After a little time on computers we walked up the track
to the aerials. We past the herder with his goats and dog. He seems to
call to his goats and they just follow him along.
A
nice walk to the top and back. Really nice that my knee is improving.We drove to the Kara Tepe open air museum and had a wonder around. Had been quite a big fortress.
On
the driveway in we got asked if picnicking or museum. Many people
here picnicking with fires and table and gazebo they pay for the
pleasure.Museum cost 7Lira.
Now
south to the coast.
However
we noticed another castle so turned in. We had a roll-up for lunch
then wandered onto the site. The site is Kastabala antique city
originally from the 5th-1st century BC then 6th century AD, and
the 15-15th century AD. Most of what survives is form the
Roman imperial Period.
The
city had a column lined main street. Must have been a site in it’s
hey day.
The amphitheater was still mostly intact.
Can imagine sheep herders being just the same here 2000 years ago!
From
here a quick trip south to the Med coast. We took red and then an
orange road straight to Yumurtalik then meandered through the
villages and market gardens to Karatas.
Biding his time.
We
also came across some shanty towns. Not sure if they are refugees or
just the hired help for the market gardens. Or both.
We
have not seen market gardens this extensive for a while. I guess it
is warmer here..
Rubbish everywhere here.
Lots of plastic plowed into the earth. Later we thought it was the plastic from the strawberry "hot tunnels". Hope it is biodegradable....
We
crossed through Karatas and out to the west side of town where there
were cliffs overlooking the Med. Quite a few cars parked but
we drove past. One spot looked OK but went on further. A couple waved
to us.
We
turned and went back and they invited us to stop. John had to dig us
in quite a bit to get us level for the night.
A
wonderful lightening storm to the NE.
The
lady had some English and was a teacher of Turkish at the local
school but lives in Adana.
164km Camp site 56m alt.
164km Camp site 56m alt.