How did I prepare to resume the MedTrek in Turkey — which kicks off with a Peace Swim from Datça to the Greek island of Symi on Sept. 1 — while in California in August? I came up with a rigorous training program that combined swimming, culture, trekking, bathing and eating.

The swimming took place at the US Masters Swimming National championship in Mission Viejo where, competing for the first time in the 65-70 year-old age group, I managed to pick up a medal.

My first medal as a 65-year-old.

Older swimmers have a special warm-up lane.

The dip into culture included the iconic Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach with my slightly younger brother Kip and signings of The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Madness and Magic on the Mediterranean in Santa Rosa.

Posing in front of a photo of Mount Shasta.

With Lois Battuello in Santa Rosa.

The trekking, in the company of my partner Liz Chapin, took me along the Pacific Ocean and into the Redwoods.

Walking the Pacific Ocean near Santa Cruz.

Hiking over 16 miles on the Redwood Creek Trail.

Trekking on the Pacific with Liz Chapin.

To stay limber and flexible, I tried to end most days with a visit to a hot tub (this one is in Arcata)…

Nothing beats a hot tub at the end of a long hike.

….and have nutritious meals at places like the Larrupin Cafe in Trinidad.

Pure health at the Larrupin Cafe.

Turkey here I come!

Photos: Joel Stratte-McClure and Liz Chapin

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About Joel

Joel Stratte-McClure has been a global trekker since the 1970s. He lived in France for over 30 years, working as a journalist, before he turned his attention to a unique life-time-project of walking the shores of the Mediterranean. The first 4,401 kilometers are explored in his inspirational and entertaining first book "The Idiot and the Odyssey: Walking the Mediterranean." The next 4,401 kilometers are covered in the gods-filled sequel, "The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Madness and Magic on the Mediterranean,” published on Valentine's Day 2013. The last 4,401 kilometers will be discussed in the last book of the trilogy currently entitled "The Idiot and the Odyssey III: Alexander the Great Walks the Mediterranean."