Croatia: Day 7

 Day 7: Korčula

Another stunning morning.  As per our now morning routine, Rich and I were up at 6 to get the coffee going (it took until 7 to get the water to boil-just kidding, but it seemed like forever).  Then we started getting breakfast going so by the time the crew was up and about, breakfast was ready.  Everyone pitched in with setting the table out on the deck, as well as clean-up (not to mention doing a great job eating).  A true team effort.  I enjoyed cooking breakfasts which got me out of all the clean-up chores (but don't tell the rest of the crew my secret).

After breakfast we motored to a great swimming spot with a beautiful backdrop of a working Franciscan
monastery.

David inaugurated the swim with a nice front dive in layout position, garnering him perfect 10s.

The water was a bit brisk, but refreshing (for all but Jeri who kept watch on the boat), and then we raised our anchor and left for  Korčula.

 Korčula is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic (slightly smaller than Hvar), approximately 29 miles long, covered by Allepo pines, with a mountain range with elevations around 1800'.  It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was first named Korkyra Melania (Black Corfu) by the early Greeks. It has been fought over by the Venetians, Croats, Genovese, and Turks. we had great views of the old town as we motored into our dock for the night.  We reserved space here when we first came onto the boat on Sunday (for almost 300 Euros!).  Fortunately, because we got heere early enough, we got a great dock space.  

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When we arrived, the docks were practically empty,  

By the time evening rolled around, there were wall-to-wall boats

The first order of business was to drop off laundry at a tiny laundromat right at the marina, find an ATM and find a gelato shop. The laundry was run by a tiny Asian woman  who claimed she would have the laundry done by 6 (it was now around 1). If this were in the US, it would take days. 

The ATM was a 5 minute walk and

miraculously, the gelato was 10 steps away from the ATM.  

Don't tell the Croatians, but they are giving away gelato.  This was expensive at 3 Euros.

The gelato was also within shouting distance of the main gate to the old town.

The old town sits on a peninsula, surrounded by walls first built in the 13 century and later reinforced with towers and bastions by the Venetians after they invaded the city in the 1400s.  The main gate is fortified by a large tower, the Revelin, built in the 1300s.

At the height of land is St. Marks Cathedral, and its bell tower, built in the 1400s.

Jeri was game to climb the bell tower with me for the views.  We immediately decided that Molly and Suzie made the right call to watch from below.  The climb was initially on a very tight stone spiral staircase and then a more open stair the last 30' or so to the bellfry.

Once up there, the ledge was extremely narrow, open, and very windy.  zBut, the views were wonderful!

Molly, Carole, and the Daves.

The narrow curved streets brnching off the main road were designed to mitigate the Bura winds that effect the region.  We were actually able to experience this first hand.  The streets were comfortable with little or no wind, but when we walked to the end of one of the lanes and exited the town near the water,  we felt the full force of the Bura with white caps and sea spray over the road.

Behind St Marks is the birthplace of Marco Polo, according to the Croatians.  Venice also claims Marco Polo as its favorite son, but Croatia's argument is compelling.  The DiPolo family lived in Korćula for centuries, and though MP's father probably traveled to Venice at some point, there is no evidence that he relocated there. In 1298, the Genovese captured MP during a naval battle against the Venetians in Korćula.

His home is now a museum dedicated to his life and times.

There was a small tower in MP's home that afforded great (though not as good as St. Marks which was at least 3 times the height) views of the harbor and a nice spot for photos.

Make believe this is Molly and Dave

Dave and Molly never showed up for the picture shoot.

We then descended to the water front (where we were met by the Bura wind mentioned esrlier) to get a nice view of the tower.

We were pretty tired after a long day on the water and in town, and since we never had any lunch (not counting gelato), we decided on an early dinner.  We found the pizza restaurant that Luca recommended (actually found him eating here) and ordered 4 pizzas and left Dave to act as our UberEats guy while we went to pick up our clean laundry and get the boat ready for a pizza feast.  

The laundry was all clean and folded and neatly packaged in palstic wrap, all for 25 euros each.  Much better than washing in the sink and air drying.

Wee were all looking forward to a long hot shower on shore at the marina showers, and headed en masse with our soap, shampoo and towels.  Sadly, there was no hot water.  This was very disappointing, considering what we paid for the slip. Back to the boat for another Navy shower.