Lacupite Rhododendron Arboretum

Literally hidden away in the deep, coastal forest along the route between Kemeri and Kolka is the Lacupite Rhododendron Arboretum. That name, however, makes it sound more official than the place really is. It's true name is the Igor Mednis Lacupite dendrological plantatations. This name better captures the essence of the place. Back in 1959, along a beautiful creek in the pine forest, Igor Mednis noted that the climate is mild enough to support rhododendrons and other plants non-native to Latvia. Experimenting, he planted more than 60 coniferous and 350 deciduous plants and trees, seeing how they would grow in this climate and how they would interact with local species. Today, once the plantation is successfully discovered in the forest, the variety of trees is immediately evident but, otherwise, the only signs of human presence are Mednis' old cabin and a few signs. In other words, the lost world feel of the place was right up our alley.

Day in the Mountains

When the mountains call, we head east. Okay, they're not really mountains, more like small hills. Still, the hill country of central Latvia is quite beautiful and, every time we go, we find something new. This time, we discovered the open air animal preserve near Ligatne and ended the day with a beautiful sunset from Paradise Hill, with it's incredible trail on the banks of the Gauja River with views of Turaida Castle the entire way.