Our problem with the steerage is still with us. Paul is consulting N.Z. and England, Luca in Croatia and Austria, to find a solution to a large problem.
In the meantime Paul and Niels are trying to find an even more temporary, patch-up solution. Niels uses and O-ring and has been able to put the hydraulic hose together so we can get to Korcula, an island closer to the mainland. We get there without incident and anchor at the north end of this very long island, amongst a whole lot of smaller islands with seaside houses built with white stone and terracotta tile roofs. Many houses also have attractive dry stone walls.
Chris and Bernie walk about 6 kms to town. The rest go by tender to this very interesting small renaissance town. The girls are looking for a birthday present for Nicky who is 25 tomorrow, and have luck finding fresh water black pearl bracelets. MB and Bernie find a lady to make a birthday cake, after, they set off to explore the town. It is stunning ringed by imposing defenses. The town cradles a harbour watched over by several imposing forts. The buildings are all stone many with ornate columns and sculptured coats of arms. There are narrow streets with a lot of greenery from palms and creepers. We visited St. Marks cathedral, Rignica museum and the Marco Polo museum. The locals make a great deal out of the fact Marco Polo was born here, with many souvenir shops in his name. It is believed Marco Polo was taken prisoner by the Genovese when they attacked Korucla and ended up in Italy and finally in Venice.
We had dinner at a recommended family restaurant 'Konoba Komin', on the waterfront. The food was good the local red wine was not so good. We finished with a fiery Croatian grappa. We are all quiet merry after this and on the way back to BP we stop to hear a local band playing Johnny Cash and go dancing.
JB and Mick