Novi Vinodolski, How Happy are We?
Our motorhome is sat on a rock (N45.11476 E14.81478), in the little shoreside campsite of Punta Povile, looking over the Adriatic to Krk island. Somehow the place tops our last campsite on the idyll scale. In nearly 8 months travelling, we’ve found few spots more beautiful.
A mini whirlwind of activity had us on our way this morning. Grey water, bin and loo emptied, fresh water and washer bottle filled, tyre pressures checked, air suspension inflated, dry washing retrieved, pots (plastics) washed and stowed. Bill paid (came to about £25 a night without leccy). Time to go, reluctantly.
Our Hrvatska road map has a big orange arrow on it, one of many, this one pointing to Opatija. The arrows all point to Lonely Planet man’s recommended spots to see, and they’re conspicuously clustered over the fold, on the southern side. We decided to go have a look-see.
As the road smoothly spilled along the mountain side, small sea inlets appeared, each with a tiny harbour. No doubt tight fishing communities once clustered around them, maybe they still do. The hills are pressed up against the water all along this coast, leaving only the sea horizontal. I can only imagine fishing would support families here, until us tourists arrived.
The small sign for Opatija points down a steep path to the right. Dave easily fits and quickly the town reveals itself. I’m reminded of Torquay, at least before the cheap booze and stag parties rubbed away its character. The place is an enlarged version of the villages we’ve passed, and is packed. A decision is needed between a parking battle and cruising onwards. Lidl calls, we cruise on. Lidl shops are advertised here from miles away; the record stands at 19km.
Lidl. We love Lidl. Judging by the way other motorhomers gravitate to them, we’re not alone. Today’s shop was a big one, over 500 kuna (about £50). Wandering the isles looking for the weird and wonderful, I grabbed some sneaky photos.
Looking at Croatia’s coastline, we’re in the armpit area. Fitting that this area be occupied by Rijeka. My opinion’s formed purely from the perspective of a passing motorist, but it appears pig ugly in comparing with where we’ve come from South East of it. Graffiti and tower blocks, huge ships hauled up for repair, heavy traffic. We didn’t hang about.
Another hour cruising smooth tarmac dropped us here. It really is stunning. I’ve snorkeled (of course) and there’s a weird reverse thermocline here. The top foot of water is chilly, and turns treacle opaque when you wave a hand or fin through it. Water clarity report:it’s incredible, ten meters of visibility maybe?
Anyway, Charlie’s whining, time to go see if there’s a bar around showing the football.
Cheers, and happy weekend folks, Jay
please tell me jay was screaming ‘i’m the king of the world!!!’ in that first piccie!
xoxoxo
I wasn’t, but I was THINKING IT! Love, Jay aka The King
Hi Guys,
Jay, does Dave ride a lot better with air ride suspension, or just a bit better, we’re thinking about getting one, but can’t make up our minds.
Regards Val
Hi Val! I can’t feel any difference in terms of ride. As our leaf spring suspension is so old it creaks and makes clonking noises. Inflating the air ride stops all the noise, that’s the only reason we use it. Cheers, Jay
Could be a wise move to pop back to Lidl for that inflatable Kayak, the rain we’ve had in uk this last week has been incredible, with more to come over next couple of days.
And it`s heading your way guys,so be prepared !!
Jay, the shorts look mighty long and very low cut too, be careful when you dive in, they might end up around your ankles, or worse still you could lose them.
Have a great weekend guys!! chill out and relax !!
atb Mike aka East Leake Flyer.
ps. what`s the latest on the door hinge ? which piece is broken, male(has fixed pin) or female (locates onto pin)
Hi Mike. You’re right about those shorts! An old fella whipped his off for a sunbathe yesterday. I’ve no intention of following suit into my birthday suit, but if I did lose ’em, I’m not sure anyone would notice.
The female part of the hinge went. With a combination of metal mesh, liquid metal, knowledge gleaned from repairing it 6 times and securing the two halves of the door together, we seem to have a good fix. Champion.
Rain? What on earth? It’s all rocks and parched earth outside. Are you sure it’s coming down here? :)
Cheers, Jay