Korcula

We rose early on our last morning in Split as we had to make a 7 am ferry. Ouch! By now we had acquired sunglasses and were prepared for the 5 hours ahead as we cruised towards Korcula, one of the largest islands along the coast. The journey took us through so many islands and we passed lots and lots of yachts. We can only imagine how busy these waters must get in Summer in peak season given the thousands of yachts we saw docked in harbours along the coast.
We arrived in Korcula and the ferry dropped us right next to the old town which gave us a great view of the city walls as we approached.
Korcula's old town is on a small spit of land and defended by walls, the streets were designed to let the warm breezes from one direction flow through the town but to block the cold winds from the other - smart thinking!
We got a great little place to stay in and grabbed a bite to eat there before heading in to town for a coffee. The day had been very muggy so far and hazy making it difficult to see the distant islands. As we sat on the waterfront walls we heard a crack of thunder and saw a sheet of weather heading our way. One by one we saw the yachts reeling in their sails as the weather hit them, then it hit us and all the cafes along the front were madly pulling in umbrellas and menus. Nick even lost the froth off the top of his cappuccino!
By the time the rain hit we were safely inside but we got a touch damp on the way home. The storm didn't last long and afterwards the air was so much fresher and clearer it was lovely.
The next day we left Mum and Dad early for a quick dip which was pretty cold but very refreshing. We met up again and headed to a nearby town on foot, the walk was pretty warm in the sun so we went for another swim in the bluest sea imaginable. In the water was loads of sea urchins (Adam managed to catch one of the prickly things), fish, sea cucumbers (look like poos) and anemone. It was pretty tricky getting in and out of the water though as it was off a rocky 'beach' that we were swimming.
We continued walking about the town and ended up passing through some beautiful vineyards on the way to another beach where we found a brilliant little place for lunch. We all shared a platter and between the good food and amazing location it was a great lunch.
We ended up having to get a water taxi back to Korcula which gave us a chance to sober up after trying the local brandy at lunch (mum!).
It was so nice to be able to spend a bit of time on an island, the scenery, peacefulness and weather made for a great couple of days.

Photos: The view from where we had lunch, A street in the old town, Gabrielle enjoying her favourite food, The view of the old town from the ferry, Enjoying the sun and the company.