Hans and Iris were soon arriving for the second time this season. The weather report forecasted RAIN (have not seen that in months) and possible thunder so being in a small city seemed appropriate. Instead of anchoring in the bay as we did prior, we went to the Classic Yacht Marina and what a gem! The small marina sits in front of the Classic Yacht Hotel, which is a small boutique type hotel. The surrounding grounds include two outside bars, two pools, a turkish spa and a wonderful restaurant. The staff, once again, is so friendly and nice. I met a British woman who has been coming to the hotel for the last 10 years. By eating at the very tasty restaurant our moorage cost nearly nothing and included free electrical and water and use of the hotel pools. Iris and I booked a two hour turkish spa. As the weather was still unstable with gale warnings we stayed another night which none of us were upset about.

We had plenty of time for visiting the market. Hans likes to hunt and fish, and always brings delicious meat from moose.  Iris is famous for her “Gravad Lax”

 

On the third morning the sun was shining and there was a brisk wind so we had a nice sail. After 3 nights of repeat anchorages to show Hans and Iris we then continued down the coast.

We arrived to Kas Marina which is about a 10 minute walk to Kas center. We would recommend this marina over the small one in town which is full of tripper boats. The resident proud rooster of Kas Marina was our alarm clock each morning. The old town has a very appealing and charming atmosphere with sarcophagi, several small boutiques for handcrafts, art, rugs, etc. and small narrow streets. Kas was greek until 1922 We attended the Friday market full of goods, fruits and vegetables. Iris and I took a walk in the afternoon to the well preserved Hellenistic theatre.

Further on we arrived to Kekova Roads. Kekova Adasi is a 4 mile long island which shelters a stretch of water across to the mainland opposite. This provides a calm area with several anchorages. We spotted a whale and a couple turtles in such clear water.
After arriving at Kale Köy we all were charmed by the very small village and the magnificent Kale Castle which sits at the top of the hill above the village.

Because the anchorage was not ideal we decided to take a place at the pier in front of a restaurant where we spent the night. The village is very small but there are no roads, only paths here and there. We were lead to the top by the elderly grandmother of the restaurant family.

We toured the ruins from the 12th century and some of the many sarcophagi.

That evening we were served food by the daughter and granddaughter. When there was a boat incident in the harbour the grandfather came out and supervised and he looked like he had just stepped out of a classic movie scene. Wonderful kind, friendly and helpful family who were born and have always lived in the village. The daughter told us her son goes to school in the village and there are 8 students and 1 teacher. The daughter must leave at 0630 on a boat to another town where she then takes road transportation to school. She arrives back to the village between 1600 – 2000 depending on the school activities for the day.

After our dinner in their restaurant, we returned to the boat where the lighted castle glowed above us. Magical!

Next morning we left and went a short distance to a anchorage for swimming and breakfast.

Later into a larger village, Ucagiz, where Hans and Iris had to catch their taxi for the 2.5 hour trip back to the airport.