Emily Photography

Hazelnut Cake with Vanilla Cream Frosting Recipe

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for a good birthday cake, that won't take a whole day to make.</b> You know the situation. It's someone's (or your) birthday and you want to make a cake, but the list on your mind immediately skips to some kind of Chocolate Cake. Not saying there is anything wrong with Chocolate Cake. I even have a luscious <a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/04/chocolate-cake-with-milk-chocolate.html" target="_blank"><u>Chocolate Cake Recipe</u></a> on this blog as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But if you want to mix it up, look no further. This cake has a great hazelnut flavor, is not overly sweet and the vanilla cream that goes inside is heavenly. So here is the recipe, as well as some making of shots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>click on the images for a bigger view</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy3CbFMrGawyLTiBth-2qZTTGo0QFAu38uOpAkkegKP1QrvtLKk4jYQds4UhhyuDwf91k-K8eECR688_xQ3cfgx0yYCyzEFqcewSM4-cGaZdmZKbbldTHqaPnnb44QIvfnQdCwNBDnSw/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy3CbFMrGawyLTiBth-2qZTTGo0QFAu38uOpAkkegKP1QrvtLKk4jYQds4UhhyuDwf91k-K8eECR688_xQ3cfgx0yYCyzEFqcewSM4-cGaZdmZKbbldTHqaPnnb44QIvfnQdCwNBDnSw/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a name="more"></a><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Ingredients</span></h2><b>For the cake</b><br />- 5 eggs (whites and yolks separated)<br />- 130 gr (2/3 cup) sugar<br />- 5 tbsp cold water<br />- 5 tbsp vegetable oil<br />- 150 gr (1 1/4 cup) all purpose flour<br />- 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />- 100 gr (3/4 cup) hazelnuts (ground, either plain, or roasted and with skins removed)<br /><br />- 100 ml (1/2 cup) milk<br />- 1-2 tbsp rum extract<br /><br /><b>For the Vanilla Cream</b><br />- 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk<br />- 100 gr (3/4 cup) sugar<br />- 1 tbsp vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste<br />- 4 tbsp corn starch<br />- 100 gr (3/4 cup or 4 ounces) white chocolate<br />- 70 gr (1/2 cup) hazelnuts (ground, either plain, or roasted and with skins removed)<br />- 180 gr (3/4 cup) softened unsalted butter<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbrySeX2E3qzwBGWQVf9g3ZfGMOVrkk0di5L0KFqoCgXOLL1_BeM8MkjikuVZ0nluPc4-FJmOOidmQeZZ10aTqu27xzI5poAhnBuxo3Iv6ljVaXpvEkRn40WNzFYZWLyOOixb0KtHDFI/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbrySeX2E3qzwBGWQVf9g3ZfGMOVrkk0di5L0KFqoCgXOLL1_BeM8MkjikuVZ0nluPc4-FJmOOidmQeZZ10aTqu27xzI5poAhnBuxo3Iv6ljVaXpvEkRn40WNzFYZWLyOOixb0KtHDFI/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Method</b></span></h2><b>1.</b> <b>Prepare your 24 cm (9 inch) springform tin</b>, by buttering the bottom and sides, then place a round piece of parchment or baking paper on the bottom of the tin, and butter the surface of the paper again with butter.<br /><br /><b>2. Preheat your oven</b> to <b>180 degrees Celsius</b> or <b>350 degrees Fahrenheit</b><br /><br /><b>3. Place 5 egg yolks</b> in your standing mixer or a big bowl if you are using a hand mixer, <b>add the sugar and cream for 2 minutes</b> or until thick and creamy. <b>Add the water and oil slowly</b> and mix again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK9vKRJfPIOUH9GhG-nVXNn2UmdihYhkcmyogffnOAXyt6HONvst5UyIreJ0rfE76oeniGtg_SkT3Idsgw97hI-wdWH_2KBDRuVIVrgjs1w_CwbVTFDJfkFw5ffYLTCb5W2kbvQHjML4/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK9vKRJfPIOUH9GhG-nVXNn2UmdihYhkcmyogffnOAXyt6HONvst5UyIreJ0rfE76oeniGtg_SkT3Idsgw97hI-wdWH_2KBDRuVIVrgjs1w_CwbVTFDJfkFw5ffYLTCb5W2kbvQHjML4/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Sift the flower and baking powder</b> and add it spoon by spoon into the eggs and sugar mixture, beating after each addition.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoW5AYV6qPZxDHR_ccEm50FuU2a1JSLqsKEsFwvZ_S4-K2fvYAZy6kQJ9PQIxuXO0zgsDOnVE3FSl0RNH8oHyc93XfTpO8XL8lesgxroBGcUdc0frAUsaX2LKEDTTlJKERzanQdDsWAQ/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoW5AYV6qPZxDHR_ccEm50FuU2a1JSLqsKEsFwvZ_S4-K2fvYAZy6kQJ9PQIxuXO0zgsDOnVE3FSl0RNH8oHyc93XfTpO8XL8lesgxroBGcUdc0frAUsaX2LKEDTTlJKERzanQdDsWAQ/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>5. After that, add the hazelnuts</b>, also spoonful, by spoonful into the cake batter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKL9YniTKslcissef8BvnlgCn0ygTntjW5zla8-Cw07J7Cpr2HNQXvIkBknoppXbl3-hwYtVuwcRA9POeAhWTVa33q0ufht3hmyhpHUV3_KNBevGtHEoDf3JfMKgbUHhHfN5uOtKNo18/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKL9YniTKslcissef8BvnlgCn0ygTntjW5zla8-Cw07J7Cpr2HNQXvIkBknoppXbl3-hwYtVuwcRA9POeAhWTVa33q0ufht3hmyhpHUV3_KNBevGtHEoDf3JfMKgbUHhHfN5uOtKNo18/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>6. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>7. Lightly fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter</b>, until combined, and place into your prepared springform tin.