Windy Weather 2

Today, we departed Mljet for Sipan at 8 am. It was still very breezy! So much so, that the crew barricaded the stairs up to the top deck. The boat was really ‘rockin’n’rollin’. At breakfast, one of our group noticed some clothing blow past. It was Noeline’s favourite top. Noeline is matchstick thin and is in her 70’s. At one stage, we thought she might have been blown overboard. She was hanging onto her hat like it was the winning lottery ticket. Someone else lost their undies (of course these came off the line not the person!).

A few of the group felt a little ‘off’ but most came through the ordeal OK although, I am told Dave ‘kneeled before the porcelain throne’ - perhaps Dave should have taken some of Marie’s sea sickness tablets. Due to the wind and choppy sea, there was no swim stop on route to Sipan. Eventually, we came to the calmer waters nearing the marina. Because of the wind and current, it took our captain 3 attempts to dock - much Croatian yelling took place during this ‘excitement’.

Whilst we had a quick walk around before lunch the crew had been busy cleaning all the surfaces of salt spray that we had encountered in the wind.

Lunch again consisted of a 3 course meal - soup, lettuce side salad, fish, potatoes and vegetables, finishing with fruit salad. Yum! Wish we could bring the cook home with us. We asked if she was interested. Sadly she declined.

I have said before we have 20 passengers on board. A Croatian couple who are celebrating their wedding anniversary, Noelene from New Zealand, the rest are all Aussies. Rose and Slavno (Gold finger) are lovely and really trying to communicate with us. Obviously their scant English is far better than our few Croatian words! It is very difficult for them.

Again, Sipan is very picturesque. We can still feel the wind but we are docked in a protected section. The sun hasn’t yet decided whether it wants to be out. One minute we are hot the next cool.

Sipan is very quiet but pretty. Apparently there are only 2 shops open - both selling only food. Some of the group have walked to a protected bay which is again rocky. John is having a lie down trying to get rid of his ‘bug’. I am about to go and join him. This is so relaxing!!! I would recommend this cruise to everyone - and no, I will not get commission for this! Cruising sure beats the bus version of the trip. Having your own cabin to have a lie down in and your own bathroom to use whenever you want as well as being able to remain unpacked for 8 days is wonderful. The crew are all very friendly and helpful. We really are experiencing the best of both worlds.

As I type Steve is relaxing on deck enjoying the sights, Gert is reading yet another book and we are enjoying the Croatian music being played on a CD.

After a brief rest, John and I explored the island - so many beautiful old buildings dating around 1900 but most are derelict. I asked some questions from a local - his English was limited - he told me to ask at the hotel. The receptionist explained that many people have just left and gone to the big cities. There would be very few jobs on Sipan. She explained that the families who have left their properties are hoping they can sell to rich Russians.

I am stunned at the number of cats on the island - everywhere you look you see cats. Some mangy but mostly healthy looking.

The group had dinner at one of the 5 restaurants on the island. The food was very good. John and I must seem like ‘party poopers’ but we again retired early due to feeling unwell from what we figure is the Croatian flu. Sadly others are starting to exhibit the symptoms- sore throat, sniffles and cough. John’s anti biotics seem to have done the trick for him - he is sounding much better.