Koycegiz to Fethiye: August 17-18
On our way to get on the water we stopped in Tlos to see Ancient Lycia and the 3rd century AD tombs built right into the side of the mountains. Nearby was a theater and hippodrome from the 2nd and 3rd BC centuries. Turkey was filled with so many historical sites it was tough to avoid complacency.
Finally, we reached the 18 km (10.8 mi) Saklikent Gorge formed between the Akdaglar Mountains. It was mammoth and impressive. We hiked for 40 minutes with John and Juliet our bus pals from New Zealand while random local kids cliff jumped off of crazy high rocks and bridges (50 feet) into the water. There were also people floating on tubes down the freezing cold river, and we dined at a delightful table literally on the river water.
Later we arrived in Fethiye which was a quaint little beach town on the Mediterranean Sea with a European feel. We had two amazing dinners with our NZ pals. The first dinner allowed us to choose our own fresh fish or steaks from a huge selection right before our eyes. We then brought it to one of the nearby restaurants where they cooked it to perfection and provided sides. The next night we had eastern Turkish food – humus with hot peppers and a BBQ chicken wrap with huge veggies and a red sauce. Becky quickly learned and then dominated euchre, so we played a good deal of cards the next couple of days.
Fethiye to Olimpos via sailboat: August 19-22
It was time to board the 75 foot wooden Alaturka sailboat (complete with its own Turkish flag) for our highly anticipated journey from Fethiye to Olimpos on the Mediterranean. Twelve others around our age joined us from Australia, New Zealand, US, Turkey, and Germany. We had a little room with a porthole which held our stuff, but the majority of us chose to sleep sprawled out across the top of the boat.
The water was a gorgeous blue color as we sailed around Butterfly Valley stopping to hike up to what ended up being a mini waterfall, a trickle if you will. We parked in St. Nicolas Bay that evening where I jet skied for the first time tearing around the islands and dodging a sea turtle in the process.
A variety of fun music consistently blasted and backgammon was the game of choice as we baked in the sun and swam frequently to keep cool. I even walked the plank off the front of the boat, pirate style, before the captain (aka entertaining partier that occasionally steered the boat) caught me. We basically read our books, napped, ate, drank, and repeated for three and a half days. Never have I been so relaxed.
On the second day we sailed to Aquarium Bay, complete with rocky islands, to swim and then on to Kas for lunch in the beautiful European style town. That night we had a fantastic charcoal grilled chicken feast and a watermelon carved head complete with glowing sparklers and a Turkish fez hat.
The next morning afforded more swimming time and an eventual stop at my favorite little island. Kalekoy was extremely small with a few restaurants and small homes dotting the shoreline and hills. We hiked up to the Simena Ruins and castle at the top of it and a local 10 year old guided me around showing me the hidden ancient tombs; we communicated the best we could through broken English and pointing. I eventually swam back to the boat, and we sailed along the opposite shore to see a sunken city with walls and steps right into the water, caused by an earthquake.
Later it was anchors away in Pirate’s Bay – ARRRRGGHH maytey! The secluded little bays surrounded by rocky tree covered islands were spectacular, and I loved every minute of it! Eight of us could not resist as we jumped on a large inflatable banana and flew behind a speed boat often getting ripped off of it and laughing the whole way.
Since it was the last night it was critical that we have a dance boat party complete with the theme song “Ride the White Horse.” We had a blast and then headed to Smugglers bar on the island where all of the boats congregated for one final party. I naturally bartended for a bit and danced with our boat peeps – Becky, Kristen (US), and I put on a bit of a clinic for a bit and Thomas (Germany) kept things rolling with his shirt flying through the air. Our whole group got after it and celebrated a great boat trip.
Sadly we only had a half day left as we swam in Pirate’s cave and headed to Olimpos. It was tough to say goodbye to our new best boat friends after one last “Ride the White Horse” song, at least we have facebook. Luckily we got to continue on with Kate from New Zealand. Until next time…Sarah.
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