We left our friendly camp just after 09.00. Our end point on the say-nav was Ardahan. This was a point not too far from the Georgian border where the road divided. We had decided to wait before making a decision as to which route we would take. Both led to border crossings. We’re at a bit of a loss as we do not have a map of Georgia or Armenia and cannot find the maps on our sat-nav. Our Turkey map has a small portion of both, but not enough to give us an overall picture. We have decided on the northern border, as it is supposed to be less busy.
Sad news
Just as we were leaving, while we still had wifi, we read that the Kiwi actor, Sam Neill had passed away. A great actor and a lovely man.
A Good driving day
We have followed the E80/D100 road the entire way across Turkiye. It has either been motorway or duel carriageway. When we reached Erzurum we turned north towards Georgia on the 955. Parts of this were single track, but most duel carriageway. The main road network is very good.
Today’s scenery started with pretty valleys beside rivers with Agriculture. During the day we climbed to over 2000 meters several times. Some very mountainous areas with gorgeous colours due to whatever minerals the rocks contain. also beautiful wild flowers.
President Erdogan
According to President Trump, who was in Turkiye for a NATO meeting a few days ago, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a good, strong man. Today we have seen some posters displaying his picture, but I have been surprised that he has not been more in evidence.
Once we reached Ardahan, we stopped for fuel. Next to the fuel station was a bakery from which delicious smells were wafting. We decided we had to have one of the loaves of bread. During the day we had hoped to find stalls selling fruit and veg. They were few and far between with a very limited choice. All we managed to acquire were tomatoes and apricots. In Ardahan we found a supermarket and I managed to buy a few more items. Fruit and vegetables were still not abundant, though.
As it was about 1700 and to late to make for the border we looked for a camping place. We are in a lovely wide open alpine meadow, full of wildflowers. Some beautiful orchids. In the distance a new motorway is being built to presumably link to Georgia. It is beautifully quiet now, so I hope it will be a peaceful night.
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