With goodbye to our friends, we said also goodbye to Split. From the stern, over a long and foamy furrow, which made the boat engine, we watched the city to get lost in the haze on the horizon. Meermowe has impeccably carried us on his hips, once again in the direction of Solta, where we decided to spend the next two days in the company of my cousin, and move on through Meermowe’s Great Adventure.

This island does not offer much to modern inhabitants, but can a lot to offer to nature lovers. Solta was once famous for the production of lime, which talks about the difficult life of costal farmers. Today, the island is known for roosters “strong throat”, which not only kukurika in the morning, but also through the day. Instead of playing the guitar and with the romance awake people, their kukurika overrides even the bells of the church and

ferries in the harbor. If the croatian series “Gruntovcani” would be record again, probably roosters from Solta will awake Dudek and Regica every morning and thus get an important role in the film.

Mladen lives and works in Zagreb. Spending holidays in a house on the sea, along with his father, eagerly expecting us. A one-day stays aboard the sailing left a strong impression on him. He was happy and impressed by the ship. He was interested in electronics and the working principle of the instruments on board and sailing techniques. After a dinner at their house, with good Solta’s wine, we played cards, Briškula and Treseta and returned to the ship.

The next day we used to prepare the ship and the way to new destinations. We reviewed the map, determined the course, checked the shallows and anchorages and the supply of water and fuel, in which we got a help from Dino and Pipo, as true sailors. With all of the obligations that we’ve had in 40 * C, found the time for refreshment in cold drinks and swimming.   Pasta with truffles was served for dinner for two, after which we drove the dinghy to the shop.

Carrying shopping, we walked to see my aunt and cousin and say goodbye before leaving. In the early hours of the next morning, we left Necujam. In Rogac we took fuel and water and left Solta.

That afternoon, we sailed to the town of Vis on the island of Vis. The harbour was teeming with boats in the charter.

There was no way to dock ship on the coast so we were tied to the buoy in the Bay of Kut. That entire crowd around the ships, entering and leaving the port, gave a special charm to which Peter was very enjoyed.

Town of Vis is situated in the Bay St. Juraj. It developed from the former settlements Kut and Luka, which are merged into a single unit. Antique Issa, was founded by the tyrant of Syracuse Dionysius the Elder, as the Greek colonization of the Adriatic stronghold. I believe that is few who left Vis saying that will never come back, or that they have had enough of this island.

The first thing you’ll see and feel on the arrival is the crystal clear water and odor. What makes him known, by unspoiled nature because it was inaccessible for tourists for years, is not a lie. Wild lavender, myrtle and rosemary will follow

you to the inland and on the coast of the island.

Immediately after routine cleaning of the ship, with dinghy we moved ashore. Despite the strong sun and heat, we headed towards the English fortress Fort George, which we saw from the boat on a nearby hill.

Fort George III, the largest fortress is located at the western entrance to the port of Vis. It was created by the British Royal Navy in 1813. After nearly two centuries it was used for military purposes, the fort was abandoned and restored. During the summer days here there are organized various concerts and entertainment.

To it’s place it is most easily reached by car, but Peter and I have rather decided to walk and enjoy in fantastic views of the city of Vis. Preparations for the wedding an English couple from London were under way, when we got to the fortress, which gave her a festive look.

On the way back, we went to the supermarket to buy a watermelon, and many scooters parked and exposed to the waterfront, were a response to a question, what is the easiest way to visit and get to know the island. So Peter decided to rent one the next morning.

Having a drink in one of the “hundred” restaurants, known by country bread and sardines on the spit, we returned to the ship. By the end of the day all the places in the harbor were filled. It was really impressive to be part of that crowd. The evening, with good food, wine and romantic music with computers passed us in an instant. We have not even turned and it was already time to rest. It was not difficult to go to sleep because, early in the morning, waiting for us new challenges.

The agency to hire scooter opens at nine o’clock. I do not like ​​motorcycles and the idea about scooter, although it sounded crazy didn’t give me to sleep. I was thinking about my first run with Peter on Tomos scooter, which ended before we even started, as in the cartoon. In our younger days, my husband had an irresistible urge drive me through his village and probably enchant with his abilities and skills driving the engine. In order to make him happy, with fear I sat behind him.

