Rovinj to Porec to Izola

 

Porec, pronounced like pourich, Croatia.  An absolutely wonderful sunset looking back on Porec.

We absolutely love Croatia but the tourism after Easter is ramping up big time. I said to Devon, let's walk until we get to where the locals hang. We found it. We stopped at multiple waterfront bars enjoying the sunset. Here we are drinking 2 herbal shots of a local liquor.  Very good and the bill was less than 3 euro.

Here is Devon after she STARED the DRAGON IN THE EYES. Remember the Vaffanculo video pushing the bikes up the hill? Well we had to go back over the same route to head back north to Porec. The route takes us back down the same hill and up the other side, basicly the same hill. Devon was not into it and we discussed hiring a van to drive us. Of course that was not my 1st choice. With a bit of persuasion, and I'm not too bad at it, with sunny skies we decided to go for it. Devon peddled the entire way up. I am SO  PROUD of her!!!  A feat that she didn't think she could do.

 On the way back north to Izola

Lots of  gravel and uphill it proved to be a tough day to Izola.

The day was just short of 60km with the most elevation gain total for a day. We're a bit exhausted. I think what the hell, we ride these distances and elevations at home and it is no big deal. We'll the big deal is that with the panniers and heavier touring bikes it is more like pedaling a loaded pickup truck  instead of a sport car. Plus you throw in the wind resistance of the panniers. ITS A WORK OUT.

Izola in the distance. We decided to hit Izola, Slovenia, again on the way back. Even though it is still a tourist destination the percentage of tourists to locals is WAY different. Much better. Take a look at all the sailboats. The European Youth Championship Racing.

This picture is just part of the fleet. Devon and I are sipping on beer watching 400 Laser sailing boats. About 15ft long. This is the youths semifinals. 34 nations men's and women's races. They are from 13 to 19 years old. An amazing event with parents watching with spotting scopes.

We are taking it easy for the next ride. 6.7km to Koper.