The border between Montenegro and Bosnia is marked by the Tapa River, which merges with the Piva shortly after the crossing. I had assumed both border checkpoints would be right before and after the bridge. But as we arrive, I realize I have to pass through the Montenegrin exit checkpoint - even though I’m staying in the country. My nerves rise because I’m carrying my drone, which could be confiscated if found. I wonder if I should have taken another route to Sedlo Pass, even considering turning back, though the detour would be huge.
Martin tries to reassure me, and we stop for a goulash at a restaurant near the checkpoint. Following his advice, I repack my bags, hiding the drone in my jacket, which I then bury at the bottom of my pannier under all my dirty laundry. And on a bike tour, “dirty” really means dirty: you sweat constantly, rarely get to wash, and wear the same clothes repeatedly. It’s hard to imagine anyone digging through all that, but you never know how thorough a border check might be.
Trying to keep calm, I do my best to appear unremarkable. Eventually, we head out - no turning back now. Humbly, we hand over our IDs to the border officer. He nods and glances briefly at our bikes from his booth. Oh no! But, thankfully, he seems interested only in the bikes themselves, not the contents of our bags. With a nod of approval, he waves us through the gate. Phew… that was close.
Our farewell is brief - a hug, well-wishes, and that’s it. I hope we’ll meet again. Martin crosses the bridge, while I turn right, relieved to see there’s no entry checkpoint on my side. Some things defy logic!
