Marmaris Yacht Marina - last few days

08 October

At last time to go home and I did not think I would write any more on my blog as the last few days were only going to be about cleaning and clearing up jobs and who wants to know but..............

had a great evening on Sunday night at the end of Summer party where we possibly had a little too much wine but also lots of dancing (my husband (aka the Captain) in his enthusiasm to rock 'n roll faster than anyone, and believe me because of the average age of the other dancers they all knew how to rock 'n roll, managed to bruise my right hand quite badly - I thought he had broken my finger!).

When we took Sequel back to the UK in 2005 there were quite stringent safety rules in place (probably still are) and requirements for all sorts of safety equipment, including a life raft (of course).  Our life raft, in a bag of its own, was put at the bottom of a very deep locker at the stern of the boat and over the years has had many things placed on top of it, including the outboard motor.  We decided it was time to get the life raft out in order to free up some space (absolutely nothing to do with being able to use it in an emergency or that it should be checked every three years to make sure it works).  Anyway, could we get it out?  No way - we pulled as hard as we could; I got in the locker and tried to push from underneath and we managed to get it about half way up inside the locker - it is a deep locker. At one stage I panicked as I thought I was going to be stuck in there too.  And then in his attempts to pull the by now ******* thing out, the Captain decided to pull a rope which was poking out of the side of the bag - this rope was the 'painter' for the life raft.  This painter is used in an emergency and when the life raft is thrown overboard it is held on to and therefore when it is pulled it triggers off a gas cylinder which then inflates thee raft Another OMG moment.  The whole thing exploded in the locker - the Captain dashed down the side of the boat to get away from it and I rushed downstairs into the boat while the life raft proceeded to inflate inside the locker!  When we both reappeared to see the damage I am afraid to say I thought it was absolutely hilarious and fortunately the Captain did too.  No serious damage was done other than a bit of wood was splintered around the edge of the locker and we were then able to get it out and into a shopping trolley on the pontoon. Top of the shopping list for next year is a new life raft which can be placed in a basket of its own at the back of the boat and which will be easily accessible.

Sequel came out of the water yesterday and the only damage sustained in our last adventure was to the stabliliser on the port side which can fairly easily be repaired.  Since then we have been cleaning the boat - although I am not entirely sure why as we are in the middle of a massive yard which is absolutely filthy and with the winter rains and winds will soon become a muddy puddle - Peppa would love it.

Soon be home!

Twenty Two Fathom Cove, Gocek to Marmaris Yacht Marina

01 October 

For the first time in many weeks in Turkey (apart from a poor start to the day on 02 June) the sky was completely overcast and the temperature had dropped by a few degrees.  There is not much to do anchored in a bay on a boat when the weather is miserable except endlessly checking that the anchor is holding and I have driven myself almost insane trying to do super fiendish Suduko. We do have books to read as well but sometimes a little variation helps.  We did go across the bay in the dinghy to buy bread as we had missed my favourite breadboy in his pink speed boat earlier in the morning. As the day wore on the wind picked up quite considerably but we were able to see that the anchor was holding well despite some strong gusts.  And as the night fell a storm began and then torrential rain.  We were also treated to a pyrotechnic display of unremitting lightning for at least three hours.

02 October

Actually managed to sleep despite another storm in the night and thankfully it was neither raining nor windy when the Captain took the shore lines off at 6.30 a.m the next day and we left TTFC to return to Marmaris on the only day that was forecast NOT to be windy until Monday 07 October. The whole trip lasted about six hours and we have had worse ones.  We watched yet another storm travel along the coast but we just caught the rain which was again torrential and the visibility very poor - the sky seemed to blend into the sea.  I have complained bitterly about Marmaris in the past but I have never been so pleased to arrive here despite the fact that our departure date is not until Wednesday 09.

Daybreak

Sunrise

Again MYM was full on our arrival and again there was no space for us on Juliet pontoon (the motor boats usually moor on Juliet) but the marineros found a place on Hotel which was barely wide enough for us. Somehow the Captain squeezed us in and we will stay here until we are taken out of the water for the winter on Tuesday 08.

04 October

As predicted the wind really got going yesterday and we are grateful to be facing into it so we can at least sit on deck.  It is still, however, sunny with blue skies although this morning the thermostat was reading 15 degrees - I am not complaining - a fact only.  It is funny to see everyone scurrying around in fleeces and jeans.  I am still holding out in my shorts but had to put a cardigan on earlier to go shopping in Marmaris.  We have some jobs to do before Tuesday and even a party to go to on Sunday night - an 'End of the Summer' party so the time will soon pass before we are on our way to Dalaman airport and home. 

