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.

Gocek to Wall Bay to Fethiye to Capi Creek and back to Gocek

Wednesday 15 May

Lovely day and a swim in the sea before lunch and heading off towards Fethiye.  After a two hour trip we decided to try Letoonia Hotel quay for the night.  After a couple of embarrassing attempts to drop the anchor and reverse into quite a large space between two gulets we were informed that we were welcome to stay but at a cost of 50Euros each (not including FCP) and for this we would have full use of all the facilities including all meals and drinks.  It seemed like a good idea and we were soon on our way to a very nice swimming pool which the FCP enjoyed hugely.  Personally I felt as if I had arrived in the last place on earth that I wanted to be - where was the romantic little cove for the evening and the rustic restaurant (entirely forgetting that although we had thoroughly enjoyed our lamb the night before we had also felt slightly ripped off by the price of it and the wine).  The whole complex is absolutely enormous and as it is fairly early in the season here it did not appear to have that many guests until we went for dinner in the evening..............but it was a Turkish food night and it was very good.

Thursday 16 May

Feeling slightly happier about the whole thing today and enjoyed the morning at the pool in lovely sunshine.  We left in the afternoon after the FCP had had her nap and crossed over to the marina in Fethiye town just for the night.  The Captain and I stayed here last October and knew what to expect but the whole place is a little run down and I don't think we will return here unless out of necessity.

Friday 17 May

Weather not so good today as although very warm it was completely overcast and the crew were a little out of sorts. The situation was not helped by the lazy line getting caught on the propeller - fortunately one of the mariners (Mariner staff) stripped off and rescued the situation by cutting the line for us.  We headed back to Gocek bay and to Capi Creek for the night.  We were there by early afternoon and as it was Friday night we were eventually joined by numerous other boats populated by weekenders from Istanbul and to make things even worse a swarm of flies - a little like hover flies - which although they didn't bite were really annoying.  As we were tied up to a pontoon belonging to the restaurant in the bay it is more or less obligatory to eat there - it was interesting to watch the interaction between the people from Istanbul and the restaurant staff - they treated them imperiously (I thought they were rude) and the staff could not do enough for them - it would not happen in the UK. But because we were reasonably behaved towards them they weren't bothered about us! and I began to think that the 'all inclusive' hotel Letoonia was attractive after all.

Saturday 18 May

A short trip back to D-Marin marina in Gocek and everyone happy to have left Capi Creek - don't think we will be going back there either.  We sent the crew off to the beach (minus the FCP who was having a much needed nap) so they could have a peaceful afternoon and we joined them later when the FCP was feeling refreshed,  I hesitate to say that she had been demoted by the whole crew to TCP (Third Class Passenger) because as the week progressed she had become more and more demanding and less amenable to any reasonable suggestions. But her swimming has progressed amazingly and she swims (with her arms bands) very confidently and she is after all only 2 and a half.

Sunday 19 May

Last day for the crew today and a trip to the market in Gocek which everyone enjoyed and the afternoon on the beach again before they left at 7 p.m. All in all a lovely week but I think the crew were pleased to be going home to their own beds and routine. 

Monday 20 May

We have decided to stay one more day to catch up with ourselves and a peaceful afternoon on the beach before heading off east tomorrow towards Kalkan and Kas. It is now very quiet, tidy and a bit empty on board. 

Gocek to Wall Bay

Sunday 12 May

Final preparations for new crew involved finding Gocek Sunday morning market where we bought loads of fresh fruit and vegetables for very little. Made our way to Dalaman airport to greet the crew who were very pleased to see us and in need of some respite from the FCP.  

Monday 13 May

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Very overcast,  black clouds and a thunder storm all before breakfast - a repeat of the last time the crew were with us.  But by the time we had had breakfast and everyone was ready it had stopped raining and the sun was out.  We left the Captain on the boat to see someone about the canvas top - (this seems to have sustained some storm damage over the winter and probably needs replacing.  We thought we might be able to get this done in Turkey but have since heard from the Netherlands that we need to have a replacement cover made there as it is very specialised - the Captain is now talking about driving back to Turkey in the winter to bring it back) - and walked into town.  In the afternoon we managed half an hour on the beach before more storm clouds gathered.  It was decided that the FCP should join us for dinner in the evening and she was very good.

