Day 9 Drvenik to Ston, 47 miles.

We set off early from our beach apartment to cycle 15 miles along the main coast road to Ploče to get the ferry. The route was so scenic this is en route, today has been hard to pick a Blip. Ploče is proof that not all Croatian towns are pretty. Very much a working town. Great people watching fodder.

It was very misty and atmospheric on the crossing, we ate the left over pizza I had brought from the meal last night. The ferry took us to Trapanj which is at the end of a long peninsula. From here a 10 mile climb (yes another!)took us to a spectacular viewing point at 1200 ft with a war memorial. A beautiful spot for our stodgy salty cheese pastry I bought when we came of the ferry. The war memorial was very graphic, but then war is, which blended beautifully with the simplicity of the monument. The view down the valley was spectacular. Mr PB climbed down to take a picture of a tree skeleton (extra). We had a look around the derelict building adjacent. The downhill was epic and we were soon back at sea level a quick stop to paddle in the clear blue sea, then more climbing and 32 miles through masses of vineyards and we got to Ston. It was hot and we very tired, sweaty and ready for a shower.
Ston is astonishing with 5km of medieval walls built to defend the valuable salt works (extra). We had showered before walking up the walls but we shouldn't have bothered. Phew it was so hot! Well worth the effort though for the views. All of this in 33 degrees.

Ston is so pretty and unspoilt I think it is gearing up for the over spill from Dubrovnik. We had a fabulous meal now chilly with a beer and watching the stray cats.