I had a day in Shkoder to confirm that I could do the trip on Lake Komani the following day. Details are hard to come by and mostly seem to based on what someone else heard or did. The hotel was little help and seemed rather confused.
I had seen the photos and video from Giannis from Motoraid Patras so I was certain the trip can happen. Giannis was very enthusiastic about doing the trip so I was looking forward to making sure I had done all I could to make sure I could go and confirm my place.
I spent the morning on the computer researching websites and sending some emails hoping to confirm. Eventually I found a number to call, which led me to another number and another. I called and went unanswered so I was still up-in-the-air.
A little later I received a call from someone who could speak quite good English who advised that he would call the boat Captain to confirm my place. He asked how many in my group, since he was concerned about the limited space, and was glad I was only one. He called back later to confirm my place on the boat and stressed the importance of being there early and ready to go.
I was now relieved.
I decided to spend the remainder of the day walking around the Shkoder town centre and hopefully finding somewhere pleasant for a swim.
Hotel Rozafa - not sure what its function was previously
Hotel Rozafa is an unsightly landmark in the centre of town and it is hard to imagine what the inside is like based on the external appearance.
The main street of central Shkoder has been pedestrianised in recent times and appears to be very successful. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars addressing the street and taking advantage of the car free situation with undercover tables and chairs filling the centre of the former street.
The pedestrianised street of Shkoder
It is also obvious in Shkoder that cycling is very popular throughout the central city with many cyclists making their ways through the streets and making use of the dedicated cycle paths…...
The pedestrianised street of Shkoder
After walking around central Shkoder I mounted the bike for a little ride out along Lake Shkoder. On the way out of town Rozafa Castle is obvious high on the hilltop overlooking the river and present-day township.
Rozafa Castle, Shkoder
I had been advised by the hotel staff that there are some wonderful places to swim on the lake's edge out of town. As I rode along I could see several groups of people in different locations enjoying a swim. Unfortunately most of the places were rather difficult to get to on, or park, my bike. I was enjoying the ride so continued on.
Lake Shkoder
So I rode on along the road until it came to an end just before the border with Montenegro…..I would be there soon.
I decided to get back into Shkoder and then continue out the other side to find the road I would be taking to catch the boat rather early the following morning.
Fish guidance on Buna River
On my way through town to find the road to the way to the boat I experienced the best of Albania's roadworks being signposted and marked with safety cones and barriers….
Hole in the road - at least it was marked.
I also was fortunate to see some of the more attractive, established streets of Shkoder.
Tree-lined street of Shkoder.
I only had approximate and unclear information regarding the road to catch the Lake Komani boat so I thought a trip out the evening before was well worth it. Along the way I passed several villages, rivers and lakes/dams. There appears to be quite an extensive network of river diversions and dams to assist with electricity and irrigation.
One of many lakes out from Shkoder used to manage flows
I stopped several times along the way to ask locals to confirm the direction and to get a better understanding of how close I might be. Eventually I found a clearly signposted turn-off to where I would need to be tomorrow morning at around 7:30am.
The road out and back was pretty good fun, although rough, with some lovely stretches of sweeping bends between the villages.
The day was well and truly drawing to an end and I returned to Shkoder for dinner and an early night….I would need to awake around 5:30am….