During my stay in Bulgaria last week, I was lucky enough to be taken by Genka and her brother Encho to a place called Kalofer, where there was a beautiful forest and river. The four of us (including Genka's friend Kamelia) went hiking up through the forest, coming to rest at a stunning lagoon where both Encho and myself dived in to experience the lush cool water, a welcome relief from the 40C heat. The forest had many precarious bridges and walkways, which only added to the sense of adventure. We encountered many massive butterflies and lizard, but alas none of the bears or snakes that the forest signs warned us about.
When we had finished our trek, we came to the small town, which hosted a statue of national hero Hristo Botev, as well as a war memorial.
The White River. The water was clear and pure enough to drink from, which we did many times!
Genka on a bridge.
The small lagoon we found to dive into.
Encho dives in!
Genka and Kamelia on another bridge!
One a several lizards we encountered.
One of the many stunning varieties of butterfly in the forest. A lepidopterist's paradise!
The White River, shot with the Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8, 30 second exposure, 10 stop B+W filter.
Encho, Genka and Kamelia.
War Memorial, Kalofer.
Statue of national hero Hristo Botev and the Bulgarian flag.