STARDATE 2025.171
SECTOR 05
LOG — 20 JUN 2025
NLENIT

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Croatia — 2025

Mission log · 20 June – 8 July 2025
VIEWSCREEN // CROATIA 2025
ROVINJ, ISTRIA — 07/07/2025

Nineteen days of summer holiday, from 20 June to 8 July 2025: a road trip through Germany, Austria and Slovenia to a base camp on the Istrian coast, with plenty of beach time, home-cooked meals and two full days in Rovinj, the last of which (7 July) spent a whole morning wandering the old town past the Batana museum and the harbour. Log below, day by day.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19
Day 1 — Friday, 20 June 2025

Packing up and setting off

The trip to Croatia begins with the car already parked on the street early in the morning, roof box open for the last few bags.

The car is ready
The roof box stands open on a quiet street. The journey to Croatia has begun.
17:22:20
The roof box stands open on a quiet street. The journey to Croatia has begun.
Day 2 — Saturday, 21 June 2025

Heading south

A long day of driving through Germany and Austria, with the dog behaving nicely on the back seat. Towards evening there's a stop at a green valley with a breathtaking view, followed by a simple meal and a stunning sunset.

Faithful travel companion
On the back seat the dog looks out alertly, ready for a long day on the road.
10:52:04
On the back seat the dog looks out alertly, ready for a long day on the road.
Sweeping view over the valley
A panorama over green meadows with mountains in the background announces tonight's stopover.
19:03:24
A panorama over green meadows with mountains in the background announces tonight's stopover.
Another look at the valley
A second, wider shot of the same landscape, with the mountain range stretching wide across the horizon.
19:03:37
A second, wider shot of the same landscape, with the mountain range stretching wide across the horizon.
View with mountains in the background
From a higher point the scene is complete: rolling hills with the mountain range behind them.
19:04:21
From a higher point the scene is complete: rolling hills with the mountain range behind them.
Dinner on the road
Several small dishes are laid out on a wooden table, a simple but welcome meal after a long driving day.
19:19:01
Several small dishes are laid out on a wooden table, a simple but welcome meal after a long driving day.
Resting on the terrace
The dogs lie stretched out in the grass in the evening sun, while the view is enjoyed from the terrace.
20:02:56
The dogs lie stretched out in the grass in the evening sun, while the view is enjoyed from the terrace.
Sunset over the fields
The day ends with a gorgeous sunset over the fields. Tomorrow the journey continues.
20:15:01
The day ends with a gorgeous sunset over the fields. Tomorrow the journey continues.
Day 3 — Sunday, 22 June 2025

Arrival on the Istrian coast

Early in the morning the final leg begins, past golden grain fields with the mountains still in view. By midday the Istrian coast is finally reached, and a table by the beach is claimed right away, with pizza to round off a successful first day.

Morning light over the grain fields
Setting off early, the drive passes golden-yellow grain fields, with the morning sun just clearing the mountains.
06:49:36
Setting off early, the drive passes golden-yellow grain fields, with the morning sun just clearing the mountains.
One last look at the mountains
A second shot of the same field, with the mountain range in the morning haze behind it.
06:49:43
A second shot of the same field, with the mountain range in the morning haze behind it.
Arrived at the coast
Under a parasol, with the dog resting calmly under the table, the destination is finally reached.
12:21:17
Under a parasol, with the dog resting calmly under the table, the destination is finally reached.
Beach spot with a sea view
At a table by the beach, with sun loungers in the background, the first impression of the coast sinks in.
12:21:20
At a table by the beach, with sun loungers in the background, the first impression of the coast sinks in.
First cold drink
A cold beer on the table marks the official start of the holiday.
12:26:25
A cold beer on the table marks the official start of the holiday.
Another round
A second drink appears on the table, while beach life carries on in the background.
12:26:46
A second drink appears on the table, while beach life carries on in the background.
Fresh pizza to finish
A big pizza, half pepperoni and half mushroom, in the box makes for dinner after the long travel day. Just what's needed after hours on the road.
17:36:36
A big pizza, half pepperoni and half mushroom, in the box makes for dinner after the long travel day. Just what's needed after hours on the road.
Evening in the garden
A quiet moment in the garden at the holiday house, with a tree standing out nicely against the evening sky.
20:17:43
A quiet moment in the garden at the holiday house, with a tree standing out nicely against the evening sky.
Day 4 — Monday, 23 June 2025

Groceries and a trip to the beach

The first full day at the sea starts with a grocery run for the rest of the week, before the group settles down at the beach. The dog happily dives into the water and comes back dripping wet.

