Pits, Peaks & Points - Croatia!

Pits, Peaks & Points Croatia

Saylor

Pits: Getting burnt out on bread

Peaks: Octopus salad and reading on the boat

Points: Don't bring snorkel gear - it isn't worth it

Hudson

Pits: Hot!

Peaks: Water is warm and clean

Points: Toss a little bread in the water to actually be able to see fish. 

Andy

Pits: Damaging the boat ladder

Peaks: clear water, Trogir host #2 (Trogir Stars Apartment)

Points: WIP 

Cindy

Pits: damaging boat ladder, people not being Covid safe (masks under chin if any)

Peaks: cruising the coast, exploring the little towns, crystal clear waters, our Trogir Stars Apartment host, amazing gelato, fantastic dessert the last day - good thing we had it the last day because we would have had it everyday!

Points: Charter a boat and explore all the beautiful coves. Fill boat up when you can - don't wait, there are not a lot of gas docks. The winds pick up in the afternoons and so do the seas so be aware. Watch out of giant sea turtles on the surface. Hvala is thank you, learn it, use it. Visit Croatia more then once!!!!

Three Dessert Courses, Two Countries & One Flight to Rome!

 August 25th, 2021

Split, Croatia to Rome Italy

Hudson slept out on the patio again until a big lightening and thunder storm rolled in around 3:00. A little extra sleep this morning. As we were headed out our hostess Vesna stopped us.  She gave me a gift, a small figurine of Kairos. I think it gives a women good luck  if I understood Vesna correctly but I must look it up. She gave Saylor a magnet.  She is really the best. Breakfast out at the  restaurant that is below and owned by the apartment, Miki's.  It has a nice seating area that isn't too busy but also a part of the Trogir energy.  Lots of space between the tables so you can relax. Had a wonderful breakfast, but couldn't help but notice all the wonderful desserts coming out of the dessert shop next to us.  We had to get a couple.  They were all good, but one was over the top decadent. It is called Kremsnita. If we had known about this dessert earlier I'm sure we would have had it everyday of this trip. 

A walk around the island to take it all in. A quick look at the fort portion of this walled city on this small island. Kids and I went to get our luggage and Andy to get the car. Off we went to the beach for the day before our flight this evening. 

There are so many beach clubs with adorable beach bars and restaurants. We rented 4 beach chairs and unlimited use of the inflatable water park for a very reasonable price of $20. They all seem to have changing areas and showers. While on the way to the car, Andy found a person selling bread, prosciutto and cheese. Kids and I all grunted and said enough with the bread, we can't eat another bite. It was time to have a picnic overlooking the water.  Took one bite of the bread and it had a  unique and so fresh and good. We of course devoured it all. Kids had their version of competition and had us time them on the floating obstacle course. 

Loving the afternoon and the full vacation mode that we are in, but we thought it might be good to confirm the flight time. Sure enough it was moved up two hours and had to get going to the airport unfortunately A quick rinse and change and off we went. 

Drove by the Covid testing tent at the airport. Lots of people waiting for their test results. That will be us in two days. Customs and security at the airport were fast and we were at the gate just about 20 minutes before boarding. 

On the flight now catching up on the blog and captain just announced it is 100.4 degrees in Rome.  It is going to be a hot visit! It is just a 45 minute flight to Rome. 

Our driver picked us up and took us to our apartment where our host met us. We got travel street cred from our hostess.  She travels and was very impressed by how little luggage we have. She also travels with one bag. 

Off for dinner at a little pizzaria just down the street. Our tradition of going to restaurants where the tables spill onto the streets continues. Lots of pizza, pasta and chicken. 

Off to tour a few of the sights even though it is late.  Is is warm out and a sense or romance in the air. People holding hands, kissing, strolling along the ancient walls, overlooking the river, live music and gorgeous fountains providing just the right music for the piazza. 

Stumbled upon what is rated as Italy's best tiramisu. Got them wrapped up because we are actually on our way to gelato.  Seems fitting to have two desserts! 

Let's Split - Croatia

 August 24, 2021

Trogir, Split and Omis, Croatia

Hudson spent the night on the patio.  It rained a bit but he was under an awning. It was like camping but in the middle of a walled city with a giant bell tower above you. 

