![]() Canoeing the grand canyon of Zrmanja. |
![]() Mreznica river camp. |
![]() Inflatable canoe, Cetina river canyon. |
Most of them flow in the area known as "karst" and produce their own waterfalls. It works like this: lots of plants and animals produce carbon dioxide; when mixed with water it melts rocks rich with calcium carbonate. Dry, warm air helps water to evaporate and this carbonate covers bottom, water plants and submerged wood thus turning them into rocks. That happens there where water flows faster and is turbulent – on rapids and falls. That is how these waterfalls "grow". The substance forming rocks and barriers is called "travertine" and the waterfall that you admired five years ago is probably higher and very different now!
Travertine barriers are the reason that rivers Mreznica, Korana, Krupa, Zrmanja, Krka and even Una in some sections look like a chain of lakes connected with waterfalls. That makes them easy for canoe or kayak touring even for the less experienced but stil very exciting. Waterfalls add to beauty and most are runnable or easy to portage. Travertine is soft and fragile, so walk carefully. Take only photographs. Don't leave even footprints. To enjoy them the most - paddle!