View from the Khani

This is the morning view from my room at the Khani Hotel looking into Dohuk on my final morning before departure for Erbil. The Khani is a budget hotel, at $75 a night, but warm and dry and comfortable enough.

Road to Amedi

We came here with Hiwa, Clare and Stevie last month, sightseeing, and you can see for miles up the valley. Apparently in there somewhere is a Turkish base, but I didn't see it then, or now.

Road to Amedi

Stopped again on the road to Amedi for photographs. No idea when I will be back here, so take the time to record it while here.

Amedi

That's the ancient town of Amedi on the plateau behind the bike. I drove past it and did not go in to explore, saving that for a return visit with friends.

Snow topped Mountains

The view was like this all the way down the valley, some 60 miles between huge snow topped mountains. I thought that I would break right for home much sooner than I did, and that a road would work through the mountain. I was wrong.. the valley went on for miles... 60 miles, as the cross flies, as I now know...

Over the Col

I didn't know what was going to be ahead as I worked my way up the col. When I topped out and saw the view ahead I had to stop and take a photograph. That is the Great Zab river which comes down from the north, or camera left. The road descended from here in a series of switch backs, as good as anything you might find in the alps. (But with nothing in the way of support if it goes wrong).

Photo Bomb

Joined in with the students from the Tech College across the road from the hotel. Think they were having an end of term get together.

Leaving Dohuk

Visited the Jinda Centre first thing, then headed back to the hotel to pack up. Had to stop briefly at the side of the road to snap the view from my office. Great to be in some sunshine!

Amedi

More Amedi: The whole area is stunning.

Kudistan - UK

I saw this board at the side of the and couldn't resist pulling over to say high. They spoke no English, but I am guessing that the UK bit here may be United Kurdistan, not United Kingdom.

Good Roads

Parts of the route were on good well surfaced roads. I even had a short stint of motorway standard dual carriage way.

Country Roads

Most of the road was like this; good enough, but with the usual rural hazards; pot holes, suicidal chickens, cows taking themselves home at night.

Views

Whatever the quality of the road the views were stunning. It did, though, go on and on... and I had this growing sense of unease as the day wore on, and my progress on the satnav down the valley just didn't seem to match the miles I was doing...

Remote Villages

These guys really do live in a disconnected world. They are a long way from anywhere.

Same Valley

View from the office; couldn't resist stopping again!