Prilep Reservoir & Kamena Baba

23.05.23

About 7km outside the city is an idyllic reservoir that borders the bouldering area 'Kamena Baba'.

There are several spots by the reservoir where you can stand. When I arrive in the morning, there is peaceful tranquility here, as no one else ventures out except for one or two anglers. However, in the afternoon, that changes and the reservoir becomes a popular destination for some locals. Families and couples stroll along the shore, young boys and girls cruise around on their skates and swim, anglers fish, and others enjoy a well-deserved evening beer... Relaxed atmosphere...

Occasionally, trucks pass by, extracting white marble in the visible distance. The region is known for that as well. However, they don't solely rely on motorized vehicles, as the good old horse-drawn carriage is still used here, and not uncommonly either. Throughout the day, several carriages loaded with goods passed by. It's somehow comforting to see that this millennia-old method is still in use in an increasingly technologized world full of Teslas and e-scooters. Especially in countries like North Macedonia, Albania, but also in other nations of the Balkan Peninsula, such images often create a strong contrast between a simple, traditional way of life and the increasingly modern lifestyle. So, Mercedes AMG and a horse-drawn carriage share a road. In a stylish café, trendy drinks are enjoyed while negotiations are ongoing across the street at the bazaar, where self-grown fruits and vegetables are still weighed with a classic balance scale in the market hall. Somehow, everything blends together, creating a colorful and vibrant scene, where even a carriage still has its relevance.

The bouldering area was easily explorable on foot from the reservoir. A unique rock landscape, where the higher you go, the better the view of the city of Prilep. The surrounding mountainous area is sparsely populated.

The many boulders are scattered throughout the terrain, waiting to be climbed with a few skillful moves. Or, somewhat skillful like me today, without topography and crash pad. However, I did have my climbing shoes with me, and I actually found a few boulders where I could establish my own routes. It was much more fun than I thought, as I had hoped to meet some other climbing dudes here. However, so far I haven't seen any other tourists, let alone other campers. But that's okay because the area has a lot to offer, and I enjoy being off the beaten path of traditional tourism.