So today we did get underway again. For a while the road followed the coast and we got some great views of the Mediterranean and the numerous tourists and other sea side residential developments. As you might be able to tell we are finding the Med coast very pleasant and still marvel at how blue and clean the water looks.

At the town of Fethiye we turned back into the mountains bound for a famous tourist spot called Pamukkale. The day was cool and clear and the drive in the mountains was pleasant without being particularly spectacular.


Late in the afternoon we arrived in the township of Pamukkale. At the town entrance we saw signs to two local camp grounds and started heading for the closest (which the sign said was just a little farther up the main street). Along the way a guy waved us over by making a "tent" with his hands and we proceeded to negotiate price and services for us to park in his "campground". It looked more like the grass yard of a delapidated motel and restaurant. But it had electricity and toilets. It also had showers supposedly but a little trial indicated that the water flow was cold and slow.

After settling in we went for our first walk and glimpse of this famous place.

Why is it famous. Well flowing out of the large hill above the town is a warm mineral spring and the minerals from that water have deposited white minerals all over the hill side. The mineral covered slopes are called "travertines". Ones first impression is that the hill is snow covered. To add to the attraction there are ruins on top of the hill dating back through the Romans, Greeks and Byzantines. The ruins are vast covering the entire hill top. But really that is tomorrows story.