Saturday, July 4, 2015

Niamh's Homework

Phew! It's been a busy few days which is why we haven't updated for a while. Let's see if we can remember what we've done....

We left Monfalcone in Italy and had our first border crossing of the trip into Slovenia. Joy soon turned to tears (not really) when Matt realised he had some BIG problems with his rear wheel. He had a 1cm hole in the rim and some broken spokes. No bike shops open so we soldiered on carefully. Then the first big hills of the trip made for a puffing, panting and swearing Niamh....seriously, I was not impressed. All was forgotten when we arrived at the lovely Dujceva campsite in Skoflje with host Emilijana. Next morning, we strolled to the impressive Skocjan caves before cycling a half day to Ilirska Bistrica where we over-ate and relaxed for the evening.

The following day brought a super easy 30km downhill ride to Volosko where the bike saviour fixed Matt's wheel and gave both bikes a full service. This took an extra day so we had no choice but to have a rest day in Volosko, swimming in crystal clear waters and sampling Istrian delicacies....bike touring is bloody tough sometimes.

With the bikes fighting fit it was onward and UPWARD to Senj, via an unexpectedly hilly Rijeka. Amazing views of the islands at sunset made up for the hard day. The next morning began with a 15km climb from sea level to 800 metres and then on to Babin Potok near Plitvice National Park. Our kind host directed us towards a back door entrance to the park which we used the next day. Waterfalls and turquoise waters, more stunning than anticipated and all for free...bit naughty really. The picture below doesn't do it justice as it's a photo of a photo...thanks to Matt's prehistoric sd card.

Anyway, then came the time for a 3 day slog back over the mountains to the coast. We have just arrived in Gracac and the 80km today was actually more pleasant than expected.  Now reposing in an apartment all to ourselves where the owners just drove us to an atm, did our laundry and gave us strudel -another result!

My turn to write the blog was well overdue. I've been promised crisps if I finish my homework. Enjoy the photos while I go reap my crunchy reward.

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