Nacionalni Park Durmitor Off The Beaten Path

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Viola calcarata, the mountain violet is a plant that is found at high elevations throughout the whole Alps but also in other European mountain ranges. It can be found from 1,200 to 2,300 meters. The photo was taken on the Žabljak plateau, around 1,300 meters.

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The Monastery of St Michael the Archangel is accessed by a rough stony track of about a couple of miles in length (although it seems longer because you have to drive so slowly on it!). We stopped and parked the car about half a mile or so before we reached it, and I then walked on the remainder of the way whilst Andrea had a rest.

According to the Bradt guide, it is difficult to gain access to it, so I was delighted to find it open. It is in a very attractive position on a ridge way above the river, and has recently been restored. It is beautifully maintained as you can see from the adjacent picture of the interior.

I didn't actually make it to the entrance of the cave (its a long climb up!) but my better half experienced it for me. It was tricky getting down that icy slope - ice picks woud probably be useful! Just look at those icicles in there though!

A well known hike in the area is to Ledena pecina (the Ice Cave) which is located under the peak Obla Glava, some 2100 m above sea level. The guide say its a relatively easy hike (about 3 hrs long) but the terrain was quite rocky in places and heavy going, my legs gave out on me just 15 mins from the top :-(( I rested on a grassy field whilst Dave and a couple of friends went on ahead.

Inside the ice-cave are these huge icicles - I mean Dave is tall being over 6 foot in height, but just look at the ice here! There was a frozen waterfall at the back too. It looks an amazing sight...sigh, I had to settle for the pics.

The life in those mountain villages remains the same as in the past. Picturesque little houses are like from the imagination. The people living here lead very simple life. Sheeps are the most comon animals here, and the products of the sheep milk from this part of Montenegro are well known in whole country.

Riblje jezero is small but very nice lake. On its sides u can find some arheological stones. There is realy nothing to do there but walk around. No objects of any kind near this lake. This spot is good only for nature lovers.