Sunday June 12th 2011

0930h Didn’t sleep well last night. The temp. dropped a bit and I got a chill. I took the duvet off 4 days ago when it got very hot at night.It’s comfortable when I go to bed but then the breeze comes and it cools off for a few hours. Makes for a broken sleep. Mmmm guess I’ll be napping today.!
Didn’t put any sun block on during the walk and at the beach yesterday so I eneded up with a burn on my arms. Great ! Long sleeve T-shirt and bikini bottoms for the next 2 days.
1130h We are presently on our way to Eskifoca. A small village that has the basics, 2 Mosques, shopping restaurants, bank and laundry.
Malcolm doesn’t want to deal with the port Authorities so we he won’t dock. We will moor and take the dingy in.
More provisioning today to keep up the supplies. The boat was full of basics when we left so we try to keep it that way so we don’t need to do a major shop at any time. Still haven’t come across any fish worth buying. The fisherman we were docked beside yesterday say there isn’t much out there. They came down from Istanbul area to check things out.
We sailed for 30 min. but the winds have died down and on our bow so we are now motoring.
1200h waiting for lunch to be served and then we will launch to dingy and head into town.
1330 Alten, Alison, Mark and I walked into town from the the fishing dock where we tied off . It’s another very nice little town. Looks like all Turkish tourists. A small walled area of town. A few very nicely preserved stone houses. Cobbles stone streets in the shopping area.Lots of fresh vegetable stands.
1530 I lost the group shortly after walking down the road to town.(10 min) I was busy enjoying the sites and taking pictures. Always falling behind. I found a big supermarket and fish market but didn’t find them there. I guess they went to the closest one to the marina area. Never as good and more expensive but Alison doesn’t care about the price since Malcolm pays us for everything we buy anyway. I walked around the wall and deep into the town looking for a post office. Finally found one but it’s election day so it was closed, oh and it’s Sunday. Never know what day it is until I write the blog.
Headed to the dingy and saw the group coming up behind me.
1600h we head out of the harbor to find an anchorage. The winds are 27 knots so we got 20 min of sailing at 7 knots. I was in my cabin napping but heard that when they approached the anchorage 3 miles from where we where they were waved away by some military men. There is a military area close by but it was strange because there was no posting and there is a large block of condo’s on the coast close by. We head back into the harbor for the night.
Dinner was Fajita wraps with chicken and an assortment of extras to make your own up. Fresh melon for dessert.During dinner conversation Altan suggested we sail up to where he lives north of Istanbul center. There is a fishing dock where we can dock. Its north up the waterway called the Golden Horn. It feeds into the Bosphorus.
After dinner I was going to “jump in the lake” but decided to have a shower in fresh water instead. It’s a small “head” but since we have a cheater door in our cabin I don’t need to take my towel in with me. The guys have there cabin at the front so it’s difficult to find somewhere to put your towel and dry off while you are in there.
Wrote for the blog and settled into a book and maybe a movie again.
The next few pics are from other days. Cesme art work and water heating on roof tops of homes are seen often.


Water heating on roof tops with solar power



Great beach in Port Saip where we went swimming

The walk from the hamlet to the beach

Art work in the small square in Cesme

House for sale in Port Saip right on the beach.

