Day 22 - Goodbye Turkey continued

The ferry eventually turned up and we boarded. The huge lorry you can see in the photo is about 4 inches from the near side bike pannier, I was a little concerned but need not have been. We parked up as instructed by the deck hand and got into a bit of a disagreement. He indicated that the bike should be on the centre stand as the sea was rough. Knowing that they do not tie the bikes down I wanted it left on the side stand in gear. I was going to stay with the bike and felt it would be more stable. The deck hand insisted so we gave in and used the centre stand. We need not have worried as the crossing was not bad at all. It took longer this time round at about 50 mins. As we pulled into the port of Eceabat the weather was still dull and cold so we immediately pulled into a kebab shop for lunch. We emerged 30 min and 20 TL later after the worst meal of the whole trip. As I write this the thought of the meal makes me feel ill. Not to worry we have plenty of Imodium stomach tablets for later !!!

We continued along the D550 past the town of Gelibolu which I guess gives its name to the peninsula that was the scene of the famous battle in the first world war when the Australians and British tried but failed to take control. The area has many war memorials and cemeteries. On route we passed lots of concrete gun emplacements that I assume must be from that period. The road became much worse and we battled with strong head winds all the way to Kesan when we would leave the D550 to take the 110 to the border at Kipi.
The border crossing was quick this time compared with when we came from Greece. We rode through with just a couple of checks and stamps. Immediately the roads improved and we sat at the speed limit until we arrived at Alexandroupoli and the next camp site.
Tent pitched and early to bed as tomorrow is going to be a long day. We have decided to combine two days ride into one and try to get to the Albanian border before they close.
Total miles today 215 but it took over 5 hours in the saddle to do it !
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