07.21.22
We are at the beginning of a 4-month journey up the coast of Turkey into Greece on a motorcycle. Everything that we need is packed onto the motorcycle. There are some who admire us for what we do, and others who think we are a bit insane and we actually feel that way about ourselves too…
We had a little bit of a reality check after just a few days on the road as Kathleen got sick for several days and we stayed put in the lovely city of Kas in a comfy hostel/ pansiyon hosted by a lovely couple who brought us a few meals and a thermometer. It was a wonderful place to convalesce. Finally, after six days, we hit the road again with a destination of the city of Fethiye. Unbeknownst to us, we were traveling during a major holiday so finding a room was a challenge. We found a cheap little hostel for three days, but it was not in the best location, and did not want to stay any longer than necessary. We moved up the hill to the city of Hisaronu, about 1000 meters higher in sea level and about five degrees cooler. We had very strong feelings and good energy there, so stayed for six days in a lovely hotel, and now it was my turn to get sick! I got the coughs more than anything, and fortunately it passed after a few days.
The major highway along this part of the Turkish coast is called D400, and is a relatively easy motorcycle road, but with a few twisties in spots. As we explored some of the more rural roads here, they became more treacherous, very windy, and lots of switchbacks. I had to face the reality check of traveling on a motorcycle at my age of 68, and doing that with a partner on the back. Truth is, I am not 48, and not even 58, so some of these roads can be challenging. I must face the reality that I have lost some of my skills, and some of my confidence. That is a sad reality check.
We also have the problem of excessive heat, which has complicated our journey, exasperating it. The temps in the area are in the mid-nineties, and we have been searching for higher elevations, but didn’t see much respite there. We even considered heading into Greece earlier than scheduled, but the temperature’s there are not much better. Actually almost ALL of Europe from north to south is sweltering. Along with the heat we also encountered high winds, but so far, no rain…so not ALL the elements are conspiring against us!
As we looked at the road going forward, physically, and metaphorically, Kathleen insisted, and I agreed, that we stay only on major roads. I think the age of wanderlust adventure is behind us. Those half our age can carry their backpacks and sleeping bags with them and sleep anywhere, but we want a bed, a shower, and air conditioning. I don’t think that makes us spoiled Americans; I think that makes us mature adults. Our time of carrying our possessions on our back and sleeping in a park or on a beach are behind us. Going forward I have promised her that we will stay only on safe roads and if I do not feel capable of them then we will not go. If she feels afraid, I will honor that and not dismiss it.
My “motivation” to start Travel Younger was to be inspired by Millennials and pass it on. I will still do that, but may tamper it down with maturity, wisdom, and a bit of precautionary fear.
