Dalmatia continued

10th Sept
Drove to Plitvice national park, which was fab but very crowded. Turquoise waters with loads of fish. Climbed up to cave ....without Peter, who suffers from Vertigo & took a boat across one of the lakes.

11th Sept
Peter went off to Slibenek on bus.. had flat tire en route and had to change buses! Took double the time to get there. Al, Brent and i had quiet day. Headed into Zadar, updated blog and bought postcards. Went for a swim / snorkel back at 'our' beach.

12th Sept- my birthday
Drove to Palenka National Park. Steep rocky gorges were exhausting in high temperatures, so we didn't get to the mountain hut. Enjoyed watching climbers and found a nice beach for a swim after. Went to Nico's restaurant, recommended in Peter's book, for birthday meal. Brent didn't enjoy his pasta and his Northern thriftiness came out a bit too much. Found a bar afterwards with good live music, so had a good birthday bop.

13th... bye bye Peter and Alec. We had a fun week with glorious weather. Drove down the coast to Murter island, where we are staying on a cool campsite in pine forest beside the sea. Croatians seem very humourless to the point of seeming unfriendly....shame. Rained during night and disco some distance away was quite noisy.

14 Sept...
Duller and cooler but pleasant day for a rest. Walked into Tresno-village between mainland and island. I was desperate for a coffee and the toilet. Puzzled when no chain or visible means to flush the foresaid toilet even though there was a cistern. Led to some embarassment. Made a quick exit back to campsite. In afternoon set off for a walk from one end of island to the other – 5 miles in all. Wind was picking up all the time. The night was spent wondering whether the tent would blow away. This was made worse because pegs wouldnt hammer into rocky ground. In the end decided to anchor it to the ground with rocks.

15th Sept
Camping takes its toll on 55 year old back but early morning Tai Chi sorts it out. We head off in sunny weather to Krka National Park. Spectacular walk along waterfalls on different levels and finish off with a swim in turquoise blue waters at the foot of the falls. Visited old town of Sibernik. Picturesque narrow streets in lovely evening sunshine. Lin found carrying stuff was heavy...only to discover she'd picked up the menu from the pizzeria! Oh dear! Back at campsite Linda is thrilled to find phone to wish sister Shirl a Happy Birthday!

16th Sept
Lin here. It's 7.30 and we've managed to find a great little apartment outside of Split, right on the sea front. Very friendly family run place and very well equiped...have to say I think we need to learn how to barter as they were clearly delighted by our 35 euros a night offer...oh well...it's just not English is is? Before getting here we were 'attacked in town by the lovely Nena, who wanted us to have her apartment and really didn't like it when Brent said he'd like to look around a bit first...well done Brent. You did us proud!