Český Krumlov – River Vltava

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We enjoyed a complementary buffet breakfast, packed up our bags and left them with the hotel. Our plan for the day was to take a leisurely raft ride down the Vltava River (the river that bends around Český Krumlov and also flows through Prague). After picking up some snacks for the journey we were quickly in our raft, beginning our journey by lazily navigating our way around the city. There are a few weirs (engineered channels for rafts and canoes) at places where the river is otherwise not easily navigable. These channels have a bit of an amusement park feel and generally result in the front of the boat getting a good splash at the bottom of the ramp. Already a bit wet, we quickly left the city behind and were drifting through beautiful rural areas. Despite our warnings to be careful, Lauren dropped the cap to our sunscreen into the river. We made a half-hearted attempt to paddle backwards but ultimately gave it up. About ten minutes later, much to our amazement and amusement, we noticed the cap bobbing along behind us and easily scooped it up. After an hour of lazily drifting down river and exchanging “Ahoy!s” with other rafters and canoers, we came to a developed riverside stop and pulled up for a beer and a snack break. Believing we were completely on-track for our 4pm pick up at Zlatá Koruna, we continued along at our lazy pace, occasionally telling the kids that they needed to get off their lazy butts and paddle, but mostly just drifting. Andrew managed to fall out of the raft more than once, but luckily did not injure himself. By the time 3pm rolled around and the end was nowhere in sight, we began to get a bit more serious about paddling and by 3:45 we were all pulling in formation (sort of). We finally reached our destination (just a few minutes late) after a lovely and completely sufficient trip down river. Our ride back arrived moments after we pulled up on shore and Sonia struck up a conversation with our charming young driver about his education and limited career opportunities in Czech Republic during our thirty minute drive back to Český Krumlov. Our driver’s promptness had left us with a full hour in town before we were scheduled to leave for Prague, and the kids both lobbied to return to the “fried cheese place”. After filling up on cheese and bread, we dozed on and off during the three hour drive to Prague. Our Prague apartment is excellent – a one bedroom with a pullout sofa, but also a fully stocked kitchen and a spectacular view of Prague Castle. We were hungry but didn’t feel like dining out, so went to the market for supplies. Sonia and Andrew put together a nice pasta meal which everyone enjoyed in the peace and quiet of our apartment.

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Photos

Ready for Launch
Andrew proudly displays the paddles as we prepared to leave on our rafting trip. This may be the last time he touched them.

Paddling through Cesky Krumlov
The first part of the trip was the hairpin loop around the old city, with many sights.

Andrew at the River-side Bar & Grill
We stopped for a beer and a rest at this riverside picnic area with a food stand selling alcohol and meats. The kids ate the crackers and cookies we brought with us.

Andrew in the shallow water
Most of the river that we covered was quite shallow and we ran aground with regularity. Andrew also managed to fall out of the raft every now and then. Since there really were no rapids, only he can explain how he managed to fall out.

Andrew seeks shade
We were running low and sunblock, so Andrew sought shelter under a waterproof bag given to us to keep our belongings dry.

Family Photo at Zlata Koruna Abbey
Our driver for the return to Cesky Krumlov photographed us. By this point (9 miles of slow-moving river) we were happy to be back on land!

Evening in Prague
St. Vitus Cathedral photographed at dusk from our apartment in Prague.