After some hiccups with the ferry from Istanbul to Bandirma (they changed the schedule and cancelled the morning ferry a day before my departure) I find myself on the road again morning of the 8th October.
The goal: Antalya, where I want to spend a few months hiding from Winter.
The second night out I camp near Yenice, just at the foot of that mountainous road that I'm supposed to cross the next day. I go out of my way to find a secluded spot with a bit of a few, in a forest not too far away from the city. Some garbage around and wildfire traces are testament to this area being a popular hangout spot, but it's already 9pm and middle of the week, so I'm not too concerned. Plus the road leading up here seems far too challenging.
Around 11pm, I suddenly wake up. Someone is shouting. It's bright outside. I must have been deep asleep. A car is parked just some 20 m behind my tent, headlights illuminating it brightly. It takes my brain a few minutes to process that in fact 2 guy have decided to drive up to this place in the middle of the night to have some beers. Oblivious to the fact that they have just woken me up they engage me in a conversation about travel. It takes a lot of yawning until the two leave again 30 minutes later. At least I got a free beer out of it :)
Next day's trip has more than 1000m in elevation gain, but the man water fountains along the road make it a fun ride. I entertain myself by adding some water points as POIs to Openstreetmap, but I soon get tired of stopping: some springs are barely 100m apart.
When it's getting dark I decide to camp in an olive grove once more and I spend a good 20 minutes walking around, looking a good spot in the pitch-black dark. Then I have a mild heart attack realizing I somehow lost my jacket. Gladly I find it again in the olives: I had just loosely placed it on the back of the bike when stopping. A mistake I would make a few more times on this trip...
Water fountain road: they come in all shapes and sizes
Next day brings me to Küçükköy, where I spent the most part of the afternoon chilling the beach. Also, fighting off dogs who really want me to share my kebap with them.
At dusk I cycle onto the small peninsula and fight my way on the top of the hill, hoping for a night camp with sea view. But on top I'm only greeted by a furious German shepherd dog who is, luckily, trapped behind a fence surrounding a radar tower. I guess the numerous "do not enter" signs at the foot of the hill should've been some sort of indication I should not be here.
Coast guard guy or Whatever he is comes out and we have a little chat in German. He lived in Austria for a couple of years. Camping? Not here, please...
At the foot of the hill I meet a French-speaking Turk. He tells me that there are frequent ship landings on this part of the coast, and It'd be safer to camp more in-country.
Next morning I decide to take a detour to Bergama to visit the historical Pergamon site. Head-wind all the way. This better be worth it!
In the city I'm welcomed by my couchsurfing host Can, a friendly and a bit chaotic host. After he gives me a city tour I explore the Pergamon site by myself. Verdict: looks quite old!
The following evening Can introduces me to the local "Mangal" culture and we're having barbecue in a public park, amidst many other groups. The barbecue, coal and some salads can conveniently be acquired on spot.
Having fun in Bergama
