We started in the Aegean, sailed south and around to the Ionian and now find ourselves with full sails in the Adriatic Sea. Along the coast of Croatia in the Adriatic is the island of Hvar. Hvar is not only the name of the island, it is also the name of the harbor and the name of the town. It is considered to be the sunniest and greenest of the Croatian islands. Patches of lavender, rosemary, and heather all contribute not only to the greenery, but also to the economy and distinctive scent one experiences when walking along the warm waterfront. Hvar is an easily manageable town to navigate and the myriad of scenic, narrow street passages don’t even have names. With a variety of church towers as landmarks and the highest point in sight, Fortress “Spanjola” it was easy to independently explore after a leisurely orientation and introduction with our local Croatian guides.
We found a rather serendipitous bonus in the main square or “pajca” of town. Today was the last day for a massive open air National Geographic photographic exhibit by Davor Rostuhar called “Croatia From Above.” What an incredible setting to showcase the beauty of Croatia; marble cobble streets, colorfully shuttered Venetian architecture, the Cathedral of Saint Stjepan, and a backdrop of history dating to 4th century B.C.
The afternoon waned from exploring the sights to window-shopping to embracing the afternoon iced coffee tradition. Swimming in the clear refreshing waters at harbors edge was also an option.
For the evening we gathered for a special “sea shanty sing along.” Crew of the S/Y Sea Cloud gathered in crisp white uniform just as a lopsided autumn moon rose over the horizon. It seemed more of a united howl at the moon as we joined the crew in song to the rhythm of the shanty…
Singin’ bell bottom trousers, coats of Navy blue,
He’ll climb the rigging like his Daddy used to do!
