The stark, steep and mountainous coast beyond Bodrum, Turkey, would intimidate any would-be MedTrekker. The mostly pathless 100-kilometer long Gökova Gulf, which separates the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas, is punctuated with forests of pine and cedar trees, countless cliffs, dense vegetation and rocky shores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacques Cousteau waxed that “I sailed on all the seas of the world but if you are looking for heaven on earth then it is Gökova Gulf.” That comment and the topographical challenges encouraged The Idiot to end a round of MedTrekking in Akyaka at the end of the indented bay after camping out on the way.

Most of the action — sailing, surfing, fishing, tanning — is near, on, in or under the water. There are only a few paths, some oases for luxury resorts, occasional beaches and some amusing roadside attractions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Akyaka, The Idiot set sail to see what’s ahead when the MedTrek resumes on August 30 on the Datça peninsula.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Liz Chapin and Joel Stratte-McClure