Change of Scenery
Croatia Stage 11 – Fri 29th May 2015 – Zadar to Novalja (76 Km)
Today’s leg was the longest so far and included two fairly decent sized mountains, so it was a matter of head down and tail up and just keep grinding away. The scenery for the first few Km after leaving Zadar and heading inland was fairly uninteresting, with none of the beautiful coastline I have been enjoying so far. But then as I neared Pag the landscape changed completely to something unlike anything I have ever seen before. Was I in Afghanistan or perhaps even the other side of the moon? There was not a blade of grass to be seen, nothing but rock, but it had a strange, stark rugged beauty that mesmerised me and helped take my mind off the tough ride. I made good time and arrived in Novalja around 2 pm, in time to skype Melveta before she went to sleep.
Novalja is not a bad little seaside town, with its share of caffe bars, restaurants, pizzerias and fast food shops along the promenade and a harbour with lots of boats. Summer is only two days away and there are signs that party time has arrived, with lots of young people around town and alcohol flowing freely. At the villa where I am staying there is a mob of young Germans who were already well on the way early in the afternoon, so I don’t think I will be getting much sleep tonight.
Tomorrow should be a much easier day with a total of only 40 Km of riding, punctuated by two short ferry rides.
Wow that looks hard core. Where was the fast food? Loving your blog, doing some catch up reading. Wish I were there, it’s starting to get cold back here in Sydney. Love Trudy
I have spent the morning looking at all your photos and reading your blog great photos.You were in the wrong job for a long time maybe you should be a writer. Time to get up now enjoy the rest of your ride. Be safe and hope u pick up the right stranger (laugh). Lots of love Melsx
You are indeed doing well my son – a window into a country I’ve never visited, and full of surprises. I’m particularly impressed by the recent moonlike landscape – much like Greek islands I guess, with the usual stunning villages. What quality the beer and wine??? Paul j