Mount Aratat & the Wonders of Turkey Expedition Dispatch

We were happy to be reunited with Valentine when we returned to Camp I. She very much enjoyed hanging out with the Kurdish people who took care of her. She is full of great stories to share. We even named this camp ”Camp Valentine”!

It was a long walk out from High Camp to the road in one day, but we made good time.

Duygu and Doc at the end of the trail

Mehmet, Jamal and Duygu enjoy checking out the dispatches at hotel after we walked all the way from High Camp to Dogubeyazit on Thursday.

Duygu, Jamal, Mehmet and Valentine at our farewell dinner

Carolyn, Dennis and Doc enjoy quite a feast at our farewell dinner.

Duygu, Jamal, Mehmet and Micheline at our farewell dinner

After dinner we visited a carpet factory. Within moments of when we arrived Carolyn was sitting with the girls learning the knots.

Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and we have been driving past its beautiful waters all summer - it was nice to finally stop.

Deke Dennis and Jean Pierre soak their feet in the crystal water.

Anne with the pristine waters of Lake Van behind her

Susan enjoy the beach at lake Van.

Valentine enjoy the beach at lake Van.

Deke taking a stroll along the beach

We have arrived back in Istanbul and as you can see we do not travel light!

Susan and Jean Pierre at the Sabiha airport. We have come a long way since 4,900 meters on Mount Ararat Thursday morning!