<br /><br /><b>8. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes</b>, or until a toothpick or cake tester, entered into the middle of the cake, comes out clean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMWPDb3hCzFXhaE1IrGdRT13v1VKsYgL7dKZKXSScZkHBqA7wn_OjUKalSCNoew7881cvi85Zh9Dmlyykj7_6z3yTWA8bbElHJroUeabj_WCf9a7vC2JffUANhK_ohgdm17BGm_vKZv8/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMWPDb3hCzFXhaE1IrGdRT13v1VKsYgL7dKZKXSScZkHBqA7wn_OjUKalSCNoew7881cvi85Zh9Dmlyykj7_6z3yTWA8bbElHJroUeabj_WCf9a7vC2JffUANhK_ohgdm17BGm_vKZv8/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Now let's prepare the vanilla cream. You can use this cream on other cakes as well. It's very delicious!</b></span><br /><br /><b>9. Add the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste into the milk</b> and stir. Also, <b>add a little bit of that milk to the corn starch</b> and mix it until combined. Set the corn starch mixture aside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fY36joZH12XDaFLSeFpfaSuHp9ULSBLseEQb3Jkr6HWpKX01lY0eenf4KBKcI1zK7NRIyo-JsugEHXU9vs4uXmkhe0cR9JS-WcitDdpeM2yVQeLTuJfw6JfpbdTyAhiLySZEFFVFV5k/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fY36joZH12XDaFLSeFpfaSuHp9ULSBLseEQb3Jkr6HWpKX01lY0eenf4KBKcI1zK7NRIyo-JsugEHXU9vs4uXmkhe0cR9JS-WcitDdpeM2yVQeLTuJfw6JfpbdTyAhiLySZEFFVFV5k/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>10. Over medium heat, melt the white chocolate, with the milk and vanilla mixture and sugar</b> until melted. Then <b>add the corn starch mixture and whisk continuously until thickened</b>.<br /><br /><b>11. After the vanilla cream has thickened, add the hazelnuts and stir them in</b>. Cover the surface of your pan with some cling foil that you have put on the surface of the cream (so no skin will form) and <b>let it cool completely</b>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb47NZ4lFcHZf8toiLBp586aojC5CY-gKN1I4iia5stuDZQlcSsFarmo1XdFUynLj0d2dgpurk26zM9e5hv8DWhkMAyG5zNWti0zWdmvtrgTV6IF2oG1fPmQK2aSEShROkVfuyd5xdjY/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb47NZ4lFcHZf8toiLBp586aojC5CY-gKN1I4iia5stuDZQlcSsFarmo1XdFUynLj0d2dgpurk26zM9e5hv8DWhkMAyG5zNWti0zWdmvtrgTV6IF2oG1fPmQK2aSEShROkVfuyd5xdjY/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>12. Cream the softened butter </b>for a minute, then <b>add the cooled vanilla cream</b> to the butter, and <b>mix until combined</b>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPzaFXQtQFborxcxu7LaxOYN094H6LRP8sEcrqHzMy7pyy0VU-J6lf6RKZXJEsNoSVjJ5fTIDIg9LbQmJpOmIreM08n2xdCdnBFYAVrZD1VqfwIuAA0bDibJ_g4WvAjJe6NocCpcAUQk/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPzaFXQtQFborxcxu7LaxOYN094H6LRP8sEcrqHzMy7pyy0VU-J6lf6RKZXJEsNoSVjJ5fTIDIg9LbQmJpOmIreM08n2xdCdnBFYAVrZD1VqfwIuAA0bDibJ_g4WvAjJe6NocCpcAUQk/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>13. Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely</b> on a wire rack, and then <b>slice the cake into three layers</b>.<br /><br /><b>14. Combine the milk and rum mixture. Place the first layer of your cake</b> <b>on your plate or cake stand</b>, and add some of the milk and rum mixture over the layer. Then <b>add the cooled vanilla cream</b>, and top it with the second cake layer, that you will sprinkle with the milk mixture again. I'm not specifying the amounts of milk. Add as much as you like. More milk will make a moist cake.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHcI5Z9OpZ8vSOMmrvoeKppBf5oP7z2_j_I7Z_XiaJvwdtcKWvGgz2eo_K0zDyHtzKmHi4lOiT0oC2XJrTVSA7FymJuBACTeMuD__AbLUBxs5q2cZed18UPohrMzB3xULd9fJtc87Ps8/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHcI5Z9OpZ8vSOMmrvoeKppBf5oP7z2_j_I7Z_XiaJvwdtcKWvGgz2eo_K0zDyHtzKmHi4lOiT0oC2XJrTVSA7FymJuBACTeMuD__AbLUBxs5q2cZed18UPohrMzB3xULd9fJtc87Ps8/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>15. Let it cool in your refrigerator over night or at least for 4 hours.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfp8QCTFjwCSb6Lf1rSQM5rGCA7qbobem6VdWeyiM_CCYxCzO4nOhsbov31z8IGcLb8g0oiu87b5J8eb-UChB8zrKwAU6JaQKgmxlVtod0pPF4nE-KqpAO20CnJT24mu6tXso_zQCkNs/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfp8QCTFjwCSb6Lf1rSQM5rGCA7qbobem6VdWeyiM_CCYxCzO4nOhsbov31z8IGcLb8g0oiu87b5J8eb-UChB8zrKwAU6JaQKgmxlVtod0pPF4nE-KqpAO20CnJT24mu6tXso_zQCkNs/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHs2d_XfG_JzwuQNqlSvjggG7KbNjf4v68qcHz8xbaNevkjtaUeU753oUuOA6DFQJG9I9lfBec2RcBg7vgramFjmdMTJQX8EEnW0wXhLFtiA_novE2P9mGXD_BAyCL-LC0so_XkIjMVk/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHs2d_XfG_JzwuQNqlSvjggG7KbNjf4v68qcHz8xbaNevkjtaUeU753oUuOA6DFQJG9I9lfBec2RcBg7vgramFjmdMTJQX8EEnW0wXhLFtiA_novE2P9mGXD_BAyCL-LC0so_XkIjMVk/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I really hope you will make this cake, I'm actually snacking on it as I type this down. :)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">But also, I want to know, what is your favorite cake for a birthday?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><u>Where I'm Linking To</u></a></div></div>

