Photo 1 - The Sunrise from out room in Delfin hotel, Diklo, Zara. In front Ugljan otok
The route stage
And we finally arrived at the Delfin hotel in Diklo Zara, where we had a wonderful time last year. It is not the biggest, it is not the most luxurious of those where we stayed, but it is our favorite, the one where we are better, thanks also to Marija’s sympathy !!!
Photo 2 - Departure from the Zadar ferry port for our mini cruise
Photo 3 - Zara with the sea organ on the left
Last night the forecasts were such as to discourage any cycling initiative for today, wind, rain, and even cold. But also Zara saw that we had arrived, and the sun always comes with us !!! Everyone knows by now, we also have power over weather forecasts … as @ErmesT and @AntonellaGr have been able to see.
Photo 4 - Channel between the islands of Ugljan and Rivanj. In the background the islet Idula
Today tour of the islands in front of Zadar. We are pedaling to reach the ferry port, it is further away than I remembered. We should embark for the island of Ugljan for a practically flat bike ride. Our knees are starting to get tired from the many kilometers and from yesterday’s climb. Unfortunately we are late. We arrive at the ticket office one minute before departure, we will never make it. In Croatia you cannot count on ferry delays, they always leave the dock on time. Therefore, we give up the quiet Ugljan and also seen the sky, increasingly clear, we have re-established the original program. We take the ticket for the ferry departing in half an hour, at 11, directed to Molat.
Photo 5 - Rivanj. No roads, only a dozen houses, paradise!
Photo 6 - Sestrunj island
Photo 7 - View on Dugi Otok, destination of our ride tomorrow
Photo 8 - Near Zerinac island, view on Sparusnjac otocic
Photo 9 - Arriving in Molat island
The ferry serves several islands and makes 4 stops, Rivanj, Sestrunj, Zverinac and finally Molat. Basically a mini-cruise, between round trip, of 6 hours of sea and sun !!! We stay outdoors, in the shelter of the cockpit, there is no wind except when you enter a port and take it (the wind) in a different way, the only moments when it was really cold!
Photo 10 - Brgulje village in Molat
Photo 11 - View on Brgulje otocic from Molat
Photo 12 - View on The Dalmatian mainland in the distance with the snow of the previous night evident under the blanket of clouds
We arrive in Molat, and take the only asphalted road that runs along the ridge of the island, in a succession of glimpses and panoramas with a view that sweeps for tens of kilometers, with no limit except the circumference of the earth. Towards the coast of the mainland you can see, on top of the mountains, a white blanket under the clouds that cover the peaks, we cannot guarantee it could be snow but, this morning it was very cold and the altitude of the mountains exceeds 1000 meters.
Photo 13 - Zapuntel port
Photo 14 - Green clear water in Zapuntel port
Photo 14.1 - The water is very deep bur clear, in Zapuntel port. Looking at her makes me dizzy.
We arrive at the port of Zapuntel, in a fantastic bay, facing the mainland. The clarity and depth of the water are such that, looking at the seabed from the dock, it makes me feel dizzy !!! No orchids, who knows why.
Photo 15 - The Molat only paved road
Photo 16 - Friend of ours in Molat
Photo 17 - Return to Zadar
Photo 18 - Zadar with snow capped mountains in the background
We return to the port of Molat, we enjoy the return cruise ready, but to put on long pants, before arriving in Zadar. Tonight it will be cool at 19.30, and we think it’s not the case to do 10 km with short shorts. Even today 35 km. See you tomorrow for the 14th and the last stage. Ciao!
The movie of the stage
dont’ loose Krka National Park
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