Well there were blue skies on Anglesey eleven years ago when we got married, but the temperatures were significantly colder than today. No snow on the ground here this time. Excited for the warm anniversary celebrations, we set out straight in the car to nearby Kargi Beach, where there is a very short walk to the water.

It wasn’t exactly early, but it was before anyone else had arrived in the area and the sea was like a mirror.

We had a swim and snorkel, but surprisingly, the water wasn’t that clear. There was a haze that took the edge off the clarity. We decided we could do better and as it was delightfully warm, in the sea did seem to be the best place to be.

The short hike over to Heron Bay suddenly seemed worth it. And it really was. Why swim near the road and houses, when you could have a deserted coastal cove.

The water was magic, the fish interesting and the solitude wonderful. What a treat! one for the memory banks.

It was well past midday by the time we returned to Kargi Beach. By now the cafe had opened and amazingly, we were the only customers. We got settled into the best table and ordered a delicious, freshly cooked lunch!

Fresh orange juice, omelette, salad and some wraps, followed by a coffee in a more relaxing chair. Absolutely bliss. Felt like millionaires and to top it off, while we were gazing out to sea letting the tastes sink in, a couple of turtles popped their heads up in the water in front of us!

As we began to loose the shade, we decided to make a move and go for an anniversary climb. It was 35°C on the car thermometer, so a shady crag was a must. There was one north facing cliff that we’d not explored yet, so that seemed like a good choice.

We passed another tortoise on the path as we followed a trail of cairns up to the shade of the cliff. The climbs were superb and well worth seeing out. Vertical. Good holds. At the base were trees with an interesting solid red bark.

On arrival back home, to took a quick shower then walked up to our local restaurant arriving just as the sun set. It was worth the slight rush to get there, as we arrived to an empty(ish) terrace and were able to quickly order food and drinks. Soon after sunset, the place was packed as the rest of the town had been fasting for Ramadan and could only eat after sunset!

The waiter, gave us a few recommendations and even a few complimentary things that were typically Turkish that he thought we should try. We left well fed!

Domuzbükü Climbs:

– Bal, 6a+**

– Eski Datça, 6b***