9 September 2025 (hot and sunny) 0km

Woke in Qeparo and walked with Julia along the lovely prom they have here. This is a gorgeous spot, spoiled only by the rocky beach. And it is rocky, not even pebbles, but the water is nice and clear, although not to Croatian levels.

Walked to the end of the prom one way and then back to camp. 

It was an 85km day yesterday and my calves were feeling it in bed and when I first stretched this morning, but did loosen up on the walk.

Not long after 7am, we wandered over to the cafe/bar and ordered a coffee from a nice lady who was working there.

Followed that up with a nice omelette for breakfast (although we needed to top that up with cereal, yoghurt, dates and banana) about an hour after finishing.

The sun was already starting to make its warmth known as we walked up to the shop. 

Would have been nice to have a strong zoom to really capture this old village on the hill. They obviously didn't have to think about going to get the mail when they built those houses.

Into the ocean for a swim and Julia caught up on some sleep on a lounger, whilst I read my book.

The rest of the morning was spent repeating those previous activities.

Ju has found an apartment for tomorrow night in Ksamil and if we like it, we'll try and secure it for a week, before hopping over to Corfu. 

A young English couple were on the loungers just alongside us.

Alvie has just spent time cycling in Spain, Morocco and Africa before meeting his girlfriend Jessie , who was working on the yachts in Croatia, to finish off their holiday, before also going to Corfu, this Thursday, to fly out. They too are short on Schengen days so Albania is the obvious choice.

Our little tent (no flysheet) in one of the best spots in the camp. We had a bit of grass underneath and permanent shade.

Grabbed some lunch we'd bought earlier and ate at the beach in the shade, from the now, hot sun.

Bought some water and the camp owner stored it in the freezer for us.

Got enough for today and for a fill up tomorrow, before we leave. 

Did some washing, back to the beach to spend the afternoon in the shade, with some dips in between. 

It's strange to find only another full days ride, will finish our time on mainland Europe and then only a short stint on Corfu will finish what we set out to do.

As much as we are both looking forward to a relaxed finish, it's strange to wake up in the morning not having to achieve a target. 

Some would say that's the essence of a good holiday..... 

At 4pm a coachload of "youngsters on a bus" showed up.

Immediately the peace and tranquility that was....was not.

We're hoping that we'll be able to get a nice feed again tonight, without hunting around at the other options and more importantly, get a decent nights sleep.

Ju here…But our fears were groundless as the youngsters all quietened down after the initial unloading from the coach and even though they'd set up around thirty tents, they were all in a group away from us. 

The restaurant opened at 7am and the kids must have made their own food or gone somewhere else. Alvie and Jessie also came to the restaurant after we told them how much we'd enjoyed it, as did our other neighbours, who must have thought, well they're back there, they must have liked it. 

The German owner seemed extra happy with us.

The meal was again delicious and if we hadn't booked Ksamil, we'd have been tempted to stay another night.

But Google some pictures of Ksamil beach and you'll see why we were tempted to head further south.

In the meantime, we feel we've been a little remiss in giving you a song, so here it is…..

On an Albanian highway 

Warm wind in our hair

Strong smell from the rubbish 

That we see everywhere 

Up ahead in the distance 

We see a shimmering light

Coming at us as he overtook

Trying to snuff out our life

There we stood on the roadside 

I heard my husband yell

And I was thinking to myself 

This should be heaven but it's more like hell

Then Pete lifted his finger 

As they sped far away

There were voices from the tabac and

I thought I heard them say

Welcome to the country of Albania 

Such a lovely place

We don't drive, we race

Plenty of death on the old roads of Alabania

Got a cross right here…

A dog, a cat a tortoise there….

His mind is on his new car yeah

He got the Mercedes Benz, uh

He takes his car down to the Lavazh again

To wash it with friends 

Then they race down the highway 

Speed, no regret

Don't make us slow down now

We'll drive over your pet

So we call into a campground 

Need a beer and a wine

(And Pete said), we’ll be lucky if we make it out alive

And still the rubbish is blowing from far away

The baby's crying from the tent next door

And I just have to say

Welcome to the campgrounds of Albania 

Such a crowded place 

Please give us some space 

They're all living it up on the beaches of Albania

Loungers everywhere 

No sand, no shade, not anywhere.

So we're both on the net now

Checking Booking dot com

(And he said) We are both just suffering here

I would kill for air con

So we searched all the places

And checked them for price

Looked at some in Ksamil

And agreed it looked nice

Last thing we remember 

We were running for the bikes

Had to get the highway down

To the place just one day's ride

Relax on a sand beach 

We are more than just relieved 

We will check out in a week or so

And be ready to leave…..

(Banging guitar solo).