There’s a sweet, bitter or forgettable memory associated with each of the 663,158 steps that The Idiot took during his recent month-long MedTrek through southern Turkey to Syria — and a few more reflections about the 74,711 steps taken while not purposefully and mindfully walking on the Mediterranean Sea.
Here, in chronological order, are a few of The Idiot’s favorite flashbacks from his latest MedTrek outing as he concentrates on celebrating his mother’s upcoming 95th birthday, on Oct. 24, in northern California.
His view of the Mediterranean from the ruins of Anamurium, Turkey, on September 17, 2014.
His MedTrek through Mamure Castle, which was first constructed in the 4th century.
The sunrise on the balcony of The Idiot’s $22.50 room at the Hotel Dudum in Aydincik.
The mild and meditative sea that The Idiot heard each night and saw each morning.
His efforts to learn Turkish on the path.
The selection of a daily “plage du jour” for swimming.
The exploration of ruins with a contemporary touch.
The view of, and swim to, the Maiden’s Castle off Kizkalesi, where The Idiot walked inside wearing only a Speedo and goggles.
The bird-rich and protected Göksu River Delta.
The first serious tornado that The Idiot has personally seen on the Mediterranean.
The enjoyment of constantly meeting, and dining with, local Turks.
Partner Liz Chapin’s daily effort to adopt an animal(s), in this case a lamb and dog.
This open-aired B&B with upholstered furniture, an out-of-season bargain.
Daily rides in buses or dolmuses (minibuses) to/from the MedTrek from/to The Idiot’s base camp.
Daily sunsets seen from the Turkish seaside.
Photos: Liz Chapin and Joel Stratte-McClure
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."
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