Having left Croatia and crossed the border in to Bosnia, we spent a short c.10km journey back in to Croatia for the last part of the journey in to Dubrovnik. The scenery was spectacular to say the least. The shot below was from a layby where we decided to stop for lunch. Apart from the road noise it was stunning.

Just after the Bosnia Border, Croatia

Having finished lunch, we quickly got back on the road and the final push to Dubrovnik. I have been there before, but close to three decades ago and before the civil war. I was worried that it would not live up to my memories - I rarely go back to places that I have really enjoyed for fear of distorting great memories.

But first to find our camp for the next few nights. We had been recommended a camp site called Kamp Kate as it had a ferry connection to visit Dubrovnik and we could get a return ticket. It sounded ideal for what we were looking for - and it lived up to the recommendation.

Mlini is one of many small bays south of Dubrovnik that home many tourists wanting to see the old historic walled city of Dubrovnik. However, Mlini and the couple of surrounding bays had a whole appeal of their own. One the first day we walked north to see what the next bay or two had to offer and we were first treated to a string of classical buildings, apartments and a very expensive looking hotel. 

Mlini, Croatia

The next bay, Kupari, was a shock to the system. We have seen numerous signs of the war on our travels, but this small patch of coastline really brought it home. This was a very pretty bay, bordered by some large hotels surrounding a small, but old looking building. The shock was that the place had obviously been bombed and shot at substantially during the struggles and the place was entirely deserted apart from a couple of dog walkers and a motorhome enjoying the isolation.

Hotel, Kupari, Croatia

Signs of the decay, Kupari, Croatia

I took many photos of the remains of a major tourist area for locals, it was shocking to see the decay, destruction and devastation that had been caused. I could see no sense in the destruction of something that had no apparent significance in the civil war.

This place was spooky and sad and I was quickly looking forward to seeing the old walled city of Dubrovnik the following day.

In complete contrast, we decided to hire a tandem kayak and explore the coast from the water. The water was so clear and inviting and with our paddle strokes perfectly in time, we got a long way. It was a pretty place to paddle.

Kayaking in Mlini, Croatia

Kayaking in Mlini, Croatia