Distance: 139km Elevation: 1.612m Erzincan: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t3QqsEqGo1DMaR5M8?g_st=ic The plan for the day was clear from the start: two mountain passes, both around 2,200 meters, and then all the way down into Erzincan. That was 140 kilometers. I got up early to have a chance. After my morning routine, I said goodbye to my host family. They … Continue reading Day 16: Çukuryurt to Erzincan →

Distance: 113km Elevation: 1.133m Çukuryurt: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KrU1rueQmdkrcTua9?g_st=ic I started the day with a delicious breakfast at the Caravanserai. It is one of those places where you cannot help but look around slowly. The large courtyard has seen centuries of travelers passing through, coming from far away. I could feel that. Afterwards I stopped at a pharmacy … Continue reading Day 15: Sivas to Çukuryurt →

Distance: 80km Elevation: 505m Sivas: https://maps.app.goo.gl/92UVfXHbWYwZWoxG7?g_st=ic I woke up before six. The night had been chilly and the dogs were barking until about midnight. I got about eight hours of sleep, but felt still tired. When I was finishing my morning routine, two farm workers walked along the nearby path. I am not sure they … Continue reading Day 14: Maksutlu to Sivas →

Distance: 106km Elevation: 854m Maksutlu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4FF2sZT7vVTM77Q57?g_st=ic I woke up with the rising sun and had slept around eight hours. Light, but enough. During my morning routine, a farmer came past on his tractor. I waved and called out “Merhaba.” He waved back without any flinch or sign of disapproval. He just drove on. So that … Continue reading Day 13: Gesi Bağpınar to Maksutlu →

Distance: 117km Elevation: 1506m Gesi Bağpınar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LDSnqdnRntNtx8yU6?g_st=ic The night was short because Morito-san got up at half past three for his balloon flight. Others from the campsite filtered past in the dark as well. By five I gave up on sleep, peeled myself out of the sleeping bag, made coffee, and walked over to the … Continue reading Day 12: Göreme to Gesi Bağpınar →