Groceries for the week
At the local supermarket the trolleys are filled. Time to stock up for the holiday.
09:27:51
At the local supermarket the trolleys are filled. Time to stock up for the holiday.
Checking out
At the checkout the haul is paid for, while outside everyone's already waiting to head to the beach.
09:28:11
At the checkout the haul is paid for, while outside everyone's already waiting to head to the beach.
Waiting in the shade
By a beach chair the dog patiently stands guard while the rest get ready for the water.
12:19:31
By a beach chair the dog patiently stands guard while the rest get ready for the water.
Soaked after a swim
With a dripping coat and the leash still on, the dog looks at the camera contentedly after a refreshing dip.
15:20:18
With a dripping coat and the leash still on, the dog looks at the camera contentedly after a refreshing dip.
Day 5 — Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Taking it easy by the water

A quiet day spent mostly filming. The evidence is in today's many videos. By late afternoon the dog lies sprawled out on the terrace, ready for a nap in the shade.

Siesta on the terrace
Seen from above, the dogs lie stretched out on the tiles in the shade, setting a good example for the rest of the group.
15:22:52
Seen from above, the dogs lie stretched out on the tiles in the shade, setting a good example for the rest of the group.
Day 6 — Wednesday, 25 June 2025

A day in Rovinj

Today it's a visit to Rovinj's famous skyline, with its distinctive church tower rising high above the rooftops. After a walk through the old centre, there's a lovely lunch at a café.

Rovinj from the quay
The silhouette of the peninsula with St. Euphemia's Church is already clearly visible from the car park.
09:54:12
The silhouette of the peninsula with St. Euphemia's Church is already clearly visible from the car park.
Cafés in the old town
Under grey awnings, Rovinj's cafés invite a short break.
10:06:07
Under grey awnings, Rovinj's cafés invite a short break.
Beautifully glazed
A nicely plated dish with a glossy braised piece of meat and fresh vegetables makes today's lunch.
11:50:29
A nicely plated dish with a glossy braised piece of meat and fresh vegetables makes today's lunch.
Day 7 — Thursday, 26 June 2025

Beach day with visitors

There are visitors today: the group grows with friends joining in on the beach life. Plenty of chatting, swimming, and cuddling the dog.

Relaxing by the water
At a table by the beach there's easy conversation, with the dogs lying relaxed alongside.
13:32:27
At a table by the beach there's easy conversation, with the dogs lying relaxed alongside.
The whole group together
Arms around each other, the group of friends poses on the beach, all with big smiles.
15:25:12
Arms around each other, the group of friends poses on the beach, all with big smiles.
Another group photo
A second photo of the same moment, with the sea and the beach in the background.
15:25:14
A second photo of the same moment, with the sea and the beach in the background.
Attention for the dog
Up close, the dogs get a pat, clearly enjoying all the attention.
16:03:22
Up close, the dogs get a pat, clearly enjoying all the attention.
Day 8 — Friday, 27 June 2025

A lazy day

A lazy day spent mostly filming, with little else happening. The dog at least gets a nice bowl of water.

A refreshment for the dog
Next to a pair of bare feet in flip-flops, the dogs are offered a bowl of water, much needed in this heat.
15:06:24
Next to a pair of bare feet in flip-flops, the dogs are offered a bowl of water, much needed in this heat.
Day 9 — Saturday, 28 June 2025

Lunch with a view of a cruise ship

A large cruise ship unexpectedly lies at anchor in the harbour today, quite a sight among the fishing boats. After taking it in, there's an extensive lunch, with fresh bread, fried calamari and pasta.

