Having lived in Albania for two years now, I have a pretty good lay of the land - especially the land surrounding Pogradec. Back in May, I bought a 4x4 van and I’ve made good use of it exploring even more of the roads that crisscross in the mountains overshadowing Lake Ohrid. That being said, there was one spot that I hadn’t taken the van yet, because I was waiting for the right opportunity.
The primary reason I hadn’t gone to this particular spot was because I wasn’t 100% sure the van could make it. You see, with just normal street tires there are some things that I won’t make an effort to try. I’ve driven most of that road before, but there’s a small section at the end that made me a bit nervous. It’s quite likely that the van could make it, but because of my limited experience driving on these roads I just didn’t want to risk getting stuck when I’m driving around alone.
However, there was another slightly smaller reason. This particular spot is a small reservoir in the hills around the village of Çervenakë (and when I say village, I mean like six or seven houses total). I was introduced to this spot by a friend and it is kind of his secluded getaway. He uses it as a retreat, or even a reward, from the normal working life. I didn’t want to go here alone, because it feels a bit sacred. I don’t want to take over his sanctuary and make it mine, so I’ve made this rule for myself to only go there if he is coming along.
So that’s why, after owning my van for the last few months, this is the first time I’ve brought it to this exact spot. As I partially expected, I made it in and out without any problems with the road, but the reward wouldn’t have been the same had I been on my own.
