To Destinations Unknown

[grantw]

Pinara - these ancient Lycian ruins were not only free to visit but also had tortoises! More rock tombs to explore, an amphitheatre, and various other ruins kept us busy for a few hours, along with a bit of tortoise spotting, this has been another highlight of our trip.

 

[grantw]

Oludeniz - what a view from up on the coastal road.

 

[grantw]

Andriake - we rested here amongst the palms and eucalyptus trees for a few days, enjoying walks along the harbour, watching the fishermen come and go and relaxing in the campsite. They also do a pretty good sunset here

 

[grantw]

Fresh prawns straight from the fisherman ... wandering along the harbour we saw a fisherman selling prawns and fish and we jumped on the bandwagon, can’t get much fresher than this! Prawns for breakfast!

 

[grantw]

Simena & Kekova - we hired a little boat (captain included!) and headed over to view the sunken ruins of Kekova, puttering along the coastline before finding a bay for a swim. The water was a bit too choppy for clear photos, but what a great way to spend an afternoon.

 

[grantw]

This lovely couple saw us parked on the side of the road and invited us in for tea and pomegranates... also introducing us to sage tea. We left with a pomegranate, a big bag of dried sage and a promise to come back again next time we are in the area.

 

[grantw]

Olympos Ruins - this is an ancient Lycian city from at least the 4th century which was abandoned in the 15th century; it was amazing wandering through the ruinsof churches, bathhouses and necropolises, just off the picturesque beach of Çıralı
.

 

[grantw]

Another beautiful wild camp - after trying unsuccessfully for 4 hours to find a campsite (some were closed, one wouldn’t let us use our own stove, another was a bit too tight of a squeeze to get through the gate), we found this seaside camp very late in the evening, but woke up to this glorious sunrise.
.

 

[grantw]

Duden Waterfalls - this gigantic waterfall is just on the outskirts of Antalya and a very impressive sight

 

[grantw]

A few days relaxing by the beach, recharging, making new friends and giving the hammock a workout

 

[grantw]

Campsite animals ... puppies, cats and chickens! These were cheeky chickens too, wanting all the food

 

[grantw]

Campsite cooking - we lashed out and got a bit of lovely steak which we pan fried and ate with garlic butter and salad, homemade marinated chicken kebabs and ofcourse you can’t go wrong with bbq chicken wings, complete with cheeky chickens who grabbed one off the bbq! Mini cannibals! We were also lucky enough to be given some homemade gozleme, a pancake style bread filled with cheese ... delicious and a great way to start off on our next adventure.

 

[grantw]

Found another bay to wild camp in, where we were welcomed by locals, Sarah got to practice speaking some French, watched a beautiful sunset and sunrise and we were adopted by a puppy for the night. Unfortunately the super windy conditions meant we packed up earlier than we wanted to, and hit the road in search of milder weather.

 

[grantw]

Another food market ... we had just been shopping but couldn’t resist on stocking up on a few fresh fruit and veg!

 

[grantw]

We hadn’t heard of Konya before this trip, but are so glad we decided to visit for a few days. Reknowned for the Tomb of Rumi, there are so many other beautifulbuildings, mosques, gardens and streets to explore.

 

[grantw]

Mevlana Museum - this houses the tomb of the Sufi poet Rumi, with inscriptions of his poetry adorning the walls, antique korans from the 9th century and other relics and antiques. Even shuffling along in our plastic shoe coverings, we get a sense of peace and tranquility in here, and it was touching to see so many people affected by being in the presence of someone who is still so important to them, some openly weeping whilst mouthing his readings, others quietly pensive.

 

[SpinDrift]

Thanks for posting Grant. Amazing photos. Hope to make it out that way at some point. Happy travels in 2020.

 

[Higgy]

Cracking photos Grant, Iv Been wondering where you got to, Glad your safe and sound. Happy Travels..

 

[grantw]

Cracking photos Grant, Iv Been wondering where you got to, Glad your safe and sound. Happy Travels..

Sarah does all the amazing work.
We are behind in general on keeping this up to date .... and I’m extra behind in updating this.

As I type I’m in Armenia and we will be crossing into Iran in a week or so.

 

[flint]

Thanks Grant, great photos, very welcome in a grey UK !
Happy trails.