Cesme marina

Peace

Saturday June 11th 2011

Saturday June 11^th 2011
0730h we set off early this morning for Port Saip.38 37’ .26N Our plan is to arrive by noon. We did a bit of sailing when the wind came across the port side for an hour then died down and we where motoring again. As we approached Port Saip we came across a pod of dolphins. I counted at least 10 but hard to tell they were all around the boat jumping in teams and 3’s. I got up to the pulpit and hung over the edge hoping I could get them on video. They were right under me spinning around on the backs and crisscrossing the bow of the boat. Malcolm had said it was the most dolphins “Freya” had come across in her 2 years in the Med. So we felt very special being able to see them. I’m hoping the video will show them underwater. The sun was quite bright at the time.
1200h we arrive in Port Saip. It actually a small hamlet north of the town of Karaburn Isk. Pop.10,300.Located high up on a hill with a smaller hamlet beside us with a beach.Before lunch I set off on my own to check out the area. The pilot book says the town is 1 ½ km from us but it looks farther and all uphill. The walk was 15min to the hamlet at the beach. Beautiful spot , the clearest water and a wonderful view of rocky mountains and the town up the hill. On my way back an old man stopped and waved ( no English)for me to get in so he could give me a ride. Funny he was going the opposite way but willing to turn around when I pointed that I was going to the boat.
1300h the Swedish girls , Malin and Emilie, decided to do their galley duty together for 2 days. After lunch Alison,and I head over to the beach for a beer and a swim. Malin and Emilie came shortly after and told us they where stopped by the old man with the car too.We found out later that the very seldom get tourists here unless they are Turkish. Estoria hotel near the beach is a bit run down and looks like time stopped in the ‘80’s.There have a great spot with a wonderful view.
1500h Malin, Emile and I head up the hill into town after our swim. The walk was about 20 min uphill and quite warm. Cute little town, one gas station, 3 grocery stores and a couple of shops( camera, real estate, hardware).
Entering the grocery store we see 5 girls in there matching green smocks hanging out at the door. Nothing to do but getting paid for the day. Lol
The store couldn’t have been more than 500 sq. ft.
We got what we needed then went to the small café across the street for an ice tea. The view was breathtaking. Mountains, pine trees, ocean and blue sky. This is my favorite place so far. It has been untouched by big hotels and fancy shops. 30-50 minutes away there are 2 bigger cities ( Cesme and Izmir).
With all our shopping bags we walked to a spot on the road where a couple was standing near a dumpster. They don’t really have bus stops here so you just stand wait and then wave. We hoped on a bus and got a lift to the top of our street , 3 blocks from the boat heading down hill. ( $1)
1730h Malin and Emilie prep for dinner and we meet our newest crew member Altan (Turkish) arrived from Istanbul.
1930h Guess what we’re having for dinner….. Swedish meatballs !!!!
After dinner I caught up on some reading and then a movie ( Morning Glory)

Swedish Meatballs

View of the beach in Karaburun.Port Saip

View from the boat, small hamlet in Port Saip

In town having an ice tea at the top of the town of Karavurun/Port Saip

Malcolm had his usual after dinner conversation. We’ve heard most of the stories about how he got the boat and where he’s been and what he’s done so we left him to inform Altan.It’s the same story each time we get someone new.No pictures of Altan or the girls yet.

Friday June 10th 2011

1030h we depart Pasa buku and head across to a small island for lunch anchorage., Karaada 38 25’.3N 26 20’.7E A small bay, very secluded. The girls went for a swim to shore and walked around the rocky edge. With the waters edge usually rock it’s a good idea to take along a pair of shoes so you don’t get stung by the sea urchins.
1430 after lunch with head out again to our overnight anchorage at Egri Liman. The seas are rough today , winds 25 knots gusting to 30-35 off the mountains along the coast (Katabalic wind)It’s a bumpy ride and only the main is up as we travel directly into the wind.
Along the coast we see a mix of rocky mountains in the background and greener ones in the foreground. Very few homes in the area.
Egri Liman is a secluded bay but quite large one.Like a small up north lake. A few small farms scattered around the coastal flats but other wise deserted. Can’t see a road anywhere.
1600 I decided to check out the shoreline.(100 meters) I pulled out my handy dandy bright yellow air mattress and head out with my zip-lock bag, lighter ,cigarettes and flip flops for paddles. J
Lots of garbage around small shells interesting rocks. Spent an hour exploring bagged my shells and returned to the boat. Dinner at 1830h
Mark is cooking. Looks like beef rounds , zucchini and potatoes.
Now that Tim (his buddy from the start of the season)is gone and i find Malcolm is more often showing his plans for the day and talking to us as a team rather than a bunch of people sleeping on his boat and here to get the boat from one point to another. He is British. !?

