Trstenik

We headed south out of Dubrovnik thinking we would stay somewhere on the coast. Made the mistake of deciding to visit the newly independent Montenegro which declared its independence in May this year. Three hours of unfriendly border control in high temps nearly made us lose it. We did head over the border visiting the first town and having a quick visit to a touristy beach, bakery and petrol station before heading back to Croatia. We know we didn’t do the new country justice but with its poorer roads, high density slum apartments, mad drivers, madder parking and lack of signage we just wanted out back to Croatia.

Stopped off at Cavtat definitely worth a visit a mini Dubrovnik minus the crowds wandered around and had the obligatory beer under an umbrella before heading north. Les had a desire to go out to Orebic at the end of a peninsula. We took a wrong turning and ended up on the peninsula in a small village of about 30 houses and 6 restaurants right on the waterfront. Have a lovely room overlooking the water and within 50 metres of the water, restaurants and bars. This place is the mooring spot for a flotilla of yachts. Instead of church bells last night we listened to the clanging of metal on masts.

Took the ferry today to the Mljet national park to bike amongst the pines (rather stunted compared to NZ pines) and around the two salt water lakes. In the middle of the lakes is a Benedictine Monastery dating back to the 12th C. We still can’t get used to the charges to enter the national parks in Croatia but the cost is supposed to go towards improving the parks. Swam, walked, biked, drank more beer and caught the ferry back to our village arriving just as the sun was disappearing behind the hills a welcome relief after the heat of the day. The village has vineyards dotted on what seems to us inaccessible land but the locals are world famous for their wines and they are GOOD.
Les had a swim across the small harbour while I was writing this. Finished the day with a lovely meal at the waterfront restaurant and a few glasses of vino. Kay had the best Carbonara ever. What a great day.