Gocek Bay and back to TTFC

September 28

We left Twenty Two Fathom Cove on Saturday morning for the short trip to Gocek at D-Marin which took about an hour and for the first time we were put on 'H' pontoon which is the breakwater of the marina because allegedly the marina was full inside.  We didn't mind too much as mooring on the inside of the pontoon and stern to gave us fantastic views of the whole of Gocek bay. When we arrived the pontoon was very busy as it was obviously change over day for the charter boats, which were all in the process of being cleaned for the new guests, but by the evening most of the boats had gone and our view was completely uninterrupted.  What we hadn't realised was how far it was to anywhere in the marina from where we were although we did need the exercise. And on Sunday we got out the bikes again to visit Gocek market.

We were surprised to see another Dutch steel boat (different make) which we had trampled over once at the Southampton Boat Show just along from us and by Sunday night another different Dutchtime steel boat arrived alongside us.  

View from 'H' pontoon - D-Marin Marina, Gocek

September 30

Laundry all done and shopping completed so time to move on. Just when I thought we had got this boating lark more or less sorted out the Captain decided to make it all a little more exciting. We planned to investigate three bays, all of which had been recommended to us earlier in the year, the first being more a group of small islands than a bay, Yassica Adalari, and the chart showed the depth to be fairly shallow in places.  Maybe you have guessed it already? Yup - we went aground. OMG! The Captain tried reversing - it didnt make the slightest difference. As is usual, I stripped off and got in the water to investigate but apart from the fact that I could stand up easily I couldn't really see under the boat to see what was going on.  Meanwhile all around us were boats happily moored, basking in the sunshine, not taking the slightest bit of notice - almost as if we had just decided to stop there.I haven't snorkelled for years and it really isn't my strong point and where was my snorkelling daughter-in-law when I needed her? But there was nothing else for it and I went for it - only to hear the Captain yelling that a young Turkish man had turned up in a dinghy and was offering to help. And he did it - he obviously knew exactly what was going on underneath us and he somehow managed to swivel the boat out of the really shallow part.  The Captain was most impressed and very, very grateful.  We have only been able to see so far that the port stabiliser is showing some steel on the back edge but we headed out of Yassica Adalari as fast as we decently could, hugely relieved and quite embarrassed.

We investigated two other bays but our hearts weren't in and we returned to TTFC where there are not many other boats today and we had plenty of room to swing about on the anchor while the Captain tied us with two lines to the shore without causing any other entertainment for anyone watching.

View from starboard side of TTFC

Kas to Gocek via Kalkan

26 September

We set the alarm for 6.30 a.m. in order to leave Kas marina by 7 a.m. the time at which the sun is rising and the forecast was for a very settled day. We left exactly on the dot of 7 a.m. and made good progress along the coast back to Gocek.  We were passing Kalkan when the Captain, in the process of downloading his Guardian, heard on the radio a Turkish warship telling another boat to turn back to either Kalkan or Kas as the Turkish Navy were practising live firing all the way to Gocek until 7 p.m. that evening.  We listened for a while still heading in that direction and watching the Turkish warship scurrying around telling all the boats in its path to turn back.  Finally the Captain radioed the warship to be absolutely sure we couldn't proceed and we too turned back.  The Captain was not happy in view of the very settled weather conditions and a possible missed opportunity of an easy passage.  We headed towards a bay, Yesilkoy Limani, close to Kalkan, which other boats were in the process of leaving.  By this time it was still only just after 9 a.m. and we found plenty of room for us to anchor and we settled down to enjoy a peaceful day on the boat in the sunshine.  Before too long we were surrounded by other boats which presumably had suffered the same experience and had to find somewhere to stay for the day and night.

Book Club

September 27
Again we set the alarm for 6.30 a.m. but this time the Captain had to rescue the shore line and re-attach the dinghy to the back of the boat.  All went well and we were off again by 7 a.m.  But not an original idea at all - practically all the other yachts in the bay were either leaving or had already gone - a lot of them flying the good old red ensign.  We have sailed up and down this particularly part of the coast line a number of times now and on the whole we hardly see many other boats.  This time there was an armada.  We counted at least fifteen yachts and two or three gulets all heading in the same direction.  The Captain's fears of not such a calm day were not realised and we had a good trip back to our favourite Twenty two fathom cove, about an hour away from Gocek,  where we spent quite a few days earlier in the year. We then spent some time finding a good place to drop the anchor and take a line ashore.  We were disappointed that the mooring buoys which had been here earlier in the year seem to have disappeared.  We did, however, provide endless amusement for some fellow Brits on a yacht who watched our endeavours and we are now (we hope) secured for the night  It has not helped that we still only have one rowlock on the dinghy (the other one remains at home in Bruce's briefcase - it did make its way home from Tubecraft but not as far as Turkey) and the outboard has decided to play up and I am not experienced enough to know how to cope with it.  Tomorrow we go to Gocek marina for a couple of nights to visit the lovely laundry and stock up with everything for the last week which we plan to spend in the surrounding bays before heading back to Marmaris when the weather permits.  Hopefully it will permit us to stay for as long as possible away from Marmaris.