Hazelnut Cake with Vanilla Cream Frosting Recipe

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for a good birthday cake, that won't take a whole day to make. You know t...

3:17 AM

In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj [Part 2/2]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There is this spot in these mountains. I remember it well. It's the place where the village ends and pure wilderness starts. The sights from there remind me that there is so much unknown in the world. </b>It is the ultimate destination of our hike in the foothills of mountain Prenj.<b> </b><br /><br />And as our hike continues, we actually approach the mountain closer, leave the village behind and step into the wilderness.<br /><br /><b>This is a two part series:</b><br /><u><a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/03/in-foothills-of-mountain-prenj-part-12.html" target="_blank"><b>Part One: </b>In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj</a></u><br /><u><a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/03/in-foothills-of-mountain-prenj-part-22.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Two:</b> In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj</a></u></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>click on the images for a bigger view</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIPRaHZqHeUarFA9AxRMSeDqr5Iq-kQXqoOQnYvSdJcy4DeQOEBp6doLiFJXx1XA8rm6-BKYvBp0HKIrlSuqucqBYq5l9fON1rET-vyAAdz9g4g-v_f06RtNg_v6yNYW4_qJ45dMlS7k/s1600/IMG_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIPRaHZqHeUarFA9AxRMSeDqr5Iq-kQXqoOQnYvSdJcy4DeQOEBp6doLiFJXx1XA8rm6-BKYvBp0HKIrlSuqucqBYq5l9fON1rET-vyAAdz9g4g-v_f06RtNg_v6yNYW4_qJ45dMlS7k/s1600/IMG_00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a name="more"></a><h2 style="text-align: left;">What we leave behind...</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">It's interesting to think about what we leave behind. Maybe we don't really consciously make a note when there is a spot on the wall, or a cracked window, but over time these things accumulate and you are left with a place where life once was, but also a place that shows the history behind it. We spotted this really old house along the path, and I had to take a couple of shots of it.<i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjkUiw95v13hU-ENtfMbpL3bI8tZmhXU0m8SZfv3M8Ac-VFeIKCKnTZl7OXvmFISyi8Dx8mqcVZXi-YxkZ9-hY1byABtcdYNURENI4ue3yteG7-U2Atb7Htp3G9WiRLcVm1vjLOo87B0/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjkUiw95v13hU-ENtfMbpL3bI8tZmhXU0m8SZfv3M8Ac-VFeIKCKnTZl7OXvmFISyi8Dx8mqcVZXi-YxkZ9-hY1byABtcdYNURENI4ue3yteG7-U2Atb7Htp3G9WiRLcVm1vjLOo87B0/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't even imagine how old it is, but judging by the look of the walls, windows and doors, very old. The house is smaller then the rest in the village, clearly showing it's age.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OOZqaQniDeqOvi3TrZmhG47Uo5qRj7QiB25JgkaYDev5Cy_VoIGPpcFJaUO251GcjALEELRUYKwucv6hnrjYomY_jOBOLhMape7Mi2MZZLOYyHA3iUHO3ra5TLleXbZhlulH9YwUgI/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OOZqaQniDeqOvi3TrZmhG47Uo5qRj7QiB25JgkaYDev5Cy_VoIGPpcFJaUO251GcjALEELRUYKwucv6hnrjYomY_jOBOLhMape7Mi2MZZLOYyHA3iUHO3ra5TLleXbZhlulH9YwUgI/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the narrow entrance. If you were to enter the place you would actually have to duck down in order to pass. Yet, there is a red house number painted on the side, though I clearly doubt anyone is receiving mail here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHreHwfkedl5djf1k-AKfj0rsOUpxVZZPITH6OrdEZ246Uym5FmOSrS5qt_juTcu8EZrltp2GF-k0bYjNKKLC5zF0B8D9pzNZ8dDYwoVX75Lx3c-ThiX3RTv8vLqjq6IbFAqEBD9IQGdU/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHreHwfkedl5djf1k-AKfj0rsOUpxVZZPITH6OrdEZ246Uym5FmOSrS5qt_juTcu8EZrltp2GF-k0bYjNKKLC5zF0B8D9pzNZ8dDYwoVX75Lx3c-ThiX3RTv8vLqjq6IbFAqEBD9IQGdU/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A wider shot of the east side of the house:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCS047m8sXtG7YQMxr41-MuMluG1j1MGvKU64Z9YvgbhWFIHHJrb3CpO54M5oPCrarWe38j7LksDNu7lGA2xEGu4lJAQhEMdJbmlpBmiIJi-QOMuOwOa4iszackIthL_a7PSK1PM-9dk/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCS047m8sXtG7YQMxr41-MuMluG1j1MGvKU64Z9YvgbhWFIHHJrb3CpO54M5oPCrarWe38j7LksDNu7lGA2xEGu4lJAQhEMdJbmlpBmiIJi-QOMuOwOa4iszackIthL_a7PSK1PM-9dk/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCBWcJwPPBiR8AEPlZctikvw5lQJ39iET-8v_jpqu8EHwqD5Z3Rx-UCve2iOJNwSUI3POz-suj3UTiAcFXlDBcgXvnUKMWtomf2hOecwR0TnoLhATVkUKwq2F3ICn1ya9GYEL8mhzPjg/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCBWcJwPPBiR8AEPlZctikvw5lQJ39iET-8v_jpqu8EHwqD5Z3Rx-UCve2iOJNwSUI3POz-suj3UTiAcFXlDBcgXvnUKMWtomf2hOecwR0TnoLhATVkUKwq2F3ICn1ya9GYEL8mhzPjg/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Point of no return</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the spot I mentioned earlier. A narrow path leads downhill to the last remaining house, that is hiding in