ALBANIA - IS THIS REALLY A DANGEROUS ROAD?

Albania offers those looking for a taste of adventure the opportunity to do exactly that, and I (Phil) have been itching to get into the mountain tracks ever since we got here.
Izzy's less than keen and maybe that's because my chosen track is on the world's most dangerous roads list! At only 28km long through breathtaking scenery and dry conditions, I convince her to give it a go... What's the worst that can happen, right?
The good news is, we're still married although it's certainly a day we won't forget in a hurry!
Join us on our journey as we explore southern Albania 🙏😀
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[@notseamus]

Oh my word Phil, you are really making that naughty step your own. And The booze bin will go down as a classic piece of cinema history

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 Ah Paul, didn't you know I've had my very own step for years now. 😀 But yes hands up, the alcohol situation was becoming mission-critical, affecting not only performance, tolerance and well-being, but morale too 🍷🙏😀

[@robhughes4249]

I won’t lie - this is the sort of terrain, the sort of place and the sort of track that we bought our truck for - and I can’t wait to follow in your wheel tracks :)

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Rob, there are endless trials like this in Albania, it's a playground 😀 I just need to drop Izzy off at a nice hotel for a week, so I can explore properly. 😂

[@juliaarnold890]

Izzy am with you, I don’t drink, think even I would have had a gin, after that drive. Fabulous scenery and the best park up, safe travels

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂 Thanks Julia, Izzy's sat here saying "see, see" 😀Cheers🍷

[@daveroberts-bridgnorth]

Oh…..my…….God! Knowing that all had turned out well because you had uploaded the video I allowed myself to look in awe whilst giggling. Again the cinematography is outstanding as is the editing, Phil you really are very skilled. Izzy’s concern in the cab is tangible but your humour afterwards comes across so well. Thank you for this brilliant instalment! I almost forgot to vote, on the basis that all ended well and you had an incredible life experience I side with Phil. That said would I have tried it? Not on your bloody life!!! 😅

[@TheGapDecaders]

LOL, thanks Dave, this is so funny considering our conversation just prior. I'm somewhat annoyed at myself for not capturing the really juicy dodgy moments, unfortunately this video doesn’t remotely show the true dangerous nature of the road...hence the reason I need a DJI Mini 4 Pro 😉👍🏻😂

[@ainemcguirk6670]

My nerves were wrecked watching ye going over that rickley bridge🙈. Great video☘️💗

[@michaelgarcher]

Awesome, Tonka in its natural element, taking everything in its stride. scenery looks amazing as usual for you guys.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Micheal, absolutely and yes, the scenery here is quite something. Cheers P&I 🍷🙏😀

[@brianinbrisbane6632]

Great video again. No debate about the tracks, but my wife would've long beaten me to a pulp before the parkup.

[@kevinhasker]

They just edited that part out.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Brian, for once Izzy didn't go ballistic with me (surprisingly) 😂🙏

[@richmumm7288]

That is the perfect kind of track for your truck and the exact type we are building ours to drive. Great video!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Rich, thank you. In that case, you'd love Albania, and Morocco's gotta be up there too. 🙏😀

[@dalerussell9075]

Thankyou both again for sharing your adventure.....Sat here in Birmingham UK loving it

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Dale, our pleasure and thanks for the feedback 😀

[@mikefilder4885]

Great video Phil. I don’t feel our Bailey would be up to it, 😬 so thanks for taking us along for the ride. Some pretty hairy roads! Perhaps you might consider fitting an additional tank or two for beer/wine/gin in you new build! 👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Mike, I'm sure it would make a fabulous video if you did 😀👍🏻 You know us so well, wine storage is right up there in the design brief 😂😂🍷🙏

[@martinrobinson2996]

Track looked great, excellent assembly of a gin and tonic, enchelada pasta bake looked good too - keep it coming, great teamwork I would suggest.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Martin, we'd (I) had a lot of fun and thankfully didn’t lose here cool with me. Thanks again🙏😀 P&I

[@tandyroyal8513]

What a great drive, I love tracks like that. I'm sorry it was a bit rough on you guys. My wife would agree is some instances. Anyways, cheers a and keep exploring!