Yesilkoy Limani, near Kalkan

Kas - still

21 September

The forecast for today was very strong winds from the south west and the Captain decided we needed some exercise.  So out came the bikes and we set off to cycle round the long peninsula which divides the bay in which the marina lies and Kas town.  It is a fifteen minute walk into the town from the marina across the foot of the peninsula but it would take at least an hour or possibly two to sail around it to the town.  The peninsula is also very hilly - as we found out.  To start with there was little or no wind and we thought maybe the forecast was wrong and we spent more time pushing the bikes than riding them. At the head of the peninsula the road divided in two in order to circle it: the head of the peninsula has a large amount of holiday villas and hotels, some of which looked very inviting and others which seemed to have fallen into complete disrepair, but all with spectacular views out to the Aegean and the Greek island of Meis within easy reach.  We found somewhere to stop for a fresh orange juice and to recover a little from all those hills before setting back.  By this time the wind had kicked in and the sea now had many white horses.  We set off again at the same time as a young woman hiked past us, foolishly we thought we would be long gone only to have her march past us as we pushed our bikes up the next hill - so embarrassing. After that we kept stopping to watch the wind and waves but leaping on our bikes every time the walker came in sight and fortunately most of the rest of the way was downhill - this is definitely a plus but I am not very brave and go down the hills with my hands firmly on the brakes.

Panoramic view - almost at the head of the peninsula

By the time we got back to the marina there were waves coming in and the wind strong enough for us not to be able to sit out on deck. So we sat inside and made a start on those plums - or at least some of them. (And, yes, Cindy, they have the same effect on me!)

White horses in Bucak Deniz 

22nd September

Can't remember.

23rd September

We have now had four nights in Kas marina and despite deciding last night to leave for Kekova Roads for two nights at anchor, we woke up in a state of complete lethargy and decided to stay here until Thursday when the forecast looks ideal for a return to Gocek. Have had a lovely day sitting by the pool and the Captain has enjoyed himself trying to iron out* the dents in the cabin floor as he unfortunately dropped down the stairs one of the director's chairs that we use on deck - so glad it wasnt me although it was my fault because I had put the outside cushions in the wrong place to stop them blowing off the boat when it was windy. *He saw this done in Maasbracht by one of the boatyard staff eight years ago when 'someone' accidently  dented one of the cupboard tops.

Marmaris to Gocek and on to Kas

17 September

After a false start we finally left Marmaris Yat Marin (MYM) for Gocek.  We were all ready to go at approximately 07.30 a.m. feeling that frisson of anticipation (nerves/fright) that comes when you haven't used the boat for three months, only to discover the radio wasn't working. The 'frisson of excitement' was soon replaced of one of irritation bordering on despair at the idea of another day in Marmaris.  The Captain had taken the radio back to the UK to have a new cable fixed to the handset as it had been hanging on by the wires. The marine electronics shop in Lymington had very fortunately been able to come up with a replacement cable for a radio that is now eight years old and, needless to say, no longer exists. The cost of a new radio would make anyone's eyes water. Neither the marine electronics shop or the Captain had actually tested the handset to see if it was working. Fortunately the Captain is extremely versatile and within a reasonable amount of time had re -soldered said wires on to the PCB and it worked!  We could have used a mobile phone to call up the marina for permission to leave (seriously we have to do this) but it would have been unsafe to rely on phones for communication for a seven hour trip to Gocek.

19 September

We had two nights in Gocek before heading for Kas - another seven hour trip, preceded by a fuel top up of 1000 litres (and the tank is still only three quarters full) and an emptying of the black tank.  Another good, uneventul trip, and I even managed to move around the boat once or twice, although still had to have coffee and lunch made for me.