the woods. From there on the road subsides to an even smaller path that leads to the <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2013/10/adventure-to-river-spring-part-one.html" target="_blank"><u>spring of the river Sanica</u></a>, that is flowing along side it. Here you get the best wide view of this side of Prenj, and on this moody day, some freshly fallen snow greeted us from the peaks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbk74SjTK0sTU5WTcSeM-Q1AVrK97w8CgHEf4t0v5t81-2CG7Ez146Z0PvGPtA2smP9VfaIz5rIu-tViTwJZoPV1lsopl18SeWumiSzoQ2HtcqBmZsdxsRhRI7NsFuQqSb5xW3CAOozc/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbk74SjTK0sTU5WTcSeM-Q1AVrK97w8CgHEf4t0v5t81-2CG7Ez146Z0PvGPtA2smP9VfaIz5rIu-tViTwJZoPV1lsopl18SeWumiSzoQ2HtcqBmZsdxsRhRI7NsFuQqSb5xW3CAOozc/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had some fun here and goofed around. Div was in the mood to be petted, and Beni had a jealousy fit over it. So love had to be shared here, which wasn't a problem though. It was very cold, as if the chill from the snow had transported to this place where we stood on. So keeping busy was a good way to stay warm.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5gAyGdOkekJUCWG-BQ-58qZfWLSlaviHgT7DhriQBbTjjoS9Rqo0Nkhh_ZZyKP6WDMM9lFWG2WiqMBPQpthcGnUAwjVFF5aJpu3YuNHIOTN9VuZjHQ_0Xk0W6CAGDmVpKWQx5bFnxDQ/s1600/IMG_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5gAyGdOkekJUCWG-BQ-58qZfWLSlaviHgT7DhriQBbTjjoS9Rqo0Nkhh_ZZyKP6WDMM9lFWG2WiqMBPQpthcGnUAwjVFF5aJpu3YuNHIOTN9VuZjHQ_0Xk0W6CAGDmVpKWQx5bFnxDQ/s1600/IMG_19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Then the winds came, and amplified the cold. This also meant that it was time to return to our car which we had parked a mile away.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7zH8jyttADwxe7NmMIGSs0NT8c9ZmYMofbiovJhzGfH6pQ_0tLFnowHtDO-We_TVCwmOsfROGwwdZ5xIGvqdUxvzyKLeDHr3Cbh2cATuuvLd-wA8eWmj_F-2oUvvBfiO1OXZs04hD3Y/s1600/IMG_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7zH8jyttADwxe7NmMIGSs0NT8c9ZmYMofbiovJhzGfH6pQ_0tLFnowHtDO-We_TVCwmOsfROGwwdZ5xIGvqdUxvzyKLeDHr3Cbh2cATuuvLd-wA8eWmj_F-2oUvvBfiO1OXZs04hD3Y/s1600/IMG_21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Next shot: Two friends enjoying their time together. Nothing better then that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyEq5ZZR_aZb67-FmnbZ9djYvN7qqG3SAzK8LRtfvfXVdTUOYI-7Z5VcuAFt2MW3tO0SVh8BtCBwhjwMzhVLWckg9bMZ2Y-jxkd9U2NRem-qfxo5P9URq-Tbtmap5Nbui1MtvAKkIAi8/s1600/IMG_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyEq5ZZR_aZb67-FmnbZ9djYvN7qqG3SAzK8LRtfvfXVdTUOYI-7Z5VcuAFt2MW3tO0SVh8BtCBwhjwMzhVLWckg9bMZ2Y-jxkd9U2NRem-qfxo5P9URq-Tbtmap5Nbui1MtvAKkIAi8/s1600/IMG_22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Alone </h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Another spot I really like is this next one. The lone house is sitting in the valley, while the grim, snow covered mountains, are looking down on it. The sense of isolation is very strong here, even though Sanica is a village where people live, and you won't be alone for long. I could only imagine the sights in spring here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v4anWIGCY1JvbLEjMJDnKsME0EDLT6mHlQqOb_ehcHpDlRNqe1Jm1M_rRea7iqWxNc4nwrhoy_GTh61_amF_3FBqmcT4DP8jt9HPcNTmnMNamdH53yeNw38Kz5L0039opHrcHK1FhHk/s1600/IMG_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v4anWIGCY1JvbLEjMJDnKsME0EDLT6mHlQqOb_ehcHpDlRNqe1Jm1M_rRea7iqWxNc4nwrhoy_GTh61_amF_3FBqmcT4DP8jt9HPcNTmnMNamdH53yeNw38Kz5L0039opHrcHK1FhHk/s1600/IMG_23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wEhou6IMijxh3kBVo8rlABRyPvvv2VTbDmmmF6O00-Jz4sXVLpYSQTD2y02hXFMV8tSRsDlU0AqUHFzuK6sXBurFR8eVC73KRdQLfuKExz0DGObWW_ILjOTW7XvV_BWcs81tcpGi0wo/s1600/IMG_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wEhou6IMijxh3kBVo8rlABRyPvvv2VTbDmmmF6O00-Jz4sXVLpYSQTD2y02hXFMV8tSRsDlU0AqUHFzuK6sXBurFR8eVC73KRdQLfuKExz0DGObWW_ILjOTW7XvV_BWcs81tcpGi0wo/s1600/IMG_24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Keeping On</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">At the end we crossed a small bridge in front of our cottage, where we had parked the car. The cold was reflected in the chilly blue of the river Sanica (the village is named after this river). Being a mountain river, the stream is always busy, endlessly rushing along...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tKss0hsBBjpJ9vmB6wdjfDzwGbWzdsfQvmjcvg9jxzIdHGKjHWrZ1yzGZ1_7bi4oX4OTeWJvhidc9bSOcr3KUePwPP1AiQ0YMFooffuO1EkbU0zcxDOF44oQqsQ77qWRRc0k24eXsPY/s1600/IMG_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tKss0hsBBjpJ9vmB6wdjfDzwGbWzdsfQvmjcvg9jxzIdHGKjHWrZ1yzGZ1_7bi4oX4OTeWJvhidc9bSOcr3KUePwPP1AiQ0YMFooffuO1EkbU0zcxDOF44oQqsQ77qWRRc0k24eXsPY/s1600/IMG_25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Even though this two parter was stripped of much color, that would be there otherwise in spring, I still hope you have enjoyed these rugged winter sights.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><u>Where I'm Linking To</u></a></div></div>