Up early and out the door by 8:45 which doesn't sound that early,  but went to bed at 1:00 and it is vacation after all.  Headed up to a town called Omis. We are going white water rafting in the Cetina River! We are up in the mountains and it is gorgeous. Lots of greenery and mountains made of rock. 

On our raft and going do the  river. It is like being on a Disney ride where everything was perfectly placed. The setting is in a valley of mountains, lots of greenery and a few waterfalls cascading down, spectacular! 

There was a point on the river that too dangerous for us to go so there are two options.  Option 1: get out and walk down a trail and meet up with the guide downriver. Option 2: swim in freezing cold water, climb through a dark cave where you need to hold onto a rope so you don't fall off a high ledge and then make your way through giant boulders.  

Of course I choose option 1 and was quiet happy with my decision and my safe little trail. My other three loves of course choose option 2 and had a great time! Option 2 bonus....you get to drink straight from the roof of the cave or a waterfall! 

Another 30 minutes down the river there was cliff jumping.  My three loves couldn't pass that up. It was about 16 feet up which was nothing to them after Portugal, but still a lot of fun. Hudson and Andy did a synchronized  jump!  They amaze me with their fearlessness. 

4 hours on the river and we are all starving.  Went for lunch at a fun restaurant right on the beach. Kids could swim and we could enjoy a relaxing lunch. 

Drove along the coast for a bit.   Gorgeous mountains that plunge right into the crystal blue water with so many little houses clinging to the sides and right up to the water's edge.  I would love to come back here and get a place one day. I have been looking for a new bucket list item and I think this could be it! Found a beach and a quick dip and went to Split. 

Touring Diocletian's Palace in Split. As we walk through the entrance I immediately felt small.  The walls were thick and the arched ceilings were tall and impressive. They go on and on. The amount of effort to build this is unthinkable. 

Back home for a quick shower and off to Vila Tina for our last dinner in Croatia. Saylor got her last octopus salad. Her new all time favorite dish.  We were trying to figure out how many times she has had it on our trip and we think at least 10. I'm a bit more boring with caprese salad. :-)

  I have loved every minute of our time here. It was as fantastic and I had imagined. I am ready to come back! 

A big shout out to our host at Sweet Dreams in Trogir! She was kind, helpful and very genuine. She always made me smile and the place was perfect! 

Sea and Sun Forever!

 August 23, 2021

Hvar to Trogir, Croatia

83 degrees

Final days in the islands.  I'm so sad we are leaving.  Andy goes to get the boat. He had to dive to untangle the anchor from the others. Unfortunately, he stepped on sea urchins and got a few in his foot. Sounds like a project for tonight.  Found a beautiful cove that looks like it was in the movie Mama Mia, adorable! Some swimming and exploring and a  bit more cliff diving. 

30 minute cruise to Stomorska. ` As you pull up it is another fairy tale town. Small boats dot the shore and the dock hand go through the normal routine of pulling up the anchor line, we guide it to the back and we toss the line. We got this now! A great lunch at the restaurant where we pulled up in front of us. 

30 minutes more and we are in Split. Lots of big yachts, palm trees line the waterfront and another beautiful town. 

15 minutes and at Solta. The island is lined with beach clubs, chairs, umbrellas, bars and a number of inflatable obstacle courses. We set anchor and Andy and I swim in to a beach bar. Enjoyed a drink and a swim back to the boat, which was much harder after the beer. 

Sitting here on anchor still enjoying the last of the sun and writing the blog. So happy we were able to experience this trip together especially as the kids get older and get ready to start their own journey. 

Back to Trogir. Andy drops the kids and I off at the promenade  where we make our way to our little place. It is right in the middle of town. Andy goes to fuel up the boat and return it. Love our new place.  It is in the middle of town, but it is quiet with a beautiful, private terrace. 

We never go back to eat at the same place twice on vacation, but we had such an amazing dinner at Restaurant Royal when we were here before that we had to return for the best bruchetta in the world! Finished off the night with gelato of course! 

Gelat-no!

 August 22, 2021

Hvar, Croatia

81 degrees

A relaxing morning with breakfast in and then off on the boat for the day.  

Found some wonderful coves for swimming. Even though many people have masks and snorkls on there really doesn't seem to be much to look at.  

Found a super cute town about a 15 minute boat ride from Hvar called Milna. There are a number of cute restaurants right on the water's edge where you can pull your boat up and pop off.  We tried one, but they were full. 

