2008
Following up our passion for kayaking we decided on a cheaper European break for this summer following our Antarctic expedition. We should have known better as the pound plummeted in value. Still, it turned into a lovely trip. We were to start in Dubrovnik for a weekend, move on for a week's kayaking around the Elafiti Island before moving onto the Peljesac peninsular for some beach time.
Dubrovnik old town is really quite small, but superbly built, perched on a set of rocks overlooking the Adriatic. It has been rebuilt following the war and is now on every cruise ship itinerary so don't expect it to yourself. Incredible amounts of swifts flying through the narrow alleys add to the atmosphere
Just offshore from Dubrovnik and accessible by a 20 minute boat trip is Lokrum. I am sitting on the "beach" reading Adrian Chiles' book about the Baggies and their fans. Very funny.
We were self-guided for kayaking so armed with a couple of Lasers, detailed maps and nightly accommodation we set off. Conditions were perfect with only one rough day and we managed to cover up to 32k per day. Staying in little guesthouses most of which provided free wine was great and we also camped for one night on Miljet.
We eventually went to Orebic for our beach time which was sorely needed by me as I had torn a muscle in my back on day 6 of kayaking and could barely walk. Jonna even had to carry the rucksack to the airport (hee! hee!). Jonna in expedition mode, with the rudder in the water.
Me, powering through the Adriatic.
2014
Using Zagreb as the entry point for a trip to Slovenia allowed a single night in town at the end. Staying in the graffiti-zone near the railway saation still left us only a 15 minute walk to the centre. Pretty much closed due to Easter we saw the main sights and enjoyed beer and food in a square near the centre.
A nicely laid out park with impressive building.
An older building next ot the main Cathedral.
