Front seat only for the brave 💪
Winter in the forest
To be or not to be 🤔
Hello 👋 is there anybody in there 🤔
The steering wheel only for the adventurers ✌️
Drive on the road and walk into the forest 🤸♂️
If you want to be free, go into the wild.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Driving from Lushnje Albania to Macedonia 🇲🇰
We took off from Lushnje at around 11 am. Although it was a rainy day, it didn't stop us.
The area known as Krasta e Madhe (“Big Krasta”) was intentionally afforested between 1959 and 1969, with pine trees (both wild pines and soft pines) being planted to create a green belt for Elbasan.
The goal was to give the city a “crown of green” — turning Krasta into a large wooded area that would serve as a natural park for the city.
Labinot-Fushë was its own municipality before the administrative reform in 2015.
The rain 🌧 begins and then it stops and so on during the trip 🚗 🚗
After 2015, it became a subdivision of the municipality of Elbasan.
2. Population
According to the 2011 census, the population of Labinot-Fushë was 7,058.
Demographic data show it has grown significantly over the decades.
3. Part of a Larger Administrative Unit
The administrative unit (municipal unit) Labinot-Fushë includes several villages: Labinot-Fushë itself, Godolesh, Griqan i Sipërm (“Upper Griqan”), Griqan i Poshtëm (“Lower Griqan”), Xibrakë, and Mengël.
According to municipal documents, this unit is strategically considered part of Elbasan’s rural-urban periphery.
Role in World War II / Partisan History
Labinot is historically significant in Albania’s WWII / partisan history: the General Staff of the National Liberation Army (Ushtria Nacionalçlirimtare) was established in Labinot.
Every year the municipality commemorates this: for example, there was an event marking the 81st anniversary of the creation of that Partisan general staff.
1. Kamara Bridge (“Ura e Kamarës”)
Xibrakë (Xibrake)
1. War Artifacts
In 2024, war shells (artillery or military ordnance) were found in Xibrakë.
It is suspected that these might date from World War II, which suggests that the area saw some wartime activity or was used in the conflict.
2. Egnatia and Fortifications
In a rural-tourism development study, the “Kështjella e Xibrakës” (Castle of Xibrakë) is mentioned.
This suggests that historically Xibrakë may have had a fortification or castle, giving it strategic importance on the Egnatia route.
3. Administrative Ties
Xibrakë is part of the Labinot-Fushë administrative unit.
This means its history is tied to the broader Labinot-Fushë region, which has both rural and more urbanizing parts.
In Mirakë, there is an old stone Ottoman bridge over the Shkumbin River called Ura e Kamarës.
It is considered a cultural monument.
Historically, the bridge was part of an important route: it connected to the ancient Via Egnatia.
2. Flood Risk and River History
Recently, the Shkumbin River has overflowed in Mirakë, damaging protective walls and irrigation canals.
This shows that the river’s dynamic has always been important for the village’s economy (especially agriculture) and infrastructure.
3. Depopulation
According to recent reports, Mirakë is experiencing significant depopulation.
Many of the older farmers remain, but youth are leaving, leading to declines in agricultural productivity, particularly in fruit tree cultivation, corn, and olives.
4. Strategic Historic Route
Mirakë is on or near a historic route: in rural development planning, it's referenced in connection with the Egnatia route.
Because of its location, it likely had significance in trade and movement historically (especially during Ottoman times).
5. Infrastructure Protests
In recent years, there has been protest by residents of Mirakë over road access: they complain that during road construction on the Elbasan–Librazhd axis, a secondary access road into their village was not planned, effectively isolating them.
What’s Known About Ura e Murrashit
1. Location
The bridge is in Elbasan County, more precisely in the Librazhd / Murrash area.
According to project planning documents, it's part of the Elbasan-Librazhd road axis.
2. Hydrology / River Crossing
There is a hydrological station near Ura e Murrashit.
According to measurements from 1950–2001, this station records flow averages for the Shkumbin River around that area.
