Side (pronounced see-deh) has the most remarkable set of ruins for such a small place. Two temples at the shore beside the ancient oval harbour. One to Athena the other to Apollo. Many of the columns are intact for Apollo’s temple even part of the roof arch. Roman baths, a very large Greek theater, a Byzantium hospital, the Agora and Stoa – it is all here. And so much shopping. Knock-off central.
However if the weather turns bad Side harbour can be dangerous. A localized thunderstorm rolled through in the early morning hours. Necessity’s anchor dragged, along with the cruiser beside us and a Turkish Gulet. Necessity’s expert crew were up on deck in short order, Carol still in her PJ’s.
Tom was able to detach our mooring lines from the wall while I started the engine to keep us off. Hauled in the anchor and hovered in the middle of the harbour while the rain poured down. The swell was very large (the reason the anchor came free) however we were able to re-set the anchor after two attempts, back into the wall and attach mooring lines. Very long mooring lines to keep us well off. The swell ricocheting off the wall was much less at this increased distance.
Everyone headed back to their berths and slept soundly after the morning exertions. Crew thought up the plan to use the dinghy to ferry folks to shore so we could remain off the wall a safe distance. Worked well. All ashore for more touring of this ancient site, some discriminating shopping and even a haircut. Tom has never looked so handsome!