Cunning Plan, Dubrovnik!

So far my trip down the Dalmatian Coast has been a bit of a waste of time. The weather has been bad, the view obscured by haze and mist, and the roads so demanding that I had to concentrate on the driving, not on the view. So far there have been very few places to stop and admire the view so the plan was to drive south from Split on the autoroute, then switch back to the coastal route at Ploce (where the autoroute currently ends). There is a second part to the cunning plan that I will reveal if I can make the arrangements......

Travelling south from Split on the A1. Heavy traffic!

It was interesting to see that the whole of the road was fenced off. They claim there are wolves still living in these areas. Pray not to break down.....The fences didn't look so high that a few beasts keen on making you their dinner couldn't leap over and have you away.

The last service station before the road finishes. It was so quiet I could hear the children playing in the schoolyard below in the valley.

I suspect that the road and facilities are so empty because the toll charges are quite high.

Finally arriving at the coast at Ploce

Big butterflies abound, size of the palm of my hand.

The road skirts round the Neretva River delta which is intensely cultified

Round the corner at Neum the views start getting better

Just before the border with Hercegovina there is a pretty village development

The road is not quite so demanding so the views could be glimpsed whilst driving.

Now the islands come into view

And so do the new developments along the coast. They are close to wrecking this coast with advertising hoardings, concrete developments and wind farms. Go soon before it is gone.

Looking north

Same place looking south

Dinky little islands amongst the big ones

Ditto

It gets even better the closer it is to Dubrovnik

Osojnik, I think

Finally the view of Dubrovnik harbour entrance. Our road is the one top right.

The harbour

And the Franjo Tudjman Bridge

Dubrovnik at last. Fantastic surprise ending to the outward leg.

Just now going down to the Old City, need to put a coat on, stand by....

End of post.