Back to a full boat

Greg and Wendy Fraser had been slowly working their way to rendezvous with us as soon as we could tell them where that would be. They sailed with us in 2014 and we were really looking forward to having the on board again.

Sally had been on the French adventure with her sister Lisa who was able to extend her trip to spend 8 more days sailing with us.... 

Well, three of those stuck in Slano while the Bora wind did its nut.

There were however some constructive ways to spend time whilst captive to the Bora in Slano..

There is Dubrovnik just down the road. A spectacular walled city that should be on everybody's bucket list and 'Game of Thrones' film set wherever you look.  I caution you however, it is beautiful, inspires imagination, really crowded and a rip off. 

We found a great restaurant off the beaten track, if that is at all possible. The food, the service, the wine was rank. 

We were sitting behind there sandwich board advertising their fare and I can't tell you how many potential customers we turned away before they made the same mistake. I think it's called Karma, or the instant version of Trip Adviser.

Then for something a little different, a taxi ride to Mali Ston for freshly shucked oysters with local beer. The oysters are flatter than what we're used to, I think as a result of zero tides but just as delicious.

Then a vigorous walk along the wall. An impressive ancient first line of defense to the north of Dubrovnik. It goes from Mali (meaning little) Ston up and over the hill to Ston. 

From the crest of the hill the views are well worth the effort, across the waterways and down onto Ston and the salt flats it is known for. 

We descended into Ston for more oysters and a long lunch

And finally, the unmissable Gusto Vista run by Tony. 

High on a hill above Slano a must do restaurant where Tony tells you what you're going to eat and its all cooked over charcoal. 

Looking at Tony you get an idea of the temperatures he is working in.

Natural oysters and oysters on the grill, wild boar with gnocchi, ox tail, whole garuda (fish), seafood marinara, it went on and such a feast. 

Some of the comments we heard more than once before arriving in Croatia have been derogatory toward the food here? Not sure what part of Croatia these people were on about....

And so finally the Bora settled and at 9:15 on Thursday 8th of September we cast off for Lisa's maiden voyage and headed for Luka Polace on Mljet Island and the land of food cooked over the "Belle"