30 April 2023 - Luka Polace, Mljet

Sometimes, when there is no wind, the mooring buoy can bash against the hull, and, as our cabin is at the front of the boat, this can be quite an annoyance when you are trying to sleep. Thankfully this didn’t happen in the night at Zaklapatica. There must have been just enough of a breath of wind for that not to happen, but we got up to calm water. As it’s quite cold at night, still, there is loads of condensation on the deck, until 2 or 3 hours after sunrise, when the warmth of the sun has dried it up. Today, in addition, there was also thick mist over the sea to our north, as we exited the bay, into a glassy sea. Thankfully we had good visibility close to us. Other than seeing very few small fishing boats, we had the sea to ourselves, until we were closer to the island of Mljet, around lunchtime. We had motored for a couple of hours, then were able to sail, when a nice gentle breeze started to fill in. On completely flat water this was very pleasant. 

I missed it, but Steve spotted a turtle going past us in the other direction. Righteous! (Finding Nemo quote)


Two fast cat ferries came and went to the west coast of Mljet, as we approached. They shift at 25-30knots, so there’s no worry about who will pass in front of who. They are always going to fly past us. It is such a cool vessel. Two other ferries passed too, with beautiful timing to be out of our way, before we arrived at the entrance to our chosen bay. 


The view back to Lastovo town, perched in the dip of the skyline, with the oldest Lighthouse on the peak to the left. Glassy sea.

Our view of the ruins of a Roman Palace


Polace lies in an almost completely enclosed bay, with twists and turns around the shoals of rocks to get in. 


Our friend Stevo had arranged for us to take up a mooring buoy belonging to one of the restaurants. We had a marvellous welcome. Polo’s son shot out to help us attach to the buoy. Shortly afterwards, Polo, the proprietor of the restaurant came to discuss our order and arrange our dinner time. As the restaurant is not open yet, he delivered our meal to the boat. We had a tasty appetiser of tuna and anchovy salad, followed by a main course of ‘Brodet’, a fish stew, served with polenta. It was absolutely delicious; one of the best meals we have had in Croatia, if not the best, all washed down with Polo’s wine and a digestive of the local fire water. What could be better after a day out on the water? 


Our dinner arriving, match this Deliveroo..

And then the feast 

Miles today          25

Miles in 2023     347

Tricia (& Steve)

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