A smoke covered Tetovo as we climb the mountain to Popova Sapka.
We have traveled from Skopje on the E65 highway to Tetovo in a very quick forty minutes of motorway driving. There is significant burning in the Vardar Valley surrounding area creating a dull brownish-haze that is hanging over Tetovo. Tetovo is predominately populated by Macedonians of Albanian decent and Kosovar refugees; a vibrant city with universities and a lot of "action" on the streets. We must navigate through several round-abouts (just keep the mountain insight and head that direction; not much of a road and no real signage, however, you can't miss it; even I did not get lost!) to find the mountain road on the opposite end of town. The once popular mountain tram is no longer functioning, so one must drive and/or take a taxi/bus.
A village above Tetovo; we think Lavce is the name.
We pass through several/one long community of houses built on the face on the mountain looking back up the Vardar Valley towards Skopje. The air is cooling as we climb and climb and climb; more twists and turns than a giant roller coaster. The ski resort located on Popova Sapka is used by residents of Skopje and surrounding communities; and it is also relatively inexpensive to ski here.
The new church to Saint Naum Ohridski Cudotvorec at the bottom of the ski run on Popova Sapka.
We have passed through several large stands of trees and the air is very pleasant; several camping areas; and what appears to be trailheads for hiking (did not see any signage, just a lot of people walking through the woods). There is no real service on the drive up to the resort/town below the skiing areas; and since it was July 5th, not much happening in the resort area.
Yes, some snow remains overlooking the open area underneath the lifts (sorry too hazy to capture).
It is really peaceful up here; the only noise is the sound of workmen repairing the winter chalets and cabins in the town. Lots of roofing and masonry work going on in town.
These buildings are located at the base of the hill and the end of a ski run; nice location.
A large hotel, situated at the end of a run.
This appears to be the highest area served by the resort; patches of snow and clouds.
A nice and easy drive to escape the heat and humidity of Skopje; it was cool enough that Madlyn put on a sweater and we had to eat indoors as the cloud cover made it actually a bit chilly. We ate at a wonderful restaurant that due to summer was definitely short of help; the food, once we were served was very good and surprisingly very reasonable (for a resort area). If you get to Skopje in the summer; remember Popova Sapka, along with Matka and Mavrovo National Park to escape the heat and tourist atmosphere of Skopje; all easy drives from Skopje. All have beautiful scenic landscape; water/snow and the air is so much cooler; they are some of the natural treasures of Macedonia.
An energy "tower" on the ski slope of Popova Sapka.
