Stormy Slovenia...but stlll stunning.

After leaving wet and stormy Bled we headed south towards the caves region of Slovenia. We had a pleasant night's stay at a small town on the way, with the storms subsiding long enough for a walk and for the kids to enjoy the onsite playground. The electrical show that evening was pretty cool, with lightening illuminating the Kombi and thunder crashing around us.

We left early the next morning headed for Skocjan Caves, we figured that even if the storms kept up we would be dry underground. These UNESCO protected caves are huge with the Reka River flowing through them. We were guided through many caves and passages, where we marvelled at the huge stalactites and stalagmites, many millions of years old. It was so interesting to see the old, and very dangerous tracks and bridges, taken by archeologists in the past. At the end of the tour through the caves, and the only place you could take pictures, Jackson decided he desperately needed the toilet. After tracking down a guide we were taken to the only toilet, a primitive toilet in case of emergencies. Jackson thought it was a real novelty to stand on the footprints on the typical 'squat' toilet that was located in its own little cave and he ran out saying 'Milly, I just got to wee in the cave'! 

It had been hailing whilst we were underground and the kids spent the short walk back eating as much hail as they could collect. Jackson can't remember ever seeing hail so it was a real highlight for him.

The afternoon was still predicted to be cold and stormy so we headed to a nearby military museum that also had camping (you could camp for free if you went to the museum). We spent several hours looking at the military equipment, mostly from the old Yugoslavian Army, and learnt all about Slovenia gaining independence in 1991. We ended our day in a submarine, learning about the intelligence and sky missions undertaken by these smaller types of submarines and the difficult living conditions on board. It was a cold and stormy night so we were rugged up in Dugme before dark, ready for an early start the next day to cross the border into Croatia.

Driving through a small village looking for a campsite.

Looking put from Scokjan Caves

Cave selfie....a bit blurry though.

Stalactites on the cave roof.

On the walk out of the caves.

The view from above the caves, the mountains of Slovenia are beautiful.

Being a soldier at the entrance to the Military Museum.

In the museum.

The old tanks interested Jackson.

Going dowm into the submarine.

Inside the submarine. On some missions 10 men sat in the tiny soace for up to 7 days.

Driving the sub.

The Yugoslavian Army submarine, used for intelligence and spying.

Jackson with a replica of what occured during the fight for independance, he couldn't believe tanks drive over cars.

A tank made out of rocks, wood and hedge.

Leaving Slovenia in the early morning.