Breakfast in Croatia, lunch in Bosnia, and dinner in Montenegro!

. Our World Tour Adventure ., Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro

Thursday May 1, 2014, 60 miles (97 km) – Total so far: 2,390 miles (3,846 km)

April, 30, 2014 40 miles Yesterday we woke to more rain and this time it was coming down hard. We waited around our rental apartment until 11 and it never let up. Croatian drivers and riding bicycles in the rain just don’t match and since we had a large busy hill to climb out of Dubrovnik we decided to take a weather day. So we spent the day cleaning out our panniers, watching two movies from my portable hard drive and visiting the Mexican restaurant again. We basically did nothing which most bicycling tourists do when bad weather sets in.

The next day was much nicer so we got an early start for our ride to Bosnia. We are going to miss the coast but have decided to cycle inland to Romania. That is one thing we are really good at – changing our route. Nothing is set in stone with us and we like it that way. The adventure is not knowing where we are staying each night and route changes along the way.

We entered Bosnia after a short 10 mile climb. Bosnia was very nice and we really enjoyed the views. After our lunch spot the rain started again but fortunately backed off during our climb to Montenegro. The climb was a fairly easy 4500 feet that went on for miles and miles. The border crossing took place at the summit which took us almost 2 ½ hours to reach. After a quick descent there was a cafe where we stopped for dinner then another few miles before it was too dark. Jocelyn found us a nice quiet spot to wild camp.

May 1, 2014 20 miles After a wet wild camping night we were on the road at 6 AM. A few hours later we sat in a restaurant, ate, then felt miserable. After another few miles we decided to pull the plug for the day in Niksic, Montenegro. Currently Jocelyn is napping, the tent is drying on the balcony, and after 6 weeks some of our clothes are being laundered by the hotel. What a treat. We were smelling awfully bad!

According to Jocelyn we have another two days in Montenegro before entering Serbia. What an adventure!

We had some really nice views of the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik during our climb out of town.
We had some really nice views of the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik during our climb out of town.
Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century although there are records of a wooden city in place in the 3rd century before Christ.
Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century although there are records of a wooden city in place in the 3rd century before Christ.
An island off of Dubrovnik.
An island off of Dubrovnik.
A mighty fortress at one time that different countries ruled.
A mighty fortress at one time that different countries ruled.
Bosnia achieved!
Bosnia achieved!

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Our first and only Bosnian pivo (beer)
Our first and only Bosnian pivo (beer)
Ready for the climb to Montenegro with the latest in cycling fashion. Jocelyn has ordered a new jacket which my family will deliver to Turkey next month.
Ready for the climb to Montenegro with the latest in cycling fashion. Jocelyn has ordered a new jacket which my family will deliver to Turkey next month.

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Bosnia reminds us of New Zealand.
Bosnia reminds us of New Zealand.
Tunnels bring smiles to our faces.
Tunnels bring smiles to our faces.
One of Jocelyn's nicknames is Jazzy. So this is an appropriate town.
One of Jocelyn’s nicknames is Jazzy. So this is an appropriate town.
Part way up the climb.
Part way up the climb.
We were running low on water so we replenished here. Big mistake as we didn't filter or sterilize as we are both sick today.
We were running low on water so we replenished here. Big mistake as we didn’t filter or sterilize as we are both sick today.
Bosnia is full of roadside memorials.

Bosnia is full of roadside memorials.
A nice gentle but lengthy climb.
A nice gentle but lengthy climb.
Montenegro - Black Mountain.
Montenegro – Black Mountain.
Montenegro achieved after a 2 1/2 hour climb.
Montenegro achieved after a 2 1/2 hour climb.
There was snow on the distant mountains.
There was snow on the distant mountains.
Our first Montenegro beer.
Our first Montenegro beer.
Brewed in our current location of Niksic, Montenegro. What a cool name for a beer!
Brewed in our current location of Niksic, Montenegro. What a cool name for a beer!
Wild camping.
Wild camping.
The next morning we were wet, cold and miserable. Not all biking days are sunny, warm and fun. Some days are just better than others.
The next morning we were wet, cold and miserable. Not all biking days are sunny, warm and fun. Some days are just better than others.
I have U.S. dollars, Kunas (Croatia), Marks (Bosnia) and Euros in my wallet. We wanted to do a currency exchange at this bank to Euros and Dinars (Serbia) but the banks are on a 4 day holiday. Jocelyn feeling ill. Shortly after this we found a hotel.
I have U.S. dollars, Kunas (Croatia), Marks (Bosnia) and Euros in my wallet. We wanted to do a currency exchange at this bank to Euros and Dinars (Serbia) but the banks are on a 4 day holiday. Jocelyn feeling ill. Shortly after this we found a hotel.
Two days, three countries, 60 miles.
Two days, three countries, 60 miles.

3 thoughts on “Breakfast in Croatia, lunch in Bosnia, and dinner in Montenegro!”

  1. Hello father and daughter,
    My sun is on a bike trip from amsterdam to Athene and is stranded in Dubrovnic.
    On the internet I read that you found a ‘repair shop’over there a year a go.
    Have you got a adres or some discription to find this man.
    My son is searching for a tire, but there are no bicycle shops in Dubrovnic.

    With regards,

    Pieter Brand

  2. Thanks. I just picked up my bike with the new wheel. We are shuttling back north (as we have already cycled this)to the town of Berane and continue to Serbia. The northern mountains of Montenegro are just to beautiful to pass up.

  3. Greetings from stormy wet Florida! We are experiencing unusual weather for this time of year. Your fourth month in foreign countries and I still find it odd to read about you crossing borders easily. I am sorry about the banks closing. Hope they have money on Monday!
    I also hope youboth feel better and try to not drink any water that could be full of bacteria. I am going to drink bottled everything when we are there! No camping for me, thank you.
    Keep in touch as I know the wifi will be sketchy in the mountains. Love always, Andee

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