3. Modern Road Project
As part of the Elbasan–Librazhd (Qafë Thanë) road, new infrastructure works are underway: two tunnels are being built near the bridge.
In the same project documentation, there’s a plan to build two new concrete/steel bridges over the Shkumbin in this zone: one for each direction of the road.
1. City in eastern Albania, located along the Shkumbin River and very close to the border with North Macedonia.
2. Founded as a town during the Ottoman period, but grew rapidly in the 20th century, especially during the communist era.
3. Gateway to Shebenik–Jabllanicë National Park, one of Albania’s most beautiful protected areas.
4. Located on the ancient Via Egnatia route, historically an important east–west corridor.
5. Economy based on agriculture, forestry, small industry, and tourism, with many villages around it depending on Librazhd as their main service center.
What Is Qafë Plloçë
Here’s a short and simple description of the road from Librazhd to Hotolisht:
The road is a local connecting route that links Librazhd with the village of Hotolisht and several nearby settlements.
It follows the valley terrain, running close to the Shkumbin River and passing through a mix of houses, fields, and small hills.
It’s known as a heavily used rural road, important for residents who travel to Librazhd for school, shops, and services.
Parts of it have been reconstructed or improved in recent years, but some sections can still be narrow and require careful driving.
The area around the road is quiet, scenic, and very typical of Librazhd’s countryside, with lots of greenery and farmland.
1. Mountain Pass
Qafë Plloçë is a mountain pass in Albania.
Its elevation is around 890 meters.
2. Key Road Link
The pass is traversed by the SH-3 national road (part of European route E86) which connects Pogradec with Korçë.
More recently, a new strategic road (Qukës – Qafë Plloçë) was built to improve connectivity.
This new road includes: 2 tunnels, 4 major bridges, and is meant to support “Corridor VIII” infrastructure.
1. Pishkash is a quiet mountain village known for its fresh air and beautiful views.
3. Strategic Importance
The Qukës – Qafë Plloçë route is very strategic: it shortens travel between central Albania and the southeastern parts.
It’s considered part of a pan-European corridor (Corridor VIII), which makes it significant for regional trade and transport.
4. Construction Challenges & Criticism
The road project has been very expensive and delayed: the cost has ballooned, and the timeline has been extended many times.
Shortly after opening, there have been landslides and rock slides on the pass.
Critics say the project didn’t sufficiently consider local needs (e.g. shepherds / farmers) and that design or maintenance issues are serious.
5. Economic & Local Impact
The road is expected to boost tourism, agriculture, and agribusiness in the surrounding mountainous areas.
But because of its cost and instability, some are worried about its long-term sustainability.
2. The road through Pishkash is surrounded by greenery and leads toward the charming villages of the Librazhd area.
1. Location – Përrenjas is a town in eastern Albania, in Elbasan County, near the border with North Macedonia.
2. Gateway to Shebenik–Jabllanicë National Park – It serves as the main access point for this protected area, known for forests, wildlife, and mountains.
3. Population & Size – It’s a small town, with a largely rural population in surrounding villages.
4. Economy – Based on agriculture, forestry, small-scale trade, and tourism due to the national park.
5. History & Infrastructure – Historically, it was a minor Ottoman-era settlement; today, it’s connected by regional roads to Librazhd and other nearby towns, making it strategically important for local transport.
1. Mountain Pass & Border Crossing – Qafë Thanë is a high mountain pass in eastern Albania, serving as the main road border crossing with North Macedonia.
2. Strategic Route – It lies on the SH‑3 / E852 road, connecting Albania (Pogradec) with North Macedonia (Struga and Ohrid region).
3. Tourism & Scenery – The pass offers scenic views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular stop for travelers.
4. Transport Importance – It is a key corridor for trade, tourism, and local traffic between Albania and North Macedonia.
