Hello and welcome back! The road keeps on calling us and as day 9 unfolds, I quickly realize that motorcycle travel is that source of adventure that keeps on giving!
Today was supposed to be a relatively short day. The plan was to visit Amasya and then head towards Samsun, along the coast, where I had identified two campsites practically on the beach. It was sure to be the perfect spot for the stage end.
The Road to Amasya
We started rolling around 8:30 am towards Amasya, covering over 200km, almost always between mountains, more precisely plains between 600m and 800m above sea level. The road was excellent, with two lanes on each side, like a highway but without tolls.
Becoming “Mario the Turk” and Learning the Ropes
Now, let’s go back to the first day in Turkey and the issues posed by the numerous speed controls and the corresponding police operations. I must confess that, for now, they don’t seem like much of a problem to me. At the moment, I am Mario, the Turk.
Every kilometer of the road is a learning experience, both about my surroundings and the way things work around here.
In summary, if you want to go faster, it’s relatively easy. Let a couple of speedsters pass and then follow behind cautiously and attentively. They will be caught, and you won’t! Besides this rather convenient rhyme, the police here use light signals to warn you, very much like in Latin America.
Apart from that, I had two police stops. The first one was random, just for statistics, and the second one… well, the second one was for the boss who wanted to take pictures. I guess he was pretending to inspect my bike. They asked me to position the bike just right for the perfect picture with the sun, the landscape, and everything. I even suggested to the boss to sit on the bike, but he declined… Unfortunately, he also didn’t let me take a picture of the situation with my phone. Only his phone was allowed for pictures, and who am I to argue?
Exploring Amasya
I arrived in Amasya, and it’s truly a picturesque city, nestled amidst an expanse of hills and mountains. What a wonderful view from the Castle to the City! Another Çay (tea), and I’m off to explore more.
Amasya is often referred to as the “City of Sultans,” owing to its significance as a former capital of the Pontic Kingdom. The city’s iconic landmark is, of course, the towering Amasya Castle, perched high above the city on a sheer cliff face. Below, along the banks of the Yeşilırmak River, lies a charming collection of Ottoman-era houses, each adorned with colorful wooden facades. Again… beauty!
Onward to Samsun
I wanted to head to the coastal campsites I had in mind, but first, I wanted to visit Boraboy, Lake Ladik, and then head to Samsun. So, our journey continued as we made our way towards these waypoints.
Boraboy is a small village nestled in the lush forests of northern Turkey, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural scenery. From there, we headed to Lake Ladik, a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by dense forest. Definitely worth the visit.
I must mention the quantity and quality of picnic parks they have here, which I always take advantage of to enjoy the snacks I bring along in my mobile pantry. For the more sensitive ones, that like the proper namings, I mean in my top case.
Our journey eventually led us to Samsun, a vibrant city located on the Black Sea coast. As one of Turkey’s major port cities, Samsun boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. It’s a mix between old-world charm and the modern amenities that we are all used to. As we arrived in Samsun, I couldn’t help but think that to the north across the Black Sea, there is an ongoing war… nothing can justify that. But enough of that… on to the accommodations for the evening.
Camping Plans Derailed and Adapting to Change
As usual, camping is my number one option, and at this stage, I thought I had it all planned to perfection. The camping parks were just a few kilometers away. Well, they were supposed to be, because both of them were closed for renovations, which meant that so was my plan. I was prepared to spend the night at one of these beach campsites, but that was no longer an option.
Remember when I started today by saying that it was going to be a relatively short day? Well, not anymore!
I searched for more campsites, but the offer in Turkey is not extensive. Despite their existence, there aren’t many yet. Well, it’s time to turn to Booking…
No success there either.
Let’s try Google Maps; it’s always handy in these situations.
With that said, there are no campsites nearby. The hotels I found weren’t exactly cheap either, and we have a slim budget here… so a luxury hotel night in Samsun wasn’t happening. I suppose that for the next trips that’s not an option either… unless there are some sponsors hiding out there.
Finding a Hidden Solution
It was time for plan C… or D… I honestly don’t remember, and lost track of the letter along the way. Nevertheless, it was time to be practical and find a solution. Because… hey!… Let’s face it. Solutions don’t normally present themselves. So I decided to use the freedom of traveling alone as a trump card and change the rules halfway through the game. I would continue riding, anticipating tomorrow’s plan, which also includes the coast for a good part of the day, and we’ll see. I’ll save time, and tomorrow I’ll probably encounter more rain than today, so today will be tiring, but tomorrow will surely be better.
As I covered a few more kilometers, and a few more than intended (200km more), I checked Google Maps for places to stay and found one right on my route and by the sea: Otel Gaffaro, €34.5 with breakfast included.
Done deal, no more discussion!
I bid you farewell until tomorrow! The next stages look promising as we dive deeper into Turkish grounds. Stay tuned and keep your rides safe!
