Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz hike…
On paper this 6km hike looked to be a nice easy walk through the forest to the sea - It was not!
Starting in Kayaköy, formerly the Greek settlement of Levissi in the Fethiye region of Turkiye, it was abandoned in 1923 with the Greco-Turkish population exchange. Once the Greeks left it was inhabited by a few locals, but after a large earthquake in 1957 the damage was severe. It is now known as the Ghost Village!
The hike started from the bottom of the hill (after a highly nutritious chocolate pancake!), and wound up through the old buildings. It was at this point, the shade of the forest was well needed - even after half a kilometre.
Canon EOS Kiss IIIL - Kodak Gold 200
With scarce waymarker signs, the wrong path was chosen, and we ended up in the forest at the summit! Luckily noticing before going too far. A short stumble through the trees, and the correct path was located.
Due to the heat, I only carried one film camera for the walk - the Canon EOS Kiss IIIL with 28-90mm lens loaded with Kodak Gold 200.
An hour in, and the view opened up through the thick forest to reveal the sea. Perched on a rock high up above the beautiful blue, refreshing waves, and baking in the midday sun, we paused to admire the landscape…
Canon EOS Kiss IIIL - Kodak Gold 200
A couple of days earlier, we had been to these little coves on a speed boat, but that is another story!
The next hour or so was spent gradually descending down the hillside, through shady pine forest on meandering dusty paths, with Cicadas as the backing track.
Canon EOS Kiss IIIL - Kodak Gold 200
This easy part of the hike was occasionally interrupted by open dry grassy sections full of bright blue thistles with razor sharp leaves ready to catch you out when not paying attention.
This gentle walk did not last! The path became a scree covered scramble down very steep sections with drops off the edge that you would not want to slip off - hence no photos from this bit - concentration needed to be 100%. This was followed by fallen trees that needed climbing over and cambered gravelly paths that seemed determined to see you on your back.
Eventually the Blue Lagoon became visible through the trees - the end was in sight. Good job as the water was fast running out!
Usually I would do 6km before breakfast, but this was something else. With the last steep decent down to sea level, my legs were like jelly and sweat was literally dripping from everywhere.
Canon EOS Kiss IIIL - Kodak Gold 200
A caravan? Seriously, who would be crazy enough to stay in a tiny caravan in 38°C heat? Well I suppose I am not the right person to question, as I am the one out hiking whilst the more seine are on the beach relaxing!
Anyway… the last section was lovely quiet paved road, with a very welcome air-conditioned shop to re-hydrate and rest with an ice cream.
Canon EOS Kiss IIIL - Kodak Gold 200
And finally the turquoise sea - the Kodak Gold really captured the colour well.
The hike ended in Ölüdeniz, where a bus was ready to depart back up the mountain to where we were staying (the pool was incredible after the heat of the walk)
Note - I am not moaning about how much harder this was than expected, as it is the challenging things in life that are the most rewarding. Looking back at these images a few weeks later brings a smile to my face - it was a real little adventure.