36:17.6N 30:09.6E

The Diary of Sonsy Lass
Alex & June Laidlaw
Mon 14 May 2012 16:20
We had two days in Kas, which is another watering hole of ours, especially with the grandkids. You will be relieved to hear that this is the furthest south we’ve sailed, so more favourite watering holes. On Saturday we took the organised tour, and as our guide put it, the whole area is an open air museum and as the day unfolded, this was an understatement. This region has been significantly influenced by the Persians, Romans, Byzantium’s and Muslims, plus the Crusaders on their way to the wars in the Holy Land. Xanthos was the first site we visited and it was a major Lycian city, circa 540BC, and built over in part by the Romans. Latterly, even the Brits had an impute by removing a Roman arch to the British Museum. The next stop on the tour was a most impressive gorge, which is particularly awesome at this time of the year. as the melting snow from the Taurus Mountains fed the raging torrents. After a pleasant lunch we were off to Patara. Legend has it that this was the winter home the Sun God Appollo. The town was also the 4th century AD birthplace of St Nicolas, better known as Santa Claus. There was a mass of relics from arches to a spectacular amphitheatre, from first to second century BC. It is said Lycians formed the first ever democracy and there is a very impressive newly renovated building which accommodated their assembly. The US government has an interest in the forum and have part funded its restoration. In our opinion, this seems to be a good use of tax dollars. So keep paying your taxes you guys. The Lycians claim a further first with the oldest known lighthouse which is now some miles inland. Back to the marina for a quick clean up, then out to endure yet another reception party. After we left some inebriated participants decided to take a dip in the marina pool, many forgetting they still had their cell phones in their pockets. Whoops! Sunday’s trip was to Kastellorizon, which is a Greek island two miles off the Turkish mainland and the most southerly enclave of Greece. We had taken Sonsy Lass over with the family last year, so we decided to catch up with some work around the boat.