Sailing Turkey

Days 13 – 15 Butterfly Valley to Gocek

Day 13

When we woke, we set off to hike up the cliff to the restaurant above for breakfast.  There were two trails, so we took the first of which led us to a waterfall and butterflies.  This valley has many species, but they are usually all out in the spring, so we only really saw the one species. 

Then we took the other trail up to the top of the cliff.  It was a challenging climb at times, but loads of fun.

And the view and the breakfast was well worth the climb.

We noticed how the Turks had well mastered what Leah termed the art of lounging.  All along this trip, we saw people of various professions finding a shady spot and resting, lounging, talking, playing games… the good life. 

As we descended from our mountain top, we could not believe the number of noodlers surrounding our boat.  The thumping music and loud horns to call noodlers back to the boat were an assault to the ears!  This was becoming a theme for us, we find a spot for the night, wake up to hike or swim, and then come back to a swarm of noodlers so we have to hightail it out. 

Our next destination was Gocek, another place we remembered very fondly, so we gave that part of this trip 2 nights as well.  As we approached the Gocek Bay, our first stop was Ruin Bay (also known as Cleopatra Bay because it was said that she and Antony honeymooned here).  Much better than Kekova, these ruins we could actually swim in and around, and, while while there were a lot of yachts around, we didn’t mind these, they were other sailers like us, not noodlers. 

After some fun swimming, we decided to head to the bayside restaurant for some dinner.  Turns out they don’t take cards and this was our most expensive meal so far, but the owner said, “No problem,” and gave us the name of his fishmonger brother in the town of Gocek who could run our card whenever we got to town.  Very trusting of him.

Day 14

Today, inspired by the Turks we’ve met along the way, and by the thought of Cleopatra enjoying this bay, we decided today we would devote to the Art of Lounging.  We woke up when we felt like it, did a little paddling around the bay at our leisure, read on the boat for a little bit, then casually made our way to the town of Gocek.  Leah and I wanted to get some shopping in, while the men looked for a part they needed for the boat, paid for our dinner last night, and got some more food for the boat.

First we had to eat at Jason’s destination:  Kebab Hospital.  He took a picture of the restaurant last time we were here because he thought it was a funny name, but then a friend of his saw the picture and remarked on how much she enjoyed eating there, so we had to go find it and try it. It was worth the trip!  Another fantastic meal.

Leah and I shopped for gifts for friends and ourselves, she even had a necklace made right there on the spot.

Then we skipped off to a beautiful little anchorage for the night

Day 15

We woke up and hiked up a little ways to the ruins of an old Roman town that was pretty amazing.  Honestly, these ruins really looked so well made and there were villagers who still live among them. 

When we returned, guess what we found?  NOODLERS!

It is uncanny how this keeps happening, we anchor in a spot that’s beautiful, wake up and have it to ourselves, then run off when the crowds of noodlers arrive.  Actually, turns out we’re doing it right.  So, we pushed off to make it to Ekincik for dinner.  Along the way  (as our intrepid captain is want to do) we found a little private cove to pop into for a quick dip.

Finally, we made it to Ekincik for dinner, and it was lovely.  Such a pretty spot for our last night, and they brought out the freshest fish for us to choose from.  It was honestly so delicious.  We keep saying how great the food has been, but in every spot the food is great, we drink amazing local wines and beers, and have desert but still pay way less than we would anywhere in the US.