Wednesday, June 14th, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia

Greetings!

Our friend and fellow traveler, Julia McCabe, suggested that we should go to Heraclea Lyncestis,   Located a couple of miles from Bitola, a great little town on our itinerary, it was not hard to convince the rest of us that we should definitely stop by.  Founded by Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, in the middle of the 4th century BC, Heraclea is a main city on the 2nd century BC Roman road Via Egnatia. 

Macedonia and the travel companies are beginning to plan trips along the pathway through Albania, Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.  Completely overwhelmed by the mosaics in the Basilicas there, we went into Bitola.

Elena lived in Bitola for three years, and described the town as the antidote to high stress Ohrid, and wanted us to experience the laid back lifestyle of the easy-going, hardly-working residents.  Sure enough, our lunch was long and delicious, and the town stroll on the promenade lasted until late afternoon.  Afterward, we got to wander inside a local restored active mosque.

But more exploring was in store as we drove to the top of the pass which separates Lake Ohrid from Lake Prespa.  Five hundred feet higher, the water from Lake Prespa drains through the limestone mountain pass, and erupts in springs at the edge of Lake Ohrid.   Hang gliders and para sailers regularly launch from the pass, and land near the lake's shores.

To see all of the photos taken today, click on Wednesday, June 14th, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia.