0730h we set off early this morning for Port Saip.38 37’ .26N Our plan is to arrive by noon. We did a bit of sailing when the wind came across the port side for an hour then died down and we where motoring again. As we approached Port Saip we came across a pod of dolphins. I counted at least 10 but hard to tell they were all around the boat jumping in teams and 3’s. I got up to the pulpit and hung over the edge hoping I could get them on video. They were right under me spinning around on the backs and crisscrossing the bow of the boat. Malcolm had said it was the most dolphins “Freya” had come across in her 2 years in the Med. So we felt very special being able to see them. I’m hoping the video will show them underwater. The sun was quite bright at the time.
1200h we arrive in Port Saip. It actually a small hamlet north of the town of Karaburn Isk. Pop.10,300.Located high up on a hill with a smaller hamlet beside us with a beach.Before lunch I set off on my own to check out the area. The pilot book says the town is 1 ½ km from us but it looks farther and all uphill. The walk was 15min to the hamlet at the beach. Beautiful spot , the clearest water and a wonderful view of rocky mountains and the town up the hill. On my way back an old man stopped and waved ( no English)for me to get in so he could give me a ride. Funny he was going the opposite way but willing to turn around when I pointed that I was going to the boat.
1300h the Swedish girls , Malin and Emilie, decided to do their galley duty together for 2 days. After lunch Alison,and I head over to the beach for a beer and a swim. Malin and Emilie came shortly after and told us they where stopped by the old man with the car too.We found out later that the very seldom get tourists here unless they are Turkish. Estoria hotel near the beach is a bit run down and looks like time stopped in the ‘80’s.There have a great spot with a wonderful view.
1500h Malin, Emile and I head up the hill into town after our swim. The walk was about 20 min uphill and quite warm. Cute little town, one gas station, 3 grocery stores and a couple of shops( camera, real estate, hardware).
Entering the grocery store we see 5 girls in there matching green smocks hanging out at the door. Nothing to do but getting paid for the day. Lol
The store couldn’t have been more than 500 sq. ft.
We got what we needed then went to the small café across the street for an ice tea. The view was breathtaking. Mountains, pine trees, ocean and blue sky. This is my favorite place so far. It has been untouched by big hotels and fancy shops. 30-50 minutes away there are 2 bigger cities ( Cesme and Izmir).
With all our shopping bags we walked to a spot on the road where a couple was standing near a dumpster. They don’t really have bus stops here so you just stand wait and then wave. We hoped on a bus and got a lift to the top of our street , 3 blocks from the boat heading down hill. ( $1)
1730h Malin and Emilie prep for dinner and we meet our newest crew member Altan (Turkish) arrived from Istanbul.
1930h Guess what we’re having for dinner….. Swedish meatballs !!!!
After dinner I caught up on some reading and then a movie ( Morning Glory)
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| Swedish Meatballs |
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| View of the beach in Karaburun.Port Saip |
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| View from the boat, small hamlet in Port Saip |
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| In town having an ice tea at the top of the town of Karavurun/Port Saip |
