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CROATIA 2024
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  • Travel with the Wicks

CROATIA 2024

This is with Pedal & Sea! Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 18, 2024
    Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    Always time for a coffee!

    Now that was stressful!

    September 18, 2024 in Canada ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    We arrived at the airport in Calgary over 3 hours before our flight. Our neighbour was kind enough to give us a lift.
    What happened next was classic travellers troubles. The airline we are travelling with to Croatia is Discover. We are going with basically carry on luggage but do have one small piece of checked baggage for nonessentials. (Hopefully). The first person we meet wants us to measure & weigh our carry on luggage, and both of us are over by about a kilo. The agent directs us to an area with a scale that we are to repack our bags and get them under 9 kgs.
    Dianne suggested we put on some more clothes and take them off after security, but both of us are hot already. We put a few more things in the small bag that will be checked and it is bursting at the seams. Other stuff is transferred to our personal bags that don’t get weighed. After about 15 minutes, we think we can meet the restrictions and go for it. The agent agrees, we can go through security.
    On the other side of security, we pack our bags again, back to the way they were before ( almost). If Discover weighs our bags again before we get on it could be a problem.

    So, in 2 more hours we will be on our way:)    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    1

    We made it!

    September 19, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We landed in Split about 30 minutes late. The airport terminal is modern looking but has no bridges so you use airstairs. No problem on a nice day. We arranged a driver through our hotel, and Ivan met us as we exited the baggage area. We connected with Barb and Mike, Dianne’s sister and brother inlaw, at the hotel and we went out for dinner at a nearby nice restaurant. We called it a night early as Dianne and I were both pretty tired.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    First morning in Trogir

    September 20, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    I woke up early (5am)and tried to be quiet. My version is I was quiet, but grumpy says I was not. By 7am it was time to get wake up grumpy for good.
    We are situated in a hotel on the waterfront that is about 300 years old. It has gone through a few renovations over the years and is reasonably modern. The breakfast was excellent. Going back to our room before a morning walk, we made a chance encounter with a former classmate of mine from Air Canada. I had not seen Jack Carlson for a dozen years and it was nice to catch up with him. He is doing the same thing we are, going on a boat/bike tour of the Dalmatian islands except he is leaving today.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Walking tour of Old Trogir

    September 20, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Activity for today is a walking tour of historic Trogir. The plan is to meet the guide by the North Gate to the walled city. The four of us found our guide and learned that the tour group was bigger than we thought, and because of our group size, not as welcome by the local folks. The ancient streets of walled cities are narrow and when the group stops outside your house, it makes bringing in the groceries from your bicycle problematic, as one fellow loudly stated in Croatian to our guide. No worries, we all just took some pictures of him and his house so he could feel more famous.
    The church of Saint Barbara was a highlight for us as Dianne’s sister Barbara finally felt she got the recognition she deserved. Now we have to find a shrine to Dianne located outside of my head.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Our first ride!

    September 21, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Last night we went out for dinner with some other people who will be cycling with us on the trip. The reservation was for nine people and we met five others of the thirty six who will be on the Bellezza yacht. Today we boarded the Bellezza and set sail for Šolta, a small island close to Trogir.
    Yacht suggests opulence, which this is not. It is functional and modern, but there is no helicopter landing pad or a chandelier. Our room is pleasant with a bathroom and shower.
    The first ride was short as we were all getting used to our bikes. It started with a 2 km climb to a honey farm where we learned about bees and how great they are, and then cycled around the top of the island. It finished with a long downhill back to the boat. My estimation is around 11 km. We did well, meaning we didn’t suck at riding. The bike I am on is nicer than the one I have at home, and Dianne’s seems suitable for her. When I first got on my bike, I entertained myself thinking how it would possible to ride my bike off the cement pier into the ocean as there is no safety chains or barriers to prevent that from happening. Only prudent decision making, which isn’t always the case. I kept myself chuckling for a while as I envisioned that scenario happening to me, or better, someone else.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Stari Grad Festival

    September 21, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    It’s Saturday night and Stari Grad is hopping. A favourite singer in Croatia is performing live on a stage on the waterfront. The locals are beaming with excitement. The crowds are bouncing and the music vibrates the boardwalk. We walk past booths of merchandise, food, ice cream for sale. There are also displays of shipbuilding and other crafts.
    The festival was attended by many boats of many shapes and sizes from the tiniest row boat to pretty large yachts.
    We found a icecream shop and bought our treats and head back to the yacht.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Here we go again!

