We are continuing with the island hopping in Croatia. The weather serves us well and we have pleeeenty of wind so our diesel tanks are still full. Our first stop was the Veli rat on Island Dugi otok (eng. Long Island). This was our favorite stop since we knew that we would have a free internet, great showers and laundry machine! Showering is possible also aboard with warm water available only when the motor is running. So, the best time to shower is during or soon after motoring (when usually also everyone is hungry and something good has to be cooked really fast!) which is convenient also as hair dryer uses so much energy that it can also be used only when the motor is running:) Up to this point this is only a theoretical option as I have never been able to combine all of these things at the same time. Captain decided that we will go to the scout trip on Dugi otok. We explored the island and made a bow – extra motivation for the kids to walk long distances. We parents are full of tricks :)
 

Also, our homeschooling began. Barbara is announcing every day the school hour and both, Lana and Zan are at the same desk resolving the tasks they are given by the unforgiven teacher. They are quite interested – who would not be having the individual class?
 

The next day it was time to sail towards Split where we had a minor repair of the Lazy bag in the plan. We sailed for two days (we sleep anchored) with the strong westerlies and had beautiful downwind sail. We also tested our new whisker pole and the Captain was happy and proud that it turned out good :) 
 

We really enjoyed the Split town. We had convenient anchorage nearby bus station with the line directly to the old city center. The market of Split is full of local vegetables, fruits (lemons, oranges) and fishes from local fishermen so it was shopping time – and feast time! Lana found strawberries and couldn’t resist. We also found excellent ice cream and tried almost all flavors! In Split there is very big park that locals call it Lungs of the Split – it is beautiful hilly pine area with a lot of walking paths to the top of the hill that serves the beautiful scenery of the surrounding islands and other panoramas. 

But soon, much too soon the Captain said that it is time to sail further. We were heading to the Mljet national park with short stop at the Hells Islands where Lana and Zan found their first starfish this year. We decided to stay longer here since the National park offers really nice scenery and walking paths – the water is still much too cold for the water activities so we have to find other ways to explore the island and to give our Captain plenty of exercise as otherwise he gets grumpy:) especially with the kids running around the boat with their endless energy:). It is said that the island was once home of the Ilyrian pirates as it was located near Roman sea path. They believe this to be true as numerous amphoras and galleys were found at the sea bottom along Mljet. The island is blooming with all sorts of wildflowers - 30 different orchids are just starting to bloom. We climbed to the highest point in the national park and since the Captain missed the right track, we actually climbed to the top! Kids of course liked it very much, but Barbara was not so happy :)

The next stop will be Dubrovnik, where we will meet with our friends and the boat will be crowded. Definitely, there will be a lot to tell next time!