Today was a travel day. 

Thank goodness not by train. There was a terrible train crash in Puglia – but we were driving to Sicily. 

Tomorrow is the big day. Steve is swimming from Torre Faro at the tip of Sicily to Calabria. And back. 

When we arrived in Sicily we booked into our hotel , which claims it’s a modern resort but is more like a step back in time to Fawlty Towers. Then we checked out where the swim would start and went to meet the boat captain. 

He is an Italian – a real Sicilian named Giovanni. He was a very good swimmer and held the record for the fastest swim to Calabria for about 30 years! He’s weathered and smiley and doesn’t speak English! 

 

 
We also met the two Italian men swimming along with Steve. Carlo is in his 40’s and sports mad. He’s a Rugby tragic and only stopped when broke a bone ( through the skin) in his hip playing 7’s ! He now swims. The other guy is also a big ex rugby player who lives to swim. Both are lovely. 

Carlo speaks English but Guiseippe doesn’t. So my Italian is getting a workout. 

We met at Giovanni’s home and his sweet wife made us an almond flavoured drink. We had the briefing for tomorrow. He feels they will swim fast. There are winds and currents to think about,  also the shark that was seen today ( but we’re not thinking about that – much!) Ge said it would be perfect. 

We then piled into a small car and went to  a local cafe  ( Giovanni wanted to treat the swimmers) for a Granita – that lovely icy drink to wish them all good luck. No beer or champagne for them yet. 

Then off to the point of Sicily to check it out and have a small swim. It was gorgeous in. Clear, blue and perfect temperature. Well it was for us. But Carlo and particularly Giuseippe found it cold and will probably wear a wet suit! What? Wimps comes to mind! 

Although speaking to Guiseippe – he also swam from Spain to Morocco in 2014 and they had the get him out about 1 km from the end as there was a big shark! They moved him along the coast checked the water and he got back in and finished the swim. So perhaps only a wimp when it comes to water temperature! 

We then returned to our ‘resort’ for probably the worst meal of the holiday. Poor Steve he wanted something delicious and carb loading. But it was very average. 

So to bed with dreams of another successful crossing. 

I’ll let you know how it goes but fingers xxxxxx

A morning swim of about a kilometre finished the swims for the week.

25+ km is pretty good and lots of fun – not to mention healthy. That’s if you don’t count the beer and Aperol it took to rehydrate us after our swims.

Then it was a long bus ride with border checks back to Dubrovnik.

Good-bye to Tracey and Michael  at the airport and then onto Dubrovnik. It was hot and so crowded we decided to go straight to Sam and Anya’s hotel and eat and swim there for the afternoon.

Leaving beautiful Perest has been hard.  Swimtrek always seem to be able to find wonderful quiet places to base the swimmers,  and Perest was perfect. Now we were finding it hard to cope with the tourists!

So we enjoyed the afternoon by a lovely hotel pool and waited for our ferry for Italy. 

So  good-bye Swim Trekkers. We look forward to swapping photos (thanks Lucy for setting us up on What’s App) and maybe catching up further down the track .

 

 

 

Last night is alway fun. Everyone is relaxed and ready to party.

No more big swims in the morning. Only an optional one. At 8 o’clock!

We gathered at a restaurant named Armonia…… asnd the waitress was gorgeous. She told us her nickname was John Snow from Game of Thrones. Perhaps she heard about our love of nick names.

Then suddenly it was time for a few awards. Colldark made the first award and one that is a swim trek favourite. ‘Best swim wear ‘ and creating great whoops of excitement  it was announced that the lady with the pink pineapple ensemble was the winner! Who? – me!

Runner up was Yannick our ‘Serial Trekker’

 

 

The next award  The Tea Wallahs award for the best and most constant tea making.

 

 

 

And the final award was for demonstrating the spirit of Swim Trek and guess who won? Stevie or “Bond,the name’s Bond”.

 

Everyone received their certificate and we note we swam about 25km these past 6 days.

 

Back to the Palace we continued our party, until at midnight we finally went to bed.

Last short swim 1km tomorrow.

The last day of a swim trek is full of expectations. Will Swimtrek deliver whatever it is we think it has promised?

Well, we were about to find out.

Would it be as advertised ‘in the brochure’?

It started well. Everyone was on time for breakfast. Such a well behaved group – even if Lady Mary was a bit hung over due to her birthday celebrations last night. The Spirit polished up pretty well as well. Seeing as he only drank …… well, Spirits! He doesn’t drink anything else!

