Sorry it's been a while since the last post – finally back from Croatia and back in our house after the tennis rental (luckily to no damage, and a tidier place than expected – just mountains of bedding, towels and clothes to be ironed, sorted etc).
H and I had 2 weeks on the boat – me picking up far more about sailing than I've ever done before. Possibly not quite enough for Mr H's liking, but you've got to start somewhere… I am still hearing the words 'winch it' in my ears even now…
We started in Vrboska which is the little marina on Hvar (island), where the boat lives. A really pretty little place with very friendly locals, including Dom the restaurateur who was a lovely chap, and about 20 eateries to choose from in high season. Hired a quad bike for the first day to take a look at the island – really good idea. And boatie was looking quite pretty with most of its works having been finished – new covers, cushions and rigging still to come.
After 2 weeks afloat, I'd say the biggest upside is that the water in Croatia is lovely. Pretty much crystal clear everywhere we went, great visibility – even if not much more than shoals of silver fish to be seen. Rumour has it there are turtles and dolphins but they weren't to be found this time round.
My new sunbathing chair/bed had also arrived in time, so was duly unpacked and put to as much use as possible – very nice getting a chance to read a few paperbacks and plop into the sea if it all got too hot.
We made it ashore in a few places such as Primosten (which always makes me hum the tune Galveston, oh Galveston) for a meal or two and some provisions top ups, and found a couple of fab little cocktail bars overlooking the water.
Though spent most of our time on boaty, pottering from one island and bay to the next, slightly hassled by the 'am I going to work or not' anchor system, leaving H having to haul it up by hand a few times, not super ideal.
And of course the new Weber bbq was put to use on multiple occasions, knocking out dinner after dinner.
Also spent 3-4 days up in the Kornati Islands, a national park. Literally mounds of rock everywhere, including a few islands that had some restaurants and one with a weirdly large marina, seemingly in the middle of nowhere! Outrageously expensive, the only upside being the mainland felt like a total bargain when we got back there.
I quite like this photo taken one early morning as we sailed southwards…
But I have to say, it was LOVELY to be back home after 4 weeks out of the house and to find it in good nick after the tennis rental. H is off back to the boat with some of the boys tomorrow for 2 weeks, should help scratch his sailing itch.
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