Publié: 13.06.2022
Starting in Pluzine, we immediately went up a very narrow road with hairpin turns and tunnels. It climbed from about 600 m to almost 2000 m in altitude. When we reached the top, it was freezing cold. Between 9 and 12 degrees, with a very strong wind, but beautiful sunshine. We passed by blooming meadows and occasional snow fields, crossing this insane highland that can easily rival the Scottish Highlands.
What goes up must come down, and an equally narrow road provided the descent.
Once we reached the bottom, it was only a few meters to the bridge, or rather the viaduct over the Tara Canyon.
Of course, there were many tourists here. For €20, you could fly across the gorge on a steel cable or book a rafting tour with one of the many providers. None of that was for me.
The first part of the canyon is not accessible by road, but from this bridge, you could follow the P4 road along the river.
Breathtaking. On both sides, rock walls rise up to 1000 m, according to Google. Many tunnels, even more curves. A paradise!
At some point, the canyon flattened and turned into a normal river valley. I then turned towards Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. There was a direct route via a brand new highway, but I opted for the narrow mountain roads. While it was around 20-24 degrees in the gorge, the climate changed back to hot and humid. In the city traffic of Podgorica, temperatures reached up to 37 degrees. Almost unbearable, especially since I lacked the cooling breeze due to the stop-and-go traffic.
Eventually, I pulled over to the side and booked accommodation through Booking. It was supposed to be another 16 km to get there. I entered the address into the navigation and set off.
After 8 km, the road became narrow, and after another 2 km, it turned into gravel. The gravel then changed to partially wet clay. When only two faint tracks in the grass were visible, I took out my phone and used Google Maps for help. According to Google, there was no road or path here, and my journey would have ended a few hundred meters further in a marsh area.
So I turned around. Damn it! I overlooked a grass-overgrown track and bam, the motorcycle was lying on the ground. In such moments, you just have to make sure to get away from the motorcycle quickly, so you don't bend your bones underneath it.
I cursed, threw my helmet and jacket into the corner.
I was able to lift the bike back up without taking off the luggage. I didn't think I could do it, but maybe anger gave me unexpected strength. 😂💪.
With the help of Google, I was able to find my accommodation after all. Tomorrow, I'll continue. Where to? No idea!