Dubrovnik and Sipan Is - July 8

We had our slip in the marina until 1500h so we were able to make another trip into the old city. We hopped on the bus again although this time it was packed with tourists. A really hot day to be riding the bus!

When we arrived at the old city, we had a nice breakfast at a beautiful cafe just outside of the city walls.

We then split up for some more touring of the churches, museums, galleries and narrow streets.

It was warm and we decided to return to the boat after a couple of hours and take advantage of the pool before we had to leave the marina.

After the swim and a shower, I noticed that the bite from the tick that I had removed from my stomach on June 28th had developed into a red bullseye, an early symptom of Lyme Disease. Some quick research on the Internet and  I decided to head for the hospital to get some antibiotics. 

Guess it was a Canadian tic that rode with me as the very attractive doctor in the emergency, had never heard of Lyme Disease. Luckily, Sharon was with me and was familiar with the symptoms as her Jim had been infected a while ago. We got the doctor to look it up on the Internet and she was able to prescribe the correct antibiotic. Off to the pharmacy and back to the boat in time to depart by 1600h. Total tic adventure time including taxis, hospital and pharmacy = 1 hour.

After refuelling, we motored to our mooring at Sunji Bay on the island of Sipan. 

After tying to the mooring ball, some thunderstorms rolled in, delaying our supper for an hour or so as it was an outdoor restaurant. The food at Konoba Kodak Marka was fabulous. A four course seafood dinner that included sardines, octopus cakes, smoked tuna salad and fish. Topped off by complementary grappa. 

Mijet Is to Dubrovnik - July 7

We departed Mijet around 1030h for a five hour sail to Dubrovnik. Sailing conditions at the start were a 23 knot wind on a close reach. We were able to sail at 7.5 kts for the first hour. Fun for me but maybe a bit too much angle of heel for some crew. Here is Roc sailing under reduced sail ... Sissies!

The wind moderated as the day progressed. 

We ended up motoring by the time we did a quick lunch and swim stop at Lopud Is. A very pretty bay.

On to Dubrovnik and our dock at ACI Marina in the Dubrovnik River. 

This was a first class marina and home to a number of Sailboat Charter companies. It should be for the price of 744 kn ($132) per night.

Around 1600h we took the bus into the old walled city of Dubrovnik. 

We started with a walking tour of the wall that provided fantastic views of the city and sea. 

The last portion of the wall walk was interrupted by an approaching thunderstorm. 

 

From here we found a nice restaurant for supper. 

Jim had the seafood risotto. Great presentation. 

We explored some of the squares and alleyways before returning to the boat for the night. 

Lastovo Is to Mijet Is - July 6

Time to catch up on the blog posts, too busy touring for the last couple of days......

Our dock in Lostovo. 

We started our morning with a hike to the town of Lostovo and a climb to the "Kastel" on a hill above the town. A beautiful old town surrounded by olive groves. 

After a fresh water shower on shore, we departed for the island of Mijet, about a 25 mile sail. An approaching thunderstorm delayed our entry to the harbour and luckily it passed to the south.

We Med moored to a dock in a sheltered bay called Luka Polace in front of Konoba Antika.  

We grabbed a quick minibus ride to visit Mijet National Park. 

Once there, we took a small ferry to an island on the salt lake where we explored a Benedictine Monestary from the 12th century. 

After our return from the park, we had time to explore the village of Polace. not sure how this car would stand up to winter driving conditions in Canada?

We ate dinner at Konoba Antika. I had the mussels appetizer which was about three dozen delicious mussels. After supper we hosted some of the crew of Roc for drinks on our boat. An extra crew had joined their boat an Captain Steve was now sleeping on the deck under the dinghy.

Hvar Town to Lostovo - July 5

We awoke to the boat being buffeted by strong winds and anticipated a quick downwind ride to Lastovo. Jim and I made a quick trip ashore to the Port Authority to retrieve our ship's papers, pay our mooring fee and pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables. We surprised everyone with fresh croissants for breakfast. 

We left Hvar Town at 1000h. 

Shortly after the wind died down and we had to motorsail the remaining distance to our lunch and swim stop at Korcula Is. Beautiful aqua water but still a bit cool when swimming. 

From here we were able to sail most of the way to Zaklopatica Bay on Lastovo Is. A beautiful harbour with dockage, power and water at Konoba Augusta Insula Restaurant. 

As you can see, the fish was fresh. Lobster too. Your choice is what was caught. Today it was Amberjack. 

The charcoal grill.

This was the best restaurant meal so far.

Great moussaka and huge zucchinis.

We got to enjoy a view of the harbour at sunset.

After we returned to the dock, Zee provided Salsa lessons. Unfortunately, Bob missed a few steps while navigating the gangplank at midnight and ended up wet. Fortunately no injuries.