Çambaşı

Yesterday after we finished homeschool and had sufficiently chilled out for awhile we started getting antsy.  It is way too hot and humid to do much so finally we decided to drive up into the mountains to see what we could discover.

We drove inland a bit and as we gained altitude it was like passing through different climates.  We passed the hazelnut trees planted methodically along the steep mountains.  Then up through the forest areas into piney woods.  Finally we came out on top of the world!  The mountains level off into amazing grassy plateaus of indescribable beauty!  It was at least 30 degrees cooler.

We found a little town- the same town that we tried to explore back in the winter but it was too covered in snow!

Driving into the little town way up in the mountains.

Luckily, I am broke or I could have spent a fortune buying the fresh local homemade cheeses, butter, honey, molasses, and handmade crafts like baskets and textiles.

Justin with his girls!

After we ate a quick dinner and explored the town a bit we decided to drive out in another direction to see what was around the next bend... and the next bend... and the next bend.  We couldn't force ourselves to stop.  It was all so beautiful and so intriguing!  I've never really spent much time up on plateaus.

Looking back at the little town as we headed out.

The mountains were amazing at sunset!

This land is perfect for livestock.  We saw shepherds and sheep dotting the plains.

Me and my girl!

We were always so curious to find out what was around the next bend in the road.

Of course, we had to stop to run through the grass!

That crazy little speck is Noah!

As the sun set we finally had to turn around and come home.  Justin wasn't sure what condition the roads ahead would be in and driving them at night didn't seem like a good plan.

We are hoping to find just the right picnic spot and spend many hours with local friends up on these hills!