20 September

Love Kas marina. It is so beautifully kept and very clean and the people actually smile at you. Still have to pay 25TL(£8) to use the swimming pool and the facilities there but that does include lunch up to that amount.  Market day as well this morning so trundled off there and bought loads of fruit and vegetables.  Really not sure when we are going to eat a kilo of plums but it seemed like a good idea at the time and spent princely sum of £6 for a bag of stuff we had to carry between us.

Kas Marina

Market shopping

Off into Kas town this evening which has loads of lovely restaurants and the best Turkish towel shop (and a shoe shop across from it - but shhhhhh! dont tell the Captain).

Wednesday, 11 September

Back to Sequel

Had a good journey to Gatwick, hoping to enjoy lunch at the airport and a bit of shopping before flight to Dalaman, only to spend a very stressful hour and a quarter dropping our luggage and getting through security. The queues were endless and one official told us it was due to too many people going on holiday now the schools are back.  All the desks were manned, he said. Huh! When we finally managed to shuffle our way close enough only three of the six security stations were in use. And to add insult we both had to have our hand luggage checked again; Bruce's because he had a tool for tightening cable ties (as you do) which looks a little like a gun - so understandable perhaps - and amazingly they didn't  confiscate it.

Flight was like any other EasyJet flight and actually arrived on time, followed by a hair-raising taxi drive back to Marmaris. Every time we do this journey I wonder if we are going to survive it - cant help thinking we are pushing our luck each time and that the next one is going to be the final one.  I find it hard to understand why any one is frightened of flying after being driven by a Turkish taxi driver.

Thursday 12

After a very warm night we had a call at 9 a.m. (7 UK time) to say we needed to get to the Cruise Port to see a customs official  regarding the new roof for Sequel  which had arrived over the summer from the Netherlands.  It was quite a struggle to get cracking and get to the bus before he left at 11 a.m. but we made it and then a walk into Marmaris to sort out our telecommunications for the next four weeks.

I had to succumb to a little zzzzzz this afternoon to recover from all the excitement of the last day and now looking forward to our first dinner out. My son will tell you that I don't sleep during the day.

Saturday 14

We had a vague plan to leave today for Goçek but at about 6 p.m last night having pumped up  the dinghy, struggled to get the outboard out of the locker on board and ashore on to the back of it, very sweaty and probably a little smelly, we had an email from our friends Mustafa and Sevgi (with whom we stayed in 2006 on a week's holiday in a villa in the mountains above Turunç) suggesting we got the water taxi from Marmaris to Turunc - an hour away by boat - for  a bbq and to stay the night.  So off we went - very adventuresome - now paying the price as usual as the wind has begun to blow and we think we will at the very least be here until Monday, probably Tuesday.  

Sunday 15

We  caught the dolmus into Marmaris to visit the Sunday fruit and vegetable market and then proceeded to walk around in circles trying to remember the instructions we had been given yesterday - we found it eventually and were rewarded with a fantastic array of fruit and vegetables at ridiculous prices.

Decided this afternoon that it was time to stop skulking behind the sun shade and top up our supplies of vitamin D.  The temperature has dropped today by about 4 degrees - now 5.30 p.m. and 30 degrees.  Forecast is still strong winds for Monday but hoping to move to Goçek on Tuesday before we loose the will to go anywhere.  But the Captain is working on his LEDs again - and has now changed about 60 light fittings - while I have been fighting a loosing battle with uploading photos with Google+ - hence no photos and because Apple 

(the evil  empire according to the Captain - or one of them anyway) doesn't allow me to upload from my ipad to an account which has nothing to do with Apple - what I need is a device that will properly let me use IoS and  android together - cant finish this properly  as frigging ipad wont let me or google not sure which = do they both know what I am doing?????

September
08 Sunday

At home watching the clouds roll in and the temperature has dropped in the last few days by about 8º so a return to Turkey on Wednesday 11 now seems like a good idea.  We are going for exactly four weeks this time and really have no plans other than perhaps to return as far east as a place called Kemer.  We have had second thoughts about Northern Cyprus now as it seems just a little too close to Syria to be a comfortable, safe option.  We so enjoyed our trip in June to Kekova Roads with Matt & Hev so we are thinking we would like to go back there and have another look and Kemer is a little further on from there.  We are also hoping to catch up with our friends Geoff & Anne.  It is our turn to provide the G&Ts.

 

This time last year we were delighted to go back as the summer had been so bad, this time we have been wishing for rain here.  We also came home in June looking forward to the arrival of our second grandchild and are delighted that we now have a grandson, Henry, already now a month old. Just got to wait for him to be big enough to say 'aye aye Captain' and 'shiver me timbers'.

