Overnight in Alp Pasa Hotel, Kaleci, Antalya - tucked in the rabbit warren of streets in the old town, near Hadrian's Gates, and mustering point for Cocho's highly experienced sailing crew, Garry, Vicky, Tony, Thea, Anthony, Louise and moi. All present & accounted for - the plot developing according to plan!
A centuries old stone fortification, this part of the city is on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, with a protected marina, muddle of narrow streets with courtyarded homes, restaurants, hotels and shops amongst enormous stone defensive constructions, with mountains towering behind. Turks living here think they are in the best part of Anatolia, and Turkey. It is beautiful.
We are met at 10am and ushered to our carriage a few narrow alleys away to meet Fangio, our driver for the 2 hour trip along the coast to meet the boat. A white line straddler with dubious passing technique, it was fortunate a similar conveyance in front functioned as an anchor for a good distance. Said conveyance turned out to be a police vehicle.
We hugged the Med, up and down mountains, with a snow tipped mountainous backdrop, through forest growing inrock, citrus groves, glass houses of tomatoes basking in air conditioned comfort on a 30 degree day. The sea was like a mill pond, no breeze.
We arrived at Finike Harbour to be met by Mine Host Cocho, Mary and Marilyn aboard the gulet Tenema a magnificent 30 meters long and about a third of that wide, polished within an inch of its life. The 6 staterooms are beautifully appointed, with a TV&DVD player in each, all with bathrooms you can swing a cat in - large. A large saloon, table outside that comfortably seats 14, and lots of lolling around on daybeds and cushions space. She is a magnificent vessel, equipped with Captain & Crew to assist our seasoned sailors!
The colour of the water is an incedible turquoise, just as in all wthe brochures! Trevor at Mariner Boating in Sydney has done Peter proud sourcing this gorgeous boat. We all support the notion of never going home!
We are fed and watered well before we head seaward, under power, for 2 hrs and 20 miles up the coast to a protected bay on Kekova Island. We are surrounded by rocky hills which go deep into the water. Pine trees and shrubs grows out of sheer rock - no soil to be seen and only a 20 meter opening to the sea. We share the bay with 2 other boats, but barely notice them. Suspect they don't feel the same about us!
A good swim, Thea off visiting the neighbors on a kayak - yes, our own water sports on board, then a few local wines or beers and crew prepared antipasto platters, followed by baked sea bass and salad, some decadent sticky dessert, plenty of lies and stories.
The real world is left behind!