Today we took a field trip to the Nature Park Biokovo. When we arrived we were met by Zvjezdana Popovic, an expert biologist-ecologist who is pictured above. Zvjezdana told us that the nature park was established in 1998. It is managed under the Nature Protection Law and the regulating on internal order in the Nature Park Biokovo. There are currently 13 full time employees, but they bring more people on during the busiest seasons. She gave us a brief lecture about all of the endemic flora and fauna in the area. They have protected any endangered species within the park. Also, they have restored some of the homes where shepherds used to live. These homes are now used for people to stay for a weekend or a season. Many people still farm there and herd animals.
This nature park is laden with rocky mountains. These mountains could have been used in Lord of The Rings, we decided. We drove up the windy roads to get to a point where we could climb up part of the way. Zvjezdana informed us it would only take twenty minutes and it was not that bad. Needless to say many of us disagreed. The hike was very treacherous, as you can see in the second photo. Half way through some of us wondered if it would be worth continuing to the top. I am so glad that we did! The view was breathtaking. From one side you could see the mountains rolling on for what looked like forever, and then on the other side we could see all of the islands in the sea. It is amazing how small we all are compared to the rest of the world.
Climbing down was a little easier and we were met with bagged lunches. As we were climbing back down we heard a man singing while playing the accordion. It could not have been more perfect for that moment. We ate at picnic tables and on rocks while we listened to this man and admired the views.
After lunch and a few more minutes waiting for another van, we all drove up to the highest peak of the park and took a group photo, which is pictured above. It was a little nerve wracking sitting in van driving up the winding roads with very long drop offs at the edge. The guard rails along the drive were definitely giving off a false sense of security. I do not think they would prevent any car from tumbling down the mountain. We were very thankful that the driver knew what he was doing and that we made it to the top. Even if you are not one for heights (like myself), you would not give a care in the world at the top of this mountain. I thought the view from the other place was breathtaking, this one was mind blowing. You literally could see for miles on all sides. It did not matter where you looking because it was all beautiful.
In the eyes of a public health student, I could not help but notice people hiking with their children and biking up these strenuous roads. This park offers a lot for people to better their health. Recently they have updated their maps to show the safest routes to hike and have a service for people to access guides. The routes are marked with colored dots to show the way. Another great thing about this park is that you can paraglide off the mountain tops. I cannot express to you how amazing that would be in this area and again I am afraid of heights!
The community could use this park as a source for recreation activities and for health promoting activities. The park could offer more classes teaching children about the importance of protecting endangered species of flora and fauna, then take the children on a hike to show these things in person. The community may also start using this park to increase their health if the trails were even more defined. If the park could take the time to label a trail as easy, difficult, or strenuous, people could take time to find the right trail for them. The community could work from easy to difficult. Little things in these areas could make the world of difference to the community and to the nature park.
Tonight we got all dressed up and traveled to Topici. What an amazing night! We had a traditional Dalmatian dinner full of food, dancing, and singing. We learned traditional Dalmatian songs and sang along with our hosts, which is pictured above. This was our last hoorah as a group before we start heading back to Zagreb and then back home. Our group had a wonderful time and cherished every moment!
Just a few more days in Croatia before we had back home! This trip has flown by so fast. We all have to make the most of these next few days.
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