A discussion arose whether the combined army should go directly to Philadelphia (a brief journey but with few supplies), or should follow a more coastal route, where food would be more plentiful. Conrad spoke of the enervating effect of hunger, and supported the latter. Louis was persuaded by his plea to choose the longer coast road, with more food. The first coastal section (to Adramyttion) involved climbing, fording streams and the loss of baggage animals, enriching the local people. It continued to cross mountains and swift torrents in deep, dangerous channels. There were ruined cities and others with new fortifications, from which they obtained food, but not enough, because of crusader insolence and profiteering Byzantines who could almost charge what they liked. His military strength was little help against walled cities on the coast with ships. Many pilgrims left the crusade on shipboard or stayed to serve local Byzantines. Louis was told that he was fortunate, despite his troubles, because more rain might have made the route totally impassable. They reached Pergamon, Smyrna and Ephesos, with the tomb of Hagios Ioannes; he there received letters from Manuel I, warning of a great mobilisation of Turks, and advising him to take refuge in Byzantine castles. He refused, and received other letters listing French crimes and threatening reprisals. He did not deign to reply, but went to spend Christmas in the valley of Decervion near Ephesos. There, on Christmas Eve, they repelled a surprise attack on their horses by Turks guided by Byzantines. they spent a pleasant Christmas, but under heavy rain. Guy, count of Ponthieu, died of disease and was buried in the porch of the church