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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Great deal on a Stand Up Paddle Board.
And in Canada...
Definitely breath-taking scenery and a good workout to boot.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe and Enjoy the adventures.
It's about time.
We really loved the views from the hike and yes a very good workout. Thankfully the temperature felt fairly comfortable for the most part of our uphill hike but it was certainly getting a lot hotter as we headed back down.
DeleteWhat gorgeous views and good for you both for doing it, especially in the heat! I would need hiking poles for that for sure. I guess it would be too much to try to travel with them, but they are so helpful for steep grades; actually more helpful when descending than ascending!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the dental work, Kevin. I'm getting squeamish just thinking about it.
The views were amazing, we are really glad that we did the hike and for the most part the temperature wasn't too bad going up but it was really starting to get hot on our way back down.
DeleteThe road wasn't an issue without have hiking poles. I normally like hiking poles on steep down hill hikes but this one had a fairly gradual incline/decline with only a small section that was more of a proper hiking trail and only a small section that felt a bit steep, honestly I didn't feel like I needed the hiking poles.
Kevin is doing fine with the dental work, the worst part was having the tooth taken out which he had done on Monday. Yesterday they did the impressions for the bridge and some preparation on the teeth for the bridge. Today he goes back for a fitting and then hopefully on Staturday the bridge will be installed and the whole job should be done by then. 😊