Turkish steps for orphans
Mother and daughter look forward to meeting interesting people along the way and enjoying being alone in nature.
Heidie Smith and her daughter, Amber will hop onto a plane on March 28, carrying only their bare-essentials-filled backpacks to take on a 450km walk along the Turkish coastline.
The Ballito based duo are doing this long trek for three reasons – some mother-daughter bonding time, to get out of their comfort zone and most honorably, to raise money for The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund.
“I love these long walks. This will be the second walk I go on for the Orphan Fund. I was inspired to do The Lycian Way, as the walk is known, after reading a book written by Kate Clow,” said Heidie, who is part of the Rotary Club of Zimbali.
While they are paying for the walk themselves, every cent people donate will go to Zimbali Rotary, who will channel the money to the Orphan Fund.
They start walking in Ovacik and about a month later, end in Antalya, stopping in little towns along the way, sleeping wherever people offer them a bed.
“Going on these adventures is about immersing yourself into a different country, culture and language, defragging your brain and just going with the flow. You meet interesting people along the way, although the best times are when you are on your own in nature.”
The rather strenuous walk includes a lot of climbing and careful stepping, as the pathways are narrow and the cliffs steep. Regardless, Amber cannot wait to get going.
“There are many ruins along the way and a beautiful, butterfly valley at the beginning of the walk with a huge waterfall,” said Amber.
Follow the two of them on their journey and help them support The Orphan Fund, by checking out their Facebook page – 1 step at a time – where you will find donation details and pics of their Turkish adventure.
Send an email to :together1stepatatime@gmail.com for more information or donate your chosen amount to the following banking details: account name: Zimbali Rotary, bank: Absa Ballito, account number : 9245 763 008.
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