Thursday June 9th 2011

0800h time to get ready to go to our afternoon anchorage from the Cesme Marina. I decided I would get some small items washed in the bathroom sink since there is a plug and there often isn’t. With the light breeze everything should dry fast. Satin pj’s and thong underwear are great for fast drying !!!
Malcolm gave us the list of things to do before we leave. Short and sweat, fill the water tanks , we have 4, 3 are empty and swap the deck , actually just the cock pit.
1000h The 2 Svidish girls (Malin and Emilie)got the safety talk, yes we have them on holidays too.lol
Our anchorage will be Pasa buku approx 15 miles along the coast.We are not going to move again tonight because the winds are coming from the south and the other anchorage runs N/S so we will have a bumpy night.
We are arrive at 1215h We had a nice breeze so today we got to sail ½ of the journey getting up to 7 knots.
Teresa on galley duty again. It’s getting easier now that I know where everything is and lunch is always simple. Salad, olives, cold meat, fresh bread and water.Today I’m crackin’ open a beer since we don’t need to move again.
After lunch I had swim with my $5 bright yellow blow up mattress. The winds came up and where blowing off the back.Everyone was worried that I would blow out to sea across to the Greek island the was visible. Malcolm said I would have some trouble if I landed there without a passport so I tied myself off to the back. Video available for viewing when I return.

1500-1830h everyone relaxed on deck reading and napping.
Time for me to get dinner going.
1930 dinner>chicken grilled on the stove top with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. I took the time earlier in the day to prep some finely chopped fruits(orange,melon,kiwi,peach) and filled some small espresso cups topped with a dab of yogurt and crumbled chocolate cookie.”nice touch’ said Malcolm.
After dinner Mark and Malcolm taught the girls how to play the monopoly card game. Alison and I updated our blogs.
2200h Didn’t have a nap today so it’s off to my bunk to watch 30 min. of a movie (My friends are all funeral singers. Weird)and then to sleep.

Wednesday June 8th 2011

Wednesday June 8^th 2011
We depart at 0930h heading for Cesme (chesme) from our overnight anchorage in Sarpedere Limani.
The trip will take about 5 hours and we will arrive at 1400h.
We didn’t sail today , all motoring , the winds are right on our bow.
1400h Once docked in Cesme I head for the showers. Very nice, new and clean , they even had the rain shower heads.
1430 Tim and I go to check out the supermarkets and to find Alison and Mark who have left with the shopping cart. Couldn’t find them so we head back to the boat and they came back shortly after. We grabbed the cart and went to the fresh greens market then over the pick up meat and bread at bakery and grocery store. Meat is expensive here, we only buy chicken and ground beef and if we find a butcher sometimes a big chuck of steak.
I leave Tim on the boat. He is on galley duty today. Dinner menu is curried chicken and rice. Mmmm
Since we are only here for one night we don’t have much time to check out the town. The walk to the center of town is 15 min. I walked along the water /inner harbor. All kind of restaurants and they always look so nice with the different colored table napkins and matching pillow. Great glassware (vases and ashtrays) to match.
IN town of course it’s the usual tourist shops and there are always several shops with the knock off clothes and purses. Hermes, Channel, Armani, Lois Vu, etc.
Bought some postcards to send but haven’t been able to find stamps. Only at post office and they were closed. US and UK stamps on the street sometimes. Not sure of the difference. Very few shop owners speak a lot of English.
1930h back to the boat just in time for dinner and to meet the 2 new crew members, Malin and Emilie both about 23 , Swedish, going to school for engineering.
2200h I head out on the town again. Thought there might be some live entertainment at the bar on the marina but I guess it’s only on the weekend.
Its still slow season here so most of the tourists are Turkish and very few. The restaurants only have 3 or 4 tables at each. With 10 restaurants on the harbor it’s not easy to fill them at this time.
2330 head back to the boat , time for bed.
Tomorrow we leave at 1000h.
We traveled 23 km today with lunch on the fly.( no anchoring)

