Day 13. Monday 13 April.

Caught the 0945 bus to Vrboska, about 23 km from Hvar Grad. Route took us to Stari Grad, then to the car ferry terminal, then back to Stari town, on to Jelsa, then our destination: arrived after 1100. There were a few roads taken that weren’t on the direct route: perhaps they were special pick up points. The route showed us fields of olives & vines & veges & dry STONE WALLS (UNESCO cultural heritage).

The bus stopped on the edge of town which is a small fishing/ boating (very expensive) port & the driver pointed the way to the certainly …we were seriously in need of breakfast. But – nothing open except a bar/café that didn’t serve food. We know the drill…the season hasn’t opened, workers are still getting ready by cleaning & polishing furniture.  Studenac came to the rescue with various small croissants, feta and spinach sticks, and a banana. Consumed this gastronomic delight on some alley steps out of the wind.

 Neighbourhood watch lady poked her head out of a door, wished us ‘bon appetit!’ then withdrew back inside. Coffee was good and a table of men next to us who were on to beers was chirpy. Every café depicts octopus…T could only dream!

Tourist office was open and was able to inform us that pretty much everything was still closed because it was pre-season, including the flash fishing museum.  We had noticed, but the good news was we could visit the outside of two main churches, although they weren’t open. So we did.

The first was St. Lawrence’s Church, and right next door was a lovely vegetable patch ready for the growing season.

We were able to peer inside this church.

About 100 metres further along was the Fortress Church of St. Mary of Mercy.

Walked along the waterway, where there were maintenance jobs being undertaken on very big, expensive vessels. Not at all pleasant, as there was a strong, cold wind blowing off the sea.

On the return leg, we stepped INSIDE a tiny chapel at the marina; maybe for supplications or thanks for a good catch.

Meandered back along the canal, crossing the small stone bridges, not quite Venice but so comfortable in this pre-season. More small vegetable patches have been prepared, contained by dry stone walls. The chirpy men hadn’t moved on…presume they were up to date with boat jobs.

Our return bus was 1400, so back to the bus stop to wait – bus arrived early, and departed before the due time, but there didn’t seem to be any folk running after it.

Trip back was reverse of the early one, but a lot quicker – didn’t even stop at the ferry terminal even though a ferry was approaching. Road rules were apparently not mandatory: no need to actually stop at Stop signs, speed limits were for guidance only, and perfectly fine to drive one- handed while talking on your mobile. D put on his seat belt.

Overall, a nice day’s adventure.

At Konzum, onion & beef mince sourced for tonight’s bolognaise. D gets his meat.