J74 – 3/1/2006

This morning the sky is overcast and the temperature 17degrees C.  At the end of the morning we had some showers and in the distance the mountains were covered in snow. Serge crossed the city of Giresun, where dust is ever present.  We are going along the sea on a wide double carriage way up to Tirebolu where we will split up: the camper with Rene and Laure will shop for supplies, then head toward the mountains to find a place to stop for the night, while Georges and Joel will take care of feedings.  We will leave the Black Sea which we have been following for about 1000 kilometers.  We all have the feeling that we won’t be in contact with the sea very soon, not until Shanghai.

Our camp is set up near a river and Adem, who was on his bulldozer and saw us going back and made a sign for us to stop.  He offered the hospitality of his field for the night: without any explanation, he had understood what we were searching for.  Space is at a premium in this narrow valley and we are happy to have come across Adem.  One of the first questions our host asked us: is Turkey in Europe?  We told him that it was a very political question…… he agreed.  It’s the first time that someone has mentioned the subject, which no doubt is on the minds of many.
Since yesterday, the hills and now the low mountains are full of hazelnut trees.  We counted thousands of them and they are slowly coming into bud.  This is also a region where tea is processed.

In spite of the rain and the wind, which blows in gusts, the camp is warm and hospitable.  Serge likes this camp atmosphere, especially because the camper makes it possible for him to have a hot shower when he finishes.