Chesme square

Marina Chesme

In front of castle, Chesme

We depart at 0930h heading for Cesme (chesme) from our overnight anchorage in Sarpedere Limani.
The trip will take about 5 hours and we will arrive at 1400h.
We didn’t sail today , all motoring , the winds are right on our bow.
1400h Once docked in Cesme I head for the showers. Very nice, new and clean , they even had the rain shower heads.
1430 Tim and I go to check out the supermarkets and to find Alison and Mark who have left with the shopping cart. Couldn’t find them so we head back to the boat and they came back shortly after. We grabbed the cart and went to the fresh greens market then over the pick up meat and bread at bakery and grocery store. Meat is expensive here, we only buy chicken and ground beef and if we find a butcher sometimes a big chuck of steak.
I leave Tim on the boat. He is on galley duty today. Dinner menu is curried chicken and rice. Mmmm
Since we are only here for one night we don’t have much time to check out the town. The walk to the center of town is 15 min. I walked along the water /inner harbor. All kind of restaurants and they always look so nice with the different colored table napkins and matching pillow. Great glassware (vases and ashtrays) to match.
IN town of course it’s the usual tourist shops and there are always several shops with the knock off clothes and purses. Hermes, Channel, Armani, Lois Vu, etc.
Bought some postcards to send but haven’t been able to find stamps. Only at post office and they were closed. US and UK stamps on the street sometimes. Not sure of the difference. Very few shop owners speak a lot of English.
1930h back to the boat just in time for dinner and to meet the 2 new crew members, Malin and Emilie both about 23 , Swedish, going to school for engineering.
2200h I head out on the town again. Thought there might be some live entertainment at the bar on the marina but I guess it’s only on the weekend.
Its still slow season here so most of the tourists are Turkish and very few. The restaurants only have 3 or 4 tables at each. With 10 restaurants on the harbor it’s not easy to fill them at this time.
2330 head back to the boat , time for bed.
Tomorrow we leave at 1000h.
We traveled 23 km today with lunch on the fly.( no anchoring)

Sunday June 5th 2011

Before leaving the marina in Kusadasi we prep the boat for another 3 days anchoring. I tend to vacuuming and wiping down the floors. Alison and Mark fill the water tanks up. We have 4 tanks and considering there are 6 people aboard skipper Malcolm says we are doing a great job of conserving water while out of the marina.
I said we are just a dirty crew than most ! Lol
The tarp we had over the boat need to be removed. This was put up yesterday to keep us cool. Temperature today was suppose to be 90 but I think with the breeze on the water we won’t feel it.
1000h we head out of the marina, our next stop for lunch,a deserted bay good for getting out of the wind. Arrive at 1200h.
It’s galley day for me! Chicken salad and fresh bread, salad and olives for lunch, slider burgers with fried onions and mushrooms, rice and salad for dinner.
1430 we depart and head to our overnight anchorage in Korman 38 01’.8N 26 52’.2E
Since I am on galley duty I usually relax on the bow and let everyone else share the helm. The wind was coming from the right direction so we had the sails up today. There were at least 2-3 meter waves. I had a nap and was getting cooled off by the spray and breeze. Got some color today !
Tim took a dip in the bay and check out the hot springs in the cave near the rock edge. I haven’t been in the salty waters yet. The temp.of water is 25 degrees here.
2000h Dinner went over well. After clean up I joined Alison ,Mark, Tim and Malcolm for a game of cards.( monopoly).
The guys went to there cabins and Alison and I sat at the dining table and finished writing up the past 2 days. If you don’t get the days done right away you tend to forget what you did. Each day is almost the same when you are anchoring. Get up .,move , stop for lunch, move, stop for dinner ,overnight etc.
It’s now 2230h and I need to load some photos so I get them all straight when I add them.
I will do a page of photos from the boat separate. I have had a request to get crew photos up so you all know who I am talking about. We traveled 23 miles today. Good night, Sleep tight.