[@tandyroyal8513]

I would totally do that track, but I live in Colorado and am accustomed to much worse 🤣

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi both, thank you. I (Phil) love it but Izzy's not a fan,. Unfortunately, I didn’t in any way capture the hairy bits of the track on camera, but hey ho...it was fun. 🙏😀

[@PeterColvin-e1z]

Great watching this video & informative as we’re also in Albania & tried to get to Corovode from Gjirokaster to visit the Osmuni canyon yesterday. We were travelling along the SH74 when the road turned into track as seen in your video (although not at a height), after a nightmare 4km we decided we must have gone wrong, travelled back 28km to the main road & ended up coming north to Lake Shkoder as our time is now limited due to the 90 day rule. I realise after watching you that the track actually was the SH74! 😂 it’s all a learning experience & we’ll definitely return to Albania, love it. Related to Izzy’s anxiety though 😊

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, this is great...Izzy's sat here saying see, somebody that can relate to the track and anxiety 😀 Did you get to the Osmuni Canyon? We cover that in our next video, such a shame you run out of time, but yes - so much more to explore in Albania. 👍🏻🙏😀

[@aidanmcleod8987]

You guys continue to entertain and inform. We’re in our MAN LE10.180 converted truck…on our way to Albania via Bari…so thankful for your efforts to share your experiences. PS…get you’re drinks cabinet discipline sorted…😂

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi guy's, thank you and appreciated. I so hope the weather holds to give you enough time to explore Albania properly, have fun 😀

[@johnwarburton7673]

I was all good with it until that bridge! What a day that was for you guys, epic scenery and love the little lunch stop, those unexpected gems are always the best. Another vote for Phill👍, (sorry Izzy). Cheers guys. Well done Tonka!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers John, I always liked you 😂 Indeed, truly spectacular scenery and if I'm honest, the bridges are usually over-engineered - it's the lack of signage and unknown age/condition whereby you just gotta hope for the best 🙏😀

[@davidhall8745]

Wish I had a truck! My motorhome would not manage that track well done. Truck envy! Thanks Dave

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Dave, I totally get it, that was us in our motorhome too, I (Phil) would see people heading into the desert or tracks and feel frustrated, hence buying the truck. That said, it's still a great place to explore in a motorhome. 🙏🍷😀

[@Overlandtravelling]

Great video, Phil. Hope you are both doing well?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thanks Phil, we're both good thank you. You guys still roughing it in Baja? 😀

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Fantastic track, proper adventuring.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Kev, yep finally... this place is a proper playground, your jacked-up Jimny would be perfect here. 🙏😀

[@vandahopwood1305]

Oh my God Izzy, I’m with you on this one. Sorry Phil. Brilliant video as always but flipping ‘eck, that track!!!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Gee thanks Vanda, there was me thinking you'd be on my side! 😂 Izzy's sat here loving the support 🙏😀

[@dunglass1]

We’d have been exactLy like you guys on that road - so one vote for both of you 😂. The dinner looked fab 👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂, I think there's a theme here, men voting yes and woman on Izzy's side voting no, cheers 😂🍷

[@MiguelLopez-ci5ec]

Hey, when are you coming to Spain? northwest to be precise, happy to share a beer with you both and give you a few pointers on where to go!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hey Miguel, thank you. We know and love Spain particularly from our motorcycle days and love the NW. We will be back in Spain in November providing things go well with the build, although I'm not sure we'll be in your neck of the woods (how far west are you?) But never say never 👍🏻☺

[@MiguelLopez-ci5ec]

@@TheGapDecaders Hi guys, I´m based in Santiago de Compostela,, capital of Galicia, a paradise with terrible weather most of the year, but being as you are from the UK, that´s not unfamiliar, best sea food in the world and beautiful sea shores and small mountains, Galicia is definitely worth a trip. as said, if you happen to be around, drop me a message and I´ll be super happy to meet up.

[@TheGapDecaders]

@@MiguelLopez-ci5ec ah fabulous, we we're there 8 years ago on a bike trip and stayed in the Paradore on the main square, incredible place and we've subsequently spent a few months exploring the Picos de Europa along the coast and into Portugal, we love it. We're always up for meeting like-minded people, so if (when) we're about, it'd be great to meet and share a beer. Cheers Phil

[@MiguelLopez-ci5ec]

@@TheGapDecaders Nice place to stay in Santiago, not cheap though! Picos de Europa, despite being quite far from my hometown is one of my favourite places in the whole Spain, I´ve done many peaks there, next week I´m buying my van, finally!! and I´ll be spending a good amount of time there, can´t afford a 4x4... but hope it will be good enough to reach most of the destinations I´m aiming for. Keep in touch if you finally make it, being as I am an obsessed foodie, I can introduce you to some of the best places for and orgasmic meal! safe travels mate!!

