We were up at 0700h and on our way to the old town by 0830h. Trogir is beautifully set within medieval walls. Its streets are knotted and maze like. We stopped at a waterfront cafe for a splendid breakfast.
After that I stopped at a Pharmacy to get more antibiotics to see me through the rest of the vacation. No prescription, no problem! $1.75 for another refill.
We made our way to the Cathedral of St. Lovro to explore the inside. A fabulous building.
We then climbed the bell tower. An interesting combination of claustrophobic staircase and open metal stairs. Definitely nothing that would meet any kind of building code. I was surprised that Chris made it to the top but the view was terrific.
We ventured to the market to get some bread for lunch. Another vibrant open air market.
We explored some more alleyways and fortifications.
At 1130h we had to return to the boat for our trip to return the boat to the charter base at Split. Another low wind day so we motored for the three hour trip. We had to return the boat with full fuel so we ended up in a holding pattern at the fuel dock for an hour, waiting our turn.
We were one of the first boats returning and underwent our check in procedure. We a a couple of little wear and tear issues and was anticipating a hassle over the damage deposit. The base manager was reasonable and we settled on a very minor sum.
We missed this opportunity to but a trailer load of beer and drinks from a departing crew for $35.
We had time for a quick shower and had time for one quick drink in the cockpit before we had to say goodbye to Jim, Sharon, Sue and Bob and depart via taxi for our ferry trip to Ancona Italy.
You can follow our Tuscan adventure at:
http/bellavistatuscany.blogspot.com/
Here are everyone's individual quick synopsis of the adventure:
Captain Jim:
Red tile roofs, walled cities, narrow streets, marble squares, crumbling buildings, beautiful churches. Friendly people, helpful people, fashionably dressed, all Caucasian, most speak good English. Fresh food, local markets, best mussels, fresh oysters, Amberjack, octopus cakes, Karlvachio beer, grappa, unremarkable (but drinkable) local wine, lunches on the boat from the galley slaves. Rocky islands, olive trees and vineyards. More sailboats than the BVI's, deep water, big wind shifts, lots of motoring, med mooring with lazy lines, $75 to anchor for lunch. Best part - getting together with people we don't see often enough.
First Mate Chris:
Sampling Croatian food (fish, lamb, veal, octopus, pasta); traditional Croatian meal peka (under the bell); friendly, helpful, smiling people of Croatia; seeing the different landscapes/towns/villages from the barren Kornati islands to the vibrant towns of Hvar and Dubrovnik; swimming in quiet anchorages; spending two weeks sailing with good friends.
Quartermaster and Galley Slave Sue:
Having wanted to sail the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia for many years, that dream has now come true and all my expectations have been exceeded. I strongly recommend Croatia to all you sailors and dreamers.
Purser and Chef (Galley Slave) and Medic Sharon:
Beautiful medieval walls, towns, turquoise waters, rock, rock, rocky shores. No sand beaches. Warm, helpful people. Tough language to learn even for please and thank you. Fish, fish, fish & meat menus.
Boswain Jim:
Outstanding trip. Great historic sites; excellent food; Croatia is far more interesting place than I imagined; fun trip with our crew and Steve's boat in the flotilla; here's to good friendship; excellent swim stops; love the oyster and mussels straight out of the sea for dinner on board; cleaning the Amberjack on the dock.
Safety & Environmental Officer Bob:
Some great sail days; superb historical location visits; outstanding dinners at colourful small port Konobas. Only two medical emergencies. The camaraderie of good friends.
