Pines and pilgrims

A recurring issue in Turkey is the lack of information on the state of smaller roads. Our map is a 1:800 000 scale, and open street map has no idea whether small roads will be dirt or tarmac. For a significant climb, a poor dirt road is pretty daunting. And if its muddy it can be impassable. This makes choosing our route a major lottery.

After yesterday’s non too inspiring coastal route through miles of resort apartments, we are relieved and delighted to find a small but a proper road up and through the mountains. Hurrah. We climb through olive groves being harvested by family groups, and then beautiful pine covered hillsides. Ahead of us are three french pilgrims with their 2 dogs. They are walking from Paris to Jerusalem, travelling without money. Hats off to them.

Over the pass, there are huge granite boulders amongst the pines, and many many quarries. Soon it is the long easy descent into Bergama with Pergamon perched enticingly above.Read more