Sunday 13th October 2024

Managed some sleep despite the town living up to its reputation.

Decided we needed an Aussie breakfast and had stocked up on fruit, juice and a combined yoghurt / cereal mix.

The town was already alive with athletes preparing for 3 more circuit races today when we popped into the square. There was an amazing collection of physiques ranging from the lean and mean to the muscular and equally mean. 99% of women fell into the simply lean category.

It was interesting that most were breaking the local clothing law which didn’t allow men to go bare chested or wear budgie smugglers or women to wear bikini’s. Race organisers must have done a deal otherwise many would have coughed up the €300 fine.

We decided to walk some parts of the course whilst the race was in progress as it led us to our pebbly beach. What an ordeal for athletes, ranging from professionals down to Mum and a couple of less than athletic kids. The Mum was doing an amazing job, especially when trying to get a 110kg kid out of the water and up a net- with the help of a few on land they succeeded. 

We were walking the course backwards and it was definitely a test of resolve with the last few legs including a 400 metre carry of a canister with 20kg of gravel inside. Then it was into the water , fully clothed for a 200 metre water navigation. They used every stroke in the book and some towed themselves along the lane rope. Other less competent swimmers had life vests, including one who walked along the rocks with one foot in the water. After the difficult net exit it was a rope climb, whilst soaking wet and then a set of monkey bars. Failure to complete drew a penalty of carrying a 20 kilo chain or another bucket of gravel around the outside of obstacle and then try again. After that it was the clambering over the high walls and a  hop over the fire pit. 

Before all that there was apparently another swim leg, more hurdles and a tortuous  run up to the castle where it had obstacles of its own.

There was one obstacle which many climbed up and somersaulted down – little wonder there was a paramedic at the bottom of the 8 metre descent.

We held our breath each time somebody used that method.

Still working on how to put a video in.

After passing one of the more remote points of the race we ended up at a tiny beach that we had to ourselves. Those tiny lumps behind my ears indicated how cold it was. The water was picture postcard clear.

Headed back towards town and ran into 4 Aussies doing a motor bike tour of Croatia. We had a few good experiences to swap. The Aussie flavour continued when we reached a group of restaurants where one was selling Aussie Parmi’s. We opted for a New York Reuben at New York prices. Croatia is sure dining out on tourists for the lost profits of COVID. 

Watched a bit more racing including Mum and son finally teaching the finish in over 3 hours for a 5km race.

A bit of a wander through town before a siesta and when refreshed we tackled the steps and paths to the top of the castle. In doing so we got to realise again  just how diverse and tough the race must have been.

Got a great  ‘on high “ late afternoon view of Hvar on a shady balcony, sipping cocktails, whilst another group was having a wine tasting of local wines. We would pass the vineyards tomorrow on our ferry trip to Korcula.

The crew  from Spartan was already deconstructiing a few of the crazy hurdles as we wend our way back to town to have dinner in a local “cash only” restaurant, just off the waterside. 

Town was packed with exhausted athletes  all proudly showing off their medals whose size was saucer like. Being metal if you closed your eyes you would think a herd of Swiss Alpscattle were heading your way. The town takes on a different perspective at night with all of the little alleyways and monuments in a different light.

As usual always room for a gelato before tackling the stairs to our apartment for a much quieter night.