This time we headed north with the idea of driving through the Neum Corridor (Bosnia's only access to the coast) ans then on to the town of Makarska, stopping at a few places en route.
We drove out through the newer part of Dubrovnik during the morning rush hour and over a superb bridge (no chance to stop for a photo, but hopefully on the way back).
A picturesque olive grove.
I couldn't resist a bit of arty farty ICM (Intentional Camera Movement).
This building clearly suffered during the Balkan War.
Our first stop was Ston, which had the most amazing castle and what looked like its own mini version of the Great Wall of China. The weather was pretty dull with a very strong breeze blowing so we decided not to venture too far from the car.
Despite signs all along the road, we never did spot a "Porkie"
Heading further on to the spit of land we drove past vast mussel breeding beds and then into the wine growing region.
As I said before, the flowers are considerably more advanced here
We stopped at Orebic for a cup of coffee, but it's a bit too early in the season and like most coastal towns we passed, it wasn't really open, although the car park was still charging!
I love how nature reclaims everything given the chance.
We then drove along the coast towards Tupeci with the intention of having lunch there.
Unfortunately once again it was pretty much closed, although there were a few bars open but not serving food. So we went into a mini supermarket and found some rolls and cheese and the wonderful young chap serving very kindly cut the rolls and cheese for us. With a few tomatoes and a packet of crisps it made a wonderful picnic lunch - as Ian said though, if the bars had been a bit more enterprising they could have offered us the same at 3 x the price!
I've had to re-write this blog and no longer have the original photo of a very cute, presumably stray, cat that was very keen to adopt us.
Said cat was considerably less keen on the fish.
Tupeci was another pretty little town and wonderful I'm sure when it's open.
Although not really in the wine growing region, this bit of viticulture was very impressive.
By now we realised we wouldn't make Makasarka and decided to head back towards Dubrovnik, getting hopelessly and completely lost (despite the phone app!). A few random pictures, including the bridge.
Another long day of driving but it was good fun and we saw a bit more of the countryside (and went into Bosnia again!).
As it was our last evening we walked back into Dubrovnik old town which really was delightful without the crowds.
The Steps of Shame which only means something to GoT watchers.
And that brings us to the end of our whistlestop trip to Dubrovnik