Breakfast at 8.00 in the superb old Konoba Marino where we have spent the night. One the best hotels on this trip, beautifully appointed and stylish antique bedrooms.
Cath understandably reluctant to take any risks which might spoil the remaining weeks of their holiday so decides to also give the cycling a miss for another day.
We all take a little time out to explore this superb old fortified town, with its unique setting high above the surrounding countryside.
There are a few ups and downs as we cycle through some very pleasant undulating scenery. Certainly this gives us some respite from the brutal climbs of previous days.
This relaxing, gentle cycling continues until we reach the ruins of Dvigrad,set high above the Lim Valley. Dvigrad was once an Istrian town controlling the road leading from the Lim Valley to the east but the last inhabitants left in the mid-17th century.
Steep descent to the valley floor,inevitably followed by an ascent on the western side of the gorge up to the village of Mrgani. Climb fairly long but less arduous than many others encountered on this trip.
After passing through any number of unremarkable small villages we finally arrive back at Klostar and the Agriturismo Matosevic, from where we had started our 7 day cycling adventure.
Usual fine home-cooked meal in the restaurant and some reminiscing over old times before turning in at about 10.00 pm.
Croatia has been a real surprise packet for all of us with the spectacular scenery surpassing all expectations and we leave this lovely country with a lasting impression of a nation finally finding her feet after the tragedy of the Balkan wars.
There is an enormous amount of untapped potential,especially in the area of tourism and one can only hope that it will still remain ‘the mediterranean as it once was” for some time in the future.
Now off to Italy after another immensely enjoyable holiday experience from the Irelands/Smiths stable which brought you The Overland Track, Tasmania, the Great Ocean Walk, Victoria and the Milford Sound and Routeburn tracks, New Zealand.
Watch this space for news of more adventures with the Travelling Wrinklies!
The Obese Ferret.
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