Dalmatian Coast October 1, 2018

The mood and the nature of the trip has changed dramatically during the last few days. After the go go go of the first part, it now much more relaxed (other than having to sample a lot of Raki and wine and beer, all of which has been great). As Marion mentioned yesterday, we had an opportunity to go swimming in the Adriatic sea about two kilometers off the shore of the island of Mljet (the ‘j’ is a ‘y’ and it is pronounced me-yet, or close to it).

Yachts tied to yachts tied to yachts

We docked right at the dock on the island. Docking space is extremely limited so another yacht tied up to the MS Adris and the passengers marched through the MS Adris to get ashore. Then another yacht tied up to that one and the process was repeated. I think by the end of the day, there were 9 yachts all tied up to each other as the passengers streamed back and forth trying to figure out which yacht they were actually supposed to stay on. We thought that we would just try our key in all the cabins labelled 12 until we found a door that would unlock.

A sneak peak at Mljet

We spent the night moored at Mljet. Mljet is a beautiful green island that is really unique as islands go. Mljet has a rather larger fresh water lake offset to one end of the island. Offset to one end of that lake is another island in the fresh water. Some of the buildings were build during the 12th century. The Romans found their way to this island as did a group of Dominican monks who decided that it was a perfect spot for a monastery.

Crystal clear water at Saint Mary Island

At one point the monks decided that the mosquito population was just too much to deal with so they destroyed the thin strip of land between the fresh water lake and the sea, thereby letting the salt water mix with the sea water killing off the mosquitos. Somewhere along the line, someone realized the mixing of the waters was a big mistake so they rebuilt the strip of land and eventually the lake recovered.

A sample of the stonework that covered the island

Samples of the stonework that covered the island

Then along came their leader (I think it was Tito) who ordered the strip of land blown up because he could not get his yacht into the lake. Anyhow, I think the strip of land is back in place again. The island is now a national park. (Read more about Mljet here)

The hand built stone sea wall surrounds the entire island

So after breakfast onboard, we gathered on shore, took a 3 km hike though this beautiful island to the base of the lake. There we boarded another boat and took the trip across the lake to Saint Mary Island where we explored the very intact monastery and the island. Unfortunately due to financial pressures the monks had to abandon the island. We could not begin to comprehend the thousands and thousands of hours of work that it must have taken to place and cement the millions of stones in place that made up the monastery, the walkways, sea wall, the out buildings, and the list goes on. There were even remains of stone building from the Roman era.

Trails and walls, all hand laid stone

Back on board the MS Adris we sailed to the island of Korcula where we docked near the Old Town. Again, just an amazing history unfolded as we explored the dozens of narrow passageways that constitute the streets. One of the strongest religious histories that we have seen today. In addition to a guided tour of an incredible church we had the privilege of going through a museum, the like of which we have never before experienced. The entire museum was dedicated to preserving Christian artifacts from all through the Balkan countries. Unfortunately, no photographs were allowed in this museum. (Read more about Korcula here)