It was rainy weather. Started engine, when it was in third gear, has resulted in a strong flick of where I was thrown into a muddy bar. I looked like a pig in a quagmire while Peter laughed to tears.

Given our youthful experience, this adventure I approached with great caution.

Renting a scooter, my husband had to make a few test drives, in order to gain confidence. Fully equipped, I was tightly hold for Peter and we have successfully start to move toward Komiža. The ride was more than pleasant. I was happy and satisfied especially

because the maximum speed scooter was 35 km per hour. We stopped at the first lookout, on a hill overlooking Komiža. The view from this place is indescribable. Below us stretched a perfect panorama of the city. At this point, we envy the birds, because in this panorama they can enjoy it whenever you want.

Given the great heat, motorcycling has been good to us. We refreshed with drink and fruit, and continued on going closer to the center.

Komiza, a picturesque town on the western side of the island with a centuries-old fishing tradition. In the past exclusively fishing village and more recently a very popular tourist destination. It is situated in a large bay surrounded by high mountains and facing the sea and the sun. It is known for first-class fish specialties, olive oil and fine wines.

When we arrived at the waterfront, cafes, pizzerias and pastry, were filled with people. Everyone has found his place, somewhere in the shade while enjoying broad awnings and umbrellas or on a wooden bench on the waterfront in the shadow of wide crown long-lived trees, hiding from the sun and heat.

We first walked these narrow streets and then we chose a table for two for coffee and eat ice cream.

That entire scene we were delighted so we decided the next day by boat to sail to Komiza. We would love to rest longer in town, but we had to move on.

The winding road led us to the highest excess top Hum. Immediately below Hum is “Tito’s cave”, in the past known as the “Ghost Cave”, until 1944 when it was the headquarters of the partisan army and the seat of Tito’s government. At the latest, the hilly section of the road, scooter dropped the soul and had no more power to both of us bring to the finish line, and I the last five hundred meters, at a temperature of 39 * C had to hike.

On the way to Vis, we passed through the village of Žena Glava (Womens Head), unusual name whose origin there are two theories. While some think that the name of the place associated with arid zones, Žedna Glava (Thirsty Head), others argue that in the distant past of the place, the head was a woman. After all we have seen and experienced, we returned to the ship. We were happy we had a scooter available. There is no doubt that I would do it again.

The rest of the days we spent in swimming and enjoying. While my husband found peace in reading exciting books, I edited the blog. With coconut roll, after dinner, we watched a movie and we have gone to sleep. Leaving Vis, in the morning,

we sailed to Komiža intending to visit Blue Cave on the nearby island of Bisevo. The weather was quite windy. Full Sail we enjoyed sailing and waves.

The island of Bisevo is a special attraction in Komiža archipelago with a unique phenomenon in the Adriatic Sea, the famous Blue Cave, a rare example of natural beauty. It is very small

and low entrance from the sea and in the time of south wind, the entrance is dangerous, sometimes even impossible. Between 11:00 and 12:00 o’clock the sun’s rays enter the cave through the entrance area, which is under the sea, break and create a cave strange blue light, after which it was named. The influence of bad weather, unfortunately we did not have a chance to keep it for a long time near the cave, so we left Biševo and sailed into the Bay of Komiza with the intention to spend the night and the next day we go any further. The bay seemed empty, it was not crowded and adherence to the buoy was a “song”. Due to strong currents and wind I could not keep the buoy in the hands, which I accepted with a boat hook, so because of the current the boat dragged me so hard that I had to throw a stick in the sea or to jump from the boat. Within a minute hook sank and disappeared. In my hand was stayed only the rubber insert. Sadly I watched it but luckily we had a spare one, which we finally successfully tied.

