The next few days are mild and pleasant – which also means the wind has died down. We drift leisurely across the water, enthusiastically setting the jib sheet and making slow but steady progress with the occasional tack. When all else fails, we use the engine. In a bay, we're greeted by a small herd of donkeys, standing obediently in a line next to an abandoned summer cottage, who greet us with a loud, hearty bray.
The following evening we found a great mooring buoy in a prime location in a bay, but unfortunately had to flee from a boisterous party crew from
Austria – their music was echoing across the entire bay. Luckily, we quickly found another quiet mooring spot, and Frank saved the evening with his famous vegan Bolognese. Delicious!
The Kornati islands reveal their most beautiful side. Behind each island awaits a new, breathtaking view; the sea glitters in countless shades of blue, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins or swordfish. The journey takes you past ancient fortresses, lighthouses, and impressive rock formations.
A particular highlight is our trip to the Grpašćak fortress in the Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok. Steffi learns how to start the outboard motor (and immediately takes it for an extra spin) and then we finally have solid ground under our feet again! We hike through pine trees, enjoy the expansive view – and are joined by a pretty, curious cat who accompanies us for a while.
At our next stop on the island of Iž, we enjoy a final burst of late summer atmosphere. We refill our water and batteries, treat ourselves to an ice cream, and simply relax. Our last stop takes us to a tranquil, beautiful bay – time for one last, albeit rather chilly, dip in the sea.
On our last morning, we were greeted by rain and an icy north wind. We returned to Biograd, to the charter marina – and the next day, thanks to the boisterous regatta crew on the boat opposite, we set off for the airport in the middle of the night. Around 2 a.m., we started walking and reached a suburb of Zadar at sunrise. No longer angry, but so tired that we could barely keep our eyes open. After such a long time on the road, we were looking forward to being home – even if it would be much colder there.
One Last Drift
The next few days greet us with mild and gentle weather – which, of course, also means the wind has disappeared.
We drift leisurely across the water, hoisting the jib sheet with moderate enthusiasm and making slow but steady progress with the occasional tack. When nothing else helps, the engine takes over. In one bay, we're greeted by a small herd of donkeys standing neatly in a row next to an abandoned summer cottage, loudly braying a cheerful “hee-haw” in our direction.
That evening, we find a perfect mooring buoy in a beautiful bay – at least until a lively party crew from Austria takes over the peace with their music echoing across the water. We make a quiet escape to another spot, and Frank saves the night with his famous vegan Bolognese. A masterpiece!
The Kornati Islands show themselves from their most beautiful side. Behind every island lies a new, breathtaking view; the sea shimmers in endless shades of blue, and with a bit of luck, we even spot dolphins or swordfish. We pass old fortresses, lighthouses, and striking rock formations – a constantly changing panorama that never gets old.
A special highlight is our trip to Fort Grpašćak in the Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok. Steffi learns how to start the outboard motor (and, of course, takes it for an extra spin!) before we finally have solid ground under our feet again. We wander through pine forests, soak up the sweeping views of the Adriatic, and are joined by a pretty, curious cat who decides to walk part of the way with us.
On the island of Iž, we enjoy one last touch of late summer. We top up our water and batteries, treat ourselves to ice cream, and simply let our minds drift. Our final stop is a quiet, picturesque bay – time for one last swim, even if the water is already a little chilly.
The next morning greets us with rain and a biting north wind. We return to Biograd, back to the charter marina – and the following night, thanks to the party-loving regatta crew on the boat next to us, we set off for the airport at 2 am By sunrise, we're just outside Zadar. No longer angry, just sleepy – and content.
After so many weeks on the move, it feels good to think of home again. Even if it's much colder there, the warmth of the sun and the rhythm of the sea will stay with us for a long time to come.
