Views from the top of Shpirag Mountain

We're in the midst of a heat wave here in Berat, so getting out and doing some hiking requires a change of schedule!

We were up at 6:30am and out the door before 8am. We did the forty minute drive over to the parking area for the hike up to the top of Shpirag Mountain.

Berat is located inland from the ocean by 50 kms (30 miles) or so as the crow flies, but the altitude is still pretty close to see level. Something like 60 meters (200'). But our drive up to the parking area took us up to 725 meters (2,375') and when we got out of the car you could tell that the air was a little bit fresher.

And the 4 km (2.5 mile) hike to the top would take us up to 1,188 meters (3,900').

We are headed to the peak right in the center of the photo.

Notice the moon.

Bunkers along the way.

There were over 170,000 bunkers of various styles built by the communist dictator of Albania between 1952 and 1992. 

There is already a good view from the parking area at 

GPS 40.644527, 19.873274

Looking back at the road we came up on.

Looking west towards the Adriatic Sea.

There is an old church on the way up.

They say this church dates to the 12th or 13th century.

Unfortunately, the door to the interior was locked.

There is an overhang beside.

View from the church.

Ruth enjoying the view.

Heading higher.

There were a couple of steep sections.

Looking down at the road we came up on.

Heading higher.

There is a quarry of some kind near the top, but it looks like it hasn't been operating for a few years.

Ruth almost ran into this big spider whose web was blocking the trail.

View looking west as we approached the top.

I took a video for you as we made it to the top...

Heading back down through the quarry.

It was still hot, but actually not bad given the altitude and the time of day. I think the next one we do we'll have to get up even earlier.

This morning I have dentist appointment number 2. I had gone to the first one Monday morning and had that one tooth removed. It turned out to have a crack in it that was not visible in the x-ray and that's what was causing the infection. It actually came out quite easily and I didn't feel a thing. A little discomfort yesterday, but I think it will heal quickly. Today, they will do the mold for the bridge.

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