Exporing where East meets West in Türkiye

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026 - Today we set out on an 5-mile hike into the foothills of Mount Ida. We walked through ancient olive groves, terraced stone walls, and wildflowers before reaching a clear mountain river where our guide cooked a rustic fire-side lunch with tea. On the return we passed farmers with plows, and ended the day at Simurg Inn with a fresh sea bass dinner overlooking.

turkey2026 — From our balcony, we could see the hill of Ássos in the distance. Cal used a long telephoto lens to capture the Temple of Athena.

turkey2026 — Our room had a beautiful view of the Aegean Sea.

turkey2026 — Today we set off on an adventure into the foothills of Mount Ida. The hike was described as an 8-mile trek, so we weren’t sure what to expect. We began on gently sloping hills covered with olive trees.

turkey2026 — Old stone walls supporting terraced olive groves on the hillsides.

turkey2026 — Rows upon rows of olive trees. The olive tree has grown in Anatolia since around 4000 BC and remains a symbol of peace and wisdom.

turkey2026 — Bright red wildflowers along the path—poppy anemones native to the Mediterranean region.

turkey2026 — We were probably in the foothills about 2.5 miles when we stopped and dropped off the path and down to a beautiful clear river.

turkey2026 — The water was exceptionally clear - a mountain spring.

turkey2026 — Not a very big river but the water ws moving fast.

turkey2026 — Our mountain guide set up a fire for lunch. Mesut and Virginia Ann relaxing by the campfire.

turkey2026 — The mountain guide carried a teapot and portable stove. Tea is so important that it’s worth the extra weight.

Virginia Ann watches the mountain guide prepare lunch. He sautés tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices in olive oil over the fire.

He adds eggs to the pan and cooks everything over the fire. We then use bread to scoop up the warm, local dish—a simple but delicious meal.

turkey2026 — Virginia Ann and Cal at the riverside.

turkey2026 — A beautiful pool showing just how clear the water was.

turkey2026 — We headed back along the same trail after lunch.

turkey2026 — Another poppy anemone blooming along the path.

turkey2026 — Our walk was briefly interrupted by three men with horses and plows heading through the olive groves. We had seen the olive groves freshly plowed.

The plowmen pass us along the trail.

turkey2026 — Wildflowers blooming among the olive groves.

turkey2026 — A Turkish poppy. The Anatolian region is a major center of origin for many poppy species.

turkey2026 — A small home nestled in the olive grove.

turkey2026 — A stencil of a small devil-like creature playing pipes. The text in Turkish reads "No to HEPPs (HydroElectric Power Plants) and Private Power Plants!".

turkey2026 — A unique fence made of roofing tiles. We stepped into the surrounding patio for a glass of tea before heading back to the hotel.

We were still the only people at the hotel (Simurg Inn), and the chef was excited to tell us she had planned a seafood dinner with fresh Sea Bass. It was delicious. The day turned out to be a culinary adventure.

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