DayEight To Dubrovnik

Leave Budva and it is already 27 C. Our first destination is the mausoleum of Petar 11 , revered leader who began the unification of Montenegro and the Yugoslav region. Up and up we go, good road, passing outdoor recreation camps, in the forest, on the way. Reach the RIDICULOUSLY tiny circular car park at the base of the monument which was in constant congestion during our pleasant 1/1/2 hr visit. Great cafe with yummy Lake Bled cake and tea. Decide to climb the 461 steps to the monument, not easy in bike jeans and boots. Head down and just keep lifting the feet. Felt good when I reached the top. Petar must be much liked as his resting place is amazing.

We left the tomb on a goat track. Single lane, ragged edges and potholes with cars coming towards us and we had to stop to let them pass otherwise we would drop off the road. Great views!!! Then we reached the most amazing series of hairpins on one stretch of road that surely cannot be beaten anywhere.

This eventually lead us to Kotor, on the coast, a former Venetian stronghold and quite complete walled-city. Lunchtime. The usual congestion. What followed was a painfully slow ride along the superb blue sea, into Croatia and heading to Dubrovnik. Clear sea , consistent warm weather, steep rocky mountain shoreline and umpteen people and too much development.

Our spacious lovely hotel beside the beach is indeed part of this proliferation. No doubt about that!

We were put in taxis to be taken just outside the Dubrovnik entry gate where a very nice restaurant awaited.

Another pleasant evening under balmy skies.

Ascending from Budva.

Petar 11 Mauseleum

461 steps mainly in a tunnel, to reach the tomb. Note the tiny car park!!!!

Just a part of the switchbacks we, Tony, needed to negotiate.

Venetian Kotor with ancient citadel on the hill behind.

Dubrovnik at night. Fortunately we dined peacefully outside the walls.

In sight of the city gate

 

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