Pag

Arwenofbosham
Rob and Jacky Black
Mon 5 Aug 2013 06:00

44 33.2N 14 52.8E

Novalja Monday 5th August

We lifted the anchor at 0915 and motored round to the fuel pontoon in the ACI harbour to join the queue! We waited about 20 minutes and then got alongside to take fuel and (free) water. Then we set off for Pag having decided to make the most of the very settled weather and find somewhere to anchor so Jacky could go to the town of Pag. We settled on Novalja a touristy place but with a large safe anchorage. We were soon set up anchored in 4 meters about 200 meters off the town quay. We could see the large electronic notice board from the boat which advertised the tourist information centre and also a very big supermarket near bye. We launched the dinghy and set off to find out bus times etc. Jacky caught the 1430 bus to Pag, having previously taken the shuttle bus from the town (via several beaches) to the bus station. The journey was interesting in that it revealed how dry and arid the island is criss-crossed by numerous stone walls and small shacks for sheep to shelter in. There were a few low lying valleys with some fertile land on which cash crops were being grown but for the most part the land was covered with low shrubs and bushes.

The ride down to the town of Pag ended with a lovely view from above of the town with the ancient salt pans to the south. But the town itself was a bit disappointing compared with the marvellous places we have visited like Trogir, Stari Grad, and Rab. Jaclky had a wander round took some pictures and had a leisurely lunch of the famous Pag cheese with some olives and bread. She then caught the 1700 bus back to Novalja. Rob was there to meet her and then a shop at the big supermarket where we bought a spit-roasted chicken and a few other bits and pieces. It was the biggest supermarket we have been in since arriving in Croatia. Later that night there was some pleasant music from the town – folk singing followed by low key stuff and then a huge firework display at 2300 which lasted for a good 30 minutes this was followed by bells being rung and boats sounding their hooters etc.; all in celebration of the Croatian national Independence day.

We left the following morning having had a surprisingly quiet night – just incredibly hot with no breeze at all, and headed back to the west for the island of Olib and an anchorage.