Komiza, as a favourite destination of many boaters, is often not able to accommodate all the ships that wanted to make it in place, as confirmed in the afternoon when the boats started to come one after the other, catamarans, sailboats, yachts…, it seemed like a real invasion. My husband has found himself in all that he

enjoyed as a child. Excitedly commented on everything that is happening around him, while I was preparing dinner. The highlight of his passions was when both sailing and catamaran sailed into the bay in the race for the last free buoy near us.

At Peter’s call I went out to the stern and laughed to the scene. Where each of them held on to their rope threaded through the loop. They argued about who came first, one of them was Italian and the other was a German. Can you imagine what it looked like the fight, because no one spoke English? The case was quickly resolved with the help of the Komiza port crew.

Vis is one of the most beautiful Croatian islands. For him, many will say that it is a place where time has stopped. This is true when it comes to natural beauty and food. Despite the changes in lifestyle, old, irresistible Mediterranean charm and life without stress and bustle, Vis is above average adventure of beauty and enjoyment.

It was two thirty in the afternoon, when we arrived at the airport. Flight Air Serbia, from Belgrade, landed on time. At the moment of leaving the aircraft, despite the crowd on the terrace of the airport building, I managed to get some shots of our friends. The meeting in Split, and during our trip on the Caribbean, with Miki, Verica and Stephany, planned two years ago, when we bought the boat and decided to sail around the world to Australia.

Very similar life experience in New Zealand, our relationship have developed into a wonderful friendship, and even I can say more than that, we feel like family.

Miki loves the sea, and he also own a nice motorboat in Auckland, where very often, goes fishing and comes back with a very good catch. Verica likes to sail, but larger cruisers inspire her and give more confidence and security, therefore, this meeting she expected with big eyes and excitement. Stephany is a pretty girl without prejudice, every situation adjust and not afraid of anything except bees facing in tow, like an elephant when he see a small mouse.

Excitement of the meeting contributed to the Mimi, who landed with our friends to meet Dino and Pipo and spent an unforgettable time hanging out with them. Mimi has a wealth of travel experience, and is a faithful companion of Miki, Verica and Stephany on each of their journey, for fifteen years. Recently, full of impressions, she returned from the cruise by Hawaii. Dino and Pipo were so excited to have stumbled into each other in the competition who will be better and more to win her heart.

It was nearly four o’clock when we arrived at the ship. The heat was shocking and the temperature very high. There was no wind, which made it difficult to stay longer in the boat. It seemed that a marina is in the fire. While Mickey and Peter were refreshing with a cold drink, I helped Verica and Spephany to immediately unpack and settle in the cabin.

Late in he afternoon we decided to escape from this hell, we looked to go into town. Since our friends have never been in Split, we have tried to show them the oldest and most attractive parts of the old city, the Diocletian’s Palace.

We had dinner in a popular, old City Cafe “Central”, opened in 1780, on the square. We sat at the very same table where the “Doctor Vice” was sitting every night, in the popular series “Velo Misto”, recorded in Split, which gave a special charm and delight. He followed the inevitable ice cream, and then we went down to the waterfront.

Seeing the sea, Stephany has received overwhelming desire to swim in the warm night in Split and we are across the waterfront, headed toward the beach Zvončac. In Marina Labud, next to Zvončac, there is a restaurant in which we used to, my husband and I, in the cold winter nights, we knew came and drank hot tea with rum. Tea was served in beautiful tall glasses whose heat we heated frozen fingers.

Stephanie’s swimming extended to ten o’clock in the evening after which we had to rush back through the city to catch the last bus to Kastela.

Avoiding the heat, early in the morning, we went to Split to the market to buy everything we need for a boat. Peter does not enjoy the great shopping, unless he really must. In order to avoid that obligation, he was tried to find the nearest restaurant to drink coffee. While we, Verica and I saw that something’s not forget, Miki was dragged behind a heavy suitcase full of potatoes, fruit, bread, and at the end of a large watermelon. After all, he was feeling as if his hands extended to the knees.

