Split to Dubrovnik - Magical

Wednesday 18 July 2012  - Traveling the coast Split to Dubrovnik

Day 96 and 63 to go

Another day on the move. Paul had me up at 8am when he returned from his shower. We had breakfast, completed the familiar van pack up and then paid up at reception.

Once on the road again we had to drive back towards the Split town before heading into the mountains on the A1. Passing through mountain tunnels and across areas that provided a great view back over Split. Just beautiful. We entered the toll road and continued on amazing roads. Dual carriage way, smooth surface and no traffic. Divine. The surrounding area was rugged. If not white stone it was covered in prickly, thorny bushes that did not look like fun to try and navigate your way through.

We were also surprised that unlike Spain, there are very few religious buildings built on high, rocky outcrops. We felt this was strange as they have been such a warring nation.

An hour and a half into our trip the wonderful motorway ceased as it is still under construction. We were directed to an alternative road through small villages whose income was obviously stone fruit production. The number of small roadside stalls was incredible. We didn’t stop, but we could have bought some beautiful looking fruits.

The road wound it’s way towards the coast connecting with the coastal route. The road was well used and single laned. It was so much more stressful driving here. We stopped at one lookout over a valley where you could see and estuary as well as the ocean.

We continued our meandering drive along the edge of the mountains with such a beautiful coastline beckoning us constantly. We made it to the Bosnia border and crossed over with no issue. They just waved us straight through, no passport check and no stamp. BUM!

About 20 min later we were back in Croatian territory passing through a similar border crossing. The seaside resort towns were becoming more prevalent. We could see little white beaches covered in blue umbrellas and people swimming. There were luxury yachts, the way to travel, and little sailboats making the most of the day. Just divine.

By Midday, Dubrovnik came into view. We passed over a large bridge then wound our way passed the docks where massive cruise liners were moored and in through the hustle and bustle before winding back around the coast into the hills and finally arriving at Camp Solitudo.

This time we were able to find a site straight away. We parked and set up under a tree. We had lunch and I did some quick checking on the net then it was on with the bathers and off to explore the area.

Our first spot was the hotel resort in which this campground sits. We found the resort pool and made good use of it, although it took a while to get in as the pool was soooo cold. We splashed around for a bit and then wandered out and had a drink at the pool bar. We just watched the world go by. BLISS.

With the drink finished we walked down to the Copacabana beach. I have never seen water so clear and such gorgeous colours. It was so inviting that we dumped our gear and headed for it. Paul made the quick entrance diving in while I bumbled along on the hard pebbles, looking like a right dork slipping and sliding all over the place but once in, it was so worth it! The water was cooler than Split but so refreshing. We chatted to two older New Zealand women, also enjoying the refreshing splash. 

We continued to swim around enjoying the moment and wondering what the poor people are doing. We watched the various sized boats and watercraft go by and then we made our way out of the water and up to the restaurant for a drink and to soak up the afternoon warmth. Getting way too used to this.

We made our way back to the van, enjoying an icecream on the way. Once in I loaded photos and checked the spending. We sat chatting and listening to the Ipod. Paul went for a shower at 6pm 

and I followed when he returned.

He then checked his mail and my Facebook before we returned to reception to let them know what number spot we had chosen. Our next stop was the restaurant associated with the campsite but off the premises. It didn’t take long to walk there. On the way we caught glimpses of a large cruise liner leaving the port.

We ordered the special, 3 courses and a drink for $15 each. Awesome. I had the BBQ chicken and as suspected Paul went with the grilled calamari after opting out yesterday. He devoured it, so it must have been alright.

After dinner we walked back to the beach where there was now no one. It was so peaceful. I can’t wait to come back for a swim tomorrow.

We returned to the van at 9. Paul was tired as he hadn’t slept well and soon after we were both in bed looking forward to the next adventure.

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