Croatia
As is the norm when Mom and Dad visit, after some time in Ireland we head for (hopefully) warmer climes. This year we decided that Croatia would fit the bill. Arrived in Dubrovnik, found our apartment (after a crazy helmetless scooter ride hugging our host – to drop off our car), and dove into the city to find something to eat. The first night, as per our host’s recommendation, we had a great dinner at a Bosnian restaurant.

First view getting away from the airport.

Mom getting us some snacks at the market.

The start of walking the old town walls.

After a couple of days wandering around Dubrovnik we headed up the coast to explore some of the islands. We found that most of the areas were quite dead as the summer tourist rush was winding down. We based ourselves on the Peljesac Peninsula in the small town of Orebic.

Got up early one morning for an AM run up the highest mountain on the peninsula, Mt Ilija (967m). Beautiful trail running with views along the coast and overlooking the islands.

We took a ferry out to the island of Mljet and spent some time hiking around the Mljet National Park. It really is an unspoiled oasis of tranquility. (says the guidebook-I agree)

Malo Jezero, one of two saltwater lakes in the park. In the middle of the lake is a 12th century Benedictine Monastery.

We kept seeing these strange movements out in the water. On our hike around the lake we were able to identify these huge jellyfish!

Next day out to the island of Korcula.

In Korcula town, we were sitting down for dinner and heard a big commotion outside. Entering the old town was a huge progression of musicians and people walking a bride to the church. Leading the group was this guy waving the Croatian flag.

Our final view of Dubrovnik.

On our last afternoon we spent the day in Cavtat, a small little village near the airport. One last stop to swim in the gorgeous Adriatic Sea!