Oludeniz and Gemiler Island...

The photographer of the group: Henry Swisher

All of us loved to hear the bell ring- call to eat....

Today we left early before sunrise and cruised east down the Turquoise Coast to Gemiler Island where we anchored near Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) and enjoyed a full morning of water sports including a banana boat ride for the kids.  

Jordan jumping into Mediterranean... His record was 37 today..

The more adventurous of the group climbed up a steep cliff face near our anchorage and jumped about 35 feet down into the inky blue sea.  

Kevin, jumping in Oludeniz....

We all had good fun kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in the clear blue waters until lunch was served. The chef on our boat is fantastic and every meal is a great creation.  Today's lunch was orzo, green salad, roasted eggplant with yogurt, grilled meat balls, and as always, a huge plate of fruit from dessert.

We watched as the para sailers floated down from nearby Baba Dag mountain which is over 6,000 feet tall and rises straight up from sea level in dramatic fashion.  In the late afternoon we took our tender to the shore of Gemiler Island where we hiked to the summit to watch a spectacular sunset from our vantage point.  On the route up the island we saw churches from the 5th century built by the Byzantine monks who inhabited this island.  There are still frescoes on the ancient stone walls and several of the churches are well preserved.  

View from the top of the island.. Gemiler Bay...

Gemiler island was a very important stop for pilgrims en route to Jerusalem.  There are more than 1o churches on the island and many monks cells were the devout would sequester themselves in solitude to pray and worship.  

Visiting Byzantine ruins on the island...

As the sun set we made our way down the island trail back to our lovely gulet where a magnificent feast was awaiting us.  That evening we were joined by some friends from Marin and the Silicon Valley that had a gulet charter near and we enjoyed some local raki (anis flavored liquor) together under the stars.  Another great day on the water!!! 

Wonderful family shot...