Twenty Two Fathom Cove to Marmaris Yat Marin

Wednesday 13 June

We moved yesterday successfully to a mooring buoy not too far away from Bula and were joined by two other sailing yachts, Aventura and Freya, with Foxy and Margaret and Brian, all friends of Geoff and Anne, had coffee and then later drinks on Bula before going to Amigos for dinner. 

Moved around the boats today with coffee on Sequel and then 6.30 p.m. drinks on Freya.  Had a lovely evening and didn't return to Sequel until nearly midnight.

Leaving our lovely spot in Twenty two fathom cove

Thursday 14 June

A return trip to Marmaris Yat Marin for the next three months.  A six hour trip on a bit of a swell and into the wind which meant I sat on the back doing nothing most of the way except feel pathetic - so glad when it was over again. Unfortunately Marmaris Yat Marin, where we have a contract, is full - absolutely bursting at the seams with more yachts than we have seen anywhere and most of them apparently not going anywhere and many of them (20%) with For Sale notices.  Initially we were put on an outside wall in very shallow water near to a car park but only for one night and despite our pessimistic view of the marinero saying he would be back in the morning to move us he was.

Outside wall near Alpha, Marmaris Yacht Marin

Friday 15 June

Safely on Juliet 23 for the next three months and visited immediately by Godze Yachting to review repairs made in the winter and to discuss varnishing doors while we are away.  By 2 p.m. the engineer had visited to inspect the port engine leak and by 3 p.m. he had changed the seal, which the Captain had believed to be the problem last October, but had been persuaded to change the water pump instead.

Saturday 16 June

Jobs to be done: outboard off dinghy and stowed away, dinghy collapsed, anchor locker washed out etc. etc. and all in 30+ degrees.

Two whole more days before we leave on Tuesday morning for Dalaman Airport to return via Istanbul to Heathrow. We plan to return in September but first we have the arrival of our second grandchild to look forward to in August. 

Sunset - Marmaris Bay

Gocek to Twenty Two Fathom Cove

Saturday 08 June

We arrived in Gocek on Thursday afternoon having had good weather and a reasonable sea all the way and back into D-Marin again for the fourth time, principally to use the wonderful laundry there but we managed a couple of hours on the beach too.  We headed out towards Skopea Limani (Gocek bay) to Twenty Two Fathom Cove and attempted to pick up a buoy using our new 'hook and grab'' boat hook.  Unfortunately the boat hook was defective and although we did manage to pick up the buoy a lot of bad language came first.  Later we collected Geoff & Anne from Bula to eat in 'Amigos' the restaurant at the head of the bay.  'Restaurant' is a word that does nothing to describe where we ate. But the food was delicious, especially the wild boar, which we were told afterwards was probably mixed with a little goat.  The business is run by a family, Dad is the main man/;chef and his wife and two daughters prepare everything else. The son drives around during the day in a pink speed boat selling bread and also cake, baclava, tomatoes, olive oil etc.  I particularly like the son as he chats me up every morning and I get an occasional gift of a large tomato, for example.  

Amigos restaurant - Twenty two fathom cove

I am slightly concerned that Greta has a requested a map - but of the restaurants we have been too rather than the area! But below is a map of the area:

Sunday 09 June

Missed the bread boat so went ashore in the dinghy and Dad provided us with fresh bread straight from the oven.  I am thinking of sending the picture of the bread oven to AGA to see whether they can make some improvements on their design. Dad is hilarious and made me laugh asking me whether my husband was angry with him. I didn't like to tell him my husband is more worried about his son chatting me up.

The Captain, Amigos and the Bread Oven

Monday 10 June

A trip back to Gocek to take back the dodgy boat hook.  We anchored in the bay this time and the Captain went ashore in the dinghy while I made sure the anchor didn't drag.  Quite what I was going to do if it did was a bit of a mystery but I was given a lesson before he left in how to start the engines and was instructed to let out more anchor chain. Fortunately it did't, unfortunately all the boat hooks in the shop were dodgy and we will have to make do with the one we have.  We motored back to a different bay. Sarsala Bay, for the rest of the day and night and I managed to use said dodgy boat hook and nab the mooring buoy first time.  Nothing, however, is that simple.  I was then sent ashore in the dinghy, bearing in mind this has only one rowlock and is NOT rowable, using the outboard engine which I am ashamed to admit I have probably never used before, after very quick instructions from the Captain, to put the shore line on a bollard amongst the rocks.  No problem getting there and the line on the bollard but then the engine cut out and I couldn't start it - and neither could I row back to Sequel which seemed like miles away.  The Captain couldn't help either other than deserting the ship and swimming, which is not one of his many skills.  After a little while a wonderfully kind gentlemen from a nearby yacht (not sure what nationality but excellent English) came to my rescue and towed me and the line back to Sequel.  I was very embarrassed and not very happy with the Captain.  All his fault for not making sure the dinghy was in order and not teaching me previously how to use an outbboard,  I have since had more lessons (?to the family - can you imagine?) and am writing an 'Idiot's guide to boating' for future reference. Later on, however, we were rewarded with the sight of a large turtle, very close to the surface of the water, swimming past the stern.

