We were awakened by the Jandarma but at 10.30 pm. The security guard, a senior officer and a soldier with a gun knocked us up, to tell us that we had been told once that camping was not allowed but that for tonight we could but they wanted to tell us twice that really it was not allowed! That was the end of our human disturbance. The weather had other ideas. There was a thunder storm that lasted all night. The rumbles and crashes were accompanied by such heavy rain that it sounded as if Fay was being hammered by six inch nails! Later, we found that we were lucky to be parked where we were, many places in this locality had suffered flash flooding.
Having risked the wrath of the Jandame, we decided that wet weather or not, we would have a proper look round Knidos. The enormity of the site is hard to conceive. An ancient city, with two harbours dating back to BC in parts. Once a colossal statue of Appolo dominated the skyline, now only the plinth remains. There was also a naked statue of Aphrodite, which people flocked to see but this too is no more. We try to imagine the city as it was, with its sights, sounds and smells. This site is definitely more inspiring then Troy.
It is lunchtime before we leave, to explore the next peninsula. A pretty one which collimates in a ship building yard which would be the envy of any art gallery. Wooden ships being hand built; skills which at home we would consider long gone. In the harbour we see the finished articles. They are beautiful wooden charter yachts. Should we ever win our fortune on the lottery, we will seek out this boat builder!
Home for tonight is beside a restaurant, which provides us with the most delicious meal. It's owner is a retired footballer who used to play for Galataseri.
Sat 15th Nov
By early afternoon we have reached Pamukkale. It is a dark, wet day but not enough to distract from the wonder we see in front of us. The travertine terraces are far bigger than we had imagined. The white, wetness glistens like snow. Until you touch it, the landscape is almost Alpine in appearance.
Immediately opposite is a campsite, we book in and make the most of having internet for the first time since Cappoddocia. Tomorrow we will walk the terraces, hopefully the sun may shine?
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