Enjoying Croatia
Wishanger2
Brian Bonniwell and Claudine
Fri 10 Jul 2009 23:44
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42:44.32N 17:38.75E
Friday 10 July Prozura, Mljet Island
Sorry for the lack of communication, but I DID
spend some of the time to 5 July cleaning and polishing in Cavtat
before Claudine and the boys arrived. I think I got browny points for
a fairly clean and tidy boat, and after a couple of days we set sail towards
Split. Had a good sail to Lopud - one of the Elaphite
Islands where we spent 2 nights. The anchorage was a wide bay
but spoiled by an influx of various ferries -
therefore somewhat touristy. The boys mastered water skiing from our
tender which just leaves Claudine and me to disgrace ourselves! Whilst
Claudine busied herself writing post cards (yes, on about day 3!!) at
a bar I explored a large hotel complex which was closed and having a multi
million pound reconstruction. It was in a fantastic location overlooking
the bay and the makeover included extensive terracing up the hillside.
Concrete retaining walls faced with local hand tooled stonework not unlike
Cotswold stone, but much harder. The work reminded me of Wishanger Manor,
but on a much much grander scale. All materials had to be brought to site
by a small landing craft offloading onto a small purpose built jetty. The
30 or so workmen all clad in orange overalls and wearing hard hats -
despite the heat (although they did dissappear for a siesta)
seemed to be living in local dormitory accomodation. I noted that unlike my
JCB 803, they had two modern JCB's - an 806 and 808 - very smart!
Sorry, enough of construction - back to holiday!
Today, we have moved on to Mljet Island and have
found a charming anchorage protected by two offlying islets. There
is a small village. Lots of activity this evening - locals fishing, diy
construction on a number of semi finished houses, and a handful of holiday
makers including about 10 boats. We have just returned from a fantastic
meal of mussels followed by grilled squid washed down by a very agreeable local
wine. The restaurant was recommended in a sailing guide book
which was somewhat ambiguous in its description. Anyway we found it, and
it was certainly worthwhile. The proprietor and his wife, who were very
welcoming, disgraced us with their ability to speak reasonable English - we cant
even say 'please or thankyou' in their language!
A boatman collected mooring
fees -yes, despite lying to our own anchor in this small
anchorage, there appears to be someone with the concession to collect the
local Kuna in exchange for an official looking receipt! He told us that the
'Bora' was coming - NE gusting wind which strike in the middle of the
night, and that maybe we should move. Couldnt work out to where he meant,
so after being reassured at the restaurant, decided to stay put!
It's now 0200 hrs local, and no signs, so will turn in.
Brian, Claudine and the Boys
Wishanger II
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