Tuesday June 7th 2011

We have sailed out of Sigacik this morning at 1000h. We will be heading up the coast about 8 miles to a lunch time anchorage called Gokkovear Limani a deep fjord. The sides of the fjord are bordered by rocky sculptures. In 2007 there were 7 fish farms which at the time limited mooring space, discolored water, smelt and compromised the beauty of this place.
After lunch 1430h we had a game of cards and then set out for the overnight anchorage in Sarpdere Liman 38 10’.3N 26 30’.55E.
Malcolm tries to get some sailing in along the coast but the winds coming off the mountains is pulling us inland so we eventually put the motor on. Malcolm like to set the course for a direct B line to the destination so when the wind is coming at us head on,we motor at 1200rpm/4knots. He says the boat doesn’t tack well. ?? We do all the work so I don’t see why we can’t do it and travel 6 knots we may get there in the same amount of time and get to sail.  He also says in general most people sailing around here sail only 40 % of the time the rest is motoring.
You can tell everyone is unsure of what they are allowed to do on the boat.
I may be repeating myself but while we are anchoring and not at a marina there isn't much to do but read and hang out playing cards. The spots all start to look the same. Not too many homes ,lots of hills all around and very quiet. The water temp in the small bays is 20-27 degrees. I went in once after our long walk into town the other day. I was sooo hot.The water was only 20 that day and it felt like ice water when i jumped in.brrrr.

We anchor at 1700h . Alison made a lovely steak with mushroom and onion gravy, mashed potatoes and zucchini with tomatoes.
Boys are playing cards, Alison is sewing and I’m going to watch a movie after I finish the last 5 pages of my first book.
I think I’ll start on ‘the girl with the dragon tattoo’ which should get me to the end of the month.
Cheers, hope you are all well and you got some warm weather.
We traveled 23 miles today.

Monday June 6th 2011

I am writing about Monday on Tuesday so it’s a bit of a blur. We anchored for lunch and then moved and anchored for dinner and overnight in Sigacik.
This was a small town with a newer ,modern large marina. We anchored in the harbour at no cost. We arrived at 1500h so we had some time to go ashore on the dingy.
Malcolm chose to take the dingy to the far side of the bay rather than dock right at the town where all the fishing boats sit. I think he is worried about having his dingy stolen. We walked the 1.2 miles into town in the sweltering heat which took about 30 min. We checked out the small fort. Not very impressive but free to see.
We walked over to see some restaurants and found out from one of the locals that the ones on the other side of the bridge didn’t serve alcohol.The town is doing it’s best to keep their traditions and as much of there old ways as they can.
Mark did galley duty. 1930 we had spaghetti dinner. After dinner rather than play monopoly again we went for some Ricky Gervais comedy from my netbook.
2000h everyone did there own thing. Malcolm is usually in bed by 2030h and rest of us read. Lot’s of reading going on here, most of the time.

Sarapedere anchorage over night.

Sarapedere anchorage

Last nights sunset

Some boat pics

The boat galley

My chicken salad and salad lunch

Dining area,reading hang out

Bunk i share with Alison,2 Drawers, small closet and a shelf each.

