Bees, bugs and butterflies

Croatia

Living on a boat means you are constantly exposed to the elements (sun, wind and insects), so you learn to deal with each one in your own way. When we first brought Berkeley East to Croatia, four years ago, we received multiple bee stings, and were introduced to several new varieties of bugs. So this time we came prepared with screens in the boat, repellant if necessary, and the deadly collection of fly swatters. We learned to look before grabbing anything, never swipe at a tickle, or itch, on the skin, and remain calm whenever the boat seemed under attack.

We made it through July and August with just one little sting, but were happy to see September arrive with cooler weather and fewer insects. Then came the butterflies. It is difficult to believe that butterflies and bees are classified in the same category. These little beauties are welcome visitors. And one day, anchored off the island of Rab, butterflies descended on BE, apparently in search of rose wine. We spent hours watching one butterfly try to get into the bottle, finally opting for a larger opening in a glass.

Rab Island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. Covered with pine forests and beautiful sandy beaches, it is well known for its mild climate due to three ridges that protect the island from the cold winds of the Velebit mountains. The main city, Rab Town, is full of medieval buildings, built during the Venetian rule, which occurred since the 13th century.

We spent several days at different anchorages around the island, with few other vessels, but for a number of small German powerboats.

In 2012, Croatia was full of American-flagged boats. Croatian boat owners would register, and flag, their boats in the US in order to avoid the hefty government tax on pleasure craft. But when the country joined the European Union, boat owners were offered a one-time reduction in the tax, so Old Glory is seldom seen there now, which is why we were surprised to see an American-flagged boat one morning anchored nearby. A closer look revealed that we knew this catamaran “Finalmente” from years ago in Sicily. And this boat was not only full of Americans, it was full of Americans from California. Eight Americans from California on the island of Rab; what were the odds?