Durmitor

It’s our third day in Montenegro, and amazingly also my 500th blip. How did that happen? 

Our day starts with breakfast by the beautiful bay, mist and cloud inversions thankfully hiding the arrival of yet another cruise ship. We leave with heavy hearts; surely we can’t see anything so beautiful again…. 

Soon, we’re heading up into the mountains and leaving the sea behind, stunning views round every corner. Our destination is Osgrog Monastry, perched impossibly high on the cliff side. The steep walk up from the car park is hard work in 26C temperatures, but I stop regularly to photograph the flowers, including gorgeous mauve bearded irises growing wild. Of course, the heat is worsened by  the need for ‘modest clothing’, and by the time we’ve climbed the internal steps to the beautifully frescoed cave, I’m melting. It’s worth it though, both for the beauty of the paintings and the balcony view. 

Our journey continues north to Zabljak, stopping at intervals for the spectacular views of the Durmitor  mountains where thick fingers of snow still cling. We’re staying in an ‘Organic Family Farm’ tonight, but the Satnav won’t accept the off-the-beaten-track address, and our phones are off-line due to sky-high phone and data charges. We’ve memorised the route, and thankfully find it - not before G is waved down by a Montenegrin police officer who thankfully just reminds him of the speed limit and let’s us go without a fine. 

We’re greeted by our host and his toddler son, shown to our room and offered ‘local brandy’ - to be enjoyed sitting in the deck chairs that have been placed for us to enjoy the stunning view over the fertile landscape to the mountains. It is, quite simply, sublime. We sit there soaking in the sun and beauty, listening to a soundscape of birdsong and the gentle ring of cowbells. We’re almost overcome by the sheer beauty of it all; one of those sublime travel moments that brings you close to tears. Perast was beautiful, but in many ways this is even better. 

We eat a simple meal prepared by ‘mother’ - all from the farm and organic - lamb for G and vegetarian for me, before retiring to our simple room for the night.

My main today is a view from our VIP deck chairs towards the mountains, with extra collages (if I get them uploaded) of the monastery, wild flowers and Durmitor views - and the ‘deck chairs’ themselves! 

So 500 blips and counting…. Thanks to everyone who comments on my blips, or who awards stars or hearts. And thank you for the personal support so many of you offer when things get difficult - it’s so appreciated. Thanks also to those who work so hard to keep blip going. Here’s to the next 500! 

Thanks for your understanding in terms of my not commenting.  I expect it’s amazing that we have internet at all here, but it’s taking an age to upload my entry.