Freya at Kusadasi Marina

Wednesday June 8 2011

Left,Alison,Tim,Right Teresa,Mark

Sunday June 5^th 2011
Before leaving the marina in Kusadasi we prep the boat for another 3 days anchoring. I tend to vacuuming and wiping down the floors. Alison and Mark fill the water tanks up. We have 4 tanks and considering there are 6 people aboard skipper Malcolm says we are doing a great job of conserving water while out of the marina.
I said we are just a dirty crew than most ! Lol
The tarp we had over the boat need to be removed. This was put up yesterday to keep us cool. Temperature today was suppose to be 90 but I think with the breeze on the water we won’t feel it.
1000h we head out of the marina, our next stop for lunch,a deserted bay good for getting out of the wind. Arrive at 1200h.
It’s galley day for me! Chicken salad and fresh bread, salad and olives for lunch, slider burgers with fried onions and mushrooms, rice and salad for dinner.
1430 we depart and head to our overnight anchorage in Korman 38 01’.8N 26 52’.2E
Since I am on galley duty I usually relax on the bow and let everyone else share the helm. The wind was coming from the right direction so we had the sails up today. There were at least 2-3 meter waves. I had a nap and was getting cooled off by the spray and breeze. Got some color today !
Tim took a dip in the bay and check out the hot springs in the cave near the rock edge. I haven’t been in the salty waters yet. The temp.of water is 25 degrees here.
2000h Dinner went over well. After clean up I joined Alison ,Mark, Tim and Malcolm for a game of cards.( monopoly).
The guys went to there cabins and Alison and I sat at the dining table and finished writing up the past 2 days. If you don’t get the days done right away you tend to forget what you did. Each day is almost the same when you are anchoring. Get up .,move , stop for lunch, move, stop for dinner ,overnight etc.
It’s now 2230h and I need to load some photos so I get them all straight when I add them.
I will do a page of photos from the boat separate. I have had a request to get crew photos up so you all know who I am talking about. We traveled 23 miles today. Good night, Sleep tight.

Overnight anchorage

Marina pool $10 for the day

Freya with suncover on.Very hot day at Marina

Saturday June 4th 2011

Today we plan to go to Ephesus.Capital of the Roman province of Asia.
It became the principal commercial city of Asua In it was erected on eof the two wonders of the world to stand in Asia Minor, the temple of Artemis (the other was mausoleum in Halicarnassus)Ephesus declined when it’s harbour finally silted up. Today you would never know that there was water here,farm fields and roads take its place.
0930h we take a walk up to town to catch the Dolmus bus ( $5) each way for the trip 20km away. When we arrive we walk 15 min , 1km up the winding road. Its $12 to get in. Its already hot, luckily I brought my umbrella to get some shade. There are few trees here.
It is an amazing site.
The main street here was considered the Champs Elysee of the time, full of shops, funny though at the end of this street were some prison cells ! Shoplifters maybe!
We were done by 1230h returning to the boat.
It was a hot sticky day so I chose to get a shower in before lunch. Tim was cooking.
I went for a nap till 1700h so I would be energized for the walk into town to pick up supplies. When I got up, everyone else was also napping so I got them going.
When we do these grocery trips we all need to decide on what it is we want to make on our galley days so you need to think ahead a bit. When you get your stuff here you put it away and mark your name on it so no one uses it on you.
Malcolm is always insisting on 200g per person for meat so even if you don’t feel like cooking meat you do or you may get an ear full.
After dinner we sat around chatting. Florian was suppose to leave tonight but at 2100h he still hadn’t shown up. Turned out his bus broke down coming back from the tour he was on. ( 4 hrs.) so by the time he got here he only had an hour to get to his bus departing for Istanbul.( 10 hr trip).


Theater



 Champs Elysee of Ephesus

We leave in the morning about 1000h for an anchorage down the coast.

Friday June 3rd 2011

Friday street market

My carpet man helping us find grocery store

Friday market shopping

Shopping street where i got my carpet.Get your fake stuff here !

