Day 26; Göynük
I have been meaning to catch a sunrise and I am up early with a suitable view on offer.
Today is a day to relish, but with more than a hint of caution and trepidation. It goes from 900 metres down to sea level with a modest 410 metre uphill section in the second half. It travels down the beautiful Göynük valley to Göynük Canyon on old mule trails. There are two river crossings which at this time of year after the dry season will be fine (they are difficult in spring) though my guidebook says the second one you could swim so I am struggling to interpret that advice. [It turns out you can walk the crossing keeping your feet dry, and on an unrelated note you could swim in one of the natural pools.] There are also deep pools to cross that have rickety bridges some of which will create "difficulties". Difficulties is a word my guidebook likes to use. Taking the guidebook advice in its entirety I think I should expect to get my feet wet and I have put valuables (passport, cash) in a waterproof bag.
I usually use MAPS.ME but loaded today's route into Komoot which is more helpful though I wish I hadn't as it uses the phrase "highly dangerous". Here goes!
Though this is a downhill section yesterday's short day was overly long and felt like an up-hill haul. It reminded me of a poem I have used before about someone's journey to heaven and it is set in a question and answer format. It is short enough not to get shunted to the bottom and maps very well onto the journey experience in Turkey though hopefully without the death element.
Up-Hill by Christina Rossetti
Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
Today is the Göynük valley then canyon and at one point the route drops down and crosses it; easy when there's no melt water.
Warning! Scorpions!
A useful and surprisingly secure bridge.
Magnificent views as always and the only challenge is finding the clear photo angle.
Spring water.
Göynük Canyon itself which is a payable tourist attraction though free if you do the arduous walk over the hills.
It has been a fantastic day of walking and I am looking forward to the last four days.
