jump into the lake below. After a little climbing further up the steep side of the lake I hoped to rejoin the path above…….unfortunately the previously obvious path had vanished an I was left with faint indications that others had walked this way before me.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
I stumbled through the forest in the direction I wanted to go certain that eventually I would meet the path again. It wasn't too long before I was back on the well worn and obvious lakeside pathway heading in the right direction.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
It was a very pleasant day amongst the Durmitor Mountains near Zabljak and Judy and Leo had made a wonderful recommendation regarding the Durmitor National Park region.
On the way back through town I checked in at the Tourist Information Centre to try and get some local knowledge on a route option I was interested in to go back towards Sveti Stefan. An alternative route had been suggested due to its spectacular scenery and relatively easy going dirt road down through the valley. The Tourist Info staff were rather helpful, but the idea of somewhere between 60 - 80km of steep gravel road as part of a 280km+ day sounded a little risky.
Another tasty dinner and relaxing evening in MB Hotel, Zabljak finished off the day.