In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj [Part 2/2]

There is this spot in these mountains. I remember it well. It's the place where the village ends and pure wilderness starts. The sights ...

4:15 AM

In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj [Part 1/2]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Even though the south is showing some first signs of spring, in most northern parts of the country nature is still in full winter sleep.</b> To that, add some fresh snowfalls that have hit the lands, and you'll pretty much end up with the landscapes in this two part outing into the foothills of mountain Prenj.<br /><br /><b>Prenj is actually a mountain range in the Dinaric Alps located in north-east Herzegovina near Mostar, Jablanica and Konjic.</b> The highest peak is the "Zelena glava" at 2,115 m (6,939 ft), and there are several other peaks of similar height. The name Prenj is derived from the word "Perun", which is the highest god of the pantheon, and the god of thunder and lightning in Slavic mythology.<br /><br /><b>This is a two part series:</b><br /><u><a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/03/in-foothills-of-mountain-prenj-part-12.html" target="_blank"><b>Part One: </b>In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj</a></u><br /><u><a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/03/in-foothills-of-mountain-prenj-part-22.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Two:</b> In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj</a></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>click on the images for a bigger view</i></div><u><br /></u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuRV5_mxnepMS_DQOmScoo9hX9DiMnJ8KM76WI4zjqqXl9x8Xrc_fqfE2L7TM4DIKSvU3Yg8FRSuZcakEY6aes6S9z2w3j1bnY0En_IMl_UX3Dh5JA02CyuKdfju4BAF5CrCOTSSotKU/s1600/IMG_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuRV5_mxnepMS_DQOmScoo9hX9DiMnJ8KM76WI4zjqqXl9x8Xrc_fqfE2L7TM4DIKSvU3Yg8FRSuZcakEY6aes6S9z2w3j1bnY0En_IMl_UX3Dh5JA02CyuKdfju4BAF5CrCOTSSotKU/s1600/IMG_26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a name="more"></a><h2 style="text-align: left;">Travel into the Countryside</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Once you make the turn from the main M-17 road to the village Glogosnica, a small regional road will take you further into the mountains. There are several small villages here, like Bijela, Sanica, Glogosnica, to name a few, each consisting of 20-30 houses. Nature blooms here in spring and summer, and has glorious colors in autumn, but unfortunately the winter look is stripped and cold, and as brooding as the skies on the day we traveled here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbjDFWZ_pDLRxiuSOc6y2QnuT5y8DCyLz3Vuuk1JnE1slchFPutuUXh0NsnSu_zpNDSebWDW1-ZUczLrGiulmUqkIBspvTwXB6OoUmNTMGrtVl2vPvK8OIxZ_hnr_CoWoWjLy5TqzcDY/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbjDFWZ_pDLRxiuSOc6y2QnuT5y8DCyLz3Vuuk1JnE1slchFPutuUXh0NsnSu_zpNDSebWDW1-ZUczLrGiulmUqkIBspvTwXB6OoUmNTMGrtVl2vPvK8OIxZ_hnr_CoWoWjLy5TqzcDY/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Hike Begins</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">We parked the car <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/03/our-cottage-in-mountains-weekend-post.html" target="_blank"><u>near our cottage here</u></a>, and started our hike on the unpaved mountain dirt road. Selma was with me, as well as my dog Beni, and our neighbors Labrador Div, who hadn't seen us in quite some time. Of course the two of them had a great time playing together, as well as fighting for attention. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3uhDSX4_CDChjI-k8s2fZy6uPHk0OLKcS0myZIRS9DIPxbGoVoVcNKT9Yk4ivtzcihj-syXHF1ccaa0W5yp-alkkLDQnTqFz8b3GfFpHArVdfr5DOEYtLbqKn5at78Hu8OsbA-nPQF0/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3uhDSX4_CDChjI-k8s2fZy6uPHk0OLKcS0myZIRS9DIPxbGoVoVcNKT9Yk4ivtzcihj-syXHF1ccaa0W5yp-alkkLDQnTqFz8b3GfFpHArVdfr5DOEYtLbqKn5at78Hu8OsbA-nPQF0/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wait up you guys!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQunJAWwz4WLQVkCM_ulSsXnY36J75Un2A7DdtKWoMb9SAHj5Nb-GeJR02tQv9ryZz6LLY2GhfOYAqYUISjFjVHX4S9wqb4tYd94L1v_QY2rXkC5b6NNF-pykwiFa7OdA6BkBhW23R1QU/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQunJAWwz4WLQVkCM_ulSsXnY36J75Un2A7DdtKWoMb9SAHj5Nb-GeJR02tQv9ryZz6LLY2GhfOYAqYUISjFjVHX4S9wqb4tYd94L1v_QY2rXkC5b6NNF-pykwiFa7OdA6BkBhW23R1QU/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The surroundings were stripped of colors, only the blue tinted mountain tops, hovered above the bleak landscapes. Even though cold and icy, the tops of the surrounding mountains were calling out to me, so I took quite a few shots of them. I can only imagine the absolute wilderness there, stripped of any human life.