Bici, Amici and Italy

​ One last parting shot from last night in Zadar sunset.  The following morning we get an early start as there is a chance of afternoon showers at our destination of Zaton.  We pass through some lovely coastal towns before making a turn inland a bit.  Most of the day is through teeny tiny hamlets in a landscape that has changed a bit. It is rockier and seems more arid.  I don’t think we passed a single bar/cafe the whole day.  The excitement of the day was when a very large herd of sheep and goats is completely blocking our path.  The shepherd said we could go through and the two sheep dogs were nonplussed by our presence. Although the sheep parted a bit for us to slowly weave our way through, they too did not seem too bothered by us. We couldn’t believe we got to experience this!  There were lots of ruins. The first one below had a story associated with it about the Templar Knights.  Later in the ride the fields and hillsides were covered with an...

​We leave early to get to the ferry.  As it turns out there was no need to rush as the twenty or so locals that boarded, most arrived minutes before departure.   It was about a five hour ride to Zadar on a very calm and sunny day.  There were five stops before Zadar on various islands.  All looked intriguing and gave thought to future adventures.   We get to Zadar and check into our apartment.  We are right on the seafront in the old town with a view of islands across and passing ships and ferries.   Our first impression of the town was that it might be a little shabby and less mesmerizing than some of the other recent towns but we quickly find out differently.   There is an abundance of charm in the old town and dripping with history.  The walls and fortifications are UNESCO listed and are quite ornate and interesting.  And yes so much charm and beauty.   And the evenings here are truly magical.  Viewing the sunset from the pr...

​We reluctantly say goodbye to picture perfect Rovinj.  After leaving the city limits we reach a pedestrian cycling only path that clings to the sea.  The Adriatic Sea is so inviting and the path is lined with what looks like some kind of red pine giving us cool shade for many miles.  Most of the day is right on the sea’s edge with a few deviations slightly inland.   We take a dirt road that is very pleasant with a few puddles from yesterday’s deluge.  We come across a rider who tells us it is too muddy to continue.  He looks at Diane and I and says , I don’t want to insult you but I think the path ahead is too muddy.  It is probably alright for you ( then looking at Al and Jim) but you (looking at the females again) might lose your balance in the mud and fall.  We chat a bit further and waiver on whether to push onward into potential danger or to turn back and find another route.  We agree let’s try it. It turned out to be nothing and we had...

​We left our lodging in Motovun to begin our ride to Porec on the coast.  Looking back at Motovun.  The rain began immediately.  As a result not too many pictures were taken on this day by any of us.  Nonetheless it was lovely rural landscape most of the day. Lots of vineyards, farms and tiny stone hamlets.  These memories are only in our heads now as cameras, rain and cold wet fingers are a bad combination.   We did stop in a small town at a bar to get something hot to drink.  Despite our best efforts to not make a mess, we unfortunately left pools of water on the floor and seats. We apologized to the bar keep upon exiting.  Hopefully he understood our need! The weather did improve by days end when we reached Porec. Here is our little studio apartment in the old town. Diane and Al were a short way at a different place.  The sun even made an appearance for our evening exploration and we enjoyed a nice dinner in a restaurant recommended by our...