Hvar in February is beautiful, appearing in a completely different light from the heat of summer. This morning, for instance, I was drawn to take my camera for a walk by the most perfect atmospheric sunrise. Somewhat unusually, we were enveloped in dense fog, with very little of the wider landscape showing, meanwhile the sun slid into view as a warm orange disc. Stunning!

At this time of year, sunrise is at 6:48am, so best to wrap up warmly! Later in the day It would feel warm In the full sun, though the air stays pretty cool. In the pale early light, the fortress church of Sv Marija is in shade, with the cool pink glow of the sun behind it.

Heading down the steps of the street towards the waterfront, I have it all to myself. Yet, ahead of me there are sounds of a fisherman preparing to take his boat out.

The marina is misty with steam rising from the water in the channel. It’s so serene, like a mirror in the calm air. Clearly no boats have passed this way as yet, or the surface would be ruffled.

As I watch, the fisherman on his boat causes  ripples across the surface. This is a scene begging to be painted – sunrise impressions, possibly?

It’s not possible to see very far, and the view of the north shore is in outline only. Cool shadows in muted colours indicate where the sun has yet to reach.

Vrboska’s one remaining commercial fishing boat, Luk, is tied up alongside the main waterfront. No activity here.

Towards the top end of the harbour, the sun is now behind me, giving a warm, though somewhat watery glow to the stone houses. I’ve photographed this view many times, always a little different. I rather like the misty, pastel colours this morning!

The other direction is just as atmospheric! Above us seems to be clearing now, as the mist starts to burn off. We have a lovely sunny day ahead!

Although there are some folks already out and about, getting bread, driving to work, walking the dog, waiting for the school bus, etc, it’s still very peaceful. A boat on a trailer waits for its winter maintenance. Somehow it adds to the view, as opposed to the four-wheeled vehicles parked along here in summer.

It’s only been half an hour, but the rising sun is clearly stronger now, and the mist is lifting. One parked car that does enhance the view for me is the small Fiat Cinquecento beside the 3 Bridge. Now, if only it had been red, or perhaps yellow for extra interest!

Taking the back paths home, I notice that the renovations of a stone house are progressing well, and it’s looking really good. Clearly, there have been some real stonemasons at work here. Considering they would have had to trug everything up and down that path, I’m impressed with the effort it must have taken.

And just how cold was it out there early this morning? Well, look at this, a delicate touch of frost on the flowers! No wonder my fingers felt frozen!