These f*****g dogs... (Day of cycling 3/4-2013)

Today I had a short day on my bicycle planned, I hadn't had time to recuperate from the day on Mr Mountain and I've felt drained these last days. So the stretch was about 50 kilometers to Gjirokaster from
Kelcyra and then take Nasho's, from Berat, suggestion and stay at The morning started without a proper breakfast, I stocked up on energy drinks, chocolate bars, peanuts, ate a little of it together with Cappuccino and a Red Bull. The gentleman from the night before drove me and my gear to his house and I thanked him again and then I was off. My clothes from the downpour of yesterday hadn't dried yet and on top of that it was raining a lot as well this day. I was thinking that it would have been a nice ride had the weather been better.

After like an hour I saw some goats on and around the road and a few seconds later a dog comes charging out of the brush, as I am going quite fast slightly downhill he starts to bark and chase me. I try to push him into the ditch with my bike but it makes me almost loose balance and crash. The dog snatches at my leg, I feel he makes contact but it doesn't break the pants (thanks Gore Bike Wear Rip Stop). I wouldn't wanna think what would have happened if I had fallen.

These damn dogs is really bringing the whole experience down. I can understand them being territorial around flocks of livestock but when I again get charged by a dog at a nice, modern petrol station where I planned to take a break I just wanna scream all the anger out of me, there are no damn sheep to guard here - put a leash on your f*****g dog. I am a dog person but considering I had 5-6 dogs run after me this day, one in the middle of oncoming traffic on a highway, I almost wish I had a Glock with me.

When I reached Gjirokaster and got a warm "You are home now" from the hostess at Kotoni B&B most of the anger washed away.

A personal room at Kontoni B&B, really nice after generic hotel rooms of late.

View from room, right.

View from room, left.

I ate dinner at Kujtimi, Qifqi ( rice balls with eggs and herbs ), potatoes and the sour cream I've come to love.

Yum!

Slept excellent after eating a Croissant filled with chocolate and a Fanta for desert a few hours later.

The day as tracked by the GPS; http://connect.garmin.com/player/293389606