Day 5-Vis to Stare Grad Sep 24

It was a windy, stormy day to begin with.  Winds up to 30mph, gray skies. 

We left Vis for the city of Hvar after crossing a pretty rough sea for about 2.5 hrs.  However, when we arrived the seas were too rough in the harbor to dock so we backtracked to the west to go north of the island for an eventual birth in Stari Grad.  

Realizing we have more time on our hands we gathered up 8 of us for a hand of Five Crowns.   I was the biggest loser but we all had fun. L to R that’s Barry and Connie from Wickenberg, AZ, Sandy and Steve from Coral Springs, FL,  me and Ang, Glynnis from S.  Africa, and Satyiat from NYC.  

We finally get docked and have a break in the weather for a nice ride from Stari Grad to Jelsi.  It was a very scenic 15 mile ride.  

Sometimes I think the Croatian’s need to buy a vowel. 

Peter and Bev from Australia take a different kind of ride in Jelsi.

Our guide Ivan on the 2000 year old rock wall looks down as our other guide Ilona tells us more about the history and ways of Croatia. 

And another beautiful sunset while Sandy, Steve, Angela and I enjoy pizza and drinks along the harbor promenade.  

Day 4-Vis Sep 23

Today we spent the whole day in Vis. Our ride made a nice loop of the island including the highlands and some coastal roads. 

Where our 30+ bikes live when they’re not being ridden.  The crew sets up “bucket brigade” every day to convey the bikes up and down to the dock. 

Two big climbs today. Yes, I gave in to the E-bike impure spirit and turned my battery on “Eco” mode to climb the two hills.  Now I can’t sleep at night and will need to seek therapy!

One of our stops was to explore this old military hospital cave.  The island of Vis has a strong military history and much less of a tourist vibe. 

We had over an hour in Comiza to wander around the city, shop or eat. 

Then we line up like school children in PE class, waiting for our turn to climb the rope, before we remount our bikes for the return trip.  

The town of Comiza on the opposite side of the island as we climb away from the Adriatic. 

Sandy and I wait patiently with the rest of our group for a guest who chooses not to ride an E-bike and also to ride “comfortably”up the hills.  Grrrrrrr. 

We all ended the day back at Vis and had a nice dinner with our new friends from S. Africa, Gwynis and Lindsay.  

Day 3- Korkula to Vela Luna Sep 22

The morning meeting before our ride. 

After our ride followed by a 3 course lunch, many of us gather like fat seals on the beach to bask and nap under the sun.  

Vela Spila Cave, whose history in its relatively shallow depth can trace mankind’s development back 20,000 years in the one location. Back to the ending of the Ice Age. Humans over that period had left their mark by the tools and remnants they left behind in that one spot. Very cool.   

Vella Luka from the north. 

Sunset after a 4 mile walk about. 

Followed by a view of the sunset with a Negroni and Mai Tai.