the story of the road trip

six of us from Beyaz - plus Roland, our host, and our driver - in a mini van - off to explore some spots around the Mugla area.

The first stop - the one involving the swing over the swirling waters - was at a cafe built by the river - they have put in weirs and damns and things - for the trout - making a spectacular coffee spot. When the weather is warmer visitors can be tempted to plunge in, cross to the other side (only about 3-4 metres) and clamber out. Apparently the temperature in this stream never gets much higher than 10 degrees. So, Geoff taking to the swing was as close as anyone got.

To get there involved a hilly, winding, forestry road that had the poms a bit anxious, but seemed charmingly like home to us. The road surface was a bit rougher than we're used to, but given the spate of road works at home not entirely troubling...

After the cafe stop we wound our way back down the hill to the main road and set off for lunch. The cafe with the amazing views is above Akyaka, a pretty town on the coast, but with far less to recommend it than Dalyan. We had a cool trip a small way up river though - hence the water pics - which was clear as clear and full of gorgeous river weed and fish, etc. It's been quite the nature trip, really.

Later, we stopped at Koycegiz at the head of the lake that shares its name. We had a wee stroll along the waterfront admiring its size (55 sq km) - the lake, that is - before having a tea, raki, whatever, and some local mussels - quite small and prepared with savoury rice stuffing - which were tasty.

By the end of all this it was time to go home, so we did.

Today is Saturday - our last day in Turkey - but we don't leave Villas til 7.30pm. One of the many charming things about this place is that they don't tip you out at lunchtime (or earlier), or charge you extra for staying late. They say, don't worry, have a shower before you go, stay in your room, no problem. It is a lovely place and we'll continue to recommend it. Come to Dalyan - stay at Beyaz - they'll guarantee you a fantastic holiday...

About to head back to my pool lounger - we haven't actually done much of that, so today's the day to tick that one off. Ciao.