Tuesday 11 June

Had a message from Geoff & Anne that there were mooring buoys available back in Twenty Two Fathom Cove and we headed back before breakfast,  I had had a lovely swim yesterday evening but this morning the water in Sarsala Bay was looking very murky and we weren't entirely sure what it was so we returned and we have another evening meal planned at Amigos - baby goat casserole anyone?

Sequel in Twenty two fathom cove

Three dinghys going out to dinner at Amigos 

Kas to Kekova Roads

Saturday 01 June

Shopping for supplies - found a brilliant green grocer and bought loads of fruit and vegetables for 14tl (£5.00) and a great bread shop - and then a fresh orange juice sitting by the harbour before returning to the marina for an afternoon by the pool.  Since we left less than a week ago a new system has been put in place at the pool and now a charge of 25tll (not quite £10) is made, but this included food to that amount - a no brainer - lunch as well by the pool.

And then dinner out in Kas at a restaurant Matt & Heather had been to about eleven years ago - they must have been babies!?

Sunday 02 June

My birthday. Really not having any more after this one. But had a lovely day and so looked after.  Didnt lift a finger.  Breakfast provided by the Captain and the Crew made lunch and dinner.  The weather was very overcast to start with but with a very warm southerly blowing.  By early afternoon though when we set off for Kekova Roads the sky had cleared and the sun shone again.  It took about 3 hours to get there amongst small islands and spectacular scenery.  We anchored for the night at the end of a long inlet, Polemos Buku, with a few other yachts and the crew had great fun jumping off the boat to swim and we were all very excited when the Captain spotted a couple of turtles. Had loads of messages and e-cards, for which thank you, FaceTime with the Bighams and Hannah and a phone call from my sister and many smuggled on board presents, again thank you.

Polemos Buku

Monday 03 June

Beautiful morning and we set off for an almost completely landlocked bay, Ucagiz Limani (only Matthew could pronounce this despite telling us a few times how to) only 15 minutes away where we anchored again and then set off in the dinghy to investigate the small hamlet and to buy bread for lunch.

Whilst there we were persuaded to take a boat trip on a supposedly glass bottom boat, although for the life of me I couldnt see how this could be, to visit the sunken city, which was probably ancient Simena, and destroyed by two earthquakes which took place within about 200 years of each other and around 100BC. We set off at 2 p.m. and by then the wind had picked up. Initially the boat we took, on our own, seemed a little rocky but we were fine.  A slight change of plan took us to Kale Koy, a very picturesque spot, and we walked up to a castle whre we were rewarded with a view right over Kekova Roads.  On the slopes outside the castle there are numerous sarcophagi and a lonely sarcophagus still stands half submerged on the western side of the small bay.

We then set off in the boat across the bay to the main ruins of the sunken city along the side of the opposite island but the wind by now was a yachtsman gale (force 4/5) and we rolled our way over hanging on for dear life.  We were entertained intially by two of the front deck sunbeds (foam mattresses) blowing into the water and the boatman trying to rescue them by reversing up to them at least half a dozen times. There was a stage when we thought we wanted to turn back but we were committed (or perhaps should be) and then we tried hard to be enthusiastic at the remains of the sunken city.  We discovered that the 'glass bottom' consisted of a small trap door in the floor of the boat with a glass pane to see the ruins but it was hard to see anything other than a lot of disturbed water under the boat. Heather got the giggles.We were then taken to a small bay, miraculously calm, for a swim and a snorkel to see more remains but unfortunately within less than 5 minutes we were joined by two other tripper boats and the bay was full.  It was a huge relief to get back to the jetty (I use the term loosely) at Ucagiz and then amazed at the boatman's tenacity in mooring his boat. (See photo below of Captain's disbelief).

But we still had to get back on Sequel against the wind in the dinghy, about a quarter of a mile, away.  By the time we did we were wet and exhausted but in an odd sort of way had really enjoyed ourselves - particularly the part where we got back on Sequel. And then the wind died, typically, and we had a lovely calm evening on the boat.

