Jungle Jim: The Bosphorus

We pick up anchor and head out of Istanbul for a trip up the Bosphorus.

The Bosphorus is the waterway that divides the city of Istanbul, the country of Turkey and finally, Europe from Asia. It's 15 miles long (26 km) and between 0.5 - 1 mile wide (1-1.6 km). In the morning light we see much of the history and the ancient walls.

We see the Blue Mosque on the left and the Aya Sofia on the right.

The Bosphorus runs from the Black Sea in the North to the Sea of Marmara in the south. The current moves at a steady 3-5 knots, north to south. That's booking!

There certainly are some beautiful sights to see.

This is the first of two suspension bridges that span the waterway, connecting Istanbul. Most travellers, such as us us the ferry system, as road traffic is always heavy. Think LA at rush hour.

Just on the other side of the bridge, another piece of history.

Jenée zooms in on one of the historic property entrance structures.

More old homes, Some remain in use, many converted to museums.

And newer homes.

As we approach the second bridge, we see an old fort on the European (west) side.

A major stronghold no doubt.

Past the fort, we see some beautiful newer homes on both sides.

They still retain the classic look in architectural style.

Very well kept.

The homes go on and on.

This reminds us of the nicer parts of the inner coastal waterway around Ft. Lauderdale, FLA.

With a slightly different twist.

It also reminds us of Venice. Italian style.

Si, Venice!

The Asian side of the Bosphorus has a little Asian flavor.

Love the vegetation on the homes. There are many small harbors and communities on the way up. We see people swimming everywhere.

And a ton of dolphins ! We had a dolphin entertain us at our anchorage the other night. Flipping over so we could see the white belly and flying by our boat. Like an underwater rocket, I couldn't believe how fast it was.

Back on the Bosphorus, more stately manors.

We are nearing the Black Sea.

And there she is.

Our plan was to anchor up further north in Poyraz harbor, just around the point on the starboard side (right), after heading out into the Black Sea to make water. We spent a few hours in the Black Sea for the proverbial "cup of coffee" and turned back south. The weather and waterway were beautiful all the way up. We made 4.5 kts going north - not bad. Unfortunately, it was Sunday and Pyraz and every other anchorage in the Black Sea were full of boats and swimmers.