Mljet National Park/Korcula, Croatia
Today was marked by a great change of pace. From the closeness and heat of the cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor, we went into the openness and cool tranquility of Mljet National Park. The day was about free choice. Do I want to visit a 12th century Benedictine monastery, swim in big lake Veliko Jezero or the small lake Mali Jezero? Or should I take a kayak to paddle? Maybe we should try to do it all? No, that would be too much like work.
Instead, many of us got trail bikes and took a small side trip that followed an untrammeled road. Quiet, green, romantic and scenic as we rode around the lake to an outlet to the sea. The island people have erected a sea fence at the seaward inlet to Veliko Jezero, which prohibit motorized or large ships from entering their sanctuary and destroying their serenity. We were all appreciative of that, as we made the best of the fresh air and water, and the smell of the pines and oaks.
On board for lunch, Ken Roberts reminded us that today was Memorial Day, and we all took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many brave veterans, and the profound purposes behind them. After a slow but sweet sail with a light wind in the afternoon, we came into the charming little medieval town of Korcula, capital of the island of the same name. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula has intricate Venetian architecture combined with a country charm from the traditional agricultural villages that dominate the island. We finished the day with a community display of the traditional Moreska sword-dance, passed on from grandfathers to fathers to sons for over 500 years.
Today was marked by a great change of pace. From the closeness and heat of the cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor, we went into the openness and cool tranquility of Mljet National Park. The day was about free choice. Do I want to visit a 12th century Benedictine monastery, swim in big lake Veliko Jezero or the small lake Mali Jezero? Or should I take a kayak to paddle? Maybe we should try to do it all? No, that would be too much like work.
Instead, many of us got trail bikes and took a small side trip that followed an untrammeled road. Quiet, green, romantic and scenic as we rode around the lake to an outlet to the sea. The island people have erected a sea fence at the seaward inlet to Veliko Jezero, which prohibit motorized or large ships from entering their sanctuary and destroying their serenity. We were all appreciative of that, as we made the best of the fresh air and water, and the smell of the pines and oaks.
On board for lunch, Ken Roberts reminded us that today was Memorial Day, and we all took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many brave veterans, and the profound purposes behind them. After a slow but sweet sail with a light wind in the afternoon, we came into the charming little medieval town of Korcula, capital of the island of the same name. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula has intricate Venetian architecture combined with a country charm from the traditional agricultural villages that dominate the island. We finished the day with a community display of the traditional Moreska sword-dance, passed on from grandfathers to fathers to sons for over 500 years.
