Day 5; Gavuragili
Yesterday's rest day was overtaken by an extra hike up and down a hill but today promises just over 4 hours of walking and is a stepping-stone day getting me closer to Letoon with temples at the end of day 6 and then Xanthos at the start of day 7 where there is a theatre and other remains. There is a cluster of ruins and it is down to luck that they are spread over 2 days.
This morning was planned to be an already late-for-me 8:30am breakfast which turned out to be 10:00am as my host didn't show up. Luckily it is a short day but it means I will be walking all of that in the heat. I should have guessed as yesterday's 6:30pm meal was at 4:30pm and then again 8:30pm. I needed to pay and there was no one around so I was rather stuck. I had company at dinner last night as a New Zealander was staying though apart from that the route is quiet with very few walkers visible despite this being prime walking weather. Breakfast included 'fizzy' yoghurt and honey comb fresh from the hive.
Despite the heat and lack of shade it is a good walk with interest such as a cistern with goat pen attached which served as a reminder of the caution needed with wild water.
I encounter a testing 700m descent with fantastic views over the Mediterranean.
And talking of the Mediterranean, a few people have asked "what's the water like?" in reference to the waters of the turquoise coast so today I venture in for a dip and am relieved at just how warm the Mediterranean is and painfully reminded how my feet can't tolerate pebbles. Luckily I have the beach to myself and no one can see me (with socks on!) or hear the ooh! Ahh! Ouch! Ouch! Ooh! Need I go on?
I may be tempting fate but am pleased to report no issues such as blisters, sore muscles, sunburn, dehydration or fatigue. Looking at my plan there are longer walking days coming but it still looks doable.
I passed some goats on the road today and as I finish today's journal entry I can smell goat, only it's just me, so time for a shower before sunset.
