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.

Our great journey continues where we left off in the last post. Behind us remained Susak bathed in sunshine. Meermowe was already gliding with the wind in the sails the high seas carrying us to the Long Island. Waiting for us a tour of the beautiful Bay Telascica and Salt Lake, which as part of the National Park Kornati, ignite the imagination.

During the trip we stopped at the Island of Molat. In Brgulj Bay we sailed with the intention to spend the night, buy the groceries and fill the tank with water to continue our journey. We could visit the days of this part of the Adriatic Sea but we had to think of the time, which is, in this time of year, very unstable and transient, than of complete calm to stormy winds which speed reaches up to 5o knots.

Leaving Brgulj next morning under the wind gusts could be seen that our day in many ways be different from the past period and it will be full of activities on board. Before Passages Maknare we’ve spread the sails and prepared for sailing.

Wind and sea were form increasing compared to the previous day. The waves breaking against the bow of the ship, whistling winds and strong strikes of the bow area has pointed to the reality that we thought from the very beginning of the trip.

Water lapped at us from all sides. Strength of the wind was 30 knots and the sea was 3-4. Under the pressure of the wind, Meermowe was lying completely on one side on the sea and under full sail strongly rode the waves. The right of enjoyment.

Happy and proud we sailed along these karst phenomena, high cliffs that fall vertically into the deep sea, these beautiful cliffs on the west coast of Long Island.

There are several legends about the origin of Long Island and the unique beauty of the islands, Kornati. One of them says that God wished to crown is work, out of tears, stars and breath created the Kornati, while the second wpeaks of God who threw a handful of white rocks which remained to him, and when he looked back, he decided that nothing should be repair.

In the Bay of Telascica we sailed between the two islands, Taljuric, which is actually a small stone tablet, diameter 60 m, height of only 3 m, whose upper layers blew waves where there is no vegetation, and Vela Sestrica, uninhabited island, which has the only lighthouse Tajer significant at 28 m high octagonal metal tower.

It’s an amazing and impressive sailing in the Bay of Telascica. Recessed is approximately 8 km into the mainland. The bay is very indented and contains a lot of bays, headlands and islands. Thanks to its position it is one of the largest and the best – protected natural harbor on the east coast.

It was five o’clock in the afternoon when we were tied to a buoy. We set about tidying up the boat, which is a priority for us at the entrance of each port, no matter how tired, hungry or wet we are. After a delicious dinner, we enjoyed a night swim and then, with a cup of hot tea, planned our activities for the next day.

Telascica lagoon is not populated, there is only a camp and a restaurant open until late at night.

Along the coast are decorated piers to dock tourist boats that come mainly from Zadar full of foreigners.

The first attraction in Telascica Bay which we visited, it was Salt Lake. Leaving our boat along the shore, we headed along a path that took us over the hill to the lake.

There can still see old stone houses and items that indicate the former farming community life of the island.

Around the lake, through the forest, stretches for walking trail 2 km long. This well known smell of a pine tree reminding of Dalmatia, spread all around us.

Sitting by the lake, about halfway, we enjoyed, in sandwiches, which I prepared for lunch, surrounded by the beautiful forest.

We continued led to a fascinating place were we experienced the beauty of bare karst. We could not believe my eyes at the sight of all the stone sculpture. One story says that the cluster of rocks, which is stacked on each other, was made by travellers in order to mark the way. Another story speaks of a mystical meaning of the cluster of rocks as being the “guardian of the souls” of dead people.

Not knowing their origin my husband and I have raised our sculpture on behalf of our happiness and love that will keep us on our journey. By the sea there is a stone slab in which there is a hole with warm water, to which tourists come to bathe.

On the way back we stopped at a restaurant and while we enjoyed the beer and ice cream, we observed a large number of tourist ships that sailed in and out of the Bay Telascica.

Safe haven of Dalmatian donkeys, strays, represents another interesting fact on Long Island. The donkey is known for his stubbornness and hard work but there is something not many known that the movements of the ears of donkey express its mood.

When its ears fall beside its head, it means it is relaxed, but when they are clinging to its head and thrown backwards, then it is most certainly unhappy and be careful how you approach it.

