DAY 32 EUROPE TRIP
The next morning we set out to explore the neighbourhood in cold, windy weather. We finally see the famous Stelmužes Ažuolas – the oldest oak tree in the country – 1,500 years old.
A lot of effort is being put into keeping it alive. It is propped up and some parts are covered to avoid water damage.
This part of the tree is was very suggestive of an owl.
Nearby is a very old wooden church. It has a very ornate interior. It was amazing to see such a church in this very small village off the beaten track.
From here we went to Ilgio Lake where people claim the Virgin Mary appeared in 1967. Crosses are springing up in the area.
Two motorcyclists experienced the vision and some crosses have been subsequently made from motor bike parts.
Driving through towns one sees interesting floral plantations. Everywhere we have gone the places are clean, tidy and inviting. It is a big change as 7 years ago towns and villages looked tired and neglected.
Our esteemed guide took us to another spectacular walking trail – Šavantos Pažinties Takas.
It was very different to the ones in Vilniaus region.
There were lots of signs of beaver activity.
For a change there was a steep climb up a hill.
A mountain river flows through the park. Most would say Lithuania has no steep places and couldn't possibly have a mountain river. However, this river meets the criteria of a mountain river as it plunges down 41 metres over a 5 km length.
The Lūžes stone with a bowllike centre was used for religious rituals in the 16-17th centuries. The balts believed that these stones had magic meaning and were used as amulets.
The path again had interesting billboards explaining the area, flora and fauna.
I just loved the rubbish bins in the park made from recycling forest waste materials.
At the end of the trail there was a pulpit
And seating for the audience. What a hoot!
On our way back we stopped for a late lunch at Degučiai. Ther rain was holding off today and our spirits were high. When we got back we spent time exploring the property. There were lots of wild strawberries and they were beautidul to eat. They were much smaller than the normal strawberry.
As we walked around our hostess gathered supplies for a soup from plants and herbs growing in the wild here. Wild sorrel was the basis for the soup tonight.
Something to warm us up was also set up close by.
Washing the vegetables and herbs was quite a task as there was no running water.
Whenever we needed water someone would have to go down to the lake to get it
and then brought it up the beautifully laid out path. All the stones were brought in onto the property.
Finally the pot of soup was set up over the fire.
In the meantime we alfoiled spare ribs for barbequing over the fire.
Whilst wating for dinner to cook over the campfire we were entertained by a stork that flew in to forage for food. The next evening it brought its mate as well.
As the sun started to set one only had to glance down towards the lake to see the jetty aglow
and tree trunks light up. What a restful sight.
Finally it was time to eat at a rock table sitting on comfortable rock 'stools'.
Eventually as the evening got colder we made our way indoors to sit and chat by the cosy fire.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment