We were destined to journey over the waves.
Boats are a large part of life in Croatia’s, Vrsar. Views across the harbour and its nautical traffic were a constant talking point – marina taxis, yachts, cruisers and trawlers accompanied by their horns; a merry sound indeed!
Along the quayside, there are a variety of vessels offering different experiences. Dolphin safaris – glass bottom boat adventures – diving expeditions. Mr Word Loft and I chose a Lidija Tours pleasure boat trip to Lim Fjord ending at Rovinj, giving us another chance to see other places there.
We had heard much about the fjord which is really a sea gorge, and was originally called the Limski Kanal, but has been known as a fjord after parts of the movie, Viking, were filmed there in the late 1950s.
As we sailed away, it was great seeing the resort from a sailor’s perspective and then bypassing the Island of St George. It’s in so many of our photographs and it was enlightening to see at close range, with its densely populated trees and shrubs; the perfect wildlife haven.
Further on, more small islands emerge from the depths of blue. The freedom of paddleboarders, canoeists and windsurfers exploring the tiny beaches and coves looked like fun.
The crew served Schnaps and soft drinks while pointing out geographical features as the fjord widened. Splashes thought to be dolphins, turned out to be coastal birds diving skilfully for fish. It’s not surprising, the area is a protected national monument and swimming is only allowed in particular regions.
Together with a small replica galleon, our boat moored up and we disembarked near a cave. A pirate cave with a bar set up at the entrance. I’m usually in awe of these types of underground chambers. All natural wonders are fascinating, but this one isn’t very deep into the rock face. I was slightly disappointed when I stepped up the rocky escarpment, as it wasn’t the one I had read about in a guidebook. St Romuald’s Cave, named after the hermit who lived in it from 1004 to 1005, and known for the fossils and Stone Age art revealed there was in another location.
However, the walk up and around the Pirate Cave is charming, with succulents and giant cacti growing in the gardens. Pathways chiselled into the cliffs show a superior vista over the spectacular waterway, where people played and swam.
Photographs can be taken from a crow’s nest rising from the banks, but I’m not keen on heights and was happy with what I had seen with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
Half an hour was just the right amount of time, and we were looking forward to revisiting Rovinj.
The city glowed on the headland, its tumble of buildings reflecting into the Adriatic Sea, with all sorts of boats, including an elegant cruising yacht named Wind Surf in the foreground, as we skimmed by.
Later, we browsed in art shops with paintings with similar scenes, but none were as beautiful.
Although we were thankful for the knowledgeable and friendly guide’s input the week before, it was lovely ambling around, instead of being ushered here and there. And we discovered hidden corners and idyllic alleyways leading down to the edge of the water, not seen on our previous outing.
The hours sped by. Back onboard, piped music played as we sipped drinks. Lulled by the rhythmical sensation of the current and the gentle swishing on the hull, we sailed back to Vrsar filled with memories to treasure.
Until my next and last blog post about Croatia.
Best wishes,
Sue. X