I love waterfalls.  I am a cataractophile – a person who loves waterfalls.

Waterfalls are wonderful.

The rush of water cascading over a precipice, in free flight, plunging to a pool below generates ripples but also stirs something inside of me.  The rush, the excitement, the noise and the beauty associated with a waterfall can sometimes take your breath away.

In doing some research on waterfalls, I found out that indeed there is some science behind the good feeling that I have when I am around a waterfall.  Waterfalls release negative ions which find a way into your bloodstream, which, in turn, increases the production of more serotonin.  Serotonin is a chemical in our bodies that makes us happy, makes you feel good.  It produces positive energy.  It alleviates depression and relieves stress.

What makes waterfalls so special?  In many cultures waterfalls are symbols of purity and of serenity.  They symbolize the process of letting go, of cleansing.  They represent a continuous flow of energy and life.

This past week I had the opportunity to experience one of the world’s 10 most spectacular waterfalls. Surprisingly, the waterfall that I am talking about – Plitvice Falls — is in the country of Croatia.

Where are the 10 most spectacular waterfalls in the world located, you may ask.  Waterfalls are often categorized by height, width, water flow, and raw beauty.

On most lists of spectacular waterfalls are Iquazu Falls on the border of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina; Gullfoss Falls in Iceland; Yosemite Falls in California; Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe; Niagara Falls in New York State and Canada; Angel Falls in Venezuela; Kaieteur Falls in Guyana; Sutterland Falls in New Zealand; and Jog Falls in India.

In addition the following are sometimes mentioned on such lists – Tugela Falls in South Africa; Rhine Falls in Switzerland; Weeping Wall in Hawaii; Dudksager Falls in Goa; Havasu Falls in Arizona; Ban Glac-Deitan in Vietnam and China; El Chiflon in Mexico; and Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to see and experience 5 of the 10 most spectacular waterfalls in the world.  They each have their uniqueness, their fascination.  Prior to last week, Iquazu Falls in South America was the one that mesmerized me the most.

However, last week I experienced something that was truly unique, a very special experience.  Plitvice Falls sits in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.  it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.  It has 16 different lakes with interconnected waterfalls.

The lushness of the greenery is something to behold.  The turquoise color of the water is stunning.  The clarity of the water is unbelievable.  The mist, the spray, the droplets all play a role in the experience.

The other thing that is so interesting about Plitvice Falls is that it is perpetually changing. The travertine formations that make up Plitvice Falls’ many waterfalls keep changing size, shape and location.

As the water flows over limestone it dissolves the rock and the water becomes saturated with calcium carbonate.  the water loaded with calcium carbonate in turn flows over the waterfalls and deposits itself, and eventually, gradually becomes a rock called travertine.

Finally, the other really special thing about Plitvice Falls is that you can hike all around it and up and down it.  There are 8 trails that weave in and around the lakes and waterfalls.  It is a work out to go from the very top of the falls to the very bottom, which Ian and I did.  Water finds it way, cascading down numerous rocky outcroppings into one lake, only to find itself tumbling down to a different lake.  This process repeats itself as water falls into 16 different lakes.

It is a natural wonder. It is awe inspiring.

I can understand how Plitvice Falls in Croatia is ranked the number one most beautiful waterfall in the world on many lists.