 Down to the boat and a cheery greeting from Pietro and Sasha and out we headed. Today we were going out of the two bays that connect Montenegro to the sea. Pietro gave us a little background history of the place and pointed out the submarine shelters from the war. We would be swimming into one later in the day.

We turned left out of the bay into the sea and conditions changed. The water colour was different, the waves a little choppier. Italy was across from us but we couldn’t see it. We were ready to tackle it.

Along the coast we travelled with other boats. A small regatta of craft all headed for the caves. Sadly we couldn’t swim in this one because of the other boats. Why they let boats go in I don’t know. It has spoilt what could be a great experience,  but our trusty guide Coldark promised we could swim in the next cave.

 So we jumped ship – safely of course and headed towards the next cave. Flower Girl took her go-pro and got some great underwater shots . The water here is clear and there are lots of little fish swimming around the rocks. It’s great to see the bottom of the sea after the more cloudy bay waters.

Then it was time for our daily ‘big swim’ so Pietro took us to a calmer spot and away we went for a 2km swim into a beach and out to the boat. For this swim, the timing  between groups was better and we more or less finished together. I’m still orange cap, but without fins would be behind the pinks! So I’m keeping them on.

 Lunch was at a long table on a shady terrace over looking a pebbly beach with a roped off area for swimmers. Perfect. We had a variety of dishes, but no alcohol as we were planning a 3 km swim this afternoon.

 My theory about ice cream is correct. We had some for lunch and swam so well this afternoon.

We passed around the  headland found a calm spot in the bay and swam off past a  ship wreck and along the coast. We passed beach houses and people fishing,  till we came to the first of the submarine shelters. We had swum for about 3km and were so pleased with ourselves.

 Swimming into the bunker was a little scary but we decided it would be a good place for a swim trek dinner and our event planners ‘One Hit Wonder’ and ‘ Tea Wallah’ could stage the whole event. Chandeliers , mood lighting. ……..

The trip back was full of fun and spirits! Literally as Pietro our boat captain produced a bottle of home made Grappa and how could we refuse! So there we were drinking it out of white plastic cups.

Arriving back into Perest was a little sad. It would be the last time we would arrive back by boat. And it was still 4 pm. The town clock is stuck on 4 so it’s always time for a sundowner!

 And we did.  Made our way to our favourite bar by the water and enjoyed beers and Aperol Spritz.

Back for a quick change before our last BIG night out.

Yes, the Last Day did deliver everything we expected. It was probably our best day of the week. Great swimming. Great fun.

We 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.

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.

 

 

 

Breakfast was again a feast, especially the Montenegran style donuts. Our host was very pleased with the glowing comments and has promised pancakes tomorrow ! Lucky we’re swimming.

Down to the boat and Captain Pietro welcomed us on board and off we went to the little island we swam to yesterday. It was hot so we were rather sorry we didn’t swum there again. The church is a lovely little Chapel called “Our Lady of the Rock”and was built in 1630 on an artificial island built by local fishermen.

 

We then swam  between the islands of Prevlaka, Sveti Marko and Gospa od Milosrda. Crossing from one little island to another is always exciting –  the group swam together and we were very pleased with ourselves.  Our ‘Sister Act’ Sam ‘Tea Wallah’ and Anya rewarded us with another cup of tea ! No champagne for swimmers – no matter how good! They have become the tea experts and run a very slick operation aboard our little boat.

We stopped near the white-stone village of Bjelila which gave swimmers time to relax while our guides Colldark and The Pirate wore their chef hats and made a delicious lunch and then it was rest time! Draped on sun lounges we snoozed, though the more energetic swam or had a one on one lesson with The Pirate our guide.

We’ve all settled in to our little on board routines and our group are enjoying getting to know each other. And with getting to know each other the Nick Names are starting to take on a life of their own.

‘Rocky’ and  ‘Rapper aka One Hit Wonder’ sat at the back of the boat entertaining ‘Lady Mary’, ‘Jackie Wills’ and ‘The Butler’.

‘Flamingo’ and ‘Flower Girl’ had a goggle mishap and borrowed from ‘Jackie Wills’.

So off we set for our last glorious swim of the day – along the coast and the pink group set off with ‘The Mermaid’ bobbing out the front. Synchronised swimmers eat your heart out these swimmers are amazing.

I swam with Jackie Wills and we set a comfortable pace stopping for a sticky beak every now and then at some of the holiday homes set along the bay. Some lovely places to stay.

