Crew: Neil & Linda Fitzgerald and Erling & Susie Speer
August 25. Departed Split beginning in a heavy rain which turned into a spectacular day sailing in 18 kts wind to Zlarin.
August 26-27. Thanks to the hospitality of Mike & Sheila, extensive cocktail hours, traditional Croatian peka at Ivana Restaraunt, and introducing us to Pear and Apricot liqueurs the crew of Migration was somewhat tardy leaving the comfort of their bunks. Regardless, the anchor was raised at 830a and Migration sailed to Hvar. Tacking downwind our course resembled a cardiologist's nightmare. Sun and showers alternated back and forth. When the sun peaked out we broke for one of Sheila's lunch snacks which could have been on the cover of Gourmet Magazine. The afternoon passed with Neil & Susie being the winners at bridge. Linda, Sheila and Erling reading and snoozing. Mike valiantly attempted to shorten his "to do" list. About 400p the black cloud from aft overtook us. We set sail in 25-35 kts giving us the opportunity to let Mother Nature shorten the ETA to 500p. Once anchored in the roly-poly harbor of Hvar, we all went below for warmth, showers, and a glass of wine in preparation for dinner. However the major interuption began, as Mike heard a great deal of yelling as gulet Fortuna Dalmatia's bowsprit entered between our side shrouds and poked around at the mast. Fortuna's bow also chewed at the brand new toe rail, lifeline and stanchions. It was pinned by the wind and waves and interlocked. Mike, after attempting to wiggle off, gave up and yelled to the Captian of Fortuna to let out anchor chain. As the bowsprit backed out of entanglement, Migration was released and able to move forward out of harm's way. It took Mother Goose Sheila a goodly amount of time and clucking to straighten out her ruffled feathers from such an exceptional disruption to her lovely nest. After re-anchoring we decided to stay on board and dine on last nights peka, other wonderful leftovers and lots of gratitude that the damge was only cosmetic.
August 28. Hvar is beautiful. Neil let his 71st birthday slip by yesterday without anyone else remembering. The best view was from the fort on top of a rather steep slope on the side of a mountain that drops right down to the town. Breath taking vistas on a simply georgous day. A heart pumping climb but worth every breath. The walk down ws a bit easier. Susie ran all the way to the nearest jewelry store. Linda & Erling brought fresh pizzas back to the boat which Sheila later heated up on our trip to Korcula. Our captain instructed Erling & Neil to help Med Moor, which means securing 2 lines from the stern, tying one to a tree and lassoing the other with a 100' line with a 10' loop of chain over his favorite rock from a bobbing dinghy, trying not to disturb the "sea nymphs" sunning on the shore. Talk about "Mission Impossible!" Dinner ashore at Lantura was fabulous as usual. We spent a peaceful calm night in the harbor of one of Croatian's most charming walled cities.
August 29. The crew awoke to a beautiful day at our protected mooring overlooking the town of Korcula. Being the first on deck, Erling opted for his first swim in the Adriatic. Sheila produced another wonderful breakfast, then off to Korcula Town. At 1230p we met at the charming prearranged restaurant on the wall overlooking the sea. Another outstanding Croatian meal. The crew of Migration followed its stomach through out Croatia. We cast off heading for the southern tip of National Park Mljet to the Stermasi Restaurant recomended to Mike. We Med moored on a tiny bulkhead carved out of the rocky cliff leading up to the restaurant. Out of the heavens came down the chief/owner in his white outfit to help secure lines. We lowered the pasarelle. For dinner we climbed a long flight of stone steps cout out of the cliff to be warmly greeted by the family. We were seated outside overlooking the sea and the twinkling lights of Dubrovnik in the distance. We had one of the best meals of the trip, topped off with grappa. Our final challange for the day was our departure in the wee hours of the morning. There had been large soft swells following the previous day's strong winds. The motion of the boat had slightly stretched the mooring line and the pasarelle began banging on the key. After struggling to bring it in we slipped the stern lines and cruised away to Dubrovnik. There was no room in Gruz so we went up the river and safely anchored in front of the marina. Mike took everyone into the marina to catch the local bus to tour old medieval Dubrovnik.
August 30. More touring in Dubrovnik.
September 1. Photo op of Dubrovnik from the sea, then begin the overnight sail south to Corfu.
September 2. We had a beautiful 20 knot following breeze. We averaged 8 knots. Arriving Corfu late.
September 3. Toured old Corfu Town.
September 4. Neil & Linda Fitzgerald and Erling & Susie Speer departed Corfu Town for home.