"Sitting on the dock of the bay" (Otis Redding)

We left Bucharest early for a long day on the truck. We crossed the Bulgarian border without incident (got to love the EU), and spent the day chatting, staring out the window, playing card games, and sleeping every now and then. We visited the Bacho Kiro caves which are located near the Dryanovo Monastery, about 30km from Veliko Tarnovo. We had lunch in the carpark, and provided much amusement and bemusement for most of Bulgaria's school children who were visiting en masse. We then wandered up into the caves (everywhere we go is up... we begin to panic if we don't have to walk up 200 stairs a day... fortunately we received our quota at the caves). The site is listed as one of the 100 top tourist locations in Bulgaria. The caves have been lit nicely, and we wandered around taking photos which generally did not turn out. C, Crofty & Elaine in the caves (or it could be just anywhere dark, but it was actually in the caves): After the caves a group of us wandered up the hill (again, up) to find an elusive lookout. When we finally reached what looked to be a bus shelter at the top of the hill (part funded by the EU, glad they are spending their money wisely), we found the viewpoint, and it was worth the walk. To me, it looked a little like the Blue Mountains (but without the blue) with escarpments and masses of trees. Very Duke of Edinburgh, but without the big pack! Me at the top of the big hill: We returned to the truck and got on the road for the drive to find a bush camp. We drove up and down a large hill / mountain, and found ourselves on a plain with a lovely lake. After one false start involving driving up someone's driveway and scaring their two small boys who were outside playing football when they were accosted by the big blue truck, we found a fabulous spot by the lake (near Stara Zagora) and set up camp. It was an amazingly picturesque location, and everyone was very excited to be free camping again. Terry got the inflatable kayak out, and took tours out onto the lake, while others watched on (secretly hoping they would fall in of course!), and we set up the campfire and dinner. We had a BBQ, with sausages and kebabs, and baked mushrooms. Delicious as always. Camping on the edge of the lake: Terry & Carolyn on the kayak:

Free camping always seems to result in a very early start the next day (well, it could also have been the frogs in the middle of mating season). And I was very glad that I was up early, as I got to watch the most amazing sunrise over the lake.

Our visit to Bulgaria was very brief - we were only in the country for about 24 hours, but it was beautiful and the camp was one of the highlights so far.

Next stop Turkey.