FINAL THOUGHTS ON CROATIA

Croatia was one of my top destinations that I was really looking forward to visiting. Croatia lived up to my expectations, perfect weather, miles (kilometers) of beaches, affordable accommodation and yes, very appreciative and welcoming hosts. English was spoken, nearly everywhere, I was never frustrated trying to get my needs met. I rode with TWO WHEEL TRAVEL Carolyn and Tyler, again. It’s great to travel with experienced touring cyclist, that being said, I still prefer to travel “alone”. The freedoms traveling alone like choosing your accommodation, food, riding distance, basically everything is in your control (as best it can be).
I crossed into Croatia late in the day and stayed in a casino hotel, as their only guest.

LAUGHING WITH EVONNE IS SOMETHING I’LL NEVER FORGET,
It’s amazing that such a simple thing as crossing a border can change so much: the people, landscape, food, customs. Croatia was definitely it’s own country. I camped at one of the many “NATURE CAMPS”, (nudist camping). It was the closest camp to town, so twist my arm? If you want to see old men who’s balls hang lower than their penis (I looked), then this type of camping is for you.

THIS CAMPER HAD ONE HUGE BALL, LOOKED LIKE IT HURT!
My laid back attitude towards biking long and hard has caused some discomfort. Like the day it turned dark in Rovijn and I had to sleep along the road with a street light in my eyes all night. But it also encourages you to get up early and have breakfast on the pier. I thought Rovijn was one of the nicest cities I visited in Croatia, wish I had stayed longer there.

THIS PICTURE FROM ROVIJN IS MY FAVORITE OF THE WHOLE TRIP, SO FAR (that doesn’t have people in it).
The traditional stone huts of this region of Croatia were awe inspiring.

I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN “STONED” INSIDE (next time).
The roadside fruit stands were super and when I say that, it was the people who operated them, always super friendly.

WHEN I LOOK AT THIS PICTURE IT PUTS A SMILE ON MY FACE 🙂
In America there’s a long running joke that Duct Tape is going to save America from falling apart

APPARENTLY AMERICA IS GOING TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD FROM FALLING APART TOO!
All types of tourist make Croatia their destination, I couldn’t resist taking this photo of this guy from England.

I THINK HE’LL GET NOTICED NOW!
After camping with 6 other touring cyclist in Trogir, I headed to Hvar Island. I stayed at DINKS PLACE

DINK TAUGHT ME A NEW HAND SIGNAL
I rode to Stari Grad, which I learned is a UNESCO designated town as being one of the oldest cities in Europe.

THERE WERE SO MANY SPECTACULAR IMAGES IS THIS TOWN, I HAD TO PICK ONE (this one).
The ferry system needs to re-engineer itself and be made more bike friendly.

THEY CAN BRING BOATS ON A BOAT WHY ARE BICYCLES SO DIFFICULT?
It was a long ride from Karcula to Dubrovnik, after many failed hitchhiking attempts it finally pays off. It only took 6 months to get my first ride. I had heard so many good things about Dubrovnik I could hardly wait to get there. But then the travel burn-out factor hit me hard. I felt like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, I didn’t want to get out of bed.

CARRYING ALL MY GEAR UP THESE STAIRS WAS THE LAST BIT OF ENERGY I HAD (it’s twice as far as you can see)
I spent 4 nights in Dubrovnik, walked the city walls, bought my Pirate shirt and ate some great food. The chilly mornings are a reminder that I need to go SOUTH! Biking on the islands or country roads is fine, but big city traffic and a non-existent shoulder requires I take the bus out of town. For geography challenged Americans (including me) Montenegro is the next country.

I recommend visiting Croatia if you get the opportunity to. Especially if you like wine and olives, their everywhere. The history, people, climate and geography (biking, swimming, boating) offer something for everyone. I don´t recommend the causal cyclist attempt biking here unless their experienced.
ALL THE CROATIAN PHOTOS ARE HERE
Sorry if you feel rushed through the next couple blog post I really want to write about where I am now, ALBANIA
RIDE YOUR BIKE, CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL, ALL CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL BE EFFECTED. LET´S LEAVE A SUSTAINABLE PLANET THAT ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD CAN LIVE ON.
NEXT? 24 HOURS IN MONTENEGRO (not enough)
THANK YOU FOR READING
JEFF