With a vow to ourselves to stay on solid ground from now on, we headed out of Gjirokaster north to make our way around, and then to Berat. To stay on nice highways, we kind of had to go up north past Berat, make our way east, and then back south.

We decided to slow travel and break up the trip over two days. Our first stop was a parking place near the town of Klos. It was a large gas station, rest stop with a restaurant and market. Not many frills here, just a safe place to park and sleep. I did venture to the market, but they didn’t have what I was looking for, mostly snacks for road hungry travelers. They did have a motorcycle with a side car out front on display.

Despite being right off the highway, and we could hear road noise, it settled down quite a bit at night, and we were able to sleep pretty well. After breakfast, we made our way to Berat. As we drew closer to our camp destination, one in the city with a solid concrete parking area, we made our way through a few small towns, and had to stop for geese crossing the road.

After navigating the wild life, we had to make our through Berat. As we got closer, the streets got narrower, and the foot traffic heavier. It felt a lot like a bigger Gjirokaster, but we weren’t feeling the warm vibe. Maybe it was the cold and rain, yes, more rain. After having a car move out of the way of the entrance, we were able make our way into Camping Villi Juri.

We were warmly greeted, and noticed we were not alone. A couple from Uruguay was also parking here. They had been here a week already. We would see a couple other come and go while we sheltered from the rain, waiting for clear skies so that we could explore.

That day came, and we made the short walk to the Gorce Seven Arched Bridge. Originally built of wood in 1780, it was rebuilt using stone in the 1920’s. It crosses the Osum River and connects the Christian and Muslim Quarters of Berat. Multiple religions live in harmony in Albania, something we have been told a number of times, and we have seen it. The area on the other side is also known as the Town of a Thousand Windows. With more rain coming, we we didn’t stop and count.

We waited out another day of rain. I made a run to the local Big Market around the corner and picked up a few things. We found these great flat breads that we used for making pizzas. Not only are they delicious, but they were on sale, buy one, get one. We found BOGO in Albania, but they call it Offerteria. The next day, Sunday, it was promising to be clear, so we took a taxi ride up the castle, which is more like a citidel. People actually live in work within the walls, and there are several churches and mosques.

While most of what we saw was built starting in the 13th Century, the area being used a a fortress dates back to 200 BC. Along with the living areas, there was also a big head statue of Constanine the Great, who created the Edict of Malin in 313 AD, allowing religious freedom to spread across the Roman World.

We had seen all we could see of Berat, and were ready to move on. It would not be a good travel day for us. First off, and you will never guess, it was raining. We had planned to stop over a farm camp, as it not only offered interaction with animals, but a place to work on the camper and even get it washed. We thought so anyway. When we arrived, we could see, safely from the road, that the camping area was a quagmire. We didn’t pull in, but was instructed to pull into the driveway, where it was asphalt. We were not near any services, so we looked for another place to stay.

We found a camp that was just off the highway, had a solid surface, and had water and electricity. No way to contact them, but we headed out. The first time we went right passed the place. We wouldn’t be able to pull in anyway. Plants blocked the entry and exit.

Another Happy Detour moment. After going down, turning around at a traffic circle, then going back, past the campground, and into another traffic circle for a U-Turn, we noticed next to the campground was a gas station with a large parking lot next to it. We decided that is where we are going to stay. Not signs said we couldn’t.

After a peaceful night that we slept pretty well, we woke up, had breakfast, and filled up Holly’s Diesel tank at the station. I also took a couple photos, and added the place to Park4Night, a first for us. We had found our own Park Spot.