Days 1/2 Boat/bike

" Best laid plans of mice and men!"....read on!

We were not to board the boat until 2pm so on the Saturday morning we wandered the town. The traffic jam had started about 7am. There are two islands connected by two narrow bridges to the mainland and the islands have residents. There is a constant line of 100's of metres of cars waiting patiently to turn onto the bridges. A new bridge is being built but it is only in its early stages. What a nightmare.

A pleasant day to wander, have morning coffee, meet up with Marg and Paul and finally board our boat. Our cabin has the basics, reasonable size and opens onto the side gangway. There are only 14 cabins and the structure is mainly wood. An older but comfortable boat.

Tour arrangements were altered from our first briefing. Strong wind was predicted for the first few days. Instead of sailing to Hvar immediately, we were going to sail to Split. Fine. It was a smooth sail. Arriving about 5 pm we were taken on a walking tour of this town with ancient roots. A Roman emperor decided to retire here in 3 AD and the majority of his huge palace is still here in one form or another...used by the townsfolk. It was a fascinating tour, followed by dinner on the boat.

We were told that due to the high winds, the boat would leave the harbour at 6am for the 3 hour trip to the sheltered port of Stari Grad on Hvar Isle. I felt the boat leave in the morning and soon felt the surges. The strategy...stay in bed with my eyes closed and forget breakfast at 8am. By 8.30 am we were in quiet waters and I was feeling fine.

Due to the winds, our bike rides had been altered. A logistical challenge for our guides and the Captain

Our fellow passengers consist of 20 German speakers and 10 English speakers. There is a mixture of fit-young-things, seasoned riders and electric bikers. The first day, I fitted into neither category.

We did a short reconnaissance ride to Stari Grad, had a coffee at the portside plaza, then returned to the boat for lunch. Afternoon ride was up to a hill top village, then downhill to another attractive town by the sea.

It was very windy. The road surface was wonderfully smooth and the vistas attractive but I was finding the wind a real challenge. I was also conscious of keeping in touch with the group, not being able to tackle the ride at my own pace, despite our guides encouraging us to do so. Tony was having a ball on his electric bike.

Upon return, and a shower, Us Four walked to a small bar for drinks before another yummy dinner on the boat.

So to today, Monday. Due to the continued winds, we are staying in this port for another night. A longer ride is planned with a few options to cater for abilities and the wind. The route includes a 8 km climb and then descent. The ride takes the bikers to Hvar Town, a place we have already visited on the mbikes. I have decided to be sensible, and am going to try the electric bike. The 42 kms return journey can be tackled in a variety of ways, so we will keep our options open.

And of course, all the locals and umpteen cruise and pleasure boats are coping with this bout of strong winds.

Another aspect of our Balkan local experience.

The bridge at Trogir looks like this all day.

 

The underground chambers of the 3 rd Century palace in Split. When first excavated in the 1970's it was used as a disco. UNESCO put the palace on the World Heritage list and a disco was not deemed suitable. Now it is lined with trinket shops!!!

 

A modern apartment has been squeezed into the 3rd century walls.

Our first coffee stop at Stari Grad.

In 3AD this valley was cultivated by the Romans for viticulture. Those walls are 2000 yrs old...also UNESCO listed.

 

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