Croatia,  August and September 2007

Entering Croatia for the first time at the island of Vis.

Having sailed to Ciovo, found Palm Tree Villa, where the Dunoyer family was scheduled to meet us the next day, we barely got the anchor set before a nasty thunderstorm passed directly overhead.  Joe is watching the instruments intently while the girls huddle together for comfort.

After months of waiting, we were finally reunited with our friends, the youngest of which we had only seen once before.

The terrace at Palm Tree Villa had a wonderful view over the water and rocky beach below.

The patio outside the house is where we hung out most of the time, when we weren't on Zia.

Who ever knew that Gameboys were group activities?

Lisa and Francesca, both looking beautiful.

Many a good time was had together on Zia.

A classic shot.

I can't wait to see the video Francois is working on putting together from the hours of film he took on the trip.

Eddie, AKA Superman.

Chris Pratt at the helm, and looking very much at ease with it!

The kids all sang along with the tunes as we blasted along on our day sail.  Jake is the soulful one and Eddie is just bored with it all.

Would you trust your children with these two?  They look so innocent!

Olive and Ruby Pratt, relaxing after lunch.

Sue with Olive and Ruby on the bow of Zia.

Okay, Cois needs a shave and I look a little funny, but it is sure a cute picture of Francesca!

The Pratt family.

Eddie and Jake take on all comers

Max and Juliana sharing a private joke.

Have you ever seen so many smiles?

Most of the under 15 crowd, if not all.

At one point I thought it was a nightmare, a 19 month old a 3 year old and a 4 year old all at the same time.  It is amazing how enjoyable it can be when you can give them back, as all you grandparents out there know full well!

We ate in shifts, with the kids up first.

Lisa, Jake and Eddie, enjoying a little down time together.

Everyone loved hanging out on the bow seats. 

A typical street scene in Trogir.

The main square in front of the cathedral in Trogir.

Francesca takes her mom and dad for a swim.

I think she was born to be a boater!

Our neighbor shared the property with us, staying in the one bedroom apartment on the beach with his dog and girlfriend.

A cute little cafe/bar was just a short walk down the beach.  The kids enjoyed the ice cream as often as they could convince us to go.

Now this is a real live-a-board!  In the canal that separates Trogir from the mainland.

The above mentioned canal.......

Juliana poses in downtown Split.

The boardwalk in Split was recently renovated and was really a beautiful space to hang and walk and people watch.

The basement of Diocletian's Palace had some interesting art work on the walls and in some of the rooms.

The view from one of the inner courtyards of the palace.

Our first night at anchor in Lucice, on the island of Brac.

The views are spectacular from every corner of the island.

The lovely town of Milna was a 40 minute walk over the hill from Lucice.

We found some fig trees to plunder along the way.

Further south are the Klement islands, near Hvar.

Anchored with a stern line to shore, a first for us.

Taking in the morning views as we head to our next destination.

Starigrad, on the island of Hvar, had some charming streets and squares to discover.

Birthday cocktails for Rike and Tamsin onboard Twice Eleven.

The crews from Cenou and Zia hit the town together.

Fires burning on the island of Hvar made for some exciting moments as we watched the flames creep along the hillside above town.

Cassie performs her card tricks at Rike's birthday celebration.

Juliana makes the coins disappear.

The four girls worked up all sorts of skits to entertain their adult audience for nearly an hour.

The after theater dinner is a tradition we were happy to keep up!

The girls enjoy sitting at a separate table as much as we do!

Motoring up the Krka river

Approaching the town of Skradin on the Krka River.

The Zia crew overlooking the Krka River.

It is always more fun to explore with our friends on Cenou.

It was tenuous, but with the downpour blowing from the other side of the building, it worked!

One of the only signs of the Balkan war we saw was this burnt out church.  The sign taped to the wall tells us that it was a Serbian Orthodox church.

David on Twice Eleven is a great photographer and took a couple of shots of Zia and her crew while heading south from Skradin to Sibenik.

Our berth in Sibenik was right downtown and even had a waterfront playground within spitting distance!

Cassie and her dad pose in front of a park fountain in Sibenik.

The view up the river from the castle in Sibenik.

The view out to sea from the Sibenik castle.

Cocktails on Twice Eleven is always a merry event!

The contrast between the dark clouds and the brilliant sunshine poking through made for some spectacular scenery as we left Sibenik. 

...and pulled into Zirje for the night.

Juliana reading in the swing they have rigged up in the cockpit.

At on of the gardens at Le Meridien hotel

Gramps is always good for a little water games with the girls.

Zia in the marina at Le Meridien.

Hobie made a new bed out of Gran and Gramps' bag.

Gran contemplates the view as we go for a daysail on Zia.

Father and daughter enjoying the moment.

A night shot of Split.

Zia departs from Le Meridien after saying a tearful goodbye to Gran and Gramps.

The incredible Roman amphiteater in Pula, Croatia.

Although not quite like back home, the girls enjoyed the corn on the cob stands that we found throughout Croatia.

Tearing it up in the town square in Pula.

Enjoying a well deserved beverage afterwards.