Wednesday, July 11, 2018

CROATIA Cavtat

Our 1-month cruising permit for Montenegro was almost up, and given a break in the predominant north wind, it was time to head off to Croatia. This allowed a few hours of reading time on the passage, but how to escape the hot sun beating down??

Shady Captain

Our last stop though was for fuel at Herceg Novi and then our first stop in Croatia was the picturesque and very busy check-in port of Cavtat where we tied up alongside anchored SV Breakaway across from the Customs dock (N42°34.925' E018°12.707').

The mega yachts Med-moored here made us feel like the little fish in the big pond and the prices placed us at the bottom of the food chain!

Top of the food chain

After checking in and paying our fees for a 1-month cruising permit (just over $300 CAD), we motored around the corner to Cavtat Tiha Uvala where we anchored on July 11th (N42°35.085' E018°13.149'). Tiha Uvala means Quiet Cove but there were several boats coming and going...but it was much quieter than the constant boat traffic of the Customs dock!

Cavtat was at one time a fortified island but most of the walls have disappeared with time, however the small Old Town with the ubiquitous tolling bell tower, churches, and narrow alleys has endured. The island has been joined to the mainland making it ideal for strolling the scenic perimeter walkway under the shade of pine trees.

If the shaded walk didn't do enough to ease the 30° heat, the numerous ice cream vendors did. They are kept busy and our toughest chore of the day was deciding which flavour to choose from. Lavender, Pistachio, Triple Chocco, or Yogurt Honey? Or Caribbean Black, Snickers, or Kinder Bueno? Or the usual standbys of Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla?

A previous hot walk in Kotor with Renato and Caci (not shown) *

Everyone who passed us by had the same thought. And once again several hardy swimmers were enjoying the cool but clear blue Med waters. But Chanty preferred to ride in the dinghy!

2 buddies cruising

Beautiful Cavtat sunset

* (During our stay at Kotor Montenegro, we enjoyed our visits with new friends Renato and Caci aboard SV Pharea. They are heading the opposite direction of us and we will remember them and pup Bella with fondness. Cheers!)

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