KOSOVO

Since Bjeskket E Nemuna National Park is just across the border from Albania, I drive into Kosovo for a couple of days. While there I visit the Visoki Decani and Patriachate Pec Monasteries. While their exteriors where quiet different, the interior of both featured detailed art work covering the walls.

The first night I find a lovely spot in the woods above the Visoki Decani Monastery with a friendly hungry dog. The next spot to explore is the Rugot Valley with more dramatic mountains and a final stop at the White Drin Waterfall.

As I’m heading back out of the Rugot Valley, a young man with a cast on his hand is hitchhiking. Of course I stop. I meet Janis from Latvia. He is so engaging! I learn about his life as a BMX competitor and a profession in engineering in the renewal energy sector and his desire to travel. Since he is an all in person, he quit his job and has traveled throughout Asia, Europe, Central and South America, the US and now in the Balkans. More than places, its attitude. Janis has that can do spirit, spontaneity, curiosity, sense of adventure and always moving forward with a zest for life.

On leaving Kosovo, I mention that I’m going to Valbone National Park (back over the border in Albania) and Janis mentions that his destination is Montenegro. There isn’t a good direct driving route from here to there but taking the Valpona - Theth hike gets one over the mountain directly, with good public transportation on the other side. Being the spontaneous traveler that Janis is, he joins me on the hike. He goes all the way to Theth and I turn back at the pass at the halfway point.

I miss his fun energy after we part.

Before leaving the area of the Drin River, I want to check out the Nikaj-Mertur Regional Nature Park in Albania. It is a winding mountain drive before I settle in for the night at a free spot next to the Currajt River that empties onto the Drin River. Having the place to myself, I slide into the very cold river for a wake up dip the next morning.

Up ahead - heat and lakes!