Back to Split (10/14)

One final gaze at the looming fortress beside us, and we shove off early in the morning, for we have a long trip ahead – Split is nine hours away. It is a slow and pleasant experience. Members of the Company quickly ease into their respective modes of napping, reading, gazing, eating and drinking. There was a sense that the sailing voyage was ending, and it seems that each of us wanted the space and time to take it all in, and measure what it meant.

http://www.photocroatia.com/GALLERY/photo.php?photo=10011&u=287|39

Island after island eases by; each prominently displays olive groves, or vineyards, or clusters of red-tiled, stone homes for our eager eyes. The sun was modest, the wind mostly gentle.

Sooner than expected, Split comes into view. As we turn into the harbor, an 80-ton ferry launches from its mooring dangerously close to us. All eyes became riveted upon Francesco at the helm, silently imploring him to take evasive measures now! For a heart beat or two, Francesco acts as if he might not change our direction, as if our right of way would protect us from Davey’s Locker. I watch him, we all watched him, and hold our breath. With a shrug and sigh, he spins the wheel nonchalantly. The ferry horn is blaring. We wave nervously. Close call.

Tonight would be our last on Hera.