The Captain and First Class Passenger

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Tuesday 14 May

The crew spent the morning on the beach while the Captain and First Mate attempted to get Sequel looking a little less like a bomb had hit her and stocked up on provisions and after lunch we headed for Wall Bay and a pontoon with a restaurant for the afternoon and night only about an hour away and a good introduction for the new Captain Effie. The Captain has had to promote himself to Admiral and there was a fair amount of squabbling and jostling for position at the helm, although up until this point the FCP had been very good (much better than the First Mate) in saying 'aye aye Captain'.  Now relaxing while Captain Effie has her afternoon rest before joining us for 'her tea in the dark' at the restaurant where we have already been told there is slow roast lamb for our dinner
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Marmaris to Goçek

Tuesday 07 May

Arrived at Yat Marin at 7.30 p.m.having had a long day getting here and to find Godze Yachting still working frantically on cleaning the boat after all the work they have been doing over the winter.  As I was (now slowly improving) suffering from woman 'flu i.e. a really bad cold, I was not happy but some fellow Linssen owners appeared with offers off a cold beer and it saved the day.

Wednesday 08 May

GY still finishing off work, polishing and cleaning boat and therefore a delay going into the water until Thursday but  possibly a good thing as sorting out all the small glitches including the fact that they had anti-fouled over the depth counter. Weather good to start with but  clouded over and we were quite grateful.

Thursday 09 May

Still waiting to go back into water at 12 noon no idea why - but GY still clarting on touching up paint work, unblocking deck drain holes and generally being very helpful.  Now cleaning dinghy. The only part of the boat not getting any attention is inside. I am wondering if we stay here long enough GY will be kind enough to get cracking inside too. It seems that there is chaos in the marina as it is now full on the water and nowhere to put the boats that are waiting to go back in, Needless to say no-one seems to actually want to go anywhere in their boats.  In the end we had to resort to bribery as there was no sign of the hoist coming to get us and finally at 5.30 p.m. we took the 'splash'. A new expression we had not heard before with regard to the boat being launched - American allegedly.

The Captain on the way to taking 'the splash' on board Sequel

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Friday 10 May

A trip into Marmaris - in parts a truly horrible place with very horrible fellow countrymen -  I resolved to speak French if anyone spoke to me - that is how bad they were - to buy a Turkish mobile dongle (mifi) as all sorts of bureaucracy involved with using the one we already have and then an afternoon spent trying to put the cover back on the bimini, fortunately rescued by two GY personnel who saved us from some considerable marital disharmony. And a final evening with Geoff and Ann (fellow Linssen owners) which was lovely.

Saturday 11 May

Left Marmaris Yat Marin at 9.10 a.m. for a six hour trip to Gocek and D-Marin. Weather good but quite a brisk chilly wind from the west which helped us along and speedometer actually hit 9 knots at one stage.  Unfortunately Gocek covered in cloud and treated to a storm on arrival.  Final preparations for arrival of FCP which involved emptying her cabin of two(?) printers and eight flat fenders and a ladder.

Turkey and the Lycian Coast

Monday 06  May

Beautiful sunny Bank Holiday Monday and packing to return to Marmaris very early tomorrow morning.

 

Sequel has spent the winter in Marmaris Yat Marin where she has been having some TLC which we are hoping is going to be finished by tomorrow evening - not entirely convinced that it will be despite assurances from Aysha.

 

Next Sunday we have some extra crew arriving together with the First Class Passenger from a trip two years ago and another First Class Passenger is on the way but not until August.  I hope there isn't going to be any squabbling for the helm position - and that is just Bruce (aka The Captain) and Effie.

 

The crew stay for a week and then we plan to head towards Northern Cyprus but who knows - watch this space.