Back to The Palace for a quick change and off to Kotor for the evening with a few of the party people. Sister Act ( Tea Wallah and Mother) , the Spirit, Flamingo and Flower Girl and Serial Trekker (3rd swim trek this year) . We took the local bus and Flower Girl brought out her mini champagne and I was particularly jealous. It was crowded and we were all slightly parched by the time we arrived in Kotor.

The old town is shiny clean and washed,  definitely tourist friendly. Many big cruise boats come here for a day stop and I think the old town would be overrun. For us in the evening it was perfect.

We had a drink at one bar and moved onto a restaurant on the town wall. The waiter was a funny guy, dripping with perspiration and an eagerness to sell us one his fresh fish. He brought the trolley of fish out. We selected a lovely shiny eyed Dorata and he priced it well. Delicious.

Of course swimming works up an appetite so we moved onto a gelato then a night cap.

Arrived back at the Palace to find Jen swathed in bandages after a nasty fall on some steps resulting in a broken shoulder which will send her home. Poor Jen.

And so ends another great swimming day.

This quiet little village had one party place last night. Next door to our beautiful Palace Hotel. Lucky I was too tired to worry as the singing and loud music continued until 3 am!
Breakfast at 7.30 sounded early but all the fellow Trekkers were up and ready. It was once again a feast. Far too much to have before swimming.

By 8 we were ready to stroll  through the village along the water front to Pirates Beach with its inviting blue deck chairs and umbrellas. But no lazing for us as it was a short swim of about 1.3 km across the bay to the 2 little islands.

 

 

Preparation before a swim involves a lot of sun cream, watersafety talk and the dreaded vasoline. Yes we have it rubbed under arms, straps and any areas that could be the victim of chaffing! Oh I do remember Francesco with his call of  ‘Vasolina’ on my first swim trek. Now it’s known as the Coll cry!

Off we went in our little groups. 3 pink swimmers first. Then the bigger yellow caps group and finally the 4 Orange cappers. I was much more confident today with my trusty fins!

Each group is different and this one is as well. No wet suits, I’m the only one in fins and very similar speeds. Steve would be the fastest, but is happy pottering along with me. No ‘swift swimmers’ like the ‘dream team’ from Sardinia.

Out and around the two picturesque islands sitting like jewels in the middle of the bay. It was a fun refreshing swim.

Then the videoing of us swimming, for our feedback session later this evening – hopefully with a drink in hand to face ourselves on screen. We all had to swim along and back, in and out to a buoy while  John filmed us on his go-pro. It won’t be a pretty sight looking at my cellulite in the water!

That’s all so far today and we are relaxing back at the Palace before lunch and a 3 km swim this afternoon.

Lunch prepared by our guides Coll and John was a huge hit with our hungry swimmers. Salads meatballs, gluten free pasta, fruit and a touch of ice cream. How far did they say we were swimming this afternoon!

We rested again after eating to make sure we didn’t drown and back down the 90 + steps to the boat. We met our boat captain a very friendly local with good English and a sense of humour to go with it

Gathering on the boat we joked as we puttered along. We found a good spot to jump in and pinks jumped first. Then yellow and finally orange.

We swam along past attractive hotel and apartments for about a kilometre before bad weather got us out of the water.  A bit of thunder and lightening! So back on the boat and we motored along to another part of the bay. Lots of funny comments from the swimmers.

Eventually  back in  the water and off we swam again. This time covering about 2 km. past bathers paddling around, sunbathers, walkers strolling along the waterfront- no doubt all wondering what on earth we were doing 🏊🏊🏊🏊🏊🏊🏊.

It’s been interesting how the group are moving between the three coloured groups. Lucy decided she’d be more comfortable with the yellow caps for the first swim – then husband Matt followed for the second swim! That left Steve and I in the Orange. So for the second swim we swam along with the yellow group as well!  So now it looks like just two groups. The pace is pretty even but a few like RaceyTracey are considering fins!!

I had my first Aperol Spritz this afternoon after the swim. We all stopped at a favourite little bay side bar for a sundowner!

Then to the ‘Palace’ for showers and video analysis by John. He looked at our stroke in slo mo and told us how to improve! I was too busy looking at me swimming in my new swimmers to notice much about my stroke. All the group said it helped and watch out tomorrow as they’ll all be swimming faster!

John actually told me to slow down my stroke and think about it more. Good advice I say.

So going to dinner at a lovely restaurant nearby. And so ends a lovely day.