Matka Canyon

Kayaking in Matka Canyon was on the top of my list of things to do in Skopje.  Of course, we had to wait for the snow to melt, for the weather to warm up, and for the skies to clear.

Today was the perfect day to explore Matka.

We were so pleased to enjoy this experience with our friend Gjylia! Thank you for such a special outing!

This is truly a spectacular place, and it is no wonder that it is listed as a top natural site in the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" lists.

For more see  http://canyonmatka.mk/
 
Especially if you like climbing, you should check out this spectacular video of Matka Canyon from above:   http://www.macedoniaholidaysandtours.com/41/10/Matka.html

(And if you love hiking and climbing, but have not been to Macedonia - you must add this destination to your List!)

On today's visit, we were enjoying the canyon from the water - first on a boat ride (to the cave) and then on kayaks. And hiking (that included a visit to Vrelo cave - pics of the stalactites and stalagmites below)

We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the dock of the Canyon Matka Restaurant (which also boasts a hotel - what a lovely spot this would be for a holiday) - and, later, macchiatos (of course!)

getting ready for our boat ride

St. Andrew's monastery, built in 1389

my view for lunch (which was delicious!)

heading into Vrelo Cave (one of about a dozen caves)

had to look up stalactites and stalagmites to remind myself which was which

this formation is known as the "pine cone"

the view from outside the entrance to the cave

there is a dock outside of the cave - so that we can get out, explore the cave, and return to the boat

heading back in to the dock - again this is St. Andrew's monastery

we made it!! kayaking in Matka Canyon

Gjyulia!

back at the restaurant for macchiatos

our adventures were followed by macchiattos, naturally