Tuesday 04 June

Slightly worried about the forecast so set off back to Kas but had a good trip and spent the day relaxing on the boat and in the early evening the crew helped wash the salt off.

Wednesday 05 June

A last morning at the pool as departure day for the crew.  Very sad to wave them goodbye at 4.30 p.m. for their flight back to Bristol.

Thursday 06 June

An early start back to Gocek hoping to take advantage of reasonable conditions - had not been looking forward to a repeat of ten days ago - but so far so good and I might even be able to make coffee now. And while writing this spotted Mike on Skype so had a chat with Sue & Mike on Lollipop in Corsica. The Captain has also heard from Geoff and Anne so might also meet them tonight for that dinner - although slightly concerned that this is now a euphemism for more crew arriving? 

A gulet making way on our port side
N.B. very flat sea!

Wednesday 29 May

Another lovely day so the Captain set to washing off the salt, a trip to the laundry and some shopping too and an afternoon on the beach although there was an incredible swell coming in and there were waves crashing on the beach.  Later we went into the town for our evening meal - Bruce asked for a table for four which I was a little surprised by and he told me Geoff and Anne had decided to join us.  We waited for ten minutes or so and while looking for Geoff and Anne amongst the passers-by I say my son closely followed by his wife - after a double take and a few tears we had dinner with our new crew (no sign of G&A still) - a complete surprise hatched between Matthew and Heather and Bruce since we left home. And I thought they were going to Spain.  Thank goodness I had taken the bedding to the laundry after the FCP and her crew left.

Thursday 30 May

There really was a meeting set up with the cover people who arrived at midday and after their departure we returned to Deep Bay for the night.  Slightly different weather conditions this time, although still quite windy, and we picked up the mooring buoy first time. And this time I was accompanied by both the new crew to swim the line ashore - unfortunately the three of us got stung by baby jelly fish on the way which wasnt serious, a little like a nettle rash and soon went.

Naile making a template for the new front cover with the Captain watching

Checking the mooring buoy in Deep Bay,

Friday 31 May

After a bread delivery from a small local boat we set off back to Kas - again, a better journey than last Sunday but the Captain and new First Mate were slightly anxious about two Turkish warships on firing practise nearby - and there in time for a swim before dinner in town in a restaurant that we couldnt find last time.

Saturday 01 June

Rest day - shopping in town and dinner out again this evening before, hopefully, setting out for Kekova Roads tomorrow - again.

Kas to Deep Bay, Gocek

Saturday 25 May

As usual we changed our plans - first, on Friday afternoon despite a cloudy start to the day the sky cleared and the wind picked up - so much so that there appeared to be waves in the marina.  And then the Captain was undecided whether or not he wanted to watch the Champions League Cup Final - two German teams at Wembley? So another walk into Kas in the morning, another afternoon surfing a sunbed by the pool and then dinner in a restaurant at the end of our pontoon with a huge screen and we watched the Cup Final with a lovely family from Munich.  We were all delighted that Bayern Munich won and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. I hesitate to say that it was one of the best football matches I have seen played at Wembley.

Sunday 26 May

We set off early - not east, but west back to Gocek as our friends Geoff and Anne had contacted us to say they were in Deep Bay not far from Gocek and the Captain has decided, having had the teak deck repaired over last winter, that he wants to get a protective cover made and we can arrange this in Gocek.  Then maybe we will head back east ........

Leaving Kas Marina

Unfortunately although it was completely calm in the marina when we got out of the bay the sea was quite disturbed and we were heading into wind.  We had one of the worst trips we have had for a long time and by the time we got to Fethiye Bay the wind had picked up and we were heading into a force 4/5.  The trip took at least one hour longer than it should have done (8 hours in all) and it was almost impossible to move around the boat - we skipped lunch - that's how bad it was.

