June 2 – 3, 2016 —
On our final two days we drove west on Turkey’s famous Silk Road used for hundreds of years as the major trade route connecting China and Europe. Along the way we passed many check points. 
With security at an all time high regarding both migration and terrorism it was no surprise to be stopped. What was a surprise was seeing the serious weapons the security forces approached us with. We were only stopped once and with a quick look at the passengers and a few words with our tour guide we were motioned on our way. Huge relief!
We drove past tent cities of Turkish nomads. These tribes move by the season, taking their families, possessions, goats and camels with them. Usually they live in the mountains for the summer months and move down onto the plains for the colder months. This particular village had about twenty large tents set up in an open field.
Arriving in Pamukkale late in the day we caught a glimpse of the incredible mineral formations we would be experiencing the next day. 
This area is famous for both the ruins of ancient Hierapolis and the mineral rich waters that wash over gleaming white calcite shelves down through the village below. 
We stayed in a hotel in the village with three levels of pools of the hot muddy mineral water running through it, and took advantage of the opportunity to soak in the springs. There is even a medical rehabilitation hospital on the property enabling patients to use the mineral baths.
Hierapolis holds the ruins of a Roman and Byzantine spa city, founded in about 190 BC. The ruins include a Roman Theater, Roman baths, Temple of Apollo, and necropolis (cemetery). Views from the high hill over the valley below are spectacular.
Throughout the day we watched as para-gliders floated overhead across the vast Pamukkale landscape of white calcite. People enjoyed wading in the mineral water as is cascaded down from one snow white pool to the next. The natural formation of these pools is constantly changing as the white calcite continually builds up due to evaporation. Magical!
At the end of the day we arrived back at the boat in Fethiye, tired and still excited at all we had seen and experienced over the past six days. Central Turkey is filled with history, agriculture, modern highways, splendid natural beauty, and hospitable Turks. We highly recommend it.