Technology that excites

Day #58

Saturday, June 27th.

From Trpejca to Librazhd

Country: North Macedonia / Albania

Shortly after departing, I arrive at Lake Ohrid and enjoy the road that gently wades along the lakeshore.

At first, there's a beautiful view as I enter Ohrid.

Following the recommendation from yesterday to explore the old town is spot on, with narrow alleys and an amphitheater.

It must be a new feature, as it offers an open Wi-Fi network.

I use it to take care of getting an eSim.

During that, I get caught in a conversation with a couple from England, which ends when the topic shifts to politics and wokeness.

In the end, it costs me only time, and I appreciate older people who can broaden their horizons.

I received the QR code for the eSim that will be valid in Albania, but how can I scan it?

So, first I need to find someone who can take a photo of it, so ...

It works.

But then the next problem arises, I need the internet to transfer my route from one app to another and then to the navigation system.

This is very frustrating, as all the information is available, but it’s the reality, and my time on the open Wi-Fi has expired.

Tomorrow again ...

So, I approach the next person for a HotSpot.

This also takes unnecessary time, and meanwhile, it’s getting hotter.

Once that's taken care of, I finally head off on the TransDinarica.

As I'm directed over a meadow and a snake crawls across my path, I can only shrug it off.

Climbs in the midday heat make me sweat profusely, and I have to take regular breaks.

Thus, I slowly but surely approach the next border.

Since I read that you still need to register with the police in Albania, I ask the border officer, but he only explains to me that on one window side is North Macedonia and on the other side is Albania.

Okay, thanks for that. I guess everything is in order.

After crossing the border, I take a break in the sun; the view is too magnificent. Foolish and rewarding.

From above, I have a wonderful view of the upcoming descent filled with many curves.

Promising, and the stretch is straightforward and the ground is good.

Cars overtake, which will likely remain the case for most, less narrow than advertised in the travel guide.

Except for one who cuts me off rudely due to oncoming traffic.

Oh, it's a guy from Aachen.

Via a beautiful road, far from the main routes, I continue inland through the mountains.

Always slightly downhill.

At a gas station, I get water, but unfortunately, the ATM is out of order.

Card payment is seldom possible in Albania.

Fortunately, I can pay with Euros without issues at the next supermarket.

Along the next stretch, a lot of construction is happening; could become a railway line. Hard to tell, the road also partially seems like a temporary setup, but is easy to drive on.

In Librazhd, I take the time to plan the next part of the trip.

Albanian Alps or Tirana, that is the question here.

Ultimately, the decision is made to drive through the capital.

I’m also feeling lazy, and it’s the more relaxing route.

Just behind the town, there is a water point. Fill up bottles and wash off the worst dirt from my arms and legs.

On the side of iOverlander, which Lotti and Valle brought me to, I saw that a good place to camp is supposed to be coming up soon.

But on my way there, I see an access to the river that looks promising.

So, I find an opportunity in time that I can utilize.

Including suitable trees, so I can finally pitch my hammock again.

Since I got pasta at the supermarket, I saw the bread too late, I cook once more.

Slowly, the stove is proving its worth.

Completely stuffed, I lie in the hammock and finally let myself be gently rocked into my sleeping bag.

Song of the Day:

Bonginator - All Cops Are Biomechs