Canapes and Coffee in a Croatian Cove - A sailing day to Brac Island with Mountain Action Holidays
I have a file in my phone entitled ‘Photos I Want On My Care Home Wall’. It's full of pictures of the most happy and memorable days of my life, days I can point out to the care assistants and say “Look, I was young and adventurous once”. Well, I've now got a whole new load of photos to add to that file, from one sunny day in October...
It was in the middle of a Mountain Action holiday that I and my fellow holidaymakers sailed to Brac island, just off the coast of the small town of Omis in Croatia. It was a clear, calm day and, as we boarded the boat via a narrow little gangplank, the anticipation levels among the group were high. We were welcomed aboard the boat by its owner and our captain for the day, the effervescent and charismatic Mario. As it was a relatively still day, Mario started the engine and off we chugged out of the harbour into the bay. The sky was a cloudless blue and the waters were calm as we headed out to sea. Mario kept us amused with his stories and anecdotes of sailing trips previous and, despite my slight worries about the possibility of feeling nauseous, either my anti-seasickness wristbands (purchased from Boots the Chemist back in the UK) or the fact that Mario's stories were a great distraction meant that I had no problem at all.
Time flew past and before we knew it we were entering the harbour of the little island of Brac. The sun was shining and the buildings shone in the reflection of the light bouncing off the water. It was as though the entire town had been whitewashed and scrubbed clean just for us. As it was slightly out of season, the town was very quiet and we wandered around marvelling at the ancient buildings, narrow streets and picturesque churches before stopping for a peaceful coffee in a harbourside cafe.
Climbing back on board our yacht, we set off for a small cove about 10 minutes sail away. Fresh air and all our exertions climbing the steep steps in Brac had given us all a good appetite and while Mario prepared lunch, we took the opportunity to swim, snorkel and paddleboard in the crystal-clear waters. Despite it being October, the water was still warm with sunlight reflecting off every small wave. Much to our amazement, Mario produced several platters of beautifully presented canapes; warm, crunchy, tasty little snacks which increased our appetite even further. They disappeared in a flash. He then brought out two piping hot savoury pastry plaits which were followed by homemade cheesecakes, individually served in little jam jars. The food was all home made by him and his wife and was all completely delicious. Wine, beer and fresh ground coffee were also on offer, as was the most delectable walnut digestif, again produced by Mario himself. The exhilaration of being on board, the cosiness of dry clothes after a refreshing swim and the delicious food, not to mention the warm fuzzy feeling of that walnut liqueur sliding down into our tummies all contributed to the sheer contentment and the beatific, eyes-closed, leaning-back smiles of relaxation.
The breeze had picked up by now, not hugely but enough to put some wind in the sails and thrillingly we were able to sail back home. Several of the group took turns at the wheel which was extremely exciting and provided an opportunity for the menfolk to look manly, competant and serious (the mother-in-law will be getting a framed photo of her son at the wheel as her Christmas present!)
It had been the most perfect day, the kind you remember and dream about on cold, damp, dark days in November. The sailing, Mario himself, the company of other people, the glorious scenery, the sunshine and not forgetting the amazing lunch all contributed to this brilliant, memorable day. Sorting through the photographs now, there are so many that are worthy candidates for the wall in my Care Home. Come and visit me there one day, and I’ll show you.