[@MogsAndDogs]

That was fun. Normally I would be with Phil - dodgy is fun - but I do have a crippling fear of heights so those shelf roads would do me in. I can get through them but lots of Scotch would be needed after - so with Izzy on that one.

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂, Thank you. Can't believe you're supporting Camp Izzy 😩😂, but fair enough if you've got a fear of heights. 🙏😀

[@tramptruck4859]

The road looked ok to me (bearing in mind video can be deceptive), it also gives a powerful argument for building as small as possible (particularly width) and as light as possible - regardless of the base chassis capability.

[@TheGapDecaders]

The bits of road shown on the video were absolutely fine, but the track was borderline in places, I simply failed to capture it due to internal friction 😉 But yes, I don’t disagree and anything bigger would have really struggled. Those roads are ideally suited to a Landy/landcruiser and whilst here (in Albania), we've actually been unable to attempt many of the mountain tracks due to overhanging rocks, wheelbase (tight hairpins) and weight. Izzy's not a massively keen off-roader at the best of times, and one of the reasons we'll carry a slightly larger offroad bike on our new build, is so I can satisfy my urge to explore on two wheels. 🙏😀

[@curiositylandrover]

I have driven on considerably more dangerous roads in Albania in my LR Defender. Even a Toyota Hilux - farmer local said "That road is not easy" I think it is about the vehicle more than the roads. Your big motor home does roll quite a bit.😁 Great video - enjoy the gin

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, I've no doubt there's more dangerous roads (and many of them), sadly my big failure was not capturing it on camera, but yeah...definitely easier going in a smaller rig and a more understanding wife 😂 It's certainly a playground and I'll definitely return on an enduro bike 👍🏻😀

[@kukamastravels8310]

@gillie-monger3394 It's the 10% where your motorhome can't get to, that makes the difference. And when you travel to more remote areas; that's where an "expedition truck" shows it's worth. Besides, it looked like Phil was having a ball.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Indeed, appreciated 🙏😀

[@pathfinder303]

Next adventure ! Leave the wife at home☹

[@ClewleysOnTour]

I’m with Phil. Cracking road. 😂😂

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 Thanks Bob, I'm assuming it's you 😂🙏

[@raymondpomfret4214]

Mabe more tyres ??

[@phylroberts8830]

It looked pretty scary to me. I would have got out and walked!

[@TheGapDecaders]

lol, two years ago Izzy would’ve (and did). By her own admittance, she's got better at being rational and trusting the capabilities of our little truck. 🙏😀

[@bernardberisha1824]

hi great adventure I am Albanian an I know that remote areas and alps are not good roads be aware of such goo for anyone who wants to go whatever in Albania you have to have a 4by4 because roads are like they have been for hundreds of years government come and go and all kinds of excuses but they have been in the mercy of nature and that is another reason that people leave those remote areas and go to big cities and governments nothing ? Enjoy Albania has a lot to offer so have fun in the SUN ,

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Bernard, thank you. I understand the need for 4x4 and can see the lack of investment in the rural/mountain roads. In a way that's part of the attraction, it's still pretty raw and unspoilt, but probably frustrating for local people. I will definitely be back on a motorcycle to explore more of those incredible mountain tracks 🙏😀

[@alanbell6999]

Hi How much water do you use on a given week traveling? If you don't mind.

