We have had Kristian, Helena, Siri and Smilla aboard with us for the last week of July. We explored the islands off Croatia over the week and had some great sailing, snorkeling, swimming, eating and conversation. It was great to have them on board and Balrog especially enjoyed the attention from the girls !
First night we stayed just out of Dubrovnik in a very nice bay on the south of Lopud. Some swimming and relaxing and ice cream for the girls topped off the day.
Next day we headed to the island of Jakljan for a lunchtime swim in a picturesque bay before sailing back out to the island of Mljet to pick up a mooring buoy from a local restaurant for the night. The restaurant owner came straight out and explained that he had a great menu and he had just caught fresh fish and lobster that day for us. He pointed at his boat and said “see, I haven’t even cleaned the boat yet!”. Kristian and I were sceptical that he had been fishing at all as we eyed his gold jewellery and Rolex watch, but we agreed to come for dinner anyway..
We had a great meal and Kristian, Helena and Jen shared a huge bowl of Pasta and Shrimp. Next day after some shopping for groceries, croissants and bread, we headed North again to the National park on the NE of Mljet. A very protected anchorage and we went right to the end and threw out the stern anchor to stop swinging too close to the shore. On the little island in the middle of the Big lake is situated the cultural and historic pearl of all the island - the convent with the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Lady of the lake dating from the XII century. Next morning we went into the town to catch the bus and ferry to the nearby monastery. A fun morning although pretty hot walking around the monastery so Jen and I had a skinny dip to cool down and hoped no Monks or other tourists would come along!
In the afternoon we headed further North to the island of Korcula. I nice lazy sail most of the way but unfortunately the wind died and we motored the last hour. At least we were sailing at 3.5 knots, the square rigger we sailed past was making less than a knot, but it was a beautiful day for a sail all the same. We dropped anchor in the bay in Javic and had a great meal of leek pie and chocolate brownies cooked by the girls.
The following day we went to the other side of Korcula to a nice bay at Przina and spent the day swimming, snorkelling, skurfing and the girls had a ride on the donuts behind a ski boat. Lots of fun in the sun and a beautiful little anchorage as well.
Next day was back to Mljet again and we had a good sail, although the girls felt a little bit seasick, but soon recovered after we tied up to a log on shore at the entrance to the bay and snorkelled in the warm turquoise water. Later we headed into town for Pizza and an overnight anchorage in the bay.
The following day we headed back down to Lopud and had a great sail all the way. A little rough at first but eventually we sailed in constant 20-25 knots on the beam in smooth water most of the way down to Lopud. Sephina was averaging over 8 knots most of the way and relishing the conditions (me too!) We anchored off Lopud and Kristian and Helena took the girls ashore for icecream.
Jen and I (and Balrog) had a great time having Kristian and Helena and the girls on board with us and hopefully they enjoyed themselves as much as we did! We look forward to seeing them again somewhere in our travels…
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