Kayaking around Dubrovnik

ZzzWhen we arrived in Dubrovnik we saw kayakers out in the bay. Jan expressed a desire to do it while we were here. I was a little more reserved as I have had some rather unfortunate experiences and know how tiring it can be. With all the other distractions we had let it slide. Today our intention was to go to Lokrum Island. This is a national park across the bay that serves as the recreation area for all Dubrovnik residents. Before heading to the port to catch the boat we went to the Information office to see what concerts are on tonight. While there Jan spied the kayak flyer and instantly decided now was the time. I had said that it would be best to do it in the morning when the sea was calm because afternoons are choppy and hotter. I was a bit reluctant as I wasn't prepared with sun screen or cover but as a group was about to leave we had to do it NOW.  We pay up and get rigged out and we are the first to launch. We paddle out and see a group huddled together so we power out to the group. They move off and we paddle along with them. Getting our system going was a bit tricky but the kayaks are much easier to handle than Canadian canoes. We go out round the island passing the monastry, then we head into a cave. When we pull up to the group to hear the commentary, the leader takes one look at us and asks what we are doing. We think we are part of his group but he says emphatically we are not. We are a bit concerned that we are going to be dumped. I feel like the ugly duckling, very unwanted. We stick with the group past the nudist beach where a lot of older people are sunning themselves and swimming. 

 Kayaked past this beach

I love the fact so many older women here go swimming. We beach in a cave and another group rejects us. Where was our group? We had left them behind and needed to wait for them! Eventually our group turns up. Gorgeous Stipan is relieved we didn't drown and we all have a good laugh. We catch up on the info we didn't hear and then stick with our group on the homeward leg past the harbour and along the foot of the walls back to our starting point. Stipan says our technique was pretty good for first timers and we kept up with all the young ones. We had kayaked 7.5 kms and spent three hours kayaking, swimming and snorkelling. My arms were tired and I was a little pink but it was a fun experience and Jan loved it. Apparently it isn't uncommon for groups to get mixed up. 

After a shower and  a refresh we ventured off to Lokrum Island. It is a half hour boat trip and only 70HRK. The island absorbs lots of people but doesn't feel crowded. We set off for a rocky point we passed in the kayaks but end up amidst the nudists. Wrong path! The sign says no photos and no clothes. We retrace our steps and strike out for the Monastry instead. The paths are very rocky and Jan is wearing new slip on sandals instead of her runners and finds the going slow. We find the monastry and also a lot of almost tame peacocks. Many had chicks.

 

I saw a little black rabbit with upright ears amongst the formal gardens developed by Maximillian from Austria. We get distracted by the shady cafe and have some refreshments. Jan then decides to have a squid salad, and I have a beer and feed the peacocks bread. Maxamillians gardens 

 Monastery

Now we are looking for the swimming place after passing the arboretum that has several eucalyptus trees. Drawn by some lyrical guitar playing we return to the wharf and sit in a little bar drinking Grappa( plum liqueur).

  

  Finally we get to the water for a swim. There are lots of families and grand parents swimming and a row of rather round old women in swimsuits all gossiping. We are feeling pretty mellow and I am a bit sunburnt from the morning.  It has been a great day. To top it off we have a chocolate, caramel, peanut and biscuit crepe, shared to halve the damage! Wonderful. 

Tomorrow we leave for Zadar. The receptionist is impressed we went kayaking and then books our seats on the 11:00 am bus to Zadar. We are paying for it, but we are getting outstanding service. It is nice to have that assistance. Back to budget places tomorrow.