    September 22, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    The morning bike ride was nice for everyone. Twenty five km through olive groves and ancient towns, not too many hills, and little traffic. We got back to the boat in time for lunch talked about the afternoon ride. You can skip the afternoon ride if you don’t think you’re up to a 10 km climb of 430 meters. Some folks did skip the ride when they were told about the no turn back rule because the boat was going to meet us in Hvar. Dianne is riding an e-bike, but neglects to use pedal assist. She is working way harder than I am as my bike is less than half the weight of hers. Anyhow I’m not worried about Dianne making it up the hill, She will figure out pedal assist when it counts, but getting down the hill will be a significant challenge.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Afternoon ride

    September 22, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    All riders left Stari Grad at two pm and we met at the top of the hill around 2:50. There was lots of pictures taken and another cycling group was there that had started in Hvar. Dianne beat me to the top so I’m pretty sure she had some pedal assist. We stayed there for close to an hour as everyone recuperated from the climb. A shopping opportunity was also available for souvenirs. The ride downhill to Hvar was lovely for me and nerve wracking for Dianne. I stopped to wait for her near the bottom and as she approached I heard her breathing. She was keeping herself calm by deep breathing.

    Morning ride 20.25 km
    Afternoon ride 24.8km    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Vis Island ride

    September 23, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    33 km 640 m total elevation

    This island is the furthest from the mainland. There are actually 1200 islands; 50 are inhabited.
    2300 years ago the Greek colony of Issa flourished here. More recently it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited foreign visitors.
    The ride had stunning views, beautiful landscape, many vineyards. Traffic is generally light, but occasionally someone will lean on the horn. As rider, we try to keep each other informed about cars or busses approaching from the front or rear.

    Komiza on the island of Vis was the filming location for Mama Mia 2. I heard that the original Greek Island location was asking too much money to make the sequel,so they moved it to Croatia.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Vis Island ride part II

    September 23, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Once we got to the top of the hill, there was a 10km ride on flat ground. I myself like to pass the e-bike riders on the flats, as their bikes are governed to a max speed, which is less that a lot of us on regular road bikes can do with a small tail wind and no incline. They all say encouraging words as they pass me again on the next hill, so you don’t really want to trash talk people on the flats. The road back down to the village of Komiza is narrow and steep. Bikes can go faster than cars on that stretch, but I stayed near Dianne and Barb who rode together. I could hear them talking with other cyclists, so I guess Dianne is getting more comfortable on the descents.

    After a swim we cruised to our next destination Korčula where we overnited in Vela Luka.

    We rode in the morning and the weather has been great. Not much wind and cloudless skies. Tomorrow promises rain. We’ll see.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Tom rides alone!

    September 24, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Up early in the morning in Vela Luka on the island of Korčula. I’m not really riding alone, just not with Dianne in the group. Ten cyclists took the day off for various good reasons, possible rain, a cold that seems to be going around, lots of vertical in the ride et cetera. Dianne wasn’t comfortable doing narrow switchbacks on a descent in the rain. I endorsed this decision. That said, it didn’t rain. Rain threatened but never materialized. Some of the regular bikers traded with others and took e-bikes to make up for the extra vertical. We were told it was going to be 800 meters in two stages over 60 Kilometres. In the end it was 760 metres in 44 kilometres over a route changed because of a storm that washed out a main road a week ago.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    Our Captain

    Dianne takes a day off!

    September 24, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After we saw the riders off a few of us decided to walk to Vela Luka. The Captain said we had about 40 minutes.
    Gorgeous day here but many stormy looking clouds hovering in the area.
    We returned to the boat, anchor up, and we are off to the meeting spot. At first the sea was calm but as we got into more open waters things changed. I headed below for a shower and gravel! I guess I am not too sea worthy😂Anyway after a little lay down things calmed down…on the water and my stomach. We are now in Prigradica so I got up and headed off the boat for another quick walk until the cyclists appeared.

    The bikes were loaded and then we cruised slowly to Korčula.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    1

    Walking tour Korčula

    September 24, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Here in Korcula on the island of Korčula, we find the birthplace of Marco Polo. Venice also makes the same claim but our guide assured us this is the real place, because he returned here after his travels. We got a guided tour of this ancient village that dates back to the fourth century BC. It was a nice tour that was finished in an hour. After, we found a place for eats that suited our desire for a light meal.
    Speaking of food, I would say that Dianne has been a little disappointed with the fare on the boat. There is lots, but a bowl of purple cabbage was not what she had in mind for a luncheon salad. Fish of various descriptions show up on the menu frequently. Today’s lunch was Zucchini soup, cabbage as salad, potato pie, and a main course of overcooked carrots and mushy peas with pork loin. I was hungry after the ride so I hardly noticed the lapse in cuisine but it wasn’t what most were looking forward to.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    1