My husband has repeatedly stayed in the bay, and despite the fact that it was not unknown, he enjoyed the wonderful ambience, like the first time he was here. In the Bay we stayed three days.

Maximum we were dedicated to walking in the hills and survey the island, its tradition and modern life, and after returning to the boat,

swimming and fishing. From the knowledge of the people, the legend of strange inhabitants with five horns and mysterious tales of buried treasure hidden in cove also characterize the landscape.

When you live on a boat, all is in front of you, your happiness, just stop the time, the creation stops shift night and seems to be always comes the same day, you are able to pry into each hole, to touch every stone, rock and you’re closer every seagull that, in your immediate vicinity, so gently land on the surface of the sea.

Tireless dance giants raised a cloud of dust and sand from which formed the island, a flock of swallows on the island were brought wines – it is the foundation of “The Legend of the Island of Susak”, the new picture book of Elvis Vickic and Loreta Vickic Rusijan.

As you read this post, I will try to give you closer to the spirit of this mystical island. If you leave yourself to your imagination, you will feel the heat under the bare feet of soft sand of Susak and if you listen carefully you will hear the sound of the reed trembling in the wind and smell the sea the wind from the open sea.

Susak is a unique island in the Adriatic Sea to its origin and its appearance. The thick layers of fine yellowish sand onto the limestone plate inflicted ancient winds, and since time immemorial people around their farms planting reeds whose roots in search of water to penetrate deep into the soil and preserve it from erosion.

The island is also specific for its traditional folk costumes, which is dirrerent from the traditional costumes of other parts of the Croatia. Solemn variant women’s dress is bright colors whose skirt above the knee and is considered one of the first mini-skirt in the world. The daily variation is dark blue or black worn today.

I’ve never been on the Island of Susak, and because of its special features, I had a great desire to sail in the Bay of Susak. Peter stayed on the island forty years ago as a student and remembers the image of that time. Carried away with tis stories created my imaage and to me, unknown destinations.

From Island of Losinj to Island of Susak distance is 5.5 nautical miles. The night before leaving, we studied the nautical chart of the North Adriatic, complete forecasts and weather reports, make a plan of our activities and become familiar with the cultural traditions of the island. We sail in the morning at eight o’clock. The weather was still beautiful, peaceful and without major changes. Wind there was no cure. We were not in a hurry so we left Meermowe and his rival floating on the blue surface and the enjoyment that you extend the life. In addition to swimming and sunbathing on the deck, we enjoyed watermelon and cold drinks. I sent several messages and mails to the family and friends who are eagerly waiting for our answer.

Pipo and Dino also find themselves and their satisfaction. Dino with laughter rolled and sprawled on his back while Pipo was tickling his neck.

For lunch was served pizza that I have my husband promised to do. We roasted the first time on the frill, as we have no oven on board, giving it a special taste. After lunch and coffee once we got into a situation that we needed to keep the engine.

Under normal conditions from Losinj to Susak can be reached in an hour. We sailed into the Bay of Susak in the early evening. Because of the shallow water, we could not dock on the pier in the small port so Alen, harbourmaster, helped us to establish closer ties on the buoy.

More from the ship, during entering we noticed the small Church on the Hill Arat and Lighthouse Garba. It was three in the afternoon when we were transferred by boat to the nearby beach. Under artificial canopy erected, which relied on four branches, we met with a married couple from Austria, who own a house in the Upper Village.

Every year, for holidays, Klaus and Claudia come here spending all day on the beach, enjoying the sun and swimming.

We quickly became friends, leaving our boat with them, we started to explore the island, Cape Dart. At the top there is a chapel of Our Lady of the Annunciation by the inhabitants of the island built the thirties of the 20th century, because they could not often due to bad weather, to carry out their vows to the Virgin Mary.

Sandy road to the church is nice and light, and from the top of the hill is best seen Annunziata on Island of Losinj. We came back the same way that in the secong part leads to the Cemetery, Upper Village and the Lighthouse.

Cemetery chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, on the Merinama, was built in the early 20th century.

