Croatia Cycling: Day 9

Day 9: Mljet Island
Distance: 46.3km
Elev Gain: 1125m

Itinerary Description

Today we ride the length of Mljet Island. The winding country road cutting through the green hills takes us high above the water – the views over the Adriatic are breathtaking! Once in Saplunara, we set sail to the Elaphiti Islands, an archipelago stretching northwest of Dubrovnik. Only the largest of these islands, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are populated. They have a long history, thought to be inhabited since ancient times; churches, chapels, and crumbling villas dot the landscape with a mixture of pre-Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

What I Will Really Remember

(1) Easy /ˈiːzi/ (adjective)

1. achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.
Ever since half of the group parted a few days ago, we were promised 

• less driving - check!
• more sailing - check!
• easy cycling?

46.3km is still one of the bigger bubbles

Today's 1125m elevation gain is the highest of the trip so far. While I pressed on to keep in the mix with the other riders, I am definitely regretting that second glass of wine last night! 

2. (of a period of time or way of life) free from worries of problems.
On the other hand, with all the climbing, there were several descents that were straight, smooth, and easy to descend "free from worries of problems." As someone who learned to bike with a major fear of downhill, I never thought I would actually enjoy descending. At one time, I checked for on-coming traffic to pass wide on a long descent. This is Robin Williams' description of cycling: "the feeling as close to flying as possible"!


(2) Sailing, SUP and Swimming
After cycling, our catamaran picked us up from the southern side of the island. While there was not enough wind to put the sail up, we got to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and swimming in a cove. I've lost count the number of times that I dove into the warm Adriatic Sea in this second half of the trip. The crystal clear blue water full of aquatic life just beckons me every single time! <3

(3) Chasing Michelin Star

Tonight, we enjoyed fine dining at an intimate waterside restaurant.

The restaurant doesn't have a menu, and you order by simply choosing between a meat, seafood, or vegetarian selection.

This octopus dish is the signature plate that is hoping to be the ticket to earn a Michelin star!