Croatia Day 10

 Day 10: Lopud and return to Sunsail Base in Dubrovnik

Today was our last day at sea. Breakfast was an attempt to eat as much of the residual food as possible.  We had french toast with the leftover eggs, maple syrup, croissants and bread, as well as a variety of yogurt, jam, and cheeses. We finally finished the pound of Starbuck's French Roast that we had brought with us, and had to break into the Croatian coffee.  We were all glad that we didn't have to drink that all week.  It was TERRIBLE!

After breakfast, we took a short hop to Lopud, just next door to Šipan and one of the three largest and inhabited Elaphite Islands (Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep).  Lopud is 2 sq. miles and boasts a 16th century fort (which we never found), and a pretty park.

We anchored in front of the waterfront

and took the Luca Uber in to shore.

We walked along the waterfront promenade lined by shops and restaurants

and came across Darđic Park.  It was founded by the Venetian baron Augusto Mayneri.

We passed pass under an arch which was decorated with various shells and peaces of blue murano glass. It is said that it reminded the Baron on Venice.

Jeri and Suzy quizzing a local chef about the greens he was collecting along the promenade.

The art shop had a mirror that everyone liked.  It made you look taller and thinner.

We decided to pass on the myriad churches in favor of a hike to the old fort.

The walk was beautiful, the first part up a couple of hundred steps.

The views of the harbor were stunning, but we kept climbing (as did the temperature).

We finally came upon someone on her way down who informed us that we still had a fair bit to go, and the fort was not much to see (though the views were great). So we began the trek down to the harbor.

We decided to give one church a look-see, Church of St. Mary of Mercy, that dominates the harbor. Built in 1483⁩⁦, the beautiful Church of Marija od Špilice or Mary of Spilice was constructed as part of Lopud Island's Franciscan Monastery.⁩

After fortifying ourselves with gelato and some fruit from a local vendor, we called our Uber driver.

We had an hour and a half trip back to the base and we took a slight detour to see the Hotel Kompass where we first stayed from the water.

After passing back under the bridge, we headed up river to the base.  When we got there, we realized how savvy Luca was regarding getting gas the day before.  There was a line at the gas dock of no fewer than 20 boats, including one megayacht that Luca claimed would take about 2 hours to fuel.  We just waltzed into our slip without as much as a glance at the gas dock.

Suzy was relieved to not have to cross the gangplank again (actually she still had a couple of additional times, but was actually a pro now) and both she and Jeri showed Luca their appreciation for bringing them home alive with big hugs.

Molly, too, made great strides in comfortably crossing the gap. (Carole and Jeri were pros from the get go)

The marina filled with Sunsail boats as they finished at the gas dock.

Before dinner, we finished the remaining, beer, wine, cheese and crackers and had dinner at the marina pool restaurant.  This was our only bad meal of the week (but also the cheapest-you get what you pay for).

After dinner we all packed and retired early.