A cruise ship in the bay
From the car park by the harbour, a surprisingly large cruise ship can be seen, anchored among the smaller boats.
10:28:02
From the car park by the harbour, a surprisingly large cruise ship can be seen, anchored among the smaller boats.
Another look at the ship
From the quay the ship looks even more impressive, with the blue sea all around it.
10:35:35
From the quay the ship looks even more impressive, with the blue sea all around it.
Fresh bread to start
A round loaf, cut into wedges and ready to share, opens the lunch.
12:46:07
A round loaf, cut into wedges and ready to share, opens the lunch.
Stuffed flatbread
A folded, golden-baked flatbread sits next to a small dish of dip.
12:52:06
A folded, golden-baked flatbread sits next to a small dish of dip.
Calamari and fries
A big plate of crispy fried squid rings with a generous portion of fries.
13:25:17
A big plate of crispy fried squid rings with a generous portion of fries.
Grilled vegetables with a glass of wine
Next to a glass of red wine sits a plate of colourful grilled vegetables.
13:25:19
Next to a glass of red wine sits a plate of colourful grilled vegetables.
Pasta to finish
A plate of pasta rounds off the lunch table, with a second glass of wine beside it.
13:25:20
A plate of pasta rounds off the lunch table, with a second glass of wine beside it.
Day 10 — Sunday, 29 June 2025

Groceries, fuel and a barbecue evening

A practical day: groceries at Interspar and a full tank, before the evening winds down quietly in the garden with the barbecue.

Running errands
At Interspar the trolleys are filled again for the coming days.
09:12:38
At Interspar the trolleys are filled again for the coming days.
Filling up at the petrol station
At the pump the tank gets topped up: 55.34 euros for almost 39 litres.
10:39:53
At the pump the tank gets topped up: 55.34 euros for almost 39 litres.
Stretched out on the steps
In the golden evening light the dogs lie stretched out by the stone steps.
20:15:05
In the golden evening light the dogs lie stretched out by the stone steps.
Lighting the barbecue
In the garden, with the sun just dipping behind the trees, the barbecue is set up for dinner.
20:23:11
In the garden, with the sun just dipping behind the trees, the barbecue is set up for dinner.
Day 11 — Monday, 30 June 2025

Steak off the grill

Tonight it's all about the meat: two thick ribeye steaks go on the grill and come off beautifully cooked, with a pat of butter melting on top.

Two beautiful steaks
Nicely marbled meat lies ready in its packaging, waiting for the grill.
16:49:05
Nicely marbled meat lies ready in its packaging, waiting for the grill.
Fresh off the grill
The first steak comes off the fire golden-brown, with a pat of butter slowly melting on top.
17:16:36
The first steak comes off the fire golden-brown, with a pat of butter slowly melting on top.
The second steak follows
The second steak is ready too, cooked just as beautifully as the first.
17:19:11
The second steak is ready too, cooked just as beautifully as the first.
Day 12 — Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Back to Rovinj

A second visit to Rovinj is on the programme. On the way through town, a funny detail on a parked van catches the eye, before a chic lunch at a café in the old town and a walk along the harbour, where an old wooden sailboat is moored.

Berlingo Old Man Edition
Below the "Berlingo" badge on a parked van sits a suspiciously official-looking sticker reading "Old Man Edition", a funny little addition too good not to notice.
11:19:06
Below the "Berlingo" badge on a parked van sits a suspiciously official-looking sticker reading "Old Man Edition", a funny little addition too good not to notice.
The same van, from further back
From a bit further away, with a cyclist just passing along the harbour, the whole van is visible with its Croatian number plate. The "Old Man Edition" is still just about legible from here.
11:19:09
From a bit further away, with a cyclist just passing along the harbour, the whole van is visible with its Croatian number plate. The "Old Man Edition" is still just about legible from here.
Green asparagus for lunch
A refined plate of green asparagus with a glass of wine on the table, a chic lunch in the old town.
12:28:48
A refined plate of green asparagus with a glass of wine on the table, a chic lunch in the old town.
By the old sailboat
At the quay, with Rovinj's church tower in the background, an old wooden sailboat is admired.
13:01:48
At the quay, with Rovinj's church tower in the background, an old wooden sailboat is admired.
Day 13 — Wednesday, 2 July 2025

A quiet evening

A quiet evening on the terrace, before sunrise, with only the garden lighting for company.

Early morning stillness
Before sunrise, it's quiet on the terrace, with only the garden lighting switched on.
04:29:51
Before sunrise, it's quiet on the terrace, with only the garden lighting switched on.
Day 14 — Thursday, 3 July 2025

Picnic in the grass

A simple picnic in the grass, with a big fresh salad as the main course.

Picnic in the grass
On a checked picnic blanket, a big bowl of coleslaw sits ready, right in the middle of the green.
17:26:33
On a checked picnic blanket, a big bowl of coleslaw sits ready, right in the middle of the green.
Day 15 — Friday, 4 July 2025

Marina, lunch and a sunset

A day full of highlights: a morning walk along the marina, coffee in town, an extensive lunch with a delicious dessert, and late in the afternoon a trip to another beach, where the evening winds down with drinks at sunset.

