riding with rob continued

days 49 -51

i can't say that i massively enjoyed macedonia after the wonderous experiences i had had in albania and kosovo. the people were nice enough but the scenery less attractive. it was great no longer having to worry about mines and we even managed a campfire in lovely orchard one night.

on day 50 we crossed into bulgaria and had a nightmare trying to refuel my stove - we stuck liquid parafin in it at one stage - this certainly doesnt burn and is meant for stomach upsets!

day 51 was a sad day as we had to say goodbye to dad. he had been great company and had really enjoyed the experience. he was quite emotional as we said our goodbyes in a cafe in dupnica. i was really proud that he had managed so well. i think he had ridden around 450 miles with us over some tough passes and through some terrible weather. i hope i'm ticking along as well as he is at 55! what a great experience to have shared together i thought.

I hope to put more detail up on the following days (52-55) that led ollie and me through bulgaria, greece, and turkey to istanbul, needless to say that they were the toughest yet. more head winds. borring scenery (landscape decemated through intensive agariculture) and hard hard miles! both of us were relieved to make it into istanbul, although getting into town wasn't without its own hardships (more to come on that). but since our time here the city has really lived up to its reputation!