Rides bikes, paddles sea kayaks, takes pictures. Life on the road & my home in Cornwall.
Eğirdir etc
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If a backpacker says that a place is not worth visiting because there ‘is nothing to do there’ it can generally be assumed that the opposite is true. Such is the case with Eğirdir (pronounced ‘E-irdir’)… I have really enjoyed my couple of days here. Yesterday was my first proper rest day in some 900km, since Troy in fact, and was much needed. I did very little…almost bugger all in fact.. Then today I took my bike exploring in the mountains south of town and discovered a terrific network of high, remote dirt trails to play on, with some nice steep, rocky technical sections in particular to enjoy… thus illustrating why, in my entirely prejudiced opinion, one should always travel on a dirt-capable bike. It is just better.
a view of Eğirdir. Technically the little village on the island at the end of the causeway is a separate village called Yesilada..it used to be a greek village until the population exchange..
What is more the wind has dropped, the temperature has risen to a rather wonderful 22 degs C and there is not a cloud in the sky. Forecast says it is going to stay like this for a bit so I am looking forward to the ride north… in the meantime however some photos.. for a change…
it is very quiet at this time of year and the lakeshore has a wonderful out of season feelmany of the lakeshore eating places are closed, but the town itself is still busy with locals of coursethe lake is entirely ringed by mountainssome metal-clad houses reminiscent of southern Chilethe streets are narrow and watched over by the inevitable minaretsEğirdirEğirdirEğirdirlooking north.. my direction of travelthere is a small bazaar that extends back to the base of the mountainthere is a village called Apkinar in the mountains high above Eğirdir…… with a fabulous view of Eğirdir and the lake below… far better by bike :-)ApkinarApkinarclimbing away from Apkinarto find some great trails...just better.. ;-)very fun…my ‘lunch tree’.. I sat and watched eagles soaring the cliffs.I also stumbled across a small marble quarry.. I didn’t ride right in, blasting was going on…the gleaming cubes stacked in the countryside had a surreal, sci-fi sort of a feel to them..
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7 thoughts on “Eğirdir etc”
Thanks for sharing! As I see it, the only thing you are missing right now is a kayak!!
Good to see the update – How much better your journey has been since getting over the boring start.
Oh well ………… better start getting passport, tickets and camera in hand luggage, and inform credit cards of our trip to Istanbul – taxi arrives at stupid o’clock tomorrow., same flight as you took.
Out of character for me I know but i ain’t gonna swear on your blog evan though I can think of a few choice names for you right now! Im pretty jealous of your adventure & hope you enjoy every second ;)
Thanks for sharing! As I see it, the only thing you are missing right now is a kayak!!
haha, indeed :-)
Good to see the update – How much better your journey has been since getting over the boring start.
Oh well ………… better start getting passport, tickets and camera in hand luggage, and inform credit cards of our trip to Istanbul – taxi arrives at stupid o’clock tomorrow., same flight as you took.
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Brilliant pics Mike. We must return to Turkey and see the sites!!
Cheerio
Mum&me
indeed, it was good yo see Assos, Ephesus etc but only just worth it, I do want to come back now and spend more time. just 4 days riding left :-(
Out of character for me I know but i ain’t gonna swear on your blog evan though I can think of a few choice names for you right now! Im pretty jealous of your adventure & hope you enjoy every second ;)
heck Taran, are you sickening for something perhaps?