We reach Dalyan passing through Köyceğiz and Ortaca after leaving Akçay. We are amazed by the view of the river flowing through a beautiful valley. The river creates a huge delta where the water of Köyceğiz Lake meets with Mediterranean Sea. While travelling by a boat in canals among long reeds in delta, we watch Lycian King Tombs on the hills. There is a beach 5 km long where the river meets the sea.
No to Privatization at Iztuzu
There are posters in Dalyan saying “İztuzu belongs to the people” becomes clearer at the beach: “No to privatization at Iztuzu”. It is planned to give the right of management of this place to private sector. Struggle against mining companies, Hydroelectric Power Plants and huge wind turbines to save the nature becomes resistance against companies and threat of concrete. Iztuzu, saved by Captain June years ago, is the living and reproducing area of sea turtles in where a sea turtle hospital exists. Also this place is a natural protection area.
In sea turtle hospital, a herd of turtles are being cured. A hut telling the story of Captain June, “Captain June’s Hut” is just next to the hospital. One side of the beach is lake, the other side is the sea. Places where turtles’ nests exist are signed.
We spend the night in Dalyan, near Sungurlu Lake and move towards Fethiye in the morning. While passing through Göcek, the road is divided in two and we choose the free road of course. But we realize our mistake when we turn back. The mountain road is long and rough. The price of using the tunnel is just 3,50 TRY. We wanted to save money by choosing the mountain road, but probably we spent more money for gas.
Afternoon, we arrive Fethiye and take one our friends with whom we hitch-hiked and travelled in Turkey two years ago. He will be with us for one day. Three of us stay in Kayaköy, Gemiler Bay. We have to pay for the entrance and also 15 TRY to stay. The sea looks dirty probably because of the boats. As we have to settle somewhere before sunset, we make camp here.
Magic Bus (Kayaköy)
We won’t be able to visit farms for a while as we have to go back to Istanbul after a couple of days. While going back slowly, we stay in Bördübet for 2 days, where we came on a suggestion. It is possible to stay for free near Amazon Beach -3 km after Golden Key-. A nice bay covered by a pine forest. Also there is a small river. Even there are many people visiting, it becomes silent at night. I write this blog in there, while Ebru is resting in rainbow hammock and listening to the song of crickets.
Rainbow Hammock
While completing the second month of our trip, we will be in Istanbul for some bureaucratic staff. Also we will make an inspection for Murtaza and make him ready for a long trip.
Thanks again for everybody who made this trip possible and gave us courage for a longer one.
