Croatia

Tom and I spent three glorious weeks in Croatia, all on the Dalmatian coast. We had signed on for the Vermont Bicycle Tours (VBT) 10-day excursion. We took advantage of a 7-hour layover in Zagreb to visit that city and were lucky enough to view traditional musicians and dancers in an event honoring their annual international footrace around the city. Then Dubrovnik, "pearl" of the Adriatic and really one of the prettiest places I've ever been, then on to Split where we met our wonderful guides - Marko and Mattej -- for a trip to the islands of Brac and Hvar for some of the most spectacular rides and views anywhere. Back to Split for one night more with our group (incredible people, very compatible, total fun) before they departed for home and we for an additional eight days, starting on the island of Vis, then Korcula (on both islands we rented motor scooters for an easier way to hit those hills) and points inland. More photos and information on my travel/food blog, www.themeanderingfork.blogspot.com.