Day 48 - Citdibi to Geyikbayiri

Our 5pm bus back to Citdibi yesterday went as planned.  The one exception being that the bus ended its run at Sogutcuma, 15km short of Citdibi.  After a lengthy conference to work this problem through, involving: Fiona and I, the bus driver, all of the other bus passengers, and most of the village of Sogutcuma - we were offered a place to sleep at a community meeting venue in the middle of the village.  With a bit of mime we managed to explain that we had a tent, at which point it was agreed, again through mime, that we could tent on the outskirts of the village and return at 7:30am to catch the bus that would continue through to Citdibi.  This did go exactly as planned.  The next morning the villagers were very excited to see that the Yeni Zealanda's had survived the night.  I don't think that they get many tourists in Sogutcuma.  Pity, because they are a lovely crew.

So, we caught the 7:30am bus to Citdibi; a village so obscure that the bus driver (and passengers) felt obliged to check three times that we REALLY wanted to get off there.  We ate our breakfast in Citdibi, and at 10am started up the hill for the final section of the Lycian Way.  

Meadow near the final pass on the Lycian Way.

Two ancient towns later, at 7pm, we reached the end - an underwhelming wooden sign on a deserted dirt road.  I was expecting a brass band, and a medal ceremony, but what we got was three friendly dogs.  One of them was a corgi.  I'd like to think that the Queen sent it.  

The finish came not a moment too soon.  I estimate that my boots have about two days life left in them.  A telling reflection on the nature of the Lycian Way, given that they had less than a week's use before I started this walk.

We are now off the track and back in Antalya, eating nice food, sleeping in a comfy bed, doing laundry and throwing out the clothes/gear that did not survive the trip.  This is the end of the daily blog.  I will write a wrap-up, including advice for anyone that is thinking about doing the Lycian, within the next two weeks; but for now it's goodbye from the world's slowest Lycian Way team.  Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Today's tortoise count : 2

Let's sign off with a proverb from our friend Angus Macfarlane - Kia manawanui tonu korua ki nga hikoi nui, hikoi roa – keep sturdy on the great and the long roads afore ye.