Visiting Fortress Mare, Eating Cake, and Watching Waves

I know...this doesn't look like a Fortress does it?  Well it's not.

After our morning at the Mimosa Festival, we walked down to Gradska Kafana and indulged in a piece of their homemade cakes for lunch.

We have been here a month and I'll be honest, this is the first time we tried them.

Oh....my.....gosh.....to die for.....for sure.

This is the view from the balcony of the restaurant....that I am sure I have posted before, but I just can't get enough of this stunning sight.

I was so excited to read that during the Mimosa Festival both the Fortresses will be open, for free, for the public to visit!!!!  Sweet.

Below is Fortress Mare from the road way, and a previous photo I took of Deb, has a complete look at the enormity of Fortress Mare.

Follow Debbie in......I can't wait to check it out.

The village of Herceg Novi with my little circle showing where we are staying this winter.  It is a three storey home, owned by a lovely English woman, who happens to be an actress, artist and singer.  Her name is Flavia Brilli. 

This Fortress is actually used for concerts during the summer.  It would be so amazing to be in this open air location for such events.

The brilliant Herceg Novi and Port from the top of the Fortress.

Many nooks and crannies to explore here.

Queen of the Castle....LD.

A tour group arrived when we were exploring....but they never came down here.  Passageways deep in the castle.  We found a cafe (not opened) and openings to allow for more views.

Very steep and difficult stairways to descend.

These two gals ahead of us are from Montenegro and were so friendly and inquisitive like us.

We will be visiting the other Fortress this week as the grace period to do so is only seven days.

Today in Herceg Novi there was a Triathlon this morning.  I can't imagine with these waves today...but it didn't get cancelled.  There was a Children's Race as well, which we caught just in time.

A fun race with ages ranging from 3 years to 10 years.

One last peek at the waves....which cannot be realized with a photo...but they were very big...and very loud.  The sea came over the promenade many times....rocks, seaweed and lots and lots of water....

People are so drawn to the water and Herceg Novi is no different.

The adults and the kids were down at the beach enthralled by the energy and power of the water....

......until it came right up!!!!

My safety tip for the day:  NEVER turn your back to the water....about every 7th wave is huge....and it seems to come in sets of 3's.

We have seen many tourists come close to being swept away when they are not watching.

Ahhhhhhhh......sitting at last.

THAT was a stellar day!