We set out again this morning at 0700h Too early for me and I didn’t sleep well with my shoulder pain starting to get to me. I decided to stay in bed and watch some tv show from the hard drive. Falling asleep again till 10.
Of course I get the , Good Morning with a bit of attitude from the Malcolm (correction , skipper, not captain). He is the one with the bald head in the having dinner on deck pic I posted earlier.
I have some red spots on my arms and face that I think are either from sun or a combination of sun and sun block. Used the sun block before so not sure what is going on. They are not bites, no bugs around. Hoping it doesn’t get worse, putting a damper on hanging out on the top deck.
1200h
We arrived at the Kusadasi marina. Fairly large , right in the city. Lots of restaurants at the Marina.
Alison did a nice lunch at the usual 1330.Smorgasborg of cold salads,tuna,olives,corn and beans.
After lunch Alison and I took a walk into town to see the Friday Market of fresh fruits and veggies. We didn’t have time to buy. Shopping tomorrow.
Found the grocery store, butcher and bakery !!
Lots of shops full of knock off clothes and purses. Just like Bodrum.
If someone is wearing Chanel or Hugo Boss , it’s probably fake.
Stores with Real Fake Watches ! ( 80 bucks)
Stopped into a carpet store just to look. There was a girl weaving on outside the shop. It has been ordered by someone. 14 months to complete . Silk, 1’X2’ and probably 4-7 thousand dollars. It was pretty.
I didn’t want to buy a rug but…. They make it sooo easy ,, free shipping to your home. I bought a wonderful lambs wool, it was made for a dowry in 1948. Yes It’s an old rug. Can’t wait to see it on my floor ! (5 X 7)I’ll be working 7 days a week in the winter !
1700h Came back to the boat and had a shower , dinner and then a few hands of the Monopoly card game.
2400h
I am presently having a beer at the marina restaurant so I can get my mail and internet connection to send off my blog entry.
Should had back now so I can get some sleep. We are heading to Ephesus in the morning at 0900h. Ancient ruins. Should get some great photos if the cruise ships don't come in on Saturday morning.

This is my last port for the next 3 days. Saturdays isn't ready and we sail out Sunday morning for 3 days at anchorages. Will post a couple days worth then.
Hope you are all well and enjoying the blog.
The weather is getting hotter so we have put up the tent over the lounge area of the boat. Pictures to follow.

Oh and Florian is leaving us today 3 days early.Less cooking for me Sunday, my turn again, ugh !
We pick up 2 swedish girls for a week long stay. Some of us are looking forward to that !!!!

Thursday June 2nd 2011

We started out early this morning at 0700. We will travel 26 miles to our destination Port Saint Nikolao 37 38’.8N 27 00’
Along the way everyone just relaxed enjoyed the sun. Getting up early , a few of us required a nap !
The anchorage is very secluded. Surrounding us are small hills with clumps of bushes. The sea bottom is weeds and sand near the shore. We are in 3 meters of water.
Florians turn to cook today. For dinner we had spaghetti
Not much to tell today, just hangin’ out.
This price of fish here is high, shrimp is very expensive.
I read up on some things about the Mediterranean that I found interesting.
The is not a lot of marine life because 1. No real bottom current to stir up the water of the eastern Med. Basin to provide nutrients for plankton to feed on. 2. There is no inter-tidal zone in which a varied and rich amounts of life can live to contribute to the whole marine ecosystem.
The Romans used to complain about poor fish stocks so historically this is nothing new.

Port Nickolai

All the transparent blue and turquoise water that we are seeing is due to the absence of plankton.

Wednesday June 1 2011

1030 we set out for the next anchorage for lunch. It’s Marks turn for galley duty. Thank goodness it’s not my turn for 3 more days !!!
Destination is Paradise cove ( Kazikli.Lim.) Again not much to see along the way, it’s very hilly with few homes dotted along the way. It’s all white houses piled on top of each other in the bigger towns off in the distance.
As we near the cove we must zigzag in and out to pass the fish farms scattered all over this Bay. (Gulluk Korfezi)(Ionian Coast).
The cove is very small with a mussel farm off to the side that at present has nothing going on. Very desolate. No roads or homes.The only way to get to the shacks along the shore is by boat.
1430
We head out again to find a spot to anchor for the night. I got on the helm to sail into the bay. It was a great sail with 20 knot winds. We arrive at Altinkum. ( approx. 37 20’.25 N27 19’.8E) The city is not pleasing to the eye, a mishmash of hotels and apt that look like they were designed in the 60’s piled on top of each other.
Time does not permit us to explore here but,
Didyma a small city inland has the religious sanctuary to Appollo. Destroyed by the Persians and later rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 15^th century. The largest Ionice temple in the world Lu Michell. The site is now surrounded by resort apartments.
1830 Dinner was great beef with peanut sauce on rice.
2100 We are settling down for the night. The disco/ music beat, boom, boom . boom is starting on the shore. It won't be a quite evening.I settled in to watch a movie in my bunk. No , boom , boom with the head set on.
The photo doesn't show the distance well but we are a swim away from shore if you are a strong swimmer.
I haven't been in the water on this trip yet.



