This is crap

Day #49

Thursday, June 18.

From Yeniciftlik to Sarköy

Country: Turkey

The night was quite short and ended with the first crow of the rooster.

Moreover, everything is wet. There was no rain, but the humidity is extremely high, and water is running down the inside of the outer tent.

So everything gets hung out in the rising sun first.

And while I passively let things dry and actively have breakfast, one of the many wild dogs runs along the beach.

And poops in a corner, three meters from my tent.

And runs away again.

What an action.

So I collect the pile to ensure that no one gets the idea that bikepackers have no manners.

Future travelers should also feel welcome.

Speaking of dogs, the wound from the dog bite has healed nicely and everything seems to have gone well.

Lucky me.

While I pack my things, the first early risers in bathing suits come by.

And two garbage collectors cleaning the beach.

I unfortunately had to revise my impression from the first day in Turkey; a lot of trash is just carelessly thrown away.

And this is despite there being bins everywhere.

Here we go, but first I have to go over an active construction site as pipes are being laid there.

Conveniently for me, the trench is being filled in again, and after a brief moment of waiting while chatting, I am shown the way, and we can really get going.

On to the highway.

Unfortunately, the mirror only lasted about 36 hours; at some point, I realize I’m looking at it in pieces again.

So back to checking my blind spot.

I follow the road to Naipköy, and after that, it gets fantastically beautiful.

In the village, I shop at the local store and get some new Yesil Erik from the vegetable seller next door.

The seller is kind to me, so I get a very full bag that I now have to carry up the inclines.

But first, I get approached from the café next door and sit down with three retirees for some chai.

Overall, it would have seemed to me like an insult to lock my bike here.

Now it’s steep up into the mountains.

Initially passing through fields, the road follows a valley, and while the stream gently flows down, I struggle up.

At one of the many water spots, I refill my bottle and treat myself to a bit of cooling.

When I reach the top, the view of the surrounding mountains and the sea stretching far below me is magnificent.

In addition, the view of the descent ahead of me promises to be winding.

I peacefully overtake a moped packer who looks similarly loaded as I do, only on a scooter.

Though there’s another proper incline in between that makes me sweat again.

So that I definitely remember that the view has to be earned.

Far too quickly, I’m back at sea level and take a short break to gather myself and enjoy the view, as the sea lies to the left, steep rock faces rise to the right, and the road runs right through the middle.

A conversation with the captain ensues.

Normally at sea on his ship, he is currently on vacation and is riding his scooter from Istanbul home.

And he has to let the engine cool down repeatedly.

Understandably, given the mountains.

He was also one of those who had encouraged me with a beep earlier.

I give up on a spontaneous attempt to go swimming; there are too many jellyfish in the water for me.

I cycle along the beautiful winding coastal road for miles, and the day is perfect.

The headline is in principle inappropriate, but sometimes it’s just set in the morning.

In the evening, I take another opportunity to shop to replenish my supplies.

After passing through Sarköy, I have reached my destination for the day and see a prime spot for a campsite.

A brief exchange with two locals confirms to me that this is where I want and can stay.

Especially since I’m still at the sea and soon heading inland towards the Greek border, I have to take this opportunity to camp on the beach again.

Moreover, I hope to be in bed early and get more sleep than the previous night.

Song of the Day:

Blutrinā - No More Shitting