[@TheGapDecaders]

It really depends on a number of factors. We use more in the hot summer months as we like to shower more often, plus if we're swimming in the sea or hiking etc, we like to rinse off. If we know we can get water easily, we probably use about 300 per week, we've lasted 10 days before with 370 litres but we were being frugal. 👍🏻😀

[@evatoews3774]

I'm with Izzy on the sanity of driving that road. I was white knuckled in my armchair

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 Thank you, that's brought a smile to my face 👍🏻

[@askthechicken]

Sorry Phil, much as I like you I vote for Izzy- after that Road anyone would hit the bottle- unlike you two though to run out of booze!!! 😅

[@TheGapDecaders]

Oh I get it, all girls together 😀 I know, very poor administration, we just about eek'd it out 😂

[@kevinhasker]

I vote with both of you. Izzy --- it absolutely was a crazy road, but Phil is a very careful driver and you were fine. You would have been fine on an even sketchier road. Trust me, I have seen locals speed down much worst roads. Where I was freaking out, they were just out for a drive. Seriously, if a local found out how slow you were going? They would laugh so hard for so long. EDIT: And I am talking delivery trucks, which are the same size and *much* less off road capable than your rig. Phil -- OMG, she didn't beat you up? I would have beaten you up! OMG OMG OMG And both of you, as you said, researched the road beforehand. So it's on both of you, BLEH By the way, I am sure that those bridges --- especially the one you were worried about -- were all fine. You were disturbed because the top layer was bad, but that is only the icing on the cake. OH, and the next rig? Imagine having a camera over each of your headlights and rear lights. You would just feel so much more secure in so many situations. Cameras are so cheap these days, and if you are going to have one backing camera then you already have the system.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Kev, frustratingly my videography failed to remotely capture this epic road, and the bits I did capture look like childs play. I had to make the choice between stopping on tipping point crumbling roads to set the camera up, or remain married... It was a tough call but I figured there will be other tracks 😂 In fairness all the bridges here are solid and over-engineered, but I'd never cross without at least a visual. I've yet to engage with the camera side of the build, if I'm honest it's about no.73 on my list of priorities 😂

[@kevinhasker]

@@TheGapDecaders Speaking as a divorcee, you chose *MARRIAGE* over *VIEWS*? 🤣(Good on yer.) And I am sure it was absolutely terrifying at times, as sure as I am that the locals go about ten times faster than you guys did in sketchier vehicles. I totally would have checked the bridge like you did. I actually was thinking while watching that part "I hope Izzy is out." Just saying I know it was solid as a brick. No worries about cameras being so low on your list, either, after all its one of those last minute additions. When you finally cave in I bet after a year or so you'll wonder however you did without. For one thing when you are driving your silly right hand drive truck in a country where you drive on the right side of the road like god intended it will mean you will have a camera on the busy edge. (And vice-versa for those saps of us who want to go to the UK.)

[@TheGapDecaders]

LOL, Cheers Kev and apologies for my delayed response, it's been a busy few days on the road. You’re absolutely spot on with the bridges, one thing I've noticed as we traveled east, particularly in Georgia and Armenia, is that the bridges may have no signage but they're over-engineered, with more steel and concrete than you can shake a stick at. There's definitely unfinished business here in Albania and if you ever get the chance come and explore. At least I'll have time next year to scope out the whole camera thing, there's a few companies offering some seriously impressive systems in the UK, for admittedly, not a lot of money... watch this space 😁 Right Kev, I'm off to catch up on a bit of editing 👍🏻🙏😀

[@kevinhasker]

@@TheGapDecaders Wow, now I will be eagerly awaiting your discussion of camera systems. I've seen systems that give you a 360 degree view around the vehicle, but assumed they were too pricey. I mean, we both know Izzy wants to get back to the important task of sleeping in the co-pilots seat. 😂

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 Cheers Kev, it's fair to say she enjoys the odd snooze, in what she calls the command chair 😁@@kevinhasker

[@TNTgamer333]

I agree with Phil. 😂

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂👍🏻

[@User12345fan]

This is not Georgia, it’s Albania.

[@TheGapDecaders]

??? , like the description says, it is indeed Albania 😀

[@deansutcliffe3596]

Character building 😂 what was said wnen the camera was off 😳

[@TheGapDecaders]

Totally agree, if I shared it I'd probably get my 3 strikes in one video, 😁 In fairness to Izzy, we've done a bit of this now and she was actually pretty calm (unimpressed, but calmish 😂). 🍷👍🏻😀

[@tobydenn670]

Vote for Phil

[@TheGapDecaders]

😂😂 we're both sat here in stitches, cheers 🍷🙏😁

[@beniaminlinstad3013]

Whose*

[@TheGapDecaders]

👍🏻 yeah thanks