Given that there is no common trees and with a direct view of the newly renovated vineyards and the open sea, cementery act unusually bright and clear.

Vineyards largely cover Susak. Once there existed only one village called Sansego. Subsequent construction in the port creates another settlement called Lower Village.

In order to facilitate communication between the two villages were built stairs. In the center of the village is locataed building Immigrants’ Club as the main gathering place and social life of the villagers.

The streets of the Upper Village, in contrast to the Lower Village, are mostly paved or covered with concrete, very short and fast break to the left and right directions.

We were enchanted by the beauty and interestingness of the city.

We did not know where we’re going, we feel like we were in a maze with no exit. We left the river the streets and finally came out of the city and were on our way to the Lighthouse.

Garba was built on the highest point of the Island of Susak, the top Garba (98m), which is an important place of observation, and is one of the largest and most important Lighthouse in this area. For starters served as a lookout, for which tickets were bought in the harbormaster’s office in Mali Losinj.

Sometimes, for the lighthouse lived three families with children, husbands were lighthouse keepers and deposed in the job every eight hours. Today there lives in the house only Ante, the remaining lighthouse keeper and his wife. Eye of lights spreads a delightful flower garden. We spent about an hour in conversation with Ante, who has finally led us to the top of the Lighthouse with a beautiful view of the island.

Full of impressions, tired but happy and richer for the many insights, we left Garba and return to the short trail leading to the town. We stopped for a beer in a local restaurant in order to ease the soul and put an end to such a wonderful day we had.

We returned to the boat, dinner and went to bed.

My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by this destination, what we expected to see was far from what Susak really is, and we will certainly try to come back.

Unfortunately, Susak is, because of poor connection, far beyond radar range of travel agencies and many are not aware of its existence.

The next day we spent on the boat swimming and enjoying in planning our next destination.

Alen and his wonderful wife, Maja, came to greet us and tell us they wish luck on our onward journey.

At the dawn of the beautiful, sunny morning, 09 June 2015, we set off from the pier Marina Veruda in Pula and like Columbus, began the journey of our world. As the ropes, which were tied to the pier, dismissing the cleats, silence we watched. Our eyes were saying all the words were not necessary. We knew that the first time embarking on a journey into the unknown with no return.

At that moment, I quickly started to think if I bought everything we need, probably in order to find a good reason to go back, at least briefly. It seemed that one of us shout: “Stop, hold the rope and do not let the ship go”, but Meermowe would not stop. Cutting through the blue sea called us to duty and soon we returned the smile and happiness on our faces. We feel that we’re returning power, willingness and confidence. We threw another one, last look at the Pula, which is becoming further and further until it was lost on the horizon.

A special place on the board have our small and cute friends, Pipo and Dino, the mascots, which will sail with us through Meermowe’s Great Adventure as well as representatives of the stunning New Zealand and sunny Dalmatia. With them will be all the more beautiful and happier.

Our first destination in which we sailed was Artatori Bay on the Island of Losinj. On the way we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny and warm weather with no wind, clear calm. The sea was peacefully and smoothly as oil. It was futile to hope for any sailing because the sail was hanging on the jib as a dishtowel.

Without wasting time, we decided to enjoy a swim. We were happy and very willing limitless playing in the water. After swimming we enjoyed our first lunch and coffee.

The journey we had continued with the help of the engine whose work has ripped our ears and the divine silence. In the bay we arrived in the early evening.

After dinner and very tasty pancakes with cheese and chocolate, we were fishing late into the night. The fish are biting on all sides in a very fast pace we managed to catch nine fish, which was enough for our meal. One of them, Peter is used as live bait on the hook and in the morning we had with great surprise out of eel 1.2 kg of which I cooked stew with polenta. This is what is called life.

MAGNETIC BEAUTY OF THE ISLAND OF LOSINJ

My husband and I first visited Mali Losinj two years ago, when we bought the ship and sailed from Split to Pula. Because of its beauty, we wanted to come back and sail into the Bay of Artaturi.

