Day 7; Xanthos then Üzümlü
Today we start with a picture of culture as I notice the last two headline photos were food related. The arrangement of seating and sensibly spaced steps for access is still used in theatres and stadia today.
The first headline today is the Xanthos complex starting with the theatre.
Here the Lycian tombs we saw back in Sidyma are sometimes raised on a pillar.
Another tomb on a pillar and some cut into the rock.
The shape and design of the coffin is an age old design; I suppose as with the theatre there is sometimes just one sensible approach.
For part of today I follow or walk along an old aqueduct which is precarious at times.
Space to camp is rare and I find a wild camping spot.
The second headline for today is just how hard the second half of today's walk is. It is either steep uphill, steep downhill, fighting through brush or just trying not to plummet off the ledge you're walking on. Though that is just how the Lycian Way is and it drew blood today as I brushed past thorny scrub on the narrow ledge of a path.
My destination vilage looked so close and I round a corner and see another gorge to inch around. The finger in shot hints at my fatigue at this point.
I arrive at my target village, Üzümlü, and it is 5pm, an hour later than planned and much to my distress I am staying another long 30 minutes walk away at the other end of the village. As you can see I have learnt how to get diacritics on my phone but it is hard work.
I have been living off chicken and rice as that is the standard set meal but tonight a local restaurant offers a more varied menu which I take full advantage of as I haven't eaten since breakfast. My 3 litres of water ran out and I was fortunate to pass a Mosque where I could top up.
In closing for the day I note I am seven days into the walk and as usual I have learnt alot and have settled into my routine very quickly. I am sure there will be more changes and challenges to come but for now, having just eaten, I am enjoying the Lycian Way.
