February 2023

Montenegro

February 2023 - We buy the boat!  

Tivat

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Lazilas came by and took our life raft away to be recertified.

I'm in love with the Montenegrin food at the bakery called a  burek.  Burek are made with filo dough and traditionally stuffed with meat, cheese, or spinach. They are soooo good. 

Tivat

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We just experienced a Bora! It was not for the faint hearted.

The Bora is a well-known North East wind that blows on the North Adriatic coast between Trieste and the Montenegrin coast. It is a cold and strong wind with gusts that can overpass 150 km/h.  Well we had more wind than that. Winds as high as 95 knots in the marina. It was insane and it lasted on and off for 3 days. 

You could just hear the wind start to rumble down the moutains and you knew you were about to get hit. Then the boat would start to shake and rumble then it would settle down until a few minutes later it would start over again.

There was quite a bit of choas between street lamps falling over,  sails unfurling, marinaras getting injured, and people falling overboard trying to help out.

Tell me why we bought a boat in Montenegro? 

Iain and Kate on Follow Intreprid Bear created a great video of the Bora.

Tivat

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The Bora continues today.......

Tivat

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         Bora aftermath at the marina.... 

Radovići

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Went for a walk in Lustica Bay. 

Luštica is a peninsula on the south Adriatic Sea, located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro. It effectively separates Tivat Bay from the Adriatic.

There is a new development here with a marina, restaurants and apartments for purchase.   It's really quite beautiful but too remote for our liking. 

Tivat

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One fun thing about living on our boat in Porto Montenegro is that the Marina organized events.  Tonights event was a Mixology event where we learned how to make some local cocktails, the mixologist even used volunteers from the audience! 

Tivat

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Working on getting safety gear re-certified.

One of the fun things about Porto Montenegro is hanging out with all the other cruisers. 

Some of us went out for a Montenegrin bbq which means lots of bread and lots of meat! 

Tivat

Porto Montenegro is a very nice marina. A waterfront area home to a large marina for superyachts, high-end boutiques & upscale restaurants.

When I say high-end boutiques I mean 800 euros for a sweatshirt! 

Tivat

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Today we are working on replacing all four of our foot switches for the electric winches.  One high speed, one low speed on both sides. 

Perast

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Sometimes, you just need a break from the boat work! Today, we traded tools for a set of wheels and embarked on an unforgettable road trip around the Bay of Kotor in our rental car. 🚗

Our journey began with a visit to an old Hungarian-Austrian fort, a fascinating relic of history that offered a glimpse into the region’s rich past. From there, we made our way to the breathtaking Kotor Viewpoint, where the panoramic vistas left us in awe. Perched high above the bay, this spot provided the perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of Montenegro’s dramatic landscapes.

Our adventure concluded in Perast, a charming and picturesque town along the Bay of Kotor. With its quaint streets, historic churches, and stunning waterfront, Perast was the perfect place to unwind and take in the serene atmosphere.

Whether you're a fan of road trips, love exploring historical sites, or simply want to escape to a tranquil seaside town, this post captures the magic of a day spent discovering Montenegro’s hidden gems.

Tivat

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Getting someone to look at our freezer for the 3rd time. Hopefully third times the charm! 

Budva

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We took a much-needed break from boat work and set out on a day trip to Budva, Montenegro. Known as the “Montenegrin Riviera,” this charming coastal town offered a delightful escape. The scenic drive there was half the adventure, with winding roads hugging the Adriatic coastline and breathtaking views of the sparkling sea.

Upon arriving, we headed straight to the Old Town, or Stari Grad, a beautifully preserved medieval area encircled by ancient stone walls. Strolling through its narrow cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time. We explored quaint shops, local cafes, and historic landmarks, including the Citadel, which provided stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

After soaking in the history, we walked along the bustling promenade lined with modern restaurants and boutique shops. The lively atmosphere was contagious, and we couldn’t resist sampling some local seafood while enjoying views of the vibrant marina.

We ended the day relaxing on Slovenska Beach, where the gentle waves and soft sand were the perfect antidote to our busy routine. As the sun dipped low over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we knew this was a day well spent. Budva’s mix of history, beauty, and charm left us enchanted. 

Tivat

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Today we worked on re-rigging the reefing lines as they were not correct. Now they are! 

Tivat

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Clears on! We’ve put up our clears around the cockpit here in Montenegro, as it’s cold, wet, and windy during the winter. These clears fully enclose the cockpit, creating more living space and protecting us from the harsh winter weather. It’s such a game-changer, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm and dry. Having this extra sheltered area makes a huge difference when the elements are a bit too much, and we’re loving how much more comfortable our living space feels! 

Wild and free just like the sea