Land ahoy. Split - our final port.

 We motor towards the City of Split.

The city sprawls along the shoreline and up the hill. The marina is big and densely packed and the dock master is busy directing traffic and finding berths for all the boats arriving for the night. When we dock, our neighbours are at pretty close quarters.

The harbour is bustling with craft of all sizes and out on the bay cruise ships, ferries, sea planes and pleasure boats somehow manage to avoid colliding with one another.

This is our last night together as a group. We stay close to the marina for dinner to enjoy a last evening of camaraderie, good conversation and a shared bottle of wine or two.

Night settles over the bay. Split lights up across the harbour. 

Tomorrow we start another adventure - exploring the town and its magnificent Diocletian Palace.

In the morning we pack up our luggage and try to help Damir as much as possible to clean up. He has no break at all as he is expecting his new group of G-Adventurers in the afternoon and he has a lot of work to do to organize for the group. 

 What a great group to spend eight days with!

Dinner date on Island Šolta

 
Moored for the night at the village Stomorska on Island Šolta, Damir has arranged for us to have dinner at the Kastelanac family house.

 We listen intently as our host describes the family olive oil and wine enterprise

And then he prepares a most delectable dinner of a variety of fresh fish, cooked over coals on the outdoor grill.

A memorable evening with great food and great company. 

Hvar - Island destination of the rich and famous

We only plan on a short stop in Hvar Town. The harbour is busy; no room to dock, so we drop anchor and Damir takes us ashore in the zodiak dingy in two shifts.  

There is a castle overlooking the town which would provide a magnificent view, but it would be a fast uphill dash to be back in time for our agreed departure time. Instead we take a leisurely stroll and spend a little money in the stalls that line the main square. 

Too soon it's time to leave. We haven't really given Hvar its due; but I'm not sorry that we are moving to a more protected mooring spot for the night. 

It's a tight fit in the dingy as we head back on board.

Overnight at anchor - Bay of Gradina

It is beautiful and peaceful when we anchor in the bay of Gradina near Vela Luka. 

 

We all have a hand at putting together a spread of finger food for dinner. I think this is Damir's favourite meal of the trip.

Sailing, sailing...

Visiting islands and towns is part of the fun of this adventure, but the highlight is days at sea, under sail, watching the world go by.

 

 

 

Real world issues are forgotten. Relaxing is the name of the game.