Lingering in Valun.

Yesterday felt like just too much of a recreational beach day to blog about. We rented a sit on top kayak and SUP from perhaps the nicest shopkeeper to ever live, and vigorously crossed our little bay to the other shore where some jumping was required 

Followed by a strong cardio workout 

With some snacks.

Then a vigorous return journey so that we could get naps during the heat of the day.

Another amazing dinner at the refurbished 250 year old olive pressing plant become restaurant, and then a nice perambulation through town at sunset. 

Today we planned great things, and so after a nice non muesli breakfast, we launched off several miles by car to a 4000 year old village with what was called the finest beach in Croatia. 

There is some dispute over numbers for the town - 6 residents, 9 churches- but it is lovely regardless. 

The trek to the beach is longish, hotish, and steepish. 

Also unbeknownst to us, part way down the trail forked and offered either beach or cave. Lyle and I opted for cave, Liv and Ruby opted for beach.

Team beach persevered and made it safely

Worth the effort. 

Team cave found the going a bit more scree than trail, but eventually made it to perhaps the second finest beach in Croatia. 

And, just over the head of the middle beach goer in the above photo, was a cave that folks were swimming into. It turns out the water is far cooler on this side of the island, but we swam out to see what all the fuss was about.

No photos, but you swim about 50 feet into the increasing darkness as the ceiling comes down, but the water still carries light from outside and causes a blue glow. At the back, it becomes shallower and turns a corner into blackness, which goes another 20 feet before opening into a large domed chamber with a small underwater window to the outside which makes another blue glow spot. Just amazing to see.

Since the water is so danged cold, you don't linger too long before leaving the cave to the bats and heading to the beach to warm up. Really amazing thing to randomly find. Lyle and i also happened upon another cave on our hike out, complete with baby stalactites.

The walk back was far easier, but we dropped team beach back off in town before heading to the island's main city of Cres for a well earned lunch.

Spaghetteria is our new favorite type of restaurant. Homemade noodles and simple sauces, amazing. 

We are now back home for our final evening before heading back to the mainland tomorrow.

We will miss this fun island of stacked stones and beautiful beaches. There are also several days of heavy rain ahead, so we may as well go see some Museums.