In my last post, I spoke about the "energy and an inexplicable sense of belonging" I feel when I am in southern Bulgaria. Today, I am taking you to the place, just outside Zlatograd, where I first experienced those feelings. Last fall, I traveled the country with 
, and we stumbled upon this Thracian cult complex. The rock formations are fascinating, the views are sublime and there is a bit of creepiness thrown in for extra interest. This year, our travels were supposed to cover new ground but we found ourselves back here and I was thrilled!
We were in search of a baby turtle that Brent had found/rescued last time we were there. Obviously, finding this little guy was a long shot but why not try? We had had enough serendipitous moments in our travels that it seemed completely possible...at least in my mind.
Let's take a look at what we discovered this go round.
This is the rock that stands out the most in my mind when I think of this place. It looks like a turtle to me but it is billed as a crocodile according to the signage (see next photo).
I have scoured the internet in hopes of learning more about this site to no avail. If any of you have any knowledge of this place, I would love for you to leave a comment below.
These rocks look like waves to me. This whole area is filled with similar geological features that have a layer of softer stone below that is more prone to erosion which can result in some pretty spectacular shapes. Here is one of my previous posts where you can see a stone mushroom.
Here is Brent's advertisement for Primator's EPA...the pale ale for those with discriminating taste. 🍺
This is a shot from my previous visit. I wanted you to get a of glimpse across the beautiful valley with the river running through it.
The next few shots will be my journey into the abstract which is where I seem most comfortable.
More waves of stone here, lapping one on top of the other. The lichen and the creeping vine add to the Mother Nature's spectacular artistry...she is a master of mixed media.
The forbidden dance!
Lines and shapes, thick and thin. Those dried flowers captured my attention...so delicate and beautiful to the very end.
Now, here's where things turn a little dark. Well, maybe not dark but, the circle of life is very apparent here. As it was the last time we were here, the hillsides were littered with the bones of various critters that once called this place home.
Mandible of a dog? A _____________ (fill in the blank). If any of you know what animal this was, please leave me a comment below. Inquiring minds want to know!
This is the underside of a skull of a bird...possibly a raven. For the life of me, I can't figure out why the heck I didn't get a shot of it flipped upright. Trust me, it was cool!
This little guy was strewn over a few meters. I brought all of his pieces together to get a better look. I was happy to have found the scales (which I don't think is the correct term) that had popped off the shell.
This one photo has sent me off into a intense study of the anatomy of turtle shells. From what I understand, each "scale" has it's own name but, en masse, they are called keratinous scutes. I've learned something new today.
Our time here had come to an end and it was time to get down the road. Some others had the same idea. This one moment helped spark a brilliant video game idea with the theme of driving in Bulgaria. You'll be one of the first to know if this idea comes to fruition. 🚗🚒🐎🚕🐢
While we did not find the baby turtle here, we did encounter this handsome little fella walking in the road on our way to another village. Our excursions are becoming so turtlecentric!
I got to experience the sharpness of those back claws as I carried him back to where we found him.
He was ready for his close-up.
Even closer still. Look at those keratinous scutes! Nature is so damn cool!!!
So there you have it...our fantastic return to this place that has such personal significance for me. I have been told that I have lived a past life here and that is why I feel this strong connection. Honestly, I have no idea and am content living in the swirl of mystery (pardon my over-dramatization). It is my hope to return to this place one day, sit on that ridge overlooking the valley and just breathe it all in. I belong there.
!steemitworldmap 41.387363 lat 25.127582 long Thracian Complex Outside Zlatograd, Bulgaria d3scr