    On the island of Hvar again

    September 25, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today was sold as an easy day. Only 51 Kms and 660 m elevation gain. The nice part is that the ride is through rolling hills. It was a nice ride but I wouldn’t call it rolling hills. More of a ride up the mountain and a ridge run from there. We are back on the island of Hvar and cycling to Jelsa. The switchback descent into Jelsa was not Diannne’s favourite part of the ride but she made it and we got back on the boat and set sail for Brač.
    The boat motored through a significant storm on the way to Brač. Big winds, lightning, hail and heavy rain. The wind was so strong that the Captain turned into wind during the storm to avoid a broadside blow. It delayed our arrival by about 30 minutes.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Sites around Brač

    September 25, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    The town of Pučišća where we are, has a quarry and a stone masons school. They are not so dependent on tourism and that makes it quieter than all of the other places we’ve been. Everyone appreciates the toned down atmosphere.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler
    1

    Captains dinner

    September 25, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    I was wondering if the young Captain would dress in his usual tee shirt and shorts or if he would up his game a bit. He did not disappoint us. He had a white shirt and epaulets with extra braid for a nautical look. Dinner was ok. Sirloin steak. Mine was overdone, so was Dianne’s. Still it was a great evening with excellent conversation a question and answer session after dinner. Most people wondered how he got this job, and he filled us in quite well. Similar to how I got my job except boats instead of airplanes.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Our last ride!

    September 26, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    The last ride is an easy 25 kms and 300 m elevation gain. We leave at 9 am and the boat will pick us up at a new port around 11. We sail for Split at 11:30. Dianne and I rode together for the last 9 kms. We parked the bikes for the last time without any injuries or problems. This trip was our first time of riding in a group. It was a big group of 36 cyclists and although everyone was good at what they do, it is a lot to manage from a guides perspective. The guides are glad it is over.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Rafting the Cetina river

    September 26, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    There is yet another opportunity to spend euros. We get to raft the Cetina river with its spectacular views exciting rapids. We did get to see turtles, and the rapids are fun. Not Kicking Horse River scary fun, but fun nonetheless. We spent 3 hours on the river and enjoyed it all.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    On tour in Split

    September 27, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    A morning tour of the Diocletian Palace was offered so we took it up. It dates back to 305 ad and is an interesting place to spend time. Recently, ( since 1946 or so) there has been archaeological excavations of the basement. We spent most of our time above ground this morning learning some history of Split, and enjoying the sites that the walled city has to offer.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    The basement

    September 27, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    After filling it up with all sorts of crap, everyone forgot they even had a basement. It was only after a bomb hit the palace in WW2 that it was rediscovered. Once it was cleaned up, it was a really nice basement. Also, they found some stuff they didn’t know they owned like stone carvings, old tools, and a bathtub. There is more, as the substructure encompasses 60 rooms that mirror the original palace above.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Afternoon adventure in Split

    September 27, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Six of us got together for a hike up the hill overlooking Split and then stayed together for lunch while our boat went on to Trogir, our final stop. Dianne and me with Barb and Mike as well as Louise and Brenda made a plan to take the bus to Trogir after eating at as restaurant called Fig in the heart of old Split. We had been told it was possibly the best burger ever. My assessment is that it is certainly the best burger in Croatia, and possibly the world. It was perfectly cooked with bits of bacon and carmelized onion on top, pickle for crunch, and the fries were crispy, tastey and abundant. It was great. Mike and I had Gelatos on the way to the bus station.
    The bus ride to Trogir is supposed to take around an hour and cost about 5 euros. An entrepreneurial taxi driver offered to take all six of us without delay to Trogir for 50 euros. Barb and I sat in the back of his relatively compact Volkswagen and we all got there in about 45 minutes. On the way he talked about his family, some history his grand daughter, Croatian wines and other things. It was a pleasant ride.    Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Off the boat

    September 28, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We got the boot Saturday morning, a week after getting on board the yacht Bellezza. I’m tired of boating anyway so no tears were shed by me. It was a nice trip and I will miss the bicycle. Now we are looking at touring the old fashion way. Using bus and train and taxi to various hotels and local attractions. Maybe some shopping as well.Read more

  • Travel with the WicksCROATIA 2024Traveler

    Krka national park

    September 29, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Dianne and I, with Barb and Mike took a bus to Krka National Park. The bus was full when all the tourists from Trogir got on, but Dianne and I did get seats together. It is a scenic ride to the park marred only by the extremely loud voice of our tour guide Rosanna amplified by the bus sound system. The ride was about an hour long and we were happy it was over.

    Krka national park is known for its beautiful waterfalls. We all walked along the crowded wooden trails down to the bottom of the falls. They stopped allowing swimming in 2019.
    We had a choice of boat or hike out to the town of Skradin. We chose the less crowded walk.    Read more

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