5. Elevation – The pass sits at about 850–900 meters above sea level, providing a natural gateway through the mountains.
1. Border Crossing Point – “Dogana” simply means customs in Albanian; this is the official crossing between Albania and North Macedonia, typically at Qafë Thanë.
2. Customs & Immigration – Travelers must pass through passport control and customs checks here; it handles both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
3. Strategic Location – It connects Albania’s eastern region (Pogradec, Librazhd) with North Macedonia’s western region (Struga, Ohrid), serving as a key trade and tourism route.
4. Traffic & Facilities – The area has parking, inspection lanes, and small shops/cafes for travelers waiting to cross.
5. Economic Significance – It’s vital for import/export and regional mobility, as most goods moving between eastern Albania and North Macedonia pass through this point.
1. Location & Demographics
Frëngovë (Frangovo) is a village in the municipality of Struga, in southwestern North Macedonia.
As of 2021, its population was 1,206.
The majority of inhabitants are ethnic Albanians, particularly Tosks (southern Albanian dialect).
2. Geography & Economy
The village is hill‑country: its territory rises up toward Jabllanicë Mountain and is bordered by forested areas.
Local economy relies on forestry, agriculture, and livestock, since there are woods and fields around the village.
3. Infrastructure & Education
There is a primary school in the village, with approximately 300 students reported.
Also has a mosque and some small shops.
4. Declining Population / Youth Exodus
The village is experiencing depopulation, especially among young people: in the 2024–2025 school year, Frëngovë reportedly had only 3 first-grade students.
5. Historical / Political Role
During Yugoslav era, Frëngovë was reportedly used by the UDB (Yugoslav secret service) as a departure point for agents sent to Albania.
There was a “feast” in the house of local prominent people (Xheladin Dauti and Ali Poshka) where UDB-connected people gathered.
6. Water Management Concern
The local “Bashkësia Lokale” (local community) has warned residents not to overuse the drinking water, e.g., by irrigating gardens or washing streets, to avoid shortages.
7. Local Politics
The political party Lëvizja BESA has a branch in Frëngovë, with local activists organizing there.
1. Location & Geography
Ladorisht is a village in the Struga municipality of North Macedonia.
It lies on the slopes of mountain Jabllanicë, at an altitude between ~700 m and ~820 m.
The area combines fertile land, pastures, and forest, so its economy includes agriculture and livestock.
2. Population & Culture
According to sources, Ladorisht has around 4,500 residents.
The majority of the population is ethnically Albanian.
Local cultural life is active: there is a football club (KF Flamurtari Ladorisht) for the village.
3. Historical Significance
There is a tragic history: on October 28, 1944, during WWII, a massacre occurred in Ladorisht — many were killed and homes destroyed.
Archaeological finds show very ancient roots: in Ladorisht there are traces from Neolithic times, the Iron Age, and even from the time of Philip II / Alexander the Great.
There was a paleochristian basilica in the area, showing early Christian presence.
4. Education & Activism
The “Hajdar Dushi” secondary school in Ladorisht played a key role in preserving Albanian-language education.
In the early 1990s, this school was repeatedly under pressure: in 1992 police surrounded the village, and in 1995 they again shut down parts of the school during crackdowns on Albanian activism.
5. Recent & Political Issues
In 1992, there was a significant police operation targeting Ladorisht: police surrounded and raided many houses, arresting people, including families.
There have been tensions over population registration: some reports mention discrepancies in census numbers vs. voter registration.
Here’s a short overview of Struga:
1. Location – Struga is a town in southwestern North Macedonia, on the northwestern shore of Lake Ohrid, near the border with Albania.
2. Population & Culture – The town has around 16,000–17,000 residents, with a mix of ethnic Albanians, Macedonians, and Turks.
3. Tourism & Lake Ohrid – Struga is famous for Lake Ohrid, its beaches, boating, and as a center for summer tourism.
4. Historic Events & Culture – Struga hosts the Struga Poetry Evenings, an international poetry festival held every August since 1962.
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