The main split market, colorful oasis in the center of Split, in the summer, teeming of the elderly, the young and curious tourists who are enthusiastic with traditional look and approach of sellers, from early morning. On the market, it is possible to find almost everything from flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, to shoes, toys and souvenirs. The invocation of customers and negotiate, it is all part of culture of this famous market. Finally, a bag full of hand we joined Peter in the restaurant at the end of the market, which has kept a table for us.

That afternoon we sailed in Nečujam on the Island of Solta. The wind was good for sailing. Verica was a surprise to both sides enjoyed the bow of the ship with no signs of anxiety and fear, while Stephany has texted messages to her friends in New Zealand.

Swimming and enjoying that we provided a bay that night, were as a reward for the fatigue and sweat that we were covered in pulling the food. With top mood, laughter and joy, we have our first dinner together and it all we poured with champagne. Night fishing did not work and we have all gone to sleep.

Dino and Pipo were obviously enjoyed the company of Mimi, anywhere there was none to be seen. All day they circled around the ship, explaining Mimi how to sail and drives the boat. Also, they prepared a cocktail party on behalf of welcome to Meermowe’s Great Adventure. On Šolta we spent two days. Long walks along the sea, jumping, swimming and diving remained behind as the unforgettable moments of our association.

Our next destination was Hvar, the sunniest island in the Adriatic Sea and one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. Indented coast, numerous picturesque and crystal clean beaches, plenty of sun, untouched nature, smell of lavender, olives and wine, are the reasons why we decided to bring our friends here. Heat and calm weather forced us, along with sails and engine use.

In the Bay Tiha we sailed in the early afternoon. Tiha consists of seven bays and it is a favorite anchorage for boaters. It is far for 8 km from the Stari Grad, so we decided early in the morning to walk to the town. We left Stephany on board to sleep, because her computer chips are more acceptable than 16 kilometers of walking in the sun at a temperature of 35 * C. The road was started from the next bay in which we had to switch with a dinghy. By tying a boat to a little pier, we started to climb up the hill on private property to the main dirt road.

On the winding road, it spread the wonderful views of the sea and beautiful bays on both sides of the coast. It was an ideal place for us in love.

We enjoyed commenting on the names of the bays, the laughter to tears and jokes, until the sun rose higher, and uphill and downhill remained behind us. We did not even notice that nowhere no shade.

An hour and thirty minutes it took us to get to the center. Stari Grad is the historical heart of the island of Hvar is the oldest city in Croatia. That same year, 384 BC, when it was born in Trakia the famous Greek philosopher, Aristotel, Greeks from the island of Paros in the Aegean Sea, founded the city on the Island of Hvar, and named it Pharos. The settlement is situated in a pine forest, some hundred meters from the beach Lanterna. The Stari Grad is in the hot summer days the rare Dalmatian place where the air is fresh and invigorating sleep. In the old town is still preserved traditional architecture and as such is of great touristic value. It is an ideal place for long walks and excursions. Abounds with taverns and restaurants with domestic food and traditionally good wines.

All together this charming town impressed us. To take a break and come to our self, we entered in a cafe to sweeten with cakes and ice cream, to have a cup of coffee and drink three liters of water. Miki’s desire for a cream cake looked unfeasible when the waiter said that the cream cakes have just been made, he put it in the fridge and its not ready to be served. Not knowing what it expected a surprise, sadly ordered milk-sheik. How is the owner of the cafe a real fighter for his guest, which is rare in Croatia, has isolated one cream cake and put in the freezer to cool the turbo. We just were about leaving and at our request to make a payment, he asked Miki, does he might want something else, it was sad and humorous response, “I want a cream cake but they are on cooling down in the fridge,” whereupon the cream cake jumped out of the freezer and landed in the front of him on the table. Wow, “fuck, he really brought a cream cake, and I was just kidding” was spontaneous Miki’s comment. So, he unexpectedly enjoyed sheik and cream cake.

With all the warnings we cannot buy anything, as we walk, we still went into the store to buy only “two things”, “necessary for the ship.” We went out, of course, with a few bags, which we mainly in backpacks, dragged Miki and myself. It was lunchtime when we returned back to the ship. The sun was at its zenith and it was harder than before.

