Dalyan Discovery

Up early, breakfasted and ready for an 0845 start. The coach arrived promptly just after 0900.It's about an hour and a half to Dalyan, up and down several mountains. The guide asked us if we wanted to stop off at a carpet factory but was met with a resounding "no" (we still remember the oily salesmen at the Gold Centre...)

We stopped briefly at a cafe/shop/ostrich display (!?) and then we were at Dalyan and on the boat. I'm not sure which was older (or indeed in better condition), the boat or it's driver but they both appeared to have at least one trip in them so we got on; 200 yards later we got off.

Our first stop was the mud baths, where you can cover yourself in sloppy, grey mud and bathe in hot springs.We tried the mud to varying degrees; The Boy got some on his feet, immediately proclaimed it as "disgusting" and shot off for a shower. I slopped a bit on myself but I didn't really like it and so I joined The Boy in the showers. Mrs C got a bit into it and greased herself up but was in the showers before we'd finished.The hot springs are heated by sulphorous gases bubbling up through them and they have a distinct "eggy" pong. The Boy declared that there was no was he was going in that, I didn't fancy it either but Mrs C plunged in and rather liked it.

Back on the boat and it was a short chug to our lunch venue, the Paradise Hotel. This was a professional set-up with rows of tables and a dozen or more waiters but nice nonetheless. As veggies we were catered for with omelette and chips which was ok. We also had a glass of wine with it (5YTL each).

After lunch it was back on the boat for a lazy cruise down the river where we saw some Lycian rock tombs and then on to the beach where, apparently, giant loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.

There were a couple of dozen boats there and the beach was very busy. We all went into the sea for a swim and it was lovely, the water was warm and clear and there was a nice breeze blowing off the sea, cooling us down.
The only downside was that the fine sand got everywhere (Mrs C is in the shower as I type, trying to get shot of the last of it).After an hour and a half at the beach, we were back in the boat, up the river to Dalyan and on the coach to come home.All in all it was £22 per head (The Boy went free) well spent and a good day out.

Now, where to go for tea ? (I still call it "tea", being working class)