Why drive when you can float

There is nothing like waking up with a planned direction. Then midway completely changing your mind on a whim of where you are going to go.

I was planning to head down the Komani lake reservoir from the town of Fierza to Koman and from there head north to Montenegro. But halfway there I decided to completely reverse the route and go to Kosovo instead. So off I headed in search of the start of the journey in the town of Koman. After 30 plus kilometres of gravel road you finally come across this tunnel. I actually stopped prior to entering because it just did not look like you were allowed to drive through.

But this is what you come out to on the other side. This was my view from my room for the night and another first. As I have never stayed on a damn for accommodations before. 

When I woke up the following morning all hell broke loose and the little tiny parking area was jammed with vehicles waiting to be loaded onto the ferries.

Locals were also coming into town. 

One local even brought there cow and its calf along for the ride.

Fred was first to be loaded for the three hour journey.

Spectacular views along the way.

It seems no matter how desolate you may think an area may be, it is always someones home.

The majority of the people were heading to the mountain area of Valbone while I was off to find the tiny border crossing into Kosovo.

Wandering the hills of Albania

As soon as I turned off the highway I new immediately that choosing this obscure route was the right choice.

The goal was to make the village of Berat via the back mountain roads. It was going to be 120km of the unknown. 

Just the way I like it!

 In fact at one junction a local suggested that I should really be taking the nice new highway they built. 

It is views, turns and the complete lack of perfection in the path that is the pure reason for not taking the path most followed.

Only other adventure riders will understand the serenity found when you are in the distant lands of a foreign country. To find yourself surrounded by nothing other than nature. No people within site or sounds to be heard other than maybe the odd goat bell off in the distance.

After a beautiful day in the back country I arrived at my destination of Berat. And with no expectations about what to expect i was pleasantly surprised.

As with Gjirokaster the town is overshadowed by a castle. But this town had a definite medieval feel to the town. The neighbourhood below the castle is called the village of a thousand windows.

And with all castles they are at the top which will require some stupid climb. Why is it all the good stuff is either at the bottom of a gorge or the top of a mountain? So, before heading off I need some food and decided on Albania's version of a Gyros. Gyros meat with tzatzitki sauce lettuce, tomatoes, french fries ketchup and mustard all on a pita. 

And i wonder why I am gaining weight again!!!!!!!

The castle itself was unusual as it was actually still occupied with a village within.

On the way down I could no resist getting a snack of cherries which are in season. 

1kg for 80 cents....... and yes I ate them all if you were wondering

Maybe my next ride. 

It just needs a little TLC.

Albania (Country #33)

After leaving the island of Corfu Greece it was off to the Albania border which was only  a mere 29 km from the ferry landing. I had planned to stay in the town of Sarande, Albania but was making such good time I decided to push on.

One of my stops along the way was to find the Blue Eye.

It is an underground spring of such clarity it is hard to believe. I originally thought I would be able to go for a swim but a sign read that the water is a chilly 10C degrees. 

You can easily drink this water straight from the pond.

I had to get a shot of these beautiful dragonflies that were all along the waters edge. At least thats what they looked like to me. I just have never seen any this colour before.

After cutting through the mountains and waiting out a rain storm at a petrol station. I finally reached my destination of the traditional Albanian town of Gjirokastra.

It is a quaint little town known for its castle that over looks the town.

It has been a while since I had to drive Fred up stairs and into the hotel lobby for safe parking. It sure brought back memories of Latin America where this was a common occurrence. 

The castle

This passage way was lined with German artillery on the left and French and Italian artillery on the right.

As cool as this mini tank was it sure gave you a feeling of claustrophobia when you looked inside. Once inside you were committed.

A glancing shot over looking the valley.