From Kas to Kemer

The Diary of Sonsy Lass
Alex & June Laidlaw
Thu 17 May 2012 10:16
36:35.99N 30:34.56E This relatively short trip allowed us the chance to do a wee bit of exploring en route. We departed Kas in light winds, fairly calm seas and wall to wall sunshine, though there was a swell. We reached Kekova Island and dropped anchor in a delightful sandy bay to have a spot of lunch. The area is packed with history and has a Crusader castle sitting in an impressive position on the summit of a high cliff and dating back to the middle ages. The areas around the bays are littered with sarcophagi dating back to the 4th century BC. The ruins of the partially sunken city of Simena, 2nd century AD, on the south side of the inlet are spectacular. They were hit by several earthquakes and the crystal clear waters show the ruins exactly as they fell. Thankfully this area is very tightly controlled, no diving, swimming, or stopping as you pass them. This truly is a treasure that authorities are intent on protecting. Lunch over; we decided to take a few pics as we passed on our way to Finike. Trying to get ever closer, we did get stuck in the sand. Luckily the bow-thruster saved the day. A free evening at Finike means our livers didn’t take such a hammering. Tuesday May 15th – a day in port and a chance to absorb even more culture. First, we visited the ancient city of Myra which dates back to 4th century BC. The coins that have been found here go back to the first century. Its amphitheatre, Roman time, was being excavated but there were no archaeologists down on their hands and knees with their little trowels and brushes. Instead a gang of labourers with picks and shovels. They had 18 metres to go down. Next stop, was to the church of St Nicolas (Santa Claus), which is a fascinating story. He was born around 300BC and the church was built in his honour in the 8th century AD. It was destroyed in a battle in the 11th century, reconstructed, then damaged by earthquakes several times, rebuilt again and extended. It is a very special place for the Orthodox Christians, including the Greeks, Egyptians and even the Russians, who were there in their hundreds. The frescos inside are quite something, given the ravages they’ve had to endure. It is said that the tradition of Santa Claus coming down the chimney, came from his trying to help a poor family. When he found the door was locked he put gold coins down the chimney. Back to Finike for a splendid lunch at a traditional restaurant used by the locals, only downside was they didn’t sell beer. However we more than made up for it at yet another evening reception. Wednesday 16th May – Finike to Kemer Marina, 45NM. A big change in the weather as a system brought high winds with heavy rain and we got a good soaking on our departure. Luckily it was a short leg. When we got out the wind picked up to 35kts, fortunately it was on our tail. So in spite of very confused seas we had a cracking good sail to Kemer. Getting into a crowded marina, where the spaces seem to be smaller than Sonsy’s beam, with high winds was, to say the least, challenging. We did however manage a very graceful docking. A quick clean up and off to yet another cocktail party. We are so wishing for a free night to give our livers a rest. Alas, there’s none coming in the foreseeable future