The Elusive HGS

23/07/25

We battled the massive intersections and traffic to get to a large city Izmir Post Office / PTT. A Google review said they’d been helpful getting the HGS motorway pass. Sounded promising, give our lack of success in Eceabat and Canakkale.

After parking in a port car park (£8), we walked the 2+ km to the PTT along the water front, passing 2 ports and keeping to the shade as much as possible.

PPT lady said none to be had in all Izmir and to try another town. We then started discussing our planned trip, being in a large camping car. Oh says she, hang on a moment. You’re class 2. We have one left of those. I almost felt joy. She then suggested a chilled place with nature. It was not where we were headed, but who are we to ignore a local’s suggestion.

Karaburun

23-24/07

We stopped initially at a P4N spit in Karaburen. Steps either side down to sea, but no beach shower or cafe. We had passed what looked like a camper stop so returned. A teen girl was encouraged to help with excellent English. Actually she needed no encouragement. Having established there was a shower, two sit down toilets, a cafe and sea access, we booked in for 2 nights (£15 pn).

So for the rest of the afternoon and all the next day, we chilled, ate and drank and took the odd dip. Other than being rescued by a Turkish family, as if I was an ‘old lady locked in the lavatory’ (my grandad used to sing this), we did not a lot.