Eight kilometers was standing in front of us, like an endless red carpet, and everything that we didn’t notice before, we saw the double after.

We looked like nomads, yet we only camels missing. Slow progress we have made and we could not walk more than a comedy and laughter than from the sun and heat. Good thing, Stephany was not with us. Surely she could not have the time or the strength to use iPhone. Verica has started to slowly take off her clothes until she wasn’t left in a swimsuit. She was feeling tired and hungry, bread from Miki’s bags has never been sweeter. When we arrived at the pier, Peter and I took all the stuff and rode to the boat with the intention of moving him into the bay. During this time, Mickey and Verica were cooling in the sea. Stephany has long been stood up, and enjoyed the boat.

Meanwhile, Dino, Pipo and Mimi have cruised the bay enjoying the shade of umbrella in the beautiful surrounding which gave them Tiha. Mimi was impressed with Dino’s song “O Sole Mio”, not noticing the whole swarm of wasps that followed them.

For lunch, laughter there was no end. Tiha bay we left before we had planned because of the great rush of flies and wasps of which we have barely survived.

The days passed and our friends stay on the boat drew to a close. We did not have enough time to sail over long distances, so we briefly visited the town of Hvar and back again on the Island of Solta. The remaining two days we spent in swimming, walking and baking cakes. The night before leaving Split, we had dinner in a restaurant in the marina enjoying the seafood specialties and Dalmatian’s chard.

It was short but sweet. In such a fast pace ended our relationship with many wonderful moments, far more than you can fit into this post. Miki loved sailing and he likes to think about the idea to sell his motorboat and buy a sailboat and four of us should sail from Europe to New Zealand. Before the dream becomes reality, he must find out how to convince Verica in his idea.

On the day of their departure, we said goodbye to Mickey, Verica, Stephany and Mimi. We were sad on the road, looking at their backs and taxi that are increasingly moving away until he disappeared behind the corner.

The old image of Diocletian’s Palace, the hustle and bustle on the Split waterfront this time of year, they welcomed us, late in the afternoon, when we arrived in the Port of

Split to refuel. Since we had planned a longer stay in this area, we decided to locate in Marina Kastela near Split. While Peter, after binding to the pier, was resolved administrative tasks with the reception of the marina, I was scrubbing the deck and cleaning the ship. On the dinner in a nearby restaurant, we have listed the duties and obligations that should make over the next ten days when we planned to welcome aboard our dear friends from New Zealand.

As we have already had two problems on board, we put them at the top of our List. By the next morning my husband was looking for a master to repair the winch, while I, catching the bus, took the toilet pump for service in Split. “The early bird gets the worm”, says the old adage, though this morning it looked more like “Early bird that is sleep-deprived”. Already early in the morning, summer heat and high temperatures, as well as the complete situation around the repair parts, are not promising much. Marina services were simply “swamped” with work and laziness of workers, so when we came with our problems it seemed that we were superfluous. Everything was going slowly, with long waiting and looked like the real coma, so my husband and I, without losing time and nerves, used the situation to resolve other obligations.

Certificate for the life raft, which we had on board, was the next important thing we had to do in the company Antipiros in Split. That afternoon, the company’s driver came with the van to pick up the raft. When we said that we sail to Australia right now we were told that the existing rafts we cannot proceed to the Island of Brac (nearby of Split) and certainly not to Australia. In fact, it was the old rafts category “C” and we need to have on board a large transatlantic raft for 10-12 people category “A”. As someone has poured us with a cold water, Peter and I looked at each other and started laughing. We did not have anything to say. By purchasing a new life raft, we put a dot on the story with a happy ending.

The next day, we found a little time for some of our small pleasures. We visited some friends, took flowers to the grave of my parents, and after cutting the hair in hair salon we went down to the city to be relished cake in a candy store “Tradition” and had coffee in our old and well-known coffee shop.

If you like sweets, “Tradition” is a great place to enjoy the best cream pie, mandulates and marzipans in Split.

Still the same family running this business since its opening in 1937, now already the third generation. As now, I remember when my grandmother, as a child of three years old, she brought me here, where even today, I enjoy in these beautiful yellow pleasures.

