Weather delays and naming days

Well I had been warned... the wonderful world of boating has and always will be dictated by the weather. Never plan too far ahead nor promise to be somewhere at a set time, as the weather forecast will always have the final say. Rain, wind, snow flakes... we've seen it all this week and so begins our intimate relationship and attachment to the constantly changing elements of Mother Nature. 

The boat still sits on the hardstand more than a week later with little work started on hull maintenance due to unfavourable conditions. A mix of sun and rain through the week (clear sunshine is required for the hull anti-fouling painting) followed by seasonal winter 'Bora' winds (in the vicinity of 60-70 knots or around 80 kms per hour) which brings intense northern winds off the snow covered coastal mountains. There were even a smattering of snow flakes swirling around outside last night. It's bloody freezing. Yes we sure came to Croatia nice and early!!

With warmer weather expected over the coming days - we are hopeful the three coats of anti-fouling paint will go on very soon and she'll be in the water mid week (fingers crossed). Of course, we have no time limits but are just keen to move into our new home. But first to test the diesel heaters are fired up and working efficiently!

To pass the days this week we've driven north to Zadar and south to the historic yet brilliant cosmopolitan city of Split. We plan to return to Split with the boat so will snap some photos at a later date. 

In a major step to make this boat our own - she has now been officially renamed - and the final task required to complete the Australian registration. Below: the end of an era for Herbert and Angelika's beloved Symphony - though many adventures lie ahead for the long-awaited new member of the Darling family!

Boom! A new Darling family member is born!

Dinner at Kezo Restaurant in Murter. With little (nothing) else open at this time of year, we've frequented Kezo almost every night for the past week. For two courses and beer/wine at $15-20 per head... it's hardly worth trying to prepare something ourselves in the little apartment. Coastal Croatia is heavily Italian influenced - we've had our fill of pizza, pasta, fish and squid.

Another road trip to fill some time - one hour's drive north to cool Zadar.

 

Bloody Queenslanders! Though with howling "Bora" winter wind storms blowing off the snow covered mountains it was barely a few degrees above zero these past few days.

Captain Morgan = $16. Malibu = $15. Bacardi = $19... and rum, bourbon, vodka are much the same... looks like the boat bar will be well stocked!