Mali Losinj is the largest island town. It is located on the south side of the island, in the Bay Augusta and is one of the main tourist centers on the Adriatic. Its history dates back to the 12^th century. Residents were living from agriculture and animal husbandry and later developed fishing, marine and tourism.

Discovering the health benefits of the climate is the golden age of the Island of Losinj, which it opened a new page of its history.

Artatori Bay is located in the eponymous town Artatore. It consists of a number of rocky, sandy beaches in the shade of pine trees and along the beach promenade-passing lane. Bay is five kilometers far from the center of the town.

If you sail these waters, Island of Losinj cannot be avoided. Like a magnet, its beauty and color of the sea called to the coast. The larger and smaller islands, as the bags spill, arouse curiosity. Union, Susak, Vele and Male Srakane, Ilovik, each of them has its own story. All those who come here find their peace, beauty and harmony.

There is a story on the ancient legend about the origins of the Cres-Losinj archipelago, which was called by the common name Apsyrtides, greek hero Apsyrt.

King Eeta from Kohilda, possessed the Golden Fleece. Brave guy Jason ruse, with the help of the king’s daughter Medea, who was in love with him, got hold of the Golden Fleece and the ship Argo with his friends the Argonauts went into hiding. Aspirit, the king’s son, went on his boat in pursuit of the kidnappers. After a long journey, posse caught up with the kidnappers. Medea lured brother Apsyrtus on the negotiations, and Jason him is secretly killed. Medea cut up his body and his limbs threw into the sea. From Apsyrt dismembered bodies were created Apsirt Islands – Apsyrtides.

Although this is just an amazing story, all the beauty of the Island of Losinj, on which letters might sound incredible, but it’s the reality.

In the Bay Artaturi we stayed two days related to the anchor. We enjoyed swimming and hiking and refreshment we asked for ice cream, since it was a hell of heat. Our sailing the Adriatic Sea is carried out on our own, freely chosen destinations what we want to visit and no time limit entering and leaving. Therefore, the next morning we were on the course to the Island of Susak.

Long awaited meeting with Meermowe was full of excitement. Indescribable joy and happiness that we have met in order to find as soon as possible on its deck.  When we saw our boat, it seemed, at first glance, the way we left it two years ago when we bought it. We entered the lower deck to remove the headsail, which, because of its size and weight, and it was no easy job. View I looked around for someone to help us but it was all in vain. An old proverb says, “the mind flourishes and power rolls the logs”. And so, while I strained my cerebellum in the solution of this problem, my husband had already pulled the sail on deck. With joint forces we put it in the forward shrouds and proudly watched rides up in the wind.

A systematic search of the ship, we have concluded that the problems jump out in front of us like rabbits out of a hat. The time was limited and the list of jobs was growing longer. As Peter and I love the efficiency and expediency, we immediately made a plan and wasted no time in busy at work. For starters we got working clothes, some basic materials and tools.

Windlass was the first work that we wanted to do. It is very important on board and without it is quite inconceivable conduct, pining and turning down the anchor chain and pull the anchor winch. I believe that each of you who follow us, at least once happened to you a little thing jade big headache. It just happened to us. The whole system inside was blocked and broken as unconditionally required exchange for a new one.

As my husband understands many jobs, he decided to take the matter into his own hands. It all seemed so simple and easy, unscrews several bolts, removes the winch from the tray and replaced by a new, just to fill time over coffee. It was really a pleasure to watch his enthusiasm that he approached the job. Time passed and the ideas and plans to remove the winch have replaced very quickly.

Obviously the machine was a tough nut until our aid did not come Igor and Velibor, specialists in repair and installation of anchor winches from Marina Veruda.

Installation of the radar and radar antenna is demanding and complex work on the ship.

Rare are those who do their job by looking at the world from above and landed on the cross mast like an albatross as the daily work of Toni and Zoran, Raymarine experts to set up and instalation of radar and radio systems on board.

It was impressive to watch the way in which it works, lifting the level up to the highest point of the mast when asked HF antenna.

Less impressive and painful was when Zoran at the end of the work, unfortunately, dropped the rope through the spinnaker pole and therefore had to climb back to the top. All that is, that moment passed through the wind and came to our ears was painful sigh, “Oh noooo…..”.