Split, the most beautiful city in the world, flower of the Mediterranean, situated on a peninsula surrounded by the sea and the mountains, the town in which every step feel the history and culture. Singed in hundreds of verses, but even in one song it is not good enough because that’s not possible to put so much of beauty into words.

It is a city that the chronicler will easy describe how he lives at a slow pace, at which quickly gets used. The feeling that every day is a holiday, squares, restaurants and bars crowded with people and unavoidable waterfront, which blows a gentle refreshing breeze and in the winter, as a winter coat, the Mediterranean sun and Diocletian’s Palace protected from the cold, reminds us that we are at home. World famous music festivals, cultural and entertainment spectacles, film festivals, concerts of classical and urban music, all of it, during the summer months, is irresistible collage of musical events in Split.

Just recently held 55^th Split Pop Music Festival, which we attended, watching the last night of the festival at Split’s Prokurative. With peanuts and Coke, we enjoyed the spectacular atmosphere and warm of the Split night.

It was 2 o’clock in the morning when we got back to the marina to the boat.

That afternoon, after a week of waiting, winch was the second time,  replaced by a new and stronger and then we set sail for the Island of Šolta in order to test the anchoring in the Bay of Nečujam, while the toilet pump problem was still unsolved and puzzling.

Necujam is located in the largest bay on the island. It is the youngest place with the central beach and eight smaller bays. At the time of Diocletian, who lived nearby in his palace in Split, the emperor had the smallest bay in Nečujam as his pond. It is the

reason why the bay still bears the name of Piskera and the ruins are still on he bottom of the sea.

At that time, Nečujam from Split was 7-8 hours by rowing away, while Meermowe by sails, with little wind is sailing only 1 hour. The silence and the green beauty of the place have been inspired great croatian poets, who were wrote their best work in Nečujam. The bay is able to hide any sound and turn it into a tiny whisper.

At anchor in Nečujam we stayed overnight. Never dreaming what horror awaits us the next day, satisfied and happy we enjoyed swimming to survive heat stroke that affected the Split area.

The duration of our happiness was expired with preparations for breakfast the next morning. As we chatted cheerfully about the plan of sailing with a friends of our, I opened the fridge to reach margarine. With disbelief I watched the full fridge and then in the freezer. Everything was dissolved, refrigerators generally have not worked. The ampermetar showed that the batteries are low. The currents on the boat was gone, it was shocking therefore that the batteries are new, built-in Pula, each with 300 amps. It was the real nightmare. We felt as if our hearts stopped beating. Realizing the situation, we forgot the breakfast, start the engine, raised anchor and left Šolta. By the entrance of the Marina Kaštela, we urgently contacted with a specialist of boat refrigerators. Get an appointment with Ante, to come on board and address the problem directly is the winning combination of lottery. Finishing work on another boat near us, he promised to come at noon, “bingo”. Three hours was almost up to his arrival. The heat became unbearable. Air temperature climbed to 40*C. We were not sure how long will take this agony, we had to do something to preserve food. All brain wheels were in operation.

Fast searching the internet I found the solution, marine portable freezer, “Fantastic, this is exactly what we need,” agreed Peter. We immediately got into already rented car and drove to the marine shop. While Anthony came, the food was already safe. With relief, smile and happiness at heart we watched the temperature drops to -25 * C.

With its great experience and knowledge, after a detailed examination of the

refrigerator, Ante explained what it is about and recommended us a very good electrician Nikola, to first solve the existing problems based on electrical installation in the ship, after which he will solve his part of job.

On the arrival of an electrician, we found out that the fan on the battery charger and went out under warming fuses on the box are burnt and the copper wire in the electrical wiring is corroded and touch crumbled like sand.

All it would go so far as to cause a fire on board. To solve the problem, Nikola pulled the cable out until he came to the healthy cord, the box is replaced by a new and ultimately guarantee that we will not have problems with electricity for a long period of time. Refrigerators were again in operation after that Ante and his son, the discharge of gas, adjust their work. With the arrival of electricity, life returned to the ship.

