Sailing the Mediterranean

Following the biking trip, I tagged along with 6 of the British Columbians for a 4 day, 3 night cruise on a 38 meter sailboat called a "gulet" (pronounced goo-let; rhymes with Phuket).  We started in Fethiye and disembarked in Demre, and were then tranported by dolmus (van) to Olympos.  Here are some picture of the ship.

From the bow

Captain Dawn (wo)manning the helm.  The "other" captain is keeping watch from nearby.

I now understand where the term "barefoot cruise" comes from.  Shoes are generally discouraged on the deck and  not allowed down below.  I can live with that.

The ship was only 12 years old and was quite well decked out.  Much to our pleasure and surprise, each cabin had a private bathroom that resembled what you'd expect to find in a decent hotel.  No pump toilets or tiny showers!

For the first three days we shared the boat with 6 Aussies and a woman from Mumbai.  They were a friendly and fun crowd, so once they left we had to expend some energy to fill the void.

The whole gang enjoying dinner in the dining area toward the stern of the boat.

The weather was great - breezy and comfortable, warm in the sun.  We spent a good part of the days motoring from one spot to another, anchoring at meal time and for the night. We also got in the water to swim, snorkel and kayak. One day we stopped for some beach time and to hike up a canyon.  Another day we stopped for a brief visit in a seaside village that was built in and amongst some ruins.  Actually, there seemed to be ruins just about everywhere along the coast.

Bob in Butterfly Canyon

Simena

Sunken city

What wasn't provided on board was often available from entrepreneurs who plied the coastal waters.

Anyone want ice cream?

I do! I do!

And, from what we understand, the captain obliged our requests to do what seldom happens on a gulet cruise - we actually sailed for a couple hours!

OMG!  We're sailing!

Sadly, the "sailing" excursion came to an end and I had to bid adieu to my new BFFs from BC.  Being that they were all a bit older than me (58 - 66ish?) and retired I think of them as role models for what I want to be doing and how I want to be doing it when I am fortunate enough to join their ranks.

And now it's on to new adventures for the last week of my trip.  Check back soon!