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Shades of Adventure: Riding Through Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia

In a single scene, I witnessed freshly plowed earth, dry soil, trees in every possible color, sprouting pastures, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It felt like I was seeing every shade of brown and green against a backdrop of blue, gray, and white. Truly indescribable.

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Welcome back, my friends! It’s Day 11 of our adventure, and today is all about connecting paths and shortening the route to the captivating region of Cappadocia. But, as with any day on the road, there’s always room for a bit of unexpected excitement, and today is no exception. Traveling through a mountainous region with dramatic gorges and beautiful landscapes, it was clear the day would be filled with roads perfect for a true Motorcycle Playground.

Today, the landscape seemed to put on a show, showcasing an array of colors more vibrant than any we’ve seen so far.

Care to join me as we delve into it? Let’s go!

Setting Out: The Road to Dark Canyon

One of the highlights I was most eager to see was part of this route: The Dark Canyon.

Dark Canyon, known as Karanlık Canyon in Turkish, is a striking natural wonder located in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. This majestic gorge is carved by the Karasu River, a tributary of the Euphrates, and is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, which rise sharply from the riverbed, creating a breathtakingly narrow and deep canyon. The canyon’s rugged terrain and sheer rock walls make it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts due to its unique geological formations. Rich in natural beauty and relatively untouched by mass tourism, Dark Canyon provides an awe-inspiring setting.

However, some sections of the route, which I expected to be rugged mountain roads, had already been paved. It’s only a matter of time before progress encroaches further on this untouched natural beauty.

It turned out to be perhaps the most colorful day since the start of our journey.

In a single scene, I witnessed freshly plowed earth, dry soil, trees in every possible color, sprouting pastures, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It felt like I was seeing every shade of brown and green against a backdrop of blue, gray, and white. Truly indescribable.

Encounters with the Law and a Journey Through Varied Temperatures

Equally indescribable was being stopped six times at police checkpoints. Don’t worry, folks—although it reminded me of my time in Mauritania in 2014, it’s not comparable at all! It was genuinely for control checks, and fortunately, I didn’t get caught by any speed cameras. Most of the time, it seemed the stops were just so the officers could check out the bike.

The temperature varied greatly, starting at 3°C when we left the hotel and peaking at 21.5°C during the day.

What’s Ahead?

Tomorrow, Kapadokya awaits, with its unique landscapes and historical treasures. But for now, it’s time to rest and recharge, ready for whatever surprises the next day will bring.

I am now about 300 km from tomorrow’s goal, which means I have another 3 to 4 hours of riding through this incredible playground before I get there. I’m hoping to return to camping once I arrive, as there seem to be plenty of options available. Let’s see if they are operational or if I’ll end up in another 20€/35€ hotel.

Personally, I’m prepared—I always have my “house” with me, and whenever possible, that’s where I’ll stay!

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain, I found myself in a moment of introspection. In the quiet of the approaching night, I paused to reflect on the events of the day that had unfolded. The vibrant landscapes, the unexpected encounters, and the breathtaking beauty of Dark Canyon all played a part in creating an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for joining me on this vibrant and exhilarating journey through Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia.

Until we meet again on the road, ride safe. Farewell for now!

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