From whence "Karst" came....

For our last day in Slovenia, we visited the "Kras" region (the region where many "Karst" phenomena were first described, also where karst terminology is frequently derived).

Karst is a geological feature produced by the dissolution of rocks (usually limestones or dolomites) by water.

In the Kras region, rivers disappear into underground caves, and large dolines (a.k.a. sinkholes) dot the landscape.

The Reka river, flowing along one of the massive dolines 

Wider angle of the last shot

These karst regions often have beautiful caves with lovely stalactites and stalagmites, and other classic cave features, but the Škocjan Caves of Slovenia (a UNESCO world heritage site), have some of the largest and more awe-inspiring caverns I have ever seen! Sadly, taking photos is not allowed, except at the very entrance, so here's a few of my shots, to get a feel for the place....

Dude on the hiking trail for scale!

And here are some much better photos: http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/eng/skocjan-caves-park_photogallery_1.shtml

I definitely loved Slovenia!