Maybe a little funny sounds but thinking of all, we were very happy to have problems like this one after the other, opening right now while still sailing the Adriatic, which are far easier to deal with them than in any other country, or even worse, perhaps somewhere in the middle of the ocean. We greeted each other with Ante and desire to one day comes again sometime, maybe not on the same terms

The days are slowly pulled away, our friends were getting closer to Split and our toilet is still no cure. Servicers have given up on him with a diagnosis of “buy new”, what we on the end did.

On Sunday evening I made a very tasty and easy summer pole with cream, whipped cream and forest berries. Dino and Pipo enjoyed helping me in the kitchen with their favorite song “Imagine life in the rhythm of the music for the dance.” The creams were everywhere and at least on the cake. On Monday morning it was delivered to us a new toilet, Peter had masterfully installed it after which he was ready to use, to the general satisfaction. That afternoon we went to the airport to welcome our guests. Excitement and happiness knew no bounds, especially as with our friends has been landed and Mimi.

* * *

 

 

Leaving Long Island over Murter, Sibeik and Rogoznica, we are all closer to our town. Split, on whose behalf, Peter and I carved our past and love, a city that we were firmly tied to the sea, waves and seagulls. Long time ago there was born the idea of traveling around the world on our boat with two wheels.

Our enjoyment in sailing continued. Meermowe again sailed under full sail and carried by the wind we sailed in Marina Jezera on the Island of Murter. Dense and dark clouds have been hinting at a storm. Since VHF radio was not working as well as our cell phone, because it was empty, with no credit, we were forced to interact with the marina via e-mail. Immediately, after binding to the pier, we decided to walk into the city, regardless of rain, which is just descended on the town. With a few small items and cards for phone, frozen we returned to the ship. That night we slept with particular pleasure listening to the rain drops hitting the deck.

City of Jezera is the smallest town on Murter, island of the Sibenik archipelago, which is connected across the bridge to the mainland.

As fishing village on the waterfront Jezera offers freshly caught fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and enjoyment of the seafood specialties. It is believed that the first settlers arrived in the 13^th century and of the important historical monuments can be emphasized the Church of Our Lady of Health.

In the morning, under similar weather conditions as the previous day, we sailed towards Sibenik. Splashing of waves calmed down just before entering the channel of St. Ante. Sailing in Marina Mandalina is very interesting and fun. At the entrance of the channel, on the Island of Ljuljevac, provides the old maritime Fortress of St. Nikola, built in the 16^th century. At that time, the tower represented the main entrance to the protection of Sibenik port.

Until recently, due to the tightness of St. Ante Channel, through which it could not, at the same time, to sail by two merchant ships, regulate maritime traffic with the fortress of St. Ana and St. Nikola in a way that Nikola lifted two black balls as a sign of free entry to the port, and while Ana down red cone which barred them from Sibenik port and vice versa. In maritime jargon often could be heard as there is no entrance to the port while Nikola never “raise balls” but Ana does not “down panties.”

We lived in Sibenik and we very well know this city, but I never had the chance to experience it and seeing it from the sea. I believe that no man, who the first time pass the channel of St. Ante, not to remain impressed by seldom seen natural beauties of this passage. Sibenik is known as for its old town center, the traditional Children’s World Festival and by the beauty of the National Park Krka, located in its hinterland.

In the marina we sailed around eleven o’clock. After lunch we popped down to marina shop to buy a new VHF radio station and replace the old one. With few checks and testing certainly promised a smooth operation. Happy and satisfied, we continued to spend the rest of our day. We met with several people in the neighborhood, who

have stayed on their boats along the same pier as we do. Once again proved what a small world. Right across from us, was anchored by John and his wife, from Brisbane, whose worldwide journey will last, certainly 10 years, and several ships below there were Andrew’s ship from Sydney. It was great to meet them and to chat, among other things, about their marine experiences.