We hit a nearby cove where there were a number of boats anchored and set ours. Another great refreshing swim, lunch on the bow and more cards.  We noticed water taxis from the restaurants coming over and picking up people from their yachts.  Lots of people! What a fun thing to do.  Next time! 

Date night for Andy and I at Il Porto. Sitting at our table on the water's edge the waitress comes and picks some fresh mint for a mojito.  On menus here they have first class and second class fish.  When asked the difference it is basically price. 😂

I think today was the first day of our trip that we didn't have gelato. We will have to make up for it tomorrow! 

As we strolled home the magic of Hvar was apparant. There was a full moon lighting the harbor and all of it's boats with an extra shimmer on the water. Sad to be leaving tomorrow. 

It's An Adventure!

 August 21, 2021

Vis to Hvar, Croatia 

My Croatian dream continues, off to Hvar! First a stop at a point where there was a shipwreck.  My three loves jumped in and did a snorkel. Then we did a number of stops in different coves on Paklinski Otoci. They really are all the same, a few big mega yachts, beautiful blue water, great visibility and a few naked people here and there. We found one that had a few cool beach clubs with cabanas and day  beds over the water. Some were super chic and others had a cool Bohemian vibe with giant bean bags to lay on. Found ourselves a chill spot, set anchor, swam and had lunch.  Finished up playing cards in the bow and a little nap. 

Officially off to Hvar.  Found our place on Google Maps which was right near the gas dock.  No line and after missing out getting gas the first day in Vis we took advantage and filled up while we waited for our host to greet us. Everything off the boat and ready to go when he arrives. Kids and I ended up waiting for the guys while they set anchor out in the bay and had to swim ashore. 

We this time our place wasn't the top floor, but top of the hill.  We always say our  family motto when something gets hard or we make a wrong turn, "It's an adventure!" and this was one of those moments since it was hot and we were tired. 

On the way to dinner there was a fig plant on the side of the road where Andy stopped to have a little treat.

Went to a charming place for dinner where they were so nice! They had a charcoal grill that was visible from the table that looked like it would cook the most flavorful food so we had steak and fish. Other then always having bread it seems the new normal is to also have octopus salad. All a treat. 

Started to walk the town and the lights went it, but it is a full moon and there are enough battery powered lights on tables and the lights from the yachts that we could wander the seafront walk. This is definitely the place to see and be seen. Lots of beautiful people, big yachts and fabulous clothes! 

I adore the name of this boat....Love Story and the boat isn't so bad either. 

The Perfect Day & the Perfect Evening

 August 20, 2021

Vis Island

What a night! There is a crazy bell tower that rings all night long and the most unusual times! 11:55 pm, 12:05 am, 12:12 am and pick any other random time that makes no sense and it probably rang. 

 Out to hunt for breakfast items.  Would love some protein like eggs, but it is nothing but carbs, carbs and then a little more carbs.  

Packed and off for the day.   It is hard to find fuel for the boat in the islands.  The one station is back in the town where we had lunch yesterday unfortunately so it is back to the other side of the island which is about 45 minutes. Pulled up and there was an insane line. We got lucky since everyone has large boats and Andy was able to maneuver the boat in a little spot for us to get gas. 

Headed around the other end of the island and dropped anchor at Veliki Budikovac which had a beautiful blue green cove and swam to shore. A 3 minute walk and we were at a cool vibing beach bar. Had some tasty drinks and sat out enjoying the endless views. 

Next stop Stinivia which was hella cool. You anchor you boat and swim through a small cut and it opens up into a protected swimming area and another fun beach bar. 

Unexpectedly we found some other caves along the coast. Andy was the man and drove into them.  I'm going to call it the Cathedral because when you went in you, you could see really high up. 

Found some other inlets that we don't know the names of but we anchored and swam in.  From the boat you couldn't see how far in they went because of the curves of the inlets, super unique. 

Back to our  little town. Andy and I grabbed our Prosecco and headed down to the beach at that magical hour where everything is sparkling, the sun is low and just the right amount of warmth. A toast to the trip, a bottle gone and a few minutes to take it all in at this little spot on the Dalmatian Coast. 

Our final night here on Vis Andy made reservations at this perfect little restaurant on the water's edge. Everything was white and green foliage hanging from the trellis above. On the stroll home we got gelato. The best possible evening you could ask for.  Very sad to be leaving the island tomorrow.