One of the good things about writing this particular blog, updated only intermittently, is that it provides the perfect opportunity to stand back and do some strategic thinking - where have we been; where are we going and other “life in the universe” questions like that!
In fact though I am still very passionate about the role of dogs in all parts of our lives, including work, a number of strands came together soon after I wrote that last posting in late 2014. Various events led me to believe I had a good long term prospect of building up my retirement pot a little by continuing to freelance, rather than getting a “proper job”, and so the need to revolutionise workplaces, in favour of our canine companions, became less of a priority!
Having been a little “paralysed” on all things Croatian for a couple of years, Croatia is now the principal focus. We now have a new independent publisher and a clear run at a new edition of our very successful Croatia Cruising Companion. Alongside that there are a couple of other Croatian projects in the pipeline and my new blog Croatia Camping Guide might give you a hint about one of them!
Camping and cruising in Croatia follow extremely complementary paths. You’ll often find the best “hidden” anchorages or lunchtime spots, or both, near the best mini camps. With both you will discover the best parts of coastal and island Croatia. So how lucky was I to spend seven gorgeous weeks exploring the best of Croatia by boat and campervan, researching the new edition of the Croatia Cruising Companion and experiencing the realities of camping in Croatia? I always knew that sailing Croatia was one of the best ways to explore it, but camping comes a very close second, especially if you have a dog with you that demands interesting walks and swims. It led to the discovery of some new and idyllic spots that might perhaps not be entirely suitable as anchorages or moorings, and therefore merited little space in the first edition of our book, but have other significant attributes.
One such idyllic spot is featured in today’s photo. It’s about a kilometre, as the crow flies, west of Marina Hramina on Murter. Driving a few kilometres, sometimes along an unmade road, from the town of Murter, you come to the splendid, totally unspoilt location of Mini Camp Lasatka. It’s one of the newest of a new breed of small campsites that are such a delight, especially in contrast with some of the older breed of ginormous, holiday camp type, sites. The campsite provides all the essential facilities of electricity, water and waste disposal, plus modern showers and toilets, and Croatia does the rest. Of particular note is the tiny islet of Skoljić, connected to the mainland, close to the campsite, by a stone causeway with a path. That means you can walk all arround the little islet which, as luck would have it and on a clear day, provides the mopst amazing sunset view of some of the Kornati islands.
I think this last trip may have spoilt me for life and I may never go anywhere else but Croatia, with a campervan or boat (or maybe both!). The schedule was hectic – a different location almost every night in order to cover everything we needed to do and more, but it was truly amazing and, even after living there for ten years, and exploring it so widely, there are still so many new places to see, though I may now have to go inland a bit more now!!
We won’t be getting to Camp Lasatka for quite a while on our chronicle of campsites on The Croatia Camping Guide so here’s a direct link to their Facebook Page, here’s a photo of the map which shows where they are…….
and, although the tiny little harbour is not suitable for anything other than shallow draught boats, here’s a picture which illustrates what a great area it is for sailing…….
So….2016 and the next few years are all set to be happy, busy and hopefully productive Croatia centric working years providing, plenty of excuses for frequent return visits.
