Day 10 - Gone to the Dogs

Down from the mountains...

Another scorching day to dry laundry :)

 

Had the most interesting encounters with dogs in the mountains, regrettably no head camera so that I can share, but this link shows a similar experience:

http://youtu.be/as_cXwCDTp0

When there are just two are three dogs and they have a job to do then they are fine, a little snappy but fine provided you just go past minding your own business. Things change unpleasantly when they have no sheep, goats or property to look after, worse still if they are in a large group and your travelling up a steep hill. After a torturous few hours I met the Sheppard's all drinking wine in the village Café, it is as well that I didn't waste time calling for help when their animals where attacking miles away! Not sure if they don't realise people other than locals in cars and trucks might like to use the roads or just don't care? The mood in the Café was reminiscent of the Movie 'American wear wolf in London', when the guys are in the pub and have to leave:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07FdVcspOfQ
...just a little less friendly!

Hugely impressive new highway with miles of tunnels and bridges, but very little traffic given its a Monday morning!

Not sure what all these mean?

Final descent into Ioannina

More TLC for the bike, mechanic impressed with condition and setup :)

Final roll out of Greece on the flat again, flanked by high mountains

Albanian mountains loom large ahead, unsure of terrain to follow...

Great night with the locals at the border town of 'Kalpaki', thanks to Pano (FB friend) and the guys, I promise not to shoot the dogs when I come back to see the sights of Vikos-Aoos National Park!
(Sorry for missing out on decent photo)