We sailed from Fethiye early, breakfasting under way.
Our destination was Olu Deniz, a famous beauty spot where a lagoon and beach are nestling beneath massive mountains. The setting was wonderful except for the clouds and mist which made it a bit dull and cool.
Normally the anchorage is packed with Gulets, Yachts and Day Tripper boats. Apart from us there was just one 'gin palace' power boat flying a Russian flag, more a vodka palace!
We used the inflatable tender to reach the beach and then the girls swam back via some rocks where something bit them.
After lunch we motored around the coast to Cold Water Bay where a natural spring comes into the sea, a good place in the height and heat of summer. Then we passed inside Gemiler island where we saw the medieval ruins including a tunnel built for the island queen who didn't like the sun.
We eventually arrived at Karacoen wher Osman's cousin Can (pronounced John) met us in his 
boat to give us a mooring line. There was just one other yacht there, an Israeli couple, Yoram and Raya who we met several times over the next few days.
boat to give us a mooring line. There was just one other yacht there, an Israeli couple, Yoram and Raya who we met several times over the next few days.
Finally the sun came out for a glorious warm evening. The girls took the dinghy shore to explore the rocks whilst Lois and I caught up with our reading. I have been reading BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS by Louis be Berenieres, which is all about this area at the beginning of the 20th century when Greeks and Turks, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully together here.
The village where the story is set is believed to be based on Kaya, a deserted village half way between Cold Water Bay and Karacoen.
In the evening we went ashore to Can's restaurant where he treated us to meze, grilled fish, 
meat balls, and a special dish of Kalamari (Squid) which Can went out to catch as soon as he had helped us moor. See photo of him fishing.
meat balls, and a special dish of Kalamari (Squid) which Can went out to catch as soon as he had helped us moor. See photo of him fishing.
The evening ended with a log fire in an olive oil tin, a backgammon lesson with Can for the girls, and Raki and sailing stories for Yuram, Raya, Lois and myself.
We have decided this place is already our favourite!
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