We decided to go island hopping in Croatia, because the coast road was very touristy. The islands are beautiful and people are friendly.
However, we were not impressed with the ferry service in Croatia. Trying to get off the island of Korčula from Vela Luka, the first ferry departed at 5.15am. The next ferry was at 6.15am - and then there were no further ferry departures that day. The next problem was finding where the ferry departed from: We went to Zadar Port with plenty of time to catch our ferry to the island of Cres, but could not find it. Another ferry company suggested it maybe departed from a pier in the old town of Zadar. With our fully packed bikes, we rode faster than any Tour de France rider back to Zadar and found the ferry less than 10 minutes before departure.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the best for us in Croatia. It was quite cold up in the mountains and frequently rained, so we got cold. I have cycled in mountains in quite extreme heat and cold on my journey, and I find the cold more challenging because after working up a small sweat uphill, I get very cold downhill. I also dehydrate easier because I don't feel like drinking cold water when I'm cold. Arriving wet, dirty and cold on a bicycle at the end of the day at one particular accommodation wasn't fun either, when the owner clearly preferred clean and presentable tourists.
I have great admiration and respect for touring cyclists, who bike in cold regions of the world. I've been in touch with François Lemancel on my journey. He has cycled in -28°c in Mongolia. I couldn't do that, but I'm so impressed with his stamina, tenacity and his amazing photos.
In Croatia we crossed the 45th parallel north. After spending much time in tropical parallels, I have enjoyed recognising plants and trees I have in my own garden at home. I have also cycled in most time zones. I'm now cycling in the same time zone as Denmark, so not long to go now!
The Croatian statistics:
Total distance cycled: 446km
Number of flat tyres: 0
Number of rainy days: Only two days without rain 😔
Longest day: 99km
Highest temperature: 15°c
Lowest temperature: 2°c