Our route takes us along Lake Ohrid and then onto a very steep and winding road up and over a pass in Galicica National Park. The views to the lake and the mountain tops are stunning.
We make our way down another steep and winding road to Lake Prespa. We are to meet up with a local guide who will take us on a hike. J, the guide, is also a sports teacher at the local high school. The trail is about 5.75 km return and climbs about 250 m and leads to the Monastery of St Mary. Except for one uphill portion, it is a comfortable walk through the forest where there are so many oak trees, junipers, fir trees, beech trees and others. The monastery is only used for retreats now and is maintained by the local villagers and looks very well cared for.
On the drive to Bitola, we view orchard after orchard of apple trees just loaded with Red Delicious apples. That is a lot of apples!
Interesting fact about Bitola. The first movie camera in the Balkans was in Bitola, brought here by the Manaki brothers. The first film was of their mother spinning wool. Today, there is an annual Manaki Film Festival that draws stars such as Juliette Binoche. There are stars on the walkway for best cinematography each year.
I think Bitola is a very vibrant and bustling city in the summer with outdoor markets, music and festivals. Today, the chilly wind is blowing and it is rather deserted.