Jobs that took place on board sought patience and time. In the meantime, I was working on deck. For starters I got physically and very thankless job, “little of the deck”.

Only now I realized how hard it is to be a sailor on the big ships because every day they have to do the same job I was doing and who I’m going to do the whole journey, “scrubbing the deck”. At first it was difficult because I had to kneel down on my knees but I soon solved the problem, I turned on the radio and everything went to the music for the dance.

Bonding rubber on the wooden deck of teak oil lubrication and there was a lot more interesting and fun. The only problem was the heat at which I was working but it was better and happier with my sombrero. During this time Peter was hired about buying new parts and materials for service and had to frequently go to Pula. Frankly I did not envy him, I was aware that driving a car by oppressive heat and the crowds on the road still harder than working on deck.

The most important and most demanding job on the boat was making and setting up steel structure at the stern. It is a carrier, which in itself should carry a solar panel as the main installation of the power supply, windmill, boat horn, the antenna for radio communication, automating information system and television. It took three weeks to complete the job.

That’s what my husband most concerned about, whether we have enough time for the installation of such structures. To our great fortune we met Dalibor and his team, which has demonstrated a remarkable willingness and commitment to this business with high quality work.

After its completion joined us Doriano with his team as skilled professionals to install solar panels and a windmill with a very demanding job threading cables through the ship to the battery.

As time passed jobs were nearing the end and Meermowe every day was closer to immersion in the sea. Our actuating wheel is constantly turning and acceleration received as a windmill in the wind. It seemed that our desire for sailing should never extinguish. Machine slowly counted the hours and minutes. There was still a little time that we had booked for the vaccination, which we have received for areas with high levels found diseases of hepatitis A, yellow fever, typhoid and two doses of tetanus.

Beautiful medical staff of the Health Centre for Immunology in Pula, in front of which my husband showed weakness and resentment, it was really gentle, especially to Peter.

At the end of May we had the first visit. The sister of my husband, Danica came to spend week with us and see us off before boarding.

It was great to hang out with her on our board. It is very simple and very valuable person and quickly fit in the ship’s life.

Her dedication and hard work has helped to bring the end of the last jobs and their host experience gave me great practical tips and ideas.

Despite feeling that we have been given a short time we found the tour of the city, night stroll on the Sandy Beach, walking in the hills and enjoy the view of the beautiful bay of Marina Veruda. We have also allocated two days to test sail to the Lim Channel where we drop anchor and spend the night. For Danica, life on board and its upgrading and immersion in the sea a real impression and a new experience which she will remember for a lifetime.

After Danica’s departure we were at the gates to achieve the dream of twenty years. One more day, just one more night as we shared of departure. Our last review of the past, the life and the rationality of our decision to purchase the ship and life wish to circumnavigate the globe. Last walk on the Sandy Beach. With the sound of the sea changed the images and thoughts and streamed into one common flow driven compass love of the sea and no matter how justified we must recognize that the world is a scary place but we have our boat with two wheels.

SPECIAL THANKS

At the end of this post we would like to thank all participants of this project to the hard work and dedication and great work done in preparing our boat for Meermowe’s Great Adventure.

We also thank our children, Pedja and Igor and their partners, Marika and Melanie in Australia as well as the entire family, all friends and all of you who follow us, for the great and opening support.

Special thanks Dusanka Tomic Luk for extraordinary and selfless assistance that she provided during the entire stay in Pula.

Peter & Jasmine

It’s a beautiful feeling a once again be on the scene, go back to writing and all of you who follow us from the beginning. The past periods of time for us was very stormy and full of excitement and so let’s not waste time, because we want you to be as soon as possible familiar with the sea, its beauty, color and aroma.

We want as soon as possible to create a new image, a new story and a new verse for you that will speak for us. So, come free, step on again and secure with us through the vastness of the sea and distant land.

Feeling the waves and the wind in our sails, share a smile and happiness, carrying the message

Welcome back to Meermowe’s Great Adventure

Your place is here, Your adventure begins with us.

 Peter & Jasmine