DAY 23 EUROPE TRIP - LITHUANIA – Vilnius Region

8 June 2009

DAY 23 EUROPE TRIP
LITHUANIA – Vilnius Region

The forecast was for intermittent rain so we decided to brave it and ventured out to explore the state cultural reserve at Kernave.

It was our second time here and we enjoyed this visit just as much as our first one 7 years ago. It was the first time here for my sister-in-law and her hubby.

It is an historical and archaeological museum site http://www.kernave.org/istorija_en.htm

Through archaeological work it has been ascertained that there have been settlements here since 8th-9th centuries BC. In the middle ages it is believed that it was the first capital of Lithuania. The legend of the Iron Wolf is also associated with the area. Here is a link to an article regarding the legend http://polish-baltic-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_lithuanian_legend_of_the_iron_wolf

It is a very picturesque area with 4 hill forts or as some refer to them as mysterious mounds set in a valley near the bend of a river. One mound is know as the Pilies hill fort, another as Aukuras hill fort, another as King Mindaugo throne

and the last as Lizdeikos hill fort. We climbed three of the mounds

and took in the views.

The surrounding fields were abundant with various flowering plants – many of which we were told were used for medicinal purposes. It was such a joy to walk through the flowering fields and not have to worry about snakes or getting scratched by the grasses.

From here we drove to Dukšto Ažuolynas –Oakwoods of Dukštas. It was a magnificent forest. The refreshing rich greens, the smells, the grandeur of the trees made this a very special place.

It can best be described as something between a state forest and a national park. It was referred to as a ‚draustinis‘ ie an area that must be retained in its natural state. When we arrived we had a snack before exploring the area.

As we walked along the path

wooden mythological carvings lined the route.

We would stop and read the very informative billboards.

The very large snails near the path kept capturing my attention.

Amongst the tall oak trees

the occassional fir trees looked grand.

The rare mushroom peeped through the foliage

An ancient stone with a carved undecipherable script is found along the way.

At the end of the path swings

and a see-saw brought the path to its end.

Then onto afternoon tea to catch up with a long standing friendin Kariotiškes and after dinner to catch up with our son’s friend’s family in Vilnius who will be soon visiting Australia. It was a very special day with lots of new experiences.