Along the marina
Rows of white yachts lie moored side by side in the early morning sun.
09:30:41
Rows of white yachts lie moored side by side in the early morning sun.
Even more boats
The marina stretches on further, with dozens of boats glinting in the light.
09:30:52
The marina stretches on further, with dozens of boats glinting in the light.
Coffee in town
In an atmospheric café with tall windows, there's a short pause for a cup of coffee.
10:22:46
In an atmospheric café with tall windows, there's a short pause for a cup of coffee.
View over the harbour
From the quay, the town's silhouette with a harbour full of boats makes for a beautiful sight.
11:28:38
From the quay, the town's silhouette with a harbour full of boats makes for a beautiful sight.
Cafés in the old town
The street along the harbour is lined with cafés and flower boxes, inviting a lunch stop.
11:28:44
The street along the harbour is lined with cafés and flower boxes, inviting a lunch stop.
A fresh salad for lunch
A colourful salad and a cola on the table mark the start of lunch.
11:37:51
A colourful salad and a cola on the table mark the start of lunch.
Something from the sea
A plate with a creamy shellfish dish follows as the main course.
11:37:55
A plate with a creamy shellfish dish follows as the main course.
A delicious dessert
The dessert doesn't disappoint: a creamy pastry with red fruit, next to two scoops of chocolate.
12:24:21
The dessert doesn't disappoint: a creamy pastry with red fruit, next to two scoops of chocolate.
On the way to the next beach
Through the windscreen the road stretches ahead, with an impressive stack of clouds on the horizon.
15:52:56
Through the windscreen the road stretches ahead, with an impressive stack of clouds on the horizon.
Exploring by the beach
Near the beach chairs the dog wanders around curiously, with the sea in the background.
17:36:42
Near the beach chairs the dog wanders around curiously, with the sea in the background.
A drink at sunset
Under a thatched roof, with the sea visible between the posts, a toast is made to the evening.
18:50:38
Under a thatched roof, with the sea visible between the posts, a toast is made to the evening.
A moment to unwind
At the table the dogs rest against everyone's legs, while the day is enjoyed a little longer.
18:57:48
At the table the dogs rest against everyone's legs, while the day is enjoyed a little longer.
The sun dips away
The day's last light colours the sky above the beach bar gold.
19:15:23
The day's last light colours the sky above the beach bar gold.
Day 16 — Saturday, 5 July 2025

At the beach bar

A visit to an atmospheric beach bar, complete with its own price list behind the counter and a friendly chat with the bartender.

At the bar
Behind the wooden bar with bottles on the shelf, a conversation is struck up with the bartender.
11:43:36
Behind the wooden bar with bottles on the shelf, a conversation is struck up with the bartender.
Another photo at the bar
With the beach bar's crew in the background, one more photo is taken.
11:44:14
With the beach bar's crew in the background, one more photo is taken.
Day 17 — Sunday, 6 July 2025

A day without the camera

A quiet day with no photos: the camera stayed in the bag, though plenty of filming happened at the beach and around the house.

Day 18 — Monday, 7 July 2025

The great Rovinj exploration

The highlight day of the holiday: an entire morning in Rovinj, from the marina and a bite of breakfast to a walk with the dog along the sea, the Batana House museum, and endless wandering through the old town's narrow alleys past souvenir shops. On the square there's a toast with a fitting mug, followed by dessert and, in the afternoon, a drive through the green countryside.

