Plod's Lycian Log: Day 8: Patara to Kalkan

Wednesday, 9th April, 2014

I met Pam at the Otogar at around 8am and we took a dolmus to the Patara turnoff. Hoped for another dolmus to the ruins, but only managed to pick up a stray dog - a good-natured black mutt, who walked with us to the ruins, explored them with us and then cruised along with us for the rest of our day. The dog, nicknamed Hobo, was last seen chasing after the car that gave us a ride to the main road. Aaaww......

The ruins at Patara are extensive - once such a large, thriving city. Interestingly, the Lycian League Hall of Assembly has been largely reconstructed.

No Lykia Yolu signs or waymarks - only locals, to help us get out of Patara, but once we found them, the waymarks were reliably clear and useful.

We chose to do the coast side of a looped walk, and it was beautiful! But it was also long and hot, and although I was using my water sparingly, I had pretty well run out, with over an hour's hard walking left to do, when a trail angel appeared and gave us a ride. As we drove up, up, up and still up, before a longer down, I found myself getting cross with Kate Plow for her unempathetic trail notes. She gives no idea of what the experience might be like. Sometimes, when I am truly depleted, and have no generosity of spirit left in me, I think she is positively mischievous - withholding helpful information and getting pleasure from our confusion.

From the main road, we hailed what we thought was a dolmus, and got a ride from a pleasant young man back to Kalkan. Met for drinks at 5.30 with Pam, Mick, Judy and Howard and then had dinner at Trio, on the waterfront. THE BEST FOOD!