We planned to see more of Bulgaria during our 'off days' from duties at Camping VT and decided to head south to the shores of the Batak dam. The Batak dam is in the Rhodope mountains southwest of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city. It also gave me (Marius) the opportunity to visit the Bulgarian Aviation Museum situated next to Plovdiv Airport. Joan was so excited at this most interesting visitation, showcasing the past and present history of the Bulgarian Air Force .... that's overstating it, but you get my drift don't you?!
Fifi was duly readied for the journey and we set off Thursday 6 August after a quick stop at Kaufland supermarket for some groceries and essentials such as Tonic water and lemons - yes it would be used as mixers for sun downer drinks.
The journey to Plovdiv, our first major way point, took three hours bearing in mind that country roads here in Bulgaria do not allow for fast travel - more so in a 3.5 ton motorhome.
Seen on the way was this sight so reminiscent of a man's world -
In order to plan for the visit to the Aviation Museum, we stopped in the car park to get the entry times, layout and time needed to do justice to a visit. I also met the museum Director, a most helpful lady who has been there 20 years and seems to know a thing or two about aircraft.
Information thus gathered we set off on the last leg to Batak dam where we arrived at 4pm outside the reception hut. This is where we met Chris the owner and manager of Eco Camping Batak, Bulgarian born but with an American accent second to none, telling us how he spent some years working in Texas - he did not quite have the Texas twang though. He showed us to a spot with wonderful views across Batak dam which improved even further after a V&T for Joan and G&T for Marius.
Dinner was cold meat and salads with fresh bread from the deli counter and bakery bought earlier. All enjoyed watching the setting sun and dusk over the dam.
I woke early as usual and could see the makings of a magical sunrise over the dam which got me dressed and with camera in hand I walked down to the water's edge - and waited. The results did not disappoint.
What a way to start your day! It turned into a glorious sunny day which lead to some kayaking before the sun became too hot. Chris has a few kayaks for hire and we opted for a four seat version as this allows more space and somewhere to put a bag with camera and other goodies.
The waters of the dam was smooth as a mirror, no wind, little other activity and we thoroughly enjoyed our hour or so rowing to a nearby island and along the edge before returning at 10:45. Of interest was the cormorants perching in trees on the island and how their droppings had completely not only discoloured the branches, but also resulted in the trees being devoid of any leaves. It gave it all a surreal look - see below.
By early afternoon a breeze had started little ripples across the dam which would have made kayaking a wet affair, but it had no effect on other boating activities.
Fifi was duly readied for the journey and we set off Thursday 6 August after a quick stop at Kaufland supermarket for some groceries and essentials such as Tonic water and lemons - yes it would be used as mixers for sun downer drinks.
The journey to Plovdiv, our first major way point, took three hours bearing in mind that country roads here in Bulgaria do not allow for fast travel - more so in a 3.5 ton motorhome.
Seen on the way was this sight so reminiscent of a man's world -
Shed, generator, windsock and airplane. Maybe a fridge inside?!
In order to plan for the visit to the Aviation Museum, we stopped in the car park to get the entry times, layout and time needed to do justice to a visit. I also met the museum Director, a most helpful lady who has been there 20 years and seems to know a thing or two about aircraft.
Information thus gathered we set off on the last leg to Batak dam where we arrived at 4pm outside the reception hut. This is where we met Chris the owner and manager of Eco Camping Batak, Bulgarian born but with an American accent second to none, telling us how he spent some years working in Texas - he did not quite have the Texas twang though. He showed us to a spot with wonderful views across Batak dam which improved even further after a V&T for Joan and G&T for Marius.
View over the Batak dam
Dusk over Batak dam
Dinner was cold meat and salads with fresh bread from the deli counter and bakery bought earlier. All enjoyed watching the setting sun and dusk over the dam.
I woke early as usual and could see the makings of a magical sunrise over the dam which got me dressed and with camera in hand I walked down to the water's edge - and waited. The results did not disappoint.
Early dawn over Batak dam 06:02
And then sunrise 06:37
What a way to start your day! It turned into a glorious sunny day which lead to some kayaking before the sun became too hot. Chris has a few kayaks for hire and we opted for a four seat version as this allows more space and somewhere to put a bag with camera and other goodies.
The waters of the dam was smooth as a mirror, no wind, little other activity and we thoroughly enjoyed our hour or so rowing to a nearby island and along the edge before returning at 10:45. Of interest was the cormorants perching in trees on the island and how their droppings had completely not only discoloured the branches, but also resulted in the trees being devoid of any leaves. It gave it all a surreal look - see below.
View of the campsite at 150 yards
Trees for cormorant perches
Campsite in the distance
By early afternoon a breeze had started little ripples across the dam which would have made kayaking a wet affair, but it had no effect on other boating activities.
Jet ski / water craft and skier
Family boating
We spent a most memorable two nights on the shores of the Batak dam and the campsite is well recommended, being one of a group of 'Partner Campsites' as is the case with Camping VT.
We departed on Saturday morning early, just before 07:00 in order to be at the Bulgarian Aviation Museum by 09:30 - and it was duly done. We had breakfast in the 'van in an empty carpark with birdsong as accompaniment and a Mil Mi-4A transport helicopter as neighbour.
Fifi the motorhome in the aviation museum carpark
And where are the airplanes? All in good time!
Thank you for your kind words!
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