16 October 2022 - Muline, Otok Uglian

This was one of the days when everything was not quite perfect but it worked out OK in the end.


We started by going ashore in the dinghy, as we had seen that there was a shop in the village. When we were there yesterday, it was closed and we were reluctant to hang around for an hour or so until it reopened. As we were needing fresh bread, we went again this morning, this time going directly to the side of the bay closest to the shop, which was open. However, they did not have bread as it was a Sunday. Slightly frustrated, we bought a couple of other things that we may need, and then rowed back to the boat.

We had been happy to spend the time doing this, as we were not planning to go far. As a result, it was late morning before we were ready to leave.  The fishing nets that had been laid down around us last evening had all been removed overnight, so our trip down the 2 mile long bay was uneventful.

When we reached our intended stopping place, we put the anchor down, but were sure that it hadn’t bitten properly.  When it came up again, there was a small forest of weed hanging from it, and we concluded that we were not going to get a satisfactory hold in that bay, so did some replanning.

Our next choice, given the forecast wind direction was about another 12 miles further on, so we set off for this.  Even then we were unsure about the level of holding and protection that we would get, so we looked for another contingency alternative, which proved to be even further away.  We don’t like anchoring in unfamiliar bays after it is dark, and with the days drawing in quite considerably now, we knew we had to crack on, to give time to move to Plan C if that was required.

This being Sunday, every bloke in Croatia seemed to be out in his boat fishing.  They are mostly small boats that go very fast, and then stop and put out their lines while they drift.  It means that we have to be very aware of everything that is going on around us, to avoid any close contact with these vessels.  This all adds to the time and slows us down a bit.

Anyway, when we arrived at Muline South, we found the bay empty, so we dropped the anchor and it bit pretty securely, first time.  We deployed a diver to check again, but were content that with the protective hill in front of us, and light winds overnight, all would be well.

During the evening, three other boats chose the same bay, but it was all very quiet and peaceful.

Miles Today - 14

Miles 2022 – 1447

Steve (and Tricia)

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