WHERE ARE WE ANNE?: THE ISLAND OF RAB

THE NEEDLE ON THE NUDITY METER SPIKED TODAY

We motored down from our overnight anchorage at Mali Plavnik in zero wind. The bays that we passed on the way down the island of Rab were especially inviting because they had trees. This spot here is sheltered from the fierce Bora that can leave the landscape very stunted or denuded in this area. Speaking of which, we anchored near the historic 15th century town of Rab and couldn't help noticing that every boat anchored near us was full of pleasure seekers enjoying the sun and swimming sans costume. The poor old nuddy meter almost bent the needle. You'd love it here Noel.

Turns out this place is even trumpeted in the brochures as a trail blazer in the naturism stakes because in 1936 the English king Edward VIII and his wife took a dip in the all together. I suspect they weren't the first around here.

We had lunch on board, thankyou Linda, and motored in to the marina to fill up with diesel, tie up for free at the public quay til 5.30 and have a bit of a walk around this historic town. While the cobblestone streets, alley ways and church spires were authentically atmospheric it was all a bit oldy worldy tourist trap kitsch. Tourism rules here. The girls went for a bit of dress shopping research but the tourist trap prices didn't appeal. Meanwhile Bill took command to shout him and myself a taste of another sample on the 'Great Beers in the Journey Of Life'.

While Bill disposed of the empties I picked up a free bag of ice from an obliging bar attendant for our G & T sundowners that were waiting for us back at nudist anchorage central. We considered the marina option for overnight but at 70 Euros the free anchorage with the nudists in a nearby pretty location won hands down. On leaving the public quay we were so glad we got in earlier for the diesel because although we had to previously wait for one boat before us there were now four yachts and several stink boats jockeying and bobbing off the fuel jetty in a confined space.

After more delicious swimming I made a small breakthrough when I realised how to control the temp of the outdoor shower on the rear transom duckboard thingy. I'm settling in to this life aquatic.