Day: July 7, 2016

Lake,River and a Singalong

/ brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

A big break with routine today. Instead of our boat Orca, we boarded a bus for a two hour journey south to Lake Skader.

Everyone was quiet on the bus – the swimming days (and socialising at night) is taking its toll and making it harder to get going in the morning.

But our Hipermarket stop woke us up and we raided the Lolly, chip and water aisles. ‘Rocky’ aka Steve and the Tea Wallah (Sam) made a quick visit to the pharmacy for drugs. Both have colds 😑. Lady Mary also came to Steve’s rescue with some super strong nose drops.

Back on the bus,  until a photo opportunity high above a gorgeous little jewel called Sveti Stefan. It’s a popular holiday destination and sparkles in the blue water.

Lots of winding roads later we arrived at the Lake Skader and set off in a new boat. Big and well shaded we enjoyed the trip through what looked like mangroves with lily pads until we reached a small island – a former prison. From here we set off for a 2 km trip. It felt different in fresh water and with no salt, not as buoyant as we’re used to.

New boat for the group

It was also rougher, making it harder, but I loved it. The optional 1.3km trip was with the wind and made for a lovely swim. The disappointing thing is the lack of clarity in the water. You can’t see anything much. It’s like swimming in a bubble.

A picnic lunch in a shady  remote restaurant gave us a rest but no ice cream! Colldark ! We swim better with ice cream. The afternoon swim was in the river Moraca and we were prepared for the cold. We’d been told it was cold enough for a wet suit but it wasn’t. Just refreshing. Until we swam into the river debris – floating natural material, a little slimy. Not so pleasant.


At the end of any good day there is a refreshing beer in the lakeside cafe before heading back.

Time passed with us singing karaoke and Jacki Wills ( now known as the Singing Budgie) excelled remembering words of lots of songs, Lady Mary with dance moves whilst seated, Flamingo with his beautiful voice, Pirate John his famous ditties – but ‘One Hit Wonder’ failed to deliver! A storm with lots of rain gave inspiration for song selection, and finally we arrived back.


Pizza night in house with red wine and our t-shirt distribution. A memento from our trek.

Another beautiful day and fun night. We’re looking forward to our last big day tomorrow – visiting the Adriatic Sea which will be windier and not as still as the bay.

Happy Endings

/ brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

imageWe all love a day with a Happy Ending – and today was no exception.

It started well with pancakes for breakfast (and there were some very creative toppings) and continued on throughout the day.

Before leaving we had a ‘do it yourself’ lunch, where everyone made their own wrap. Some became every creative and I’m sure there will be a competition for the best wrap at lunchtime! The Gluten Free eaters are well looked after as well and put together a very good salad

We motored along the bay and found a good spot to start our first crossing.Pinks in first led by the Little Mermaid and off they bobbed.


Next the combined yellows and orange. Steve is leading with Lady Mary and Serial Trekker and I swam along with Jackie Wills ( now know as the Singing Budgie) keeping arm by arm. It’s wonderful to swim along comfortably and not feel pressured. I’m still in fins but that doesn’t bother me. I love being able to swim and know I’ll finish easily.IMG_1425

We stopped at a small settlement with a church perched high in the hill behind it. Pietro even provided an outdoor shower. Delicious!

Eleven swimmers became walkers and set off for the church. A few of us stayed behind for coffee and spent some time fitting nicknames for all the Trekkers.

If you are reading this swimmers, only you know who you are and HOW you got your nick name!!

By the time the walkers returned it was hot, hot, hot – so in they went for a swim and started a synchronised swimming session. We are thinking of asking SwimTrek to include Synchronised swimming as one of its activities. So much fun. They are almost Olympic standard.

Our second crossing was planned and this time we would be crossing back over the Bay of Kotor and finishing at a beach bar! Now that’s a great incentive to swim straight and fast.

It was about 2 km back over and we all made it in good time. The people relaxing on the beach looked somewhat surprised to see us swim in and walk out of the water to the showers followed quickly by a trip to the bar.  These bay-side bars are very popular here and with good reason.

We enjoyed a few beers, and boy do they taste great after a long swim. Sometimes we even have 2!

Back to the Orca and heading for home with Racey Tracey  dancing up a storm before we noticed one of the Duckies had broken loose! A quick turn around and our very sober guide ‘Colldark’ rescued it to a chorus of cheering from the swimmers.


After much needed showers we had another group dinner and farewelled Jen.  You’ll be missed Jen – especially Racey as she’ll miss her morning cup of tea .And so ends another day.