The marina under a cloudy sky
Dozens of boats lie moored by the harbour, with Rovinj's skyline behind them under a brooding sky.
10:24:26
Dozens of boats lie moored by the harbour, with Rovinj's skyline behind them under a brooding sky.
Breakfast with flatbread
A round loaf, cut into wedges, sits on the table next to a small dish of olive oil, a good start to the day.
10:55:28
A round loaf, cut into wedges, sits on the table next to a small dish of olive oil, a good start to the day.
A walk along the harbour
With the dog on its lead, there's a walk along the quay as the clouds slowly clear.
11:19:54
With the dog on its lead, there's a walk along the quay as the clouds slowly clear.
Sunny square by the harbour
The square by the harbour, lined with pale-yellow houses and terracotta pots, now basks in sunshine.
11:23:05
The square by the harbour, lined with pale-yellow houses and terracotta pots, now basks in sunshine.
Boats in the harbour
Another view of the harbour, with the yachts moored close together.
11:24:33
Another view of the harbour, with the yachts moored close together.
The harbour from another angle
From the quay, the whole harbour full of little boats fits into one frame.
11:24:50
From the quay, the whole harbour full of little boats fits into one frame.
A selfie with the town behind
With a broad smile and Rovinj's coastline behind, a selfie is taken.
11:25:32
With a broad smile and Rovinj's coastline behind, a selfie is taken.
A view over the open sea
From the rocks, the view over the sea, with a few clouds on the horizon, is striking.
11:25:57
From the rocks, the view over the sea, with a few clouds on the horizon, is striking.
The town from the coastline
From another point along the coast, Rovinj's skyline, with its church tower, comes into clear view.
11:26:04
From another point along the coast, Rovinj's skyline, with its church tower, comes into clear view.
At the Batana House museum
The entrance to the Batana House museum, dedicated to Rovinj's traditional fishing boats, invites a visit.
11:28:26
The entrance to the Batana House museum, dedicated to Rovinj's traditional fishing boats, invites a visit.
An alley with flower boxes
A narrow alley between old façades, with flower pots on the steps, sums up the old town's atmosphere.
11:32:52
A narrow alley between old façades, with flower pots on the steps, sums up the old town's atmosphere.
Cobblestones and old façades
The alley's cobblestones gleam in the light between the colourful houses.
11:33:49
The alley's cobblestones gleam in the light between the colourful houses.
Wandering the old town
Another alley, narrow and shaded, between the old stone houses.
11:34:39
Another alley, narrow and shaded, between the old stone houses.
A café tucked into a courtyard
Between the old walls, a small café with a couple of tables is tucked away.
11:36:14
Between the old walls, a small café with a couple of tables is tucked away.
Steps leading up
A stone staircase between the houses, covered in a climbing plant, leads further into town.
11:36:56
A stone staircase between the houses, covered in a climbing plant, leads further into town.
Miniature souvenirs
A display case holds small model houses and postcards.
11:38:46
A display case holds small model houses and postcards.
A colourful jewellery shop
A display full of colourful, hand-painted magnets and stones catches the eye in one of the alleys.
11:41:26
A display full of colourful, hand-painted magnets and stones catches the eye in one of the alleys.
Handmade magnets
A display of small, colourful artworks and magnets hangs on the wall.
11:42:35
A display of small, colourful artworks and magnets hangs on the wall.
A souvenir shop full of colour
A window packed with crafted souvenirs, from jewellery to little paintings.
11:46:16
A window packed with crafted souvenirs, from jewellery to little paintings.
The square with the clock tower
On Rovinj's main square stands its characteristic clock tower, with people strolling past.
11:47:43
On Rovinj's main square stands its characteristic clock tower, with people strolling past.
A souvenir for home
Canvas bags printed with "Giro di Croazia", among other keepsakes, hang for sale in a small shop.
11:50:04
Canvas bags printed with "Giro di Croazia", among other keepsakes, hang for sale in a small shop.
Drink long and prosper
A mug with a wink to Star Trek sits on the table, a perfect fit for this site's LCARS theme.
12:00:21
A mug with a wink to Star Trek sits on the table, a perfect fit for this site's LCARS theme.
Starter with a sesame crust
A seared bite with a sesame crust and balsamic sauce, garnished with cherry tomatoes, makes for a surprising starter at lunch.
12:28:50
A seared bite with a sesame crust and balsamic sauce, garnished with cherry tomatoes, makes for a surprising starter at lunch.
Back into the green
Through the windscreen a country lane stretches out between bright green fields. On to the next stop.
13:23:02
Through the windscreen a country lane stretches out between bright green fields. On to the next stop.
Day 19 — Tuesday, 8 July 2025

The journey home

The last day: the journey home starts early, and by midday Croatia lies far behind. Rain and green fields in Austria signal the final stretch home.

Green fields under a grey sky
On the way home, somewhere in Austria, wet green meadows stretch out under a clouded sky.
13:05:15
On the way home, somewhere in Austria, wet green meadows stretch out under a clouded sky.
Almost home
One last look at the rainy Alpine landscape, before the final kilometres home are covered.
13:07:01
One last look at the rainy Alpine landscape, before the final kilometres home are covered.