Woke a bit earlier than normal and moved the van to a fresh spot. Greg grabbing the opportunity to get sunrise photos for a change. A leisurely breakfast and morning stroll then business….

We’d emptied a gas bottle a couple of days ago but the local service stations wouldn’t exchange our German tank. Our wine growing host from the previous night had suggested a place that would refill the bottle but it wasn’t open on weekends. Today was Monday so we put the location in the GPS and set off. Down a driveway behind a house was a busy little building. They were great and filled our empty bottle then topped up the current one and all for about half we’d paid to swop a bottle in Austria. So many enterprising businesses being run from backyards. Is this a legacy of Communist rule?

We visited the local town proclaiming Roman ruins but they weren’t much.

Meandered down the coast and found a quiet spot metres from the sea to park up for lunch. Very very chilled, fresh bread, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce and white wine. And hummus! The hummus here is so good! Denser than back home. Lazed around then made coffee. Unlike NZ the seagulls don’t hang around. They remain floating on the sea. In fact no birds come around for our crumbs.

Moved on further down the coast to another spot for an afternoon stroll.

Then carried on further down to Pula, or at least the southern edge where we’ve parked up beside a little cove. Just parking on the side of the road but no signs forbidding camping tonight. The sun will set over the water again tonight. Oh and bonus, there is a small bar a few metres walk along. Drinks and wifi so I’m typing and Greg’s editing photos. Think we might eat our dinner down on the waters edge later.

The outlook for Tuesday, your guess as good as mine…

Rain woke me early hours of the morning. The overhead pine trees causing it to fall in irregular tones. C’est la vie. Que sera sera. Raindrops are falling on my….

But the sun rose on another clear morning sky. Moved on to a small bay for breakfast.

Our morning walk took us around the edge of that bay then we scrambled up a stony path to find ourselves at a huge huge resort – totally empty. Obviously waiting for the ‘season’ but it seems strange that such a huge place should be closed for half a year. Until coming through to the main entrance and seeing the sign. Naturalist! Guess it’s way to cold to get together in the all together.

I’ve just finished a book club book ( not the one I was meant to be reading this month) and it’s written from the viewpoint of an anguished poet about another anguished poet and life etc etc. I expect it’s been influencing my writing a little but I hope the words I’m writing float off the page and create images in your mind.

The Adriatic is amazingly clear. The sunlight projecting dappled lines over the white stony seabed. It’s also very gentle, no waves but the water level still rises and falls with every breath, covering and exposing the rocks with just gentle ripples.

Heading south now, back over to Rijeka but via a different route. Up and over a high mountain pass (Ucka) Snow again but that’s fine when the suns shining. The wind is bitterly cold up there tho. I admire the views from behind the windscreen. Greg gets out to take photos.

Went to Krk on the island of Krk. Parked amongst the roadworks and walked into the old town. Tuesday lunchtime, the place is closed. There are workmen repairing roads, people cleaning and painting. Everyone is gearing up for the tourists. Leaving us to wander down empty lanes between closed up buildings and skirting around dug up squares. Find a small coffee bar inside a castle wall for coffee then a little bakery and buy Burek, the Croatian version of a pie. Moving on.

God almighty, no one wants our business. Went to the small family run camp in Malinska we were planning on staying at and they’re ‘ no we’re closed. Come back next week or go to this other place 15km away’. We know that other place is closed too as we couldn’t even drive past it in Krk. So find another quiet little bay and free camp again. Damn,I was looking forward to wifi and a washing machine. Hopefully better luck tomorrow and I guess we’re saving money. Greg’s contemplating a swim. He has been mentioning it for a few days. It’s 13 degrees so he’s relating it to the mid winter swims at Pauanui with the Sorrells. I will take photos. Well he did and enjoyed it.

Different view tonight. Once again over water but this time we’re looking back at the mountain range we crossed this morning and the city of Rijeka below it. Will see the city lights tonight instead of the setting sun. Large container ships anchored up waiting their turn in the refinery at Bakar. A few more waves over here but still not much. The colours in the sky are just amazing. Very single night.

Life is good.

Enjoy where you’re, with every minute. Tomorrow is a privilege not a right.