Crikvenica

We had a lovely time yesterday in Primosten. It was a good move, arriving about 1.00pm then having the afternoon on the beach. The town really came alive in the evening though when all the yachties mo ored up.

Today we had the best ride of the whole trip heading north along the coast but first the road went through some built up resorts and then headed inland. At one point we reached a large village where we saw the only significant evidence of the war in Croatia. Collapsed, ruined or empty shrapnel pitted buildings greatly outnumbered those that were inhabited. The streets were empty and nearby were the warning signs outlining a minefield. What had happened to the people here. Had they fled? Are they dead? How many mothers lost their sons and husbands? It reminded me that we've seen few middle aged men here. There's plenty of old & young but men in there 40's & 50's are thin on the ground.

An hour or so further on and were came to a wonderful stretch of tarmac which went on for about 80 miles. Small narrow coves separated by the shoulders of mountains with the road following close to the water level and new grippy tarmac gave perfect biking conditions. It would have been ideal on a sportsbike but I got my little GS to lean over more than its ever done. Fantastic!!

We're now in a B&B in the seaside town of Crikvenica. The Tourist Agency ( or Tourist Biro as they're known here - disappointingly I didn't get a free pen!) suggested this place and rang the owner who came on his scooter to show us the way. His build and gait remind me of Fred Flinstone though he's in shorts and t shirt not skins. He's a large man who appeared on a little scooter wearing a workman's red hard hat perched on his head with no chin strap. The whole time were following him he rode with one hand as he was busy talking into his mobile phone with the other! Berto's Motorrad Pansion is great. we have a clean spacious room with balcony overlooking the sea, with breakfast for €30 again. Great! this evening's meal was also half the price we've paid elsewhere.

Tomorrow we return to the EU, crossing Slovenia and up into the Dolomites of Italy