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNpnhbwNXky7lzbQnD6IlqtMxNsFmgATh9TTpbD71_mxm4ZJg1f5YYQV7SskkmGHtp1Yf72L4zLhtHFNfi0R87UpHkDAhU9ATwHjs2vL2FWYALRixjprC4Ta9OTsfWmVJ51U06-8lKw4/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNpnhbwNXky7lzbQnD6IlqtMxNsFmgATh9TTpbD71_mxm4ZJg1f5YYQV7SskkmGHtp1Yf72L4zLhtHFNfi0R87UpHkDAhU9ATwHjs2vL2FWYALRixjprC4Ta9OTsfWmVJ51U06-8lKw4/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Through the Village Sanica</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our hike to the foothills of mountain Prenj, took us at first through the village Sanica. And while there are many houses here where people live in, you can also find old and abandoned ones along the way (stay tuned for part two, for a <i>really</i> old house that we saw).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAk1SlywokPYsD-MyEI8rLrH3UXZwKQZRi0-WrI-xsgfBe48y1mWM7rjHsv8GYMICz3Lk1k3ssHi6dSkOl5G6qpl6SDrepiKn8jWl6s9d3lbp2f5L4aVBV19frcO4xn8soXHlsybLr6E/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAk1SlywokPYsD-MyEI8rLrH3UXZwKQZRi0-WrI-xsgfBe48y1mWM7rjHsv8GYMICz3Lk1k3ssHi6dSkOl5G6qpl6SDrepiKn8jWl6s9d3lbp2f5L4aVBV19frcO4xn8soXHlsybLr6E/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sgPPPGnTB0eGLEQaj-I0wOpmQh6OIXa1GWXFJhyphenhyphenDmoHAJ39A5OnJlL20Pm1VB3aYBvDcFDXuApSzi-cCuioIri94sN0Lg5ZdOktMDhO-rEREUoz0ugW7J5IQlko6MHVfFcndt7PfwR4/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sgPPPGnTB0eGLEQaj-I0wOpmQh6OIXa1GWXFJhyphenhyphenDmoHAJ39A5OnJlL20Pm1VB3aYBvDcFDXuApSzi-cCuioIri94sN0Lg5ZdOktMDhO-rEREUoz0ugW7J5IQlko6MHVfFcndt7PfwR4/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In the distance the peaks of Prenj are calling out, and at the same time, they are veiled in snow bearing clouds. Actually on this very same day fresh snow would cover the mountains again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD5tGxaMmXvsVE0fyiTW59HNc612Iar8gvkp7cQ7PiYXc_uSGtXmar202QyXsZa-mmkyfRA6HEoV0obDKs2ZrFIcOCtgAk23gQz0AlUo5RbpSdCiHDEHn5UlS0ZDikiZ-Vgud2waAYNI/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD5tGxaMmXvsVE0fyiTW59HNc612Iar8gvkp7cQ7PiYXc_uSGtXmar202QyXsZa-mmkyfRA6HEoV0obDKs2ZrFIcOCtgAk23gQz0AlUo5RbpSdCiHDEHn5UlS0ZDikiZ-Vgud2waAYNI/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFWXV74D9X6UnELpnxSyXbNj9YiftWwyQdl6AyUY3oDmGlN1onGwCeK333KYoW4pzuBFKpcVnh9JdUDkx0aGbCvGggPraAupZBZXjEdnhJKyfMg8wgjjOfdrEYQ-D6tT_0JdAw6X3Fkk/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFWXV74D9X6UnELpnxSyXbNj9YiftWwyQdl6AyUY3oDmGlN1onGwCeK333KYoW4pzuBFKpcVnh9JdUDkx0aGbCvGggPraAupZBZXjEdnhJKyfMg8wgjjOfdrEYQ-D6tT_0JdAw6X3Fkk/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzMcRAzlEm1R5tj7xbXR-cJKVPAFLdPqI6aicuYjf968eDVNL8XG5g70DAqYsSSN1Oio0RqvEkEwwOLaIpUXQ4EBMXuuLwP0RtZU4A9pBhCLc_mKR2BbGf8hCQHuCHjXN2c9asqSpQss/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzMcRAzlEm1R5tj7xbXR-cJKVPAFLdPqI6aicuYjf968eDVNL8XG5g70DAqYsSSN1Oio0RqvEkEwwOLaIpUXQ4EBMXuuLwP0RtZU4A9pBhCLc_mKR2BbGf8hCQHuCHjXN2c9asqSpQss/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The majestic peaks of Prenj were so close now, but it would take us some more hiking to get to a good spot from which we could see the whole mountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrCZhg8HbuXN8GvxLxDh5kxgWWw2w0kdhd5U4zzp5Ny_2ZRsRbUDzMLCDr-H7Ux_jpl1xMteaOya8c0bcwdCeaLdtcusWwEfQqxAoZsES5qs5gtSaMB9YhQ9AxsuujhAExInbU1z_03k/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrCZhg8HbuXN8GvxLxDh5kxgWWw2w0kdhd5U4zzp5Ny_2ZRsRbUDzMLCDr-H7Ux_jpl1xMteaOya8c0bcwdCeaLdtcusWwEfQqxAoZsES5qs5gtSaMB9YhQ9AxsuujhAExInbU1z_03k/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That meant that our journey had to continue. Beni and Div were playful, and always in front of us, so in a way it seemed that they were walking us, and not the other way around. But I guess everyone was happy with the arrangement. </div><u><br /></u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qek5Iq16PCwbobZuUGq2jCNGuj9hlv9VFLq_r5TndX5LQZiCw-9JaPWNKptwSKpGfm6ZaomdzPiDJ770zvzjGE3TCNAOjdjEqXk6yI06dVxgijhv5IDQJAHveQWzlQ3lbc2I5FlkIrU/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qek5Iq16PCwbobZuUGq2jCNGuj9hlv9VFLq_r5TndX5LQZiCw-9JaPWNKptwSKpGfm6ZaomdzPiDJ770zvzjGE3TCNAOjdjEqXk6yI06dVxgijhv5IDQJAHveQWzlQ3lbc2I5FlkIrU/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In the second and final part, there will be more sights from the countryside, as well as glimpses into the wast wilderness of these regions. </b><br /><br /><b>End of Part One</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">To be continued...<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Where I'm Linking To</a></u></div></div>

