Having carried our 6 bags and 2 batteries back down the 84 steps, it was good to feel some warm dry air again. After a couple of days in the mountains, the change was noticeable.
It was also good to leave the busy city streets and head north along the coast on smaller roads. I was expecting to see more of the coastline, but it was obscured by industrial buildings and docks.
We left the coast and started to climb steeply, allowing us much better views.
The Green line roughly shows our day’s route, although it was by no means straight!Looking along the south coast of the Pula peninsular
After 15 minutes of steep climbing on a busy road, we stopped for a rest and a delicious piece of home made cake for breakfast. We then picked a route along smaller roads and passed many houses with similar views to this.
We soon climbed away from civilisation on really pretty lanes into rural Croatia.
Terraces growing grass for camouflaged donkeys!Bellflower, cyclamen and autumn crocus were seen often along this scenic climbing routeAmazing railways dealing with very hilly terrainOur climb continued on small cracked up roads, with only the odd car passing us.
At 2000 ft we needed a rest and stopped for a beer in a canvas covered stall next to a remote village, on the roadside. There were about 10 locals, mostly blokes, all drinking beer and smoking. Two of them had arrived on their old open red tractor.
I think it was the place where they all met for their lunchtime break, as all of a sudden after their pint they all left and went their separate ways.
After our rest we had a long climb to 2500 ft and reached a not very spectacular summit, but the descent was very enjoyable.A perfect picnic bench from which to enjoy a fabulous view of totally untamed countryside. We were looking across to Slovenia, whose border was half way up the mountain opposite.We loved the remoteness of this ride. Only 4 small villages in 35 kmsWe left Croatia for the last time, via 2 empty shipping containersAnother amazing railway cutting at 1500 ftOur straightest and most level part of the whole day Finally our first view of the Bay of Trieste, our destination for the night.Our rapid descent took us from unadulterated wilderness to these amazing man made structures; such a contrast in only a few kms. After a short leg on busy roads we were once again on lanes and pretty scenes, looking back at the cliff top from which we’d descended .Small roads through cherry orchards and olive grovesOur apartment was near the sea on the Ankaran peninsula, and the bikes had their own space just outside the door!!Time to enjoy the sunset from the terrace.
We we’ve had a day enjoying the local area and the beach so not much cycling.
Euro Vélo Route 6 