May 1. Our marina contract had ended and it was time to leave. We weren’t quite ready to leave Montenegro yet, so we headed over to the back side of Sveti Marco Island. Legend has it that soldiers once promised the gods that they would never wage war except to fight to defend themselves. To seal this pledge, they planted olive and cypress trees. Of course they soon forgot the pledge, and God struck down every one of them, leaving only the trees. More recently, Club Med had a base here in the 60’s & 70’s, and it was a summer playground for the young and beautiful. Now deserted, the island has changed hands multiple times with the idea of building luxury hotels and villas, but is home only to a goatherd and his flock.
We dropped the hook and settled back, eager to be at anchor again, but having to remember anew what the boat felt like when not tied to a dock. I inflated my paddle board and went out to explore, then later went for a swim while Trip played with a pre-birthday present.
Of course, life on the boat wouldn’t be complete without Trip playing Good Samaritan. Three young women floated by in a small boat, their engine having died after they made it out to the island. Trip gallantly dropped our dinghy into the water and towed them back to shore.
Tim from s/v Monty B later came over for a sundowner, and we reminisced about what a great winter season it had been. We also sat and admired the new cockpit light we had purchased from Amazon before leaving (thanks to Carol and Greg for the idea from their RV).
Trip looks so happy with his gift……..