My journey through the Volcano National Park and the stuck fuel cap

Incredible what beautiful landscapes there are. I can't get enough of them. Unfortunately, I have to concentrate on the winding roads around the mountains. My route takes me through many small mountain villages, where time seems to stand still. Without vehicles at the roadside, I imagine these villages to be as original as they were perhaps a hundred years ago.

Once again, I am going in serpentine curves through this wild area, uphill and downhill with my Didi. He masters everything with flying colors! I am thrilled!

At some point, I realized I should refuel. I need to mention that my fuel cap has gotten stuck and I can't open it. An older gentleman at a gas station tried to help when I asked. Unsuccessful. So I continue with the last bit of diesel searching for help. Surely there is a workshop or gas station somewhere, even in this area, that can help me?

Yes! I find a small Renault workshop, where I walk in with my nonexistent French and explain to the owner - what a handsome Frenchman! - with gestures and signs that I have a fuel cap problem. He seems to understand and promptly helps. The cap is 'un-stuck' and now I could go refueling. Now I just need to find a gas station. Haha.....

After a whole 45 km, I find one, with sweat beads on my forehead, the fuel gauge is almost out of the display, so do I now have negative liters in the tank? I decide that the fuel gauge is lying; it calms my nerves while driving.

After successfully filling up the tank, I reach my goal for today after another 59 km, or so I thought. My travel buddy had already been there 1.5 hours before me and sent me grumpy and complaining WhatsApp messages, which I cleverly ignored during my drive there. After all, he chose the place. It was in the middle of a city, no electricity, noise, and really not nice.

I decided I would not stay here at any cost and shared this as well. The gentleman did not want to continue driving that day. Well, that's his thing. I did some research and found a spot with the help of Google Maps where I could definitely sit well - right by a lake.

What a long day! So, I had to drive another 36 km, it is already getting dark and the light on my oldtimer - well, I could have walked in front of the camper with a candle too.

So, in the dark, I drove into a valley, following serpentine roads and paths that were just wide enough for me. I kept thinking hopefully no one will come towards me here. Finally, I arrived. Engine off and end of the day. I sent my location to my travel buddy and received insulting words in return, as I had 'just' driven. I stand by it; not my problem. He could have followed. So, I said goodbye to him; it's much more relaxing to travel alone. Exactly - traveling! Not racing!

The next morning, I explored the area. What a great place I had actually found here. Magical sunrises and sunsets included. Hiking trails around the lake, what more could I want? Knut, my furry friend, is over the moon. Here we will let our souls dangle for a few days.