What a Treat!

 August 3rd to 6th

Leaving the Dalyan area behind, we set off in the easterly direction towards our last major stop in the area of Fethiye. This is as far as we would be able to go and still make it back to Bodrum in time for Julia to catch her flight in the early morning of August 14th. Our destination was the Gulf of Fethiye which is known for many beautiful bays and little inlets in which we could anchor. The area is frequented by sailing and power yachts of all sizes and styles. In one bay we even saw a super yacht complete with its own helicopter on the top deck! Every time we think we have seen the biggest yacht (sailing or motor), we see another one that is bigger. There certainly are some beautiful boats enjoying the Turkish Riviera.

The Gulf of Fethiye proved to be quite busy and we were not sure we would be able to find space to anchor and tie off to shore, but persistence paid off and we were able to locate a good area in the beautiful water we have come to expect. But, this is the first time I have actually felt that the water was too warm for swimming! It felt a bit like a bathtub. We enjoyed our afternoon and evening there before continuing through the Gulf to the city of Fethiye, a major tourist destination in the region.

Tombs in Fethiye

The Australian couple we had met earlier in our travels had recommended staying in the small marina of a hotel in Fethiye. Again, the deal was a reduced mooring fee if we ate dinner at the restaurant. The bonus would be free electricity and water at the dock and the use of the swimming pool and facilities. With all the swimming we have done in the amazing Aegean waters, you might be surprised that a swimming pool would be exciting to us, but it was. Maybe it had something to do with the stunning photos online and the swim-up bar? Anyway, we were game! Free electricity and water is also a huge bonus because in the marinas in Turkey we typically have to pay about 300 euros for a night of mooring not including water and electricity; they are an extra cost. 

To make the most of our day at the Yacht Club Classic Hotel, we decided to anchor in the harbour at Fethiye the day before our reservation so we could arrive early at the dock the next morning. The water in the harbour was not water that looked desirable for swimming so we passed on that in favour of going ashore in the dinghy to take a look around. As we approach the harbour wall to tie up, we were welcomed by a large sea turtle that surfaced at the bow of the dinghy! After a very tasty donair for lunch at cute little waterfront food stand, Neil went off to explore the ruins/tombs at the top of the hill while Julia, Finnegan and I decided to take a look around at some of the shops. It turned out that we were not much in the mood to shop in the heat, so we hit up Starbucks for a cool lime refresher while we waited for Neil. 

One of the beautiful waterfront areas in Fethiye

Our day and night at the hotel did not disappoint! What a treat to have the AC on in the boat!!! What a treat to be able to wash all of the salt off the decks!! What a treat to sit by the pool on the super huge lounge and be waited on by the servers!! Julia and I took full advantage of the beautiful facilities. While Neil walked to a chandlery to purchase some line for tying the boat to shore, Julia and I basked in the sun poolside with a refreshing cocktail or two. Since we had not yet had lunch, we also ordered burgers and fries after seeing the servers carry them by on a tray for another guest. I have to say it was probably the best cheeseburger I have ever eaten! A cheeseburger in paradise perhaps? It was so good that we convinced Neil to order one (and a beer or two) when he joined us. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. 

Enjoying the AC!!!

To fulfill our mooring commitment, we had a dinner reservation on the lovely waterfront patio. It was busy which added to the atmosphere and the food was terrific.

Yacht Classic Hotel and Marina

Beautiful Julia

We were sorry to have to leave the next day, but it was time to start our return journey westward.