Day 12 - June 8

 We had an early start this morning. Had to be ready for the bus by 7:45. 

Headed down at 7 for the hotel breakfast and what a spread. Good grief. I can't even think about all that food. I just headed to the yogurt and had my typical. And of course, I added the half chocolate croissant. I've got to get back to some sort of my normal eating. I've had so much sugar here. Eating dessert regularly and not just a bite! Eating the whole thing several times a day. But that is a plan for forward, not for what has already happened.

We drove a short distance and disembarked for our hike. It is a beautiful warm day. We hiked over rocky trails and through the mountain side until we arrived at Cilipi, about 4 miles. We watched a folk dance presentation here which was enjoyable. The music and dance displayed was the traditional Croatian. Afterward, we viewed all the local wares for sale and went through the local museum. Back on the bus, we headed for lunch in the town of Cavtat. 

Lunch was really good. And of course, it is just another spectacular seaside village in Croatia. So lovely. Matt and I got different dishes today and shared. It was a good plan as it gave us a chance to try different food. We celebrated Bill and Pat's 50th wedding anniversary today. Tamara got a beautiful cake for them and we sang to them and then all shared in the dessert. And they added free coffee and Prosecco! It was a nice time. I'm reminded how many things have to go right to make it to 50 years. That was all I ever wanted but it is not to be for me. In the meantime, I count my blessings. I'm here with a man I love who loves me and I have wonderful memories of the two men that loved me before. Many good things to be happy about. And of course, the sadness is present too. Such is the nature of life.

After lunch, about half the crew boarded a boat to head for the Old Town. Matt and I decided to walk to the Mausoleum at the top of the hill in Cavtat. It was a short walk and the views were beautiful. Those of us who did not board the boat took the bus back to Dubrovnik and we will spend the rest of the day here.  

After returning to the hotel, we donned our swimsuits and took a dip in this incredible pool at this hotel. Wow. It is enormous and so lovely. We didn't last long. Neither Matt or I are avid swimmers but we enjoy a dip. We cleaned up and headed out to explore. We walked and walked and walked - along the promenade and then back up a million stairs. We found our way back to a Pizzeria near the hotel. Neither one of us were feeling like doing the fine dining along the water front. Pizza and a salad was great for us. It was good and we enjoyed it. After dinner, we got a gelato and started walking again as we shared the cone.

We walked to the Cococabana Beach. It was a bit of a walk and we got stuck on the wrong side of the fence trying to return so that made it even longer. But the sunset was gorgeous and everywhere you look, it is beautiful. The weather could not be more perfect. Warm enough to never need a jacket and just lovely. 

We finally got back to our hotel and we are both tired! 27,000 steps today and lots of them were uphill. 

Tomorrow we visit Old Town Dubrovnik. It is our last day here. Hard to believe it is ending.