The Wobbling Sprocket

Today we climbed back to Labin and then on to the port of Brestova about 25K away. The road follows the coast. Along the way we stopped at the overlook:

Then it was on to the ferry, which had plenty of room for everyone interested in a lift to the island. It’s about a 1/2 hour trip. The water was calm and blue.

After the boat landed we had a bite to eat and then climbed up to the ridge of the island and on to the town of Cres (same name as the island). It feels very Italian. It is very Italian. Most people are speaking Italian.

Here are Barb and Janice enjoying a relaxing moment in Cres.

Tomorrow is a free morning to pretty much do whatever, sleep in, go for a bike ride down the island or head to the beach. There isn’t much traffic on the island and there are roads that cut down from the main one along the spine of the island like fishbones to the shore. There is plenty to explore. There are also a couple sanctuaries for Griffon’s vultures which are endangered. They are large birds that can weight up to 30 lbs and have a wingspan of up to 3 meters. They also are fast, being able to dive at 70 miles per hour.

From Motovun we took the back road towards Pazin. I left the van in Motovun and rode with everyone for the first 2o some k of the ride. I must have forgotten how hard this section is. The year before we did this with panniers. I don’t know how we did it. There was a little bit of whining, but not a lot.

Here is a pic of Bob and Barb. That is Motovun in the background. This is before any serious climbing began. Bob and Barb were just featured in the Health section of the Washington Post that deals with the benefits of climbing on a bike.

Here is the Post Article 

Once in Pazin we toured the Castle which is interesting for its torture devices. Pazin is also known for its spectacular gorge which is said to have inspired Jules Verne.

We then made for the coast and Labin which overlooks the coast. We took a break to climb the somewhat scary bell tower before heading down to Rabac.

It wasn’t really a long day, but the climb out of Motovun is a really good one which takes a little time.

Here is the Bell Tower in Labin.

Motovun lived up to all memories. Spectacular view. Mountain top village. Cobblestone plaza. There is really nothing not to like about the birth place of Mario Andretti.

Plus, it's not often where we walk into a place and the proprietor insists that we ALL have a glass of wine or a beer on the house. the owner of Panzione Antico, Tomislava, did just that. Plus more free drinks after dinner.

Everyone took the high road to get there. It's anything but easy. Some of the grades are are at 18%. That just made the welcome all the more welcome. It's only 6ok from Divaca, but it's a 60k that most people feel pretty good about having accomplished. For anyone reading this, there is also a low road that is just as scenic and there is nothing wrong with that option.

In the morning we had a chance to walk around the walled village. As per usual the valleys below were filled with fog while the sun shone on us.

The more time I spend in Croatia, the more I like it.