25 August 2025 (windy start with light cloud, then sunny and hot) 0 km
Awake at 5.38am. We had some more German campers lower our opinion of all Germans, by coming over by our tent at 11.30pm, walking round the back of it with their flashlights on (and we had no flysheet on), so they could put some washing over a bar behind our tent. They also were talking loudly to each other while they did it. For Christ sake, have they got no brains?
We told them off and got an "Ooh sorry", but the damage had been done and we'd both been woken from a lovely and well needed sleep.
So I gathered my gear and off for a shower. Just the job. By the time I got back Julia was awake.
She decided to wander up to reception, which is the only place with a strong enough wifi connection to load the blog.
It was very windy overnight and still windy this morning but the guy on reception assured us the wind would drop when the sun came over the hill….and he was bang on.
At 6.45am, I walked down to the supermarket, hoping it would open at 7am. The bakery was already open, so I bought some rolls, then got bananas and yoghurt at the supermarket.
Back at the camp shortly after, where we ate breakfast and chatted to Naomi and Zoe, the two Swiss girls we met two days ago. They had turned up at our camp late yesterday but Zoe had a dodgy tummy, so we kept our distance.
We had been told not to drink the water in Bosnia, so we didn't. I'm picking the girls did.
Then we walked down to the front and along to where the ferry would take us over to Dubrovnik.
Mlini
First one we went to board, wasn't ours. Ten minutes later, in the correct boat, we are moving steadily across the water
As you leave Mlini they were knocking down two hotels. Wonder how long it will take them to put others up in their place.
Entering Dubrovnik harbour, the same sort of thing. A massive hotel snuggled into the cliff face. Totally abandoned, the possibility of making money is huge, yet it sits empty and falling to pieces.
I'm sure overseas investors would be rubbing their hands together at the chance to purchase.
Dubrovnik really is a beautiful harbour and entrance.
They are in the middle of restoring the castle walls but perhaps making too good a job of it as the walls don't look maybe as old you would expect.
We began with a leisurely wander through the maze of streets and alleyways.
Photo opportunities everywhere.
Plenty of other tourists were doing the same. We had a break in the shade and ate two nectarines and filled up with cold water from the town fountain.
Thought of you when we saw these kayaks Georgie!
About 12.30pm we bought two iced coffees and munched on some nuts.
The heat now was starting to get to us, so we beat a hasty retreat back toward the harbour for a swim.
Firstly, we asked a lovely, smiley girl in tourist info if there was anywhere we could buy camping gas in town.
No chance....no outdoor shop..nothing...
Opportunity knocks there folks....
Walked around the outer walls to a swimming spot.
Changed and in.
Beautiful....never regret a swim.
Ferry departs every hour and while we have shade we're comfortable.
Closing in on the ferry ride back to Mlini, I jumped in for another swim in the sea just outside the walls.
At 1.35pm we wandered into the old town again to pick up some things, before back to the harbour and perfect timing to catch the boat back to camp.
By the time we got there, we wanted another swim.
So, in we went.
Up the hundred steps to the tent and I washed quite a bit of gear whilst Julia blogged.
Ju here. Older and wiser I'm thinking as we walk around Dubrovnik in our trainers, hats and ever practical T-shirt and shorts. Yes sirree, no sunburnt, exposed shoulders or sore, sweaty feet from inappropriate footwear for us. We also had of course a water bottle as we didn't want to be ripped off by overpriced drinks and happily snacked on our peanuts and nectarines.
And when all those other tourists were sweating in their carefully chosen outfits, we had our togs ready and mobile changing room (windbreaker or towel), ready to go.
Ok, sure they looked great on their photos, but were they comfortable?
By midday they were all wilting, seeking out any seat in the shade, whereas we'd just been revived with our swim and treated ourselves to a cold coke to share.
Really enjoyed our day in Dubrovnik and happy to sacrifice style for comfort thanks! Back to Pete.
Then a shower for me to get the salt off, while Julia had a nap.
I read my book for an hour before Julia woke and showered, before washing some stuff.
Closing in on dinner time, I walked down to the shop to pick up some things and Ju attempted to get wifi, without success.
Ate a lovely dinner of Mexican tuna, tomato and avocado before getting our washing in and packing as much of our stuff away before pack up tomorrow.
We had chatted to a couple from Poland when we first arrived yesterday and they very kindly let us charge our stuff from their plug. We asked what they had got up to today and they invited us to join them for dinner. We said we'd already eaten but they still gave us a copy of plates and we happily tucked into some potatoes, and fried capsicum and zucchini. Very nice!
Rafall and Dominica were very interesting to talk to and a lovely couple. He was a chef for awhile and you could tell as the food was delicious!
All in all, a really lovely day off the bikes.
What a fab couple of days ... meeting interesting people, getting some great swims and photos, and a day off the bikes. Forecast here today is a high of 17, sunny and very light offshores. Tide should be perfect about 2.30 or 3 so planning a walk and body surf
ReplyDeleteNew Plymouth sounds amazing at the moment. What an incredible August you're having!
DeleteLooks like an awesome spot where you are camped. Dubrovnik looks amazing but busy. Enjoy your rest days. We are in a rainy Coromandel but managed to get out for coffee. The rain doesn't stop us. Sounds like Taranaki is the place to be. Enjoy your next days cycling.
ReplyDeleteYeah, what a winter they're having. Wish I could be in two places!
DeleteAbsolutely loved the old town Dubrovnik wow €90 to walk the wall it was €12 when we were there it is simply mind blowing the outside wall is 2k 4 to 6 metres thick with height reaching up to 25metres.
ReplyDeleteBuilt in 13th century as a defensive system which was never penetrated how’s that for testament to medieval builders.
Since arriving back in the Naki it’s been warm, sunny, no wind, sensational surf and sunsets we are truly blessed. I say that this week subject to change
Yes, they knew how to build stuff back in the day. We were saying, imagine being the enemy trying to get in with the hot blazing sun beating down on you and the townsfolk are all shaded and well watered.
DeleteWow your Photos bring back memories. Dubrovnik certainly is a must see in that part of Europe isn’t it. A jewel of the Adriatic coast. 90 Euro’s to walk the walks ! I’m sure Shaz and I paid nothing to do that ,but hey times have changed.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are preserving the old town well though and doesn’t appear over commercialised going by your photos, like couldn’t see a Maccas sign or anything.
Re the Bosnians I guess it’s hard for us to understand them not having gone through what they have . But you think some pride would have kicked in to not throw all their rubbish into public places etc.
you are meeting some interesting fellow travellers from all over to it would seem ,always interesting to hear about others travels and experiences and what drives them to travel they way they do .
As Irena said another gorgeous day here and I think my first swim might be on the cards this afternoon😊
Hope you got in that water. Sounds like conditions were perfect!
DeleteDid my best to find out who the yacht belonged to, but by the time you posted they must have moved on. The people need faster updates if we’re to do your sleuthing for you!
ReplyDelete