No major walk planned other thanan 8 km out and back to the Limyra Ruins in the foothills behind Finike.

CTP guaranteed no sleepi in and we were fed and in the car to starting point about 9.

We found out why the town is notorious for citrus and fruit generally after walking 3 gun barrel straight roads with oranges on one side and pomegranates on the other.

We were constantly buzzed by tractors and trucks as we made our way along. Just managed to escape a spraying with some orange tree treatment as the farmer showed scant respect for walkers.

Whilst the local river was dry there was no scarcity of water in the huge channels running along both sides of the road.

They also played home to masses of tortoises, who scurried off the bank and hid amongst algae or buried in the mud, as you neared them. Our attempts to photograph proved unsuccessful.

The farmers mixed cropping with some animals using sheep and goats to keep orchards weed free. There was an amazing lack of hothouses which had been our constant companions in recent times.

Plenty of skinny and mangy farm dogs who despite their bark, really craved a bit of affection.

Must be some cows around as well, as there have been road signs along the way. There was also a couple of skulls attached to telegraph poles.

We finally reached the first pod of tombs carved into the mountain and scrambled our way up to have a peep.

Famous cafe was closed so a swig of water was our morning tea. It’s a shame as the cafe was set on a beautiful stream and even had some seats , either accidentally or deliberately, set in the water.

Went up past a farmer growing tropical fruits, which was a first over here. He advertised guava, avocado, passion fruit and pawpaw to name a few. 

His farm abutted a much larger set of ruins, including a 200 seat Amphitheatre right on the main road. Up further were  much more substantial ruins, where you paid a princely sum of $2 to enter. There were two staff operating the turnstiles and they outnumbered the guests. 

High up on the other side of the road the mountains were dotted with tens of tombs cut into the rocks. Some houses had ancient tombs or ruins in their backyards.

Also much higher up in the hills were huge quarries in spots that looked almost inaccessible.

Further down the road was a stream and type of Roman Bath being overseen by a local who also managed the prayer room.

Finished the tour and headed back along the road playing tortoise Spotto , but they seemed to have amazing hearing and all we would see was them plunging off the bank into a muddy part of the canal. That was the majority of the time. One escapee was actually climbing the rocky cliffs up to the first set of ruins and another was walking across a traffic bridge getting right of way from a local.

Closer to town we came across a decrepit house with tons of rubbish out the back and 6 little tackers, all under 7 playing in a concrete compound. Shame my attempt to photo was spoilt by an errant thumb. They were certainly living a gypsy life and it put one’s life in perspective.

Further along the high rises started dominating the housimg. Sure there won’t be any architectural prizes won for aesthetics – they are plain ugly. Only saving grace is every one has a built in pizza oven on the balcony.

Worked our way along the beach, appropriately named Sandal Beach, and found a beautiful grill place where we had some lamb. It was a ‘no price shown/ pay by the kilo’ menu and we either got a great cheap meal or Jane did not see where the decimal point was on the bill and will get a massive surprise on the credit card.

Had intentions of a swim but it was a bit blowy, so headed for home after getting provisions for tomorrow.

Chatted to the owner about tomorrows logistics and then had a little siesta, until about 4.55 when a knock on the door was followed by an announcement that dinner was ready. 

He could not understand why we could not finish our dinner just  3.5 hours after our lunch. Apparently, it was to allow him to get an early night because at 300am he was driving another guest to Antalya.

We went for a long walk into town to have a drink, but it appears it is a dry town in bars and cafes. Not sure if it is anything to do with religion, but it along with what camel fighting is, are two mysteries to be solved tomorrow.

Back at B snd B chatted to three walkers from South Africa about the way forward, as they are doing it in reverse. Seems there might be a couple of car rides and a cable car ride left for us in the next two weeks.

We looked further ahead in itinerary and will give up a day in Istanbul to travel to Gallipoli. 

Stayed up late – 900pm.