Our adventure continued when we finally reached Deep Bay - became quite farcical and I dont think you could make it up.  Deep Bay has mooring buoys (because of its name, obviously) but also has bollards on shore so you can take a stern line to shore.  So first with a strong wind still blowing we attempted to pick up the buoy which we managed on the second attempt - not bad - but with the port thrusters working overtime to keep us down wind of the buoy.  Then we decided that we did need to take a line to the shore as we were very close to a small sailing boat and we were slightly concerned that the buoy we had picked up had printed on it '35' and 10 tonnes' - we are 50 and 30 respectively - and as the wind was strong we thought we could end up dragging the buoy.  So - the Captain initially attempted to row to shore in the dinghy - but one of the rowlocks is missing from the dinghy - he thinks it is at home waiting to be modified - and the outboard engine was in the deep locker on deck - he tried a sort of Indian squaw manoeuvre but he just went very quickly backwards - twice he attempted this despite the fact that I had offered to swim the line ashore. It would have been hilarious if it hadnt been such a long day.  I did then strip off and at the Captain's suggestion with the line around my neck - still not sure whether he had some other idea in his mind - I started to swim ashore. Against the wind and in very deep water and a line around my neck, which didnt want to stay there and despite being told the line floated it didnt want to come with me at all, I really thought I wasnt going to make it - and when I finally did climb up the rock I thought I my heart was going to burst.  The Captain had moved the end of the line which was on the boat to the bow to make it easier and then kindly came to rescue me in the dinghy holding on to the line - I thought he was coming to check on my tying up so initially was quite indignant rather than grateful.

The story gets worse.  We got back on the boat and then the Captain tried to move the shore line back to the stern of the boat - the wind still blowing strongly - and - he dropped it! I think my reaction could probably be heard all around the bay - a Victor Meldrew 'I dont believe it' but possibly with another word inserted in it.  I had risked my life to take this line ashore and he dropped it.  So then we both got back in the dinghy and this time succeeded in our Indian paddling to rescue the line and bring it back to the boat.  We were amazingly still talking - possibly because the Captain had actually used the 'S' word - Sorry.  After all this he then decided to see if the outboard was working so we could go and have a drink with Geoff and Ann.  It didnt and at this point we gave up.

Sequel in Deep Bay
N.B. the shore line

Monday 27 May

Refreshed after a reasonable night the Captain managed to fix the outboard and we whizzed across the bay to Bula for coffee and then G&Ts before returning to Sequel to sleep off the G&Ts and later Bruce went to collect Geoff and Anne so they could join us for the evening.  I was quite pleased that I didnt have to get back in the dinghy with them much later and after a few bottles of wine.

Tuesday 28 May

A return to D-Marin in Gocek to wash the salt off Sequel - completely encrusted after Sunday's trip - some fresh water and supplies and a meeting with the cover people.

Gocek to Kas

Tuesday 21 May 

Left Gocek by 10.30 a.m. having visited D-Marin's yard across the bay to have the black tank emptied. It has a capacity of 650 litres and it was full. Not a particularly pleasant thought.

Patara beach on the way to Kalkan

We headed for Kalkan for the night which took six hours. The Captain took it quite slowly but we had a following wind (from the black tank perhaps?) and a current which helped us along quite nicely.  Kalkan was just as we remembered.  We reckoned it was ten years since we were here on holiday last.  It was quite different though being on our own boat and in the harbour, which is notorious for boats getting their anchors crossed.  The harbour is full with gulets, fishing boats and visiting yachts. We enjoyed another meal out - I am slightly embarrassed to say that in 17 days we have only eaten twice on the boat - and amazingly a peaceful night.

Sequel in Kalkan

Wednesday 22 May

We had decided to stay only the one night for old times sake but to do a little shopping before leaving.  The Captain was a little wary of the gulets leaving on their day trips so we waited a while and we were very pleased we did.  A large gulet moored opposite us, and which the Captain had his eye on, started to take up its anchor only to find it had picked up another boat's anchor.  Great confusion ensued - fortunately it was not our anchor - but then having removed that anchor it proceeded towards us as it's anchor was set right up against the harbour wall just by Sequel.  We ended up fending off a gulet - not something we have done before and hopefully wont be doing too many times again.  No damage was done, much to our relief, and we left Kalkan a little later before any more incidents occurred for Kas.

Crossed anchors

Kas Marina is a new marina, maybe two years old, and is excellent.  Partly because it is only about half full - they are desperately trying to attract business and are offering an eighteen month's contract for the price of a year at the moment. So we are on a pontoon with only four other boats, only one of which is occupied and an amazing view.  There is also a huge swimming pool and a small beach.

Early evening - view from Sequel - Kas Marina

Thursday 23 May

A walk into Kas to buy some linen from a shop we spotted last night - I could happily have bought loads more but a little restricted by baggage allowance - and an afternoon by the pool.  The days just drift past and we wonder where they have gone.  

Kas marina looking towards the town

Friday 24 May

Market day in Kas. Bought apples, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, strawberries, potatoes, onions, mint, lettuce for less than £10 - not quite sure when we are going to eat it all - but great fun. A little overcast today and a bit cooler - we don't mind - but the sky is beginning to clear now and it is time to eat lunch again and another afternoon at the pool.  Off to Kekova Roads east of here tomorrow and a night at anchor.