Lake Ohrid sits on the border of North Macedonia and Albania, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, formed by tectonic forces somewhere between two and five million years ago. Its water is unusually clear, its shores lined with the old town of Ohrid, churches, and the Bay of Bones, a reconstruction of a prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement out over the water. The lake and the cultural landscape around it are a UNESCO World Heritage site, shared by both countries and still home to species found nowhere else.
We are down from our farming “high” to Lake Ohrid. We are still on the Albanian side at the south end. Tourist season is over as it’s early October. It’s amazing how little development there is on this lake. 20 miles long 10 miles wide. Crystal clear. We see no boats, sailboats, or other water craft.The evidence of beach lounging still there for summer tourists.The old world charm still lingers with an occasional visitor just strolling along…They have an amazing greenway path on this side of the lake which you’d think would invite many riders but only a few walking.Then to remind you where you are, you see one of the many bunkers still along the road. Remember the country border cuts right thru the lake so this was a big point of patrol.Still scenic and quiet. I think we will find more adventure ahead…Ok. Crossed into North Macedonia. How many of you know where this is or that it was still a country!? So far border crossings are pretty simple. Don’t even look inside.Ok. At this end of the lake we found a premo spot (ok we took two spots)!The water is the nicest I’ve ever scene. (oh Go Green)!Heading out for a bike spin for lunch.Just stunning…Morning sun calling me out the side window. Today we head south to The Bay of Bones and a Monastery. This place is a replica of an encampment built somewhere between 1200 – 900 BC. Pylons were inserted into the deep water farther out. Then a colony lived on it with only a narrow walkway to it. Water around here is magical.Inside the stone and mud huts you can tell the rooms and where a fire stove would be. For those of you in a 2000-3000 sqft house it looks small. For Teena and me living in a 120 sqft house it looked huge!!Ok entering the Monastery. Yes after 85 days on the road we’re still smiling! Saint Naum founded it and was key in bringing Christianity to the area.Just so calm and peaceful.Row boat cruise up the quiet Ohrid springs.And now headed way up that mountain above the lake. Adventure awaits…Ok about 3,000+ feet up parked at a Paragliding launch point!Kind of long video but you’ll see where we are. No one else here!Sitting top of the world, well sitting on top of Spud (our Van).Crazy sunset!Evening skyline. And so this chapter ends…
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