Had breakfast at 7 am with fresh cheese; olives; sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
The hot tea and boiled eggs were delightfully warming and grounding.
The weather had cooled down from the 86F of  yesterday. The clouds and mist were refreshing after the high humidity. After our meal we had a chance to walk up the hill from the Otel Vesile. There was a waterfall at the top and we took some photos quickly before the fog settled in. At 830 am, we got on the minibus to go up to the highlands. The scenic drive was rocky, bumpy and close to the cliffs. We saw many waterfalls close and far. In the winter snow fall can be so treacherous, that only adventuresome skiers can fly in by helicopter.

Every corner had diverse foliage... evergreen trees, rhododendrons, wildflowers and lots of beautiful greenery.
We heard several shots, and were told that it was automatic protection for the honey barrels in the tree tops.
We were stopped by a delightful local woman with her daughter, farm dog and pet with no name, black goat.
They were following their small family herd of cattle. The woman was friendly and willing to pose for our photo hungry crew.
 The Anatolian sheep dog wore a spiked metal collar to discourage wolves from neck attacks. At 830 am, we got on the minibus to go up to the highlands. The scenic drive was rocky, bumpy and close to the cliffs.
We saw many waterfalls close and far.

The bull of the herd noticed our dear Victoria with her antagonizing long red sleeves and started to move toward our
 favorite photographer. Luckily with agile toes, Victoria quickly moved away and toward the van for safety.

We saw a larger herd of cattle along the way toward Kavron as we stopped for photos of the handmade woven necklaces
 w/ bells hanging off the necks of the bulls. At Kavron, it was hilly. We climbed around the small one room homes and
found a small mosque with several organic gardens. The people were warm and friendly with several boys playing soccer on the road.

Meli mentioned that the highland population travels to different levels depending on the weather. A small European group of
hikers and campers were preparing for a 3 day hike up to a beautiful lake above this highland. As we drove down the hill,
we stopped to hike down for a mile to enjoy the pleasant calm dew drops amid the foliage. There were spider webs
sprinkled with morning dew lingering on our way to a amazing local homemade lunch.

The tent halfway down the hill had been preparing for us because Meli ordered the group lunch on our way up from breakfast. As we went inside, the warmth of the fire was absolutely welcoming. There was fresh baked bread, veal kebab in copper pan, cheese w/ masa and delectable salad with fresh spring water and apple tea. Ahhhh, life is good. We can feel the heart and soul of this amazing country. There are handmade woolen slippers, socks, hats, etc.

 Day 05        Journal Day 01