They have to be something special to put up with us for so long.
And its certainly eased the load of independent travel in Turkey, in all sorts of small ways.
We'll next see them some time in Australia.
North then east then north through Ardahan to Waragol-Sahara Milli Park where Peter and Margaret spotted a good campsite.
But time and tide ...
Everything they need.
Looking back, Olur in the distance.
Complete with corrugated iron minaret.
The woman we asked hadn't heard of Ardahan.
We don't recognise any of the names.
Nor can we find them on any maps.
In retrospect there was perhaps another road a little further to the east.
Things are looking a bit poorer in the mountains.
We are stopped by an engineer with a little English.
He explained there was about to be an explosion.
I don't think the English would have been up to explaining that too much dust probably meant an inefficient explosion.
Not that it would matter much. Its not quite like mining.
The road doesn't go where we want to go.
The road to Ardahan.
The description was "not a safe road" but ok in our vehicle.
He was very serious when suggesting that whenever we see people we ask.
It didn't occur to us that the armed military passenger he had with him might indicate a different sort of unsafe.
Strangely, one of the gps's knows about it.
But so much for our easy day's drive.
Though from another perspective it got heaps better.
Though the build up of clouds looks a bit menacing.
The gps now seems to be about 2km out.
A bit disconcerting not being able to see.
We asked for directions and the whole village came out to help.
The usual invite to tea but we were tired and a long way to go.
And the road improved.
We passed through Gecitl which is where we expected the road from Olur to take us.
We think perhaps there was a better road than the one we took.
But not as exciting perhaps.
Fir trees.
No-one about to collect any money. A passing group unknowingly entertained us for a while with drum / reed instrument and dancing around their fire.
Before finishing their beer and takeaways then driving on.
And we didn't see any bears.
Our easy day's drive took about 10 hours for a bit more than 200 km.
Driving didn't have the same urgency today so speeds were lower and generally more relaxed. Add lower temperatures (low 20's) plus various fixes and the engine temperature gauge never flinched.
