This morning started early around 6:30 when we were leaving the harbor in Stromroska. The clouds were absolutely stunning and darkening the sky. Thought we might get some rain but luckily we didn’t get any… Yet.

On our way to the island Hvar, we had an amazing breakfast and got debriefed about our trip today. On this visit to Hvar, we would be doing two tours in one day. The morning would be about a 15 mile round trip to the city of Jelsa, and then back to the harbor of Stari Grad.

At 9 o’clock we headed out toward the city of Virsnjk, which would he the the highest part of the route. With storm clouds ahead of us, we headed through ancient Venetian wine fields along a hilly and winding road. The smells of the foliage, fruit, and rain filled the air. It was MAGICAL.

We then went through four small towns; Vrbanj, Svirče, Veisnjk, and Pitve before arriving in Jelsa. The way up was much more lush and green than yesterday on Šolta.

Upon our arrival to Jelsa, we had the opportunity to explore. Mom and I decided to go see a fortress with a nearby church called the Ascension Parish Church. We couldn’t go into the actual church because it was Sunday and mass was being held, but you could hear singing and prayer the whole time we walked around the fortress. This church was built in 1604 by the order of Bishop Petar Cedulin.
Upon our arrival back into Stari Grad, we got back on the boat for lunch and had a break before the second leg of our trip to the city of Hvar.

Right when we started off the clouds opened up and it began dousing us in water. Our guide Petra asked if any of us would like to go back, and of course we said no; we were already soaked! It turned out to be a blessing that we got rained on because it kept us cool for the 7 miles uphill. I can’t say that I’ve ever biked a 10% grade but I can now!

From the top of the mountain, it was just a 7 mile trip downhill into the city of Hvar. Once we got into town, we got off our bikes and walked them to the harbor (biking through town is forbidden). The views along the way were beautiful stone walkways and large temples.

After some hazelnut chocolate ice cream, our captain picked us up and we headed out to sea to anchor. It was REALLY cool to watch the captain basically parallel park the boat and leave the harbor in less than 10 minutes! They are some skilled seamen!

The harbor master doesn’t let anyone dock in the harbor until 7 o’clock, so we had to wait an hour or so. Long enough to shower, relax, and have some dinner.

By the time it was 7 o’clock, the clouds had really rolled it. It was blackening around us and lighting was flashing across the sky. It was a sight to behold while eating our dinner. The clouds once again let loose, unfortunately dousing my shoes that I had put on the line to dry. After the clouds cleared, a few of us went to get drinks on the town, followed by being rocked to sleep on the choppy sea.