In the Foothills of Mountain Prenj [Part 1/2]

Even though the south is showing some first signs of spring, in most northern parts of the country nature is still in full winter sleep. To...

4:11 AM

Viola Dana

Viola Dana

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5:59 AM

The Road Less Traveled: Images and Stories from the Road

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I read somewhere that a good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. </b>That certainly holds true in most cases, as well as the old notion that it's not about the destination, but the journey. So in that sense I wanted to share some images from routes and roads, paths and streets, that ultimately depict the love for "getting there" as opposed to "arriving". </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>click on the images for a bigger view</i></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">1. A Mountain Road</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAZdAibIk7H9sqOMW5kuuu0Ib3a6_iDT8s49C5nDrb2wE_Y0kC053_g7H4DYDBLa2BpTdXIIZ2c8dk6j8MqhIMobYOPyUxhvMP-umwrRt7FRlOaemJhTpbhI5o9rrlEjudruILpkB3XQ/s1600/IMG_52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAZdAibIk7H9sqOMW5kuuu0Ib3a6_iDT8s49C5nDrb2wE_Y0kC053_g7H4DYDBLa2BpTdXIIZ2c8dk6j8MqhIMobYOPyUxhvMP-umwrRt7FRlOaemJhTpbhI5o9rrlEjudruILpkB3XQ/s1600/IMG_52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the mountain road began to wind down, and curve alongside the cliffs and hills, the sun began to set somewhere in the distance. I opened the car windows to let the air in, and immediately a fresh breeze swept up the scents of the woods and brought them to me. Somehow, here in the wild, everything fell into place, and the feeling of belonging immediately took over.</div><br /><a name="more"></a><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2. Out of the Woods</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80D4T4zWFQBP6m-E75rLfYyuK1fsiJewoM9PQrH4deiae4goxaXZaJ0xGHCOpIkOihCvV3YOCvmKKc3WaxsQj-Icu1IoVgaNuqyxYDpAIutnkeKAlRZPG6ToelHym6JNZYAcAXtTKqSU/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80D4T4zWFQBP6m-E75rLfYyuK1fsiJewoM9PQrH4deiae4goxaXZaJ0xGHCOpIkOihCvV3YOCvmKKc3WaxsQj-Icu1IoVgaNuqyxYDpAIutnkeKAlRZPG6ToelHym6JNZYAcAXtTKqSU/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ultimately, the road we travel on, means nothing if there is no destination to be reached. I always feel that there should be something that we travel towards to, even though we may not know what that is. I took this shot in the <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/10/visiting-hutovo-blato-part-12-inside.html" target="_blank"><u>Hutovo Blato Nature Resort</u></a>, during my first visit there. I loved wandering through these woods, and just keep on moving forward, trying to see it all.</div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">3. On the Railroad</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhvt82mG8OH0bM0gOX6VlK7i2XEqrKKav59PVYYAEB3r90Wri2PBB_41JFu0Qme68BBIXjVSFxhs6LiaYaPt_BicEOTRzCH2NiKIQW2-nvTM6TcjkNT3x7M0ttTPwnz2shiL2rCkmWUc/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhvt82mG8OH0bM0gOX6VlK7i2XEqrKKav59PVYYAEB3r90Wri2PBB_41JFu0Qme68BBIXjVSFxhs6LiaYaPt_BicEOTRzCH2NiKIQW2-nvTM6TcjkNT3x7M0ttTPwnz2shiL2rCkmWUc/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" width="640" /></a> I have often said that I love the railroad and trains. It has been a love of mine from my early childhood years. Even today, when I get the opportunity to capture railroads I gladly do it. I love how the tracks are always leading into the distance, clearly marking a path through the landscapes.