When my husband starts hanging around the kitchen in my immediate vicinity, it is clear as day that it was time to eat. So I planned a dinner of grilled squid, chard and lettuce, as Peter had no complaints. With a glass of Istrian Malvasia we enjoyed planning our obligations the next morning and eventually get underway.

My day usually starts at 5 am. While my husband is in a gentle sweet dream, I’m already at 5.30 jump into the sea and swim or run a mile or two, depending on whether we are in a bay or marina.

Our next morning in Sibenik started with the problem of the toilet pump and there was no similar to the previous. The pump was out of order. Obviously, it was that we, like James Bond, get a new case to solve.

In addition to all activities of vital importance, which we done on the boat, we did not assumed that the toilet would it inflict so much headache.

For the life on board is really not necessary philosophy, need love, the ultimate mood, patience, understanding and a lot of nerves, which are us full pockets.

We unsuccessfully tried to solve existing problem and because of the impossibility of procurement of spare parts for repair, we decided to work out in Split.

We used the time to go to old and still nice places that have wonderful memories to our life in Sibenik.

Arms full of fruits and vegetables from the market, we returned to the ship. The next day we were on course for Rogoznica not knowing what problems we will encounter there.

On the way we followed the strong wind. We enjoyed the sailing. Carrying us on his hips, Meermowe showed its security and stability. We sailed into the Bay of Turdaca in the early evening, where we docked. Rogoznica is a small fishing village in the centre of Dalmatia.

Centre of the old town is located on the island and is connected by bridge to the mainland. One of the most popular attractions on the peninsula is Lake Gradina.

Due to the weather conditions that night we could not be relaxed and go to sleep. Storm, which was developed during the night, causing a loosening anchors and we started to slide towards the coast. We jumped out of bed, it was dark, cold and rainy. Peter started the engine and I immediately began to raise the anchor to ship out of trouble and move to the second position. After that we decided to stay in shifts following the weather situation and the behavior of the ship until the morning hours. Since the wind and the sea calmed down we started to raise the anchor in order to sail from Rogoznica to Split. When the anchor has been close to the surface, the windlass has skidded and anchors with 6o m anchor chain uncontrollably and rapidly landed in the sea. All attempts to stop the winch and lifted the chain with an anchor on the ship were futile.

Since we were helpless and certainly anchored, we decided to first sit down and have a coffee in order to consider what to do. We tried to contact the rescue services at sea by radio and by telephone but it was useless because it was the holiday long weekend and nobody worked. Taking into account all of the options we were faced with the dilemma of whether to unhook the chain from the boat and throw it into the sea.

At that moment we saw the big fishing boats that were, sailing into the port, coming back from a night of fishing. My husband went with dinghy up to them and asked for help, because they have large winches for drag their nets.

The fact that it was a completely new winch, built in Pula, the entire event was incredible. After some time Peter is back with the four young man one of who was a professional diver. The situation has become a dynamic, full of excitement and anticipation, especially because they came with a small boat instead of fishing boat that was to be expected.

Due to the high noise, Dino and Pipo were delirious cover pillows and blankets. Dino was more courageous and quietly looked out onto the deck. “Oops, gulp … hey Pippo, come to see, a new problem has just landed on the bottom of the sea. It’s exciting as the Muppet Show. King Kong would be a better solution than a small piccolo boat.  Pipo, maybe I need to get involved “.

Indeed, everything seemed like a film. Marko, Joseph, Milan and Dario were extremely good and true professionals knowing what to do.

Josip took a rope and dived to 15 m depth to tie up the chain, while are Marko, Milan and Dario dragged the rope hands pulled the chain out. On several occasions, chain and anchor were extracted on board.

Finally, from conversations with them we learned that very often, during the year, they help people in similar situations. We left Rogoznica with another problem more, whose solution we need to also look in Split.

My husband and I have many years of life experience and we have long understood it all that life is not made up only of our plans about happiness but of what opposes those plans and intentions, what is happening by chance, what is unpredictable, what all we call only “bad luck” rather than disappointment and pain. That’s why we’re happy and persevering in our intentions and we remain on our way to the end no matter how hard we were.

Our next destination is the City o Split.