</div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">4. Around the Corner</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSzLHNNH9VVNT9KzUcDU08jO-t7Hp1rs-QzJOo6Fd7zM6Bj51CbRdQe2FEGHR9B5vPvFgZ66f4Sqzc8qdWCIgN9nVk8pBX7Yt8-q7Z8YxwY_AC8LrOGD8lqHOZzCTEJ7xuzCB1ypTqbA/s1600/IMG_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSzLHNNH9VVNT9KzUcDU08jO-t7Hp1rs-QzJOo6Fd7zM6Bj51CbRdQe2FEGHR9B5vPvFgZ66f4Sqzc8qdWCIgN9nVk8pBX7Yt8-q7Z8YxwY_AC8LrOGD8lqHOZzCTEJ7xuzCB1ypTqbA/s1600/IMG_37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The sounds of the crashing <a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/09/in-south-part-23-kravice-waterfalls.html" target="_blank"><u>Kravice waterfalls</u></a> could be heard miles away. Even though I hadn't seen them yet, I knew what was waiting for me around the corner. The narrow, beaten down path, I walked on, was wet from all the water that was getting there in the form of mist. I noticed the trees in the waterbed that were sticking out, trying to fight the current. Getting there was certainly an experience in this place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">5. In the Countryside</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdLA3IKjrd_DnlTmEiFEJNZObFuwm5n6YEG7ko3dWP0B9dradUt4RmJsRGbCqR1KV5vT8xDichJnR9WJ_GeEx5M4RwgSj3VN6hyphenhyphenNI2grhCx4omoXdLzUDkDKX5SBvbrqgOiw8s-9bci8/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdLA3IKjrd_DnlTmEiFEJNZObFuwm5n6YEG7ko3dWP0B9dradUt4RmJsRGbCqR1KV5vT8xDichJnR9WJ_GeEx5M4RwgSj3VN6hyphenhyphenNI2grhCx4omoXdLzUDkDKX5SBvbrqgOiw8s-9bci8/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not all travels are enjoyable. There seem to be times, when you just want to arrive and travel no more. I guess it did hold true during our outing to the countryside of Bivolje Brdo. But it wasn't because of the lack of beauty of interesting sights, but because of the humid weather we had that day. Almost like in a jungle, the hot temperatures started to lift the water from the nearby trees and bushes that were sprinkled with freshly fallen rain. The village seemed far away from this spot...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">6. The Stories of the Walls</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchlZuh7U9XM3CYHfgg9UAAL8nHffLB_TpFRity0Cmhzdnh-80cSzScom1J1YIeluLNKbgte0XqpxMdR-hZW8kB9azVECP-FDfF4NVL6LkCgy5Resex62qbD6h3NMgvp1RpSIWC_Rxo5A/s1600/IMG_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchlZuh7U9XM3CYHfgg9UAAL8nHffLB_TpFRity0Cmhzdnh-80cSzScom1J1YIeluLNKbgte0XqpxMdR-hZW8kB9azVECP-FDfF4NVL6LkCgy5Resex62qbD6h3NMgvp1RpSIWC_Rxo5A/s1600/IMG_35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When you visit ancient buildings or streets (<a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/01/game-of-thrones-location-photos-in_9.html" target="_blank"><u>like we did in Split recently</u></a>), you can't help but wonder: what have these walls seen or who has traveled before me in these places. Emerging from the dark corridors of the old town of Split, and entering into the open space felt like a resurrection. I stayed on this path for a long time, gazing at the doors and windows around me, wondering about possibilities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">7. A Search for the Destination</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOUZtAFJWWYsQeRu1bTigrqFiSUMWXGX8q1eYhOP7rLbaVNuNwYgmylztOE-hz7oDYn4z-4feaP8UQX9DCEmei9gigmALU2402M82kKyaamlF4ioylaRWd8gzjZRbm1CCOWaNZHmB2nA/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOUZtAFJWWYsQeRu1bTigrqFiSUMWXGX8q1eYhOP7rLbaVNuNwYgmylztOE-hz7oDYn4z-4feaP8UQX9DCEmei9gigmALU2402M82kKyaamlF4ioylaRWd8gzjZRbm1CCOWaNZHmB2nA/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Autumn is my favorite season. When the leaves turn color, and fresh air pushes the hot summer climate away, nature begins a glorious transformation. One that is ultimately reflected in the theme of this post. We know winter is ahead, but don't really want to arrive there just yet. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you all for stopping by. I wish you a great weekend ahead!</b></div><br /><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><u>Where I'm Linking To</u></a></div></div>

The Road Less Traveled: Images and Stories from the Road

I read somewhere that a good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. That certainly holds true in most cases, as well as...

1:31 AM