City Lights Altinkum

 We have travel 23 miles today.

Tuesday May 31st 2011
1030
We have departed Bodrum and are heading to a small cove for lunch. We will sail for approx. 2 hrs.
Since it was my turn for galley duty and didn’t spend much time up top but there wasn’t much to see. Lots of hills and tiny villages sometimes just a house or two in the middle of a hill with very few roads.
1230 we stop ( IIIica ) I have prepared a light pasta salad with a side of canned tuna for the ones who wanted some protein. Malcolm says 200g of meat per person. I think he likes his meat ! After lunch I also am on clean up duty which take an hour. Rinsing with sea water and washing with the fresh to save on water.
1430 we set out to the next spot to anchor for the night approx 20 miles.
( Salih. Ad.)We arrive and anchor at 1630. The spot is quiet with just 2 small restaurants on the water and small beach with permanent umbrellas and chairs. No one is on the beach. Everyone took a quick dip before dinner. Water temp 25 degrees.We don’t go to shore on the dingy in the small cove because there isn’t really any public places or things to see.
Dinner is to be ready by 1930. Menu: shrimp curry with rice from a bag bought in Greece. Wasn’t sure what kind it was until it was cooked. Found out it was sticky rice which is kinda pasty for my liking. Everyone ate what was on there plate with no leftovers so I guess I passed. Lol
The evenings are warm so we always eat out on the deck. After dinner we sat around and drank some wine and had some laughs.
Everyone goes off on there own to do what they like. I’ve been watching some of the stuff I brought on my hard drive usually falling asleep by 10.
The photo is of the underside of the marina dock in Bodrum. Very clear water. Refection of a life ring ,but you can see the chains and power lines that run underneath.. Lots of little fish.


Clear water at the Bodrum Marina



Monday May 30th 2011

At noon we all took a Dolmus ( taxi van , seats 10) to the town of Bodrum 20 kms away. $ 4 each. The ride take some time because they stop ,pick up and drop off at points along the way.
The temperature was about 20 when we left but as the day went on I think it reached 27. Lots and lots of stores a restaurants everywhere.Tim,Mark and Alison head out on there own. Crew member
Florian ( Romanian) and I headed over to check out the castle and museum but found it was closed on Monday. We split up and I went walking through town with my video camera. I don’t have any photos to post today.
Was asked by a guy, Hussien, to sit down with him in front of the running shoe store he was working at,sure I need a rest. We chatted a bit about how he couldn’t get a visa to Canada.He offered me an apple tea, so I accepted. There was a buzzer/speaker hanging from the wall , he buzzed and said my tea would be there shortly , a young guy came with a tray and a small glass of tea sitting in a small ceramic bowl. He chased down a few passers by to make a sale but had no luck. He returned to sit a bit and then I was on my way. I gave him just my name and told him he could find me on face book. I later notice guys bustling up and down the street with silver trays of empty or full glasses of tea. (somebody, somewhere is making tea in a back room. !!)
There are the guys in front of each restaurant, who, also chase you down to get you to sit. “No, just ate,’ “no , not now“, “ok, I’ll take your card and come back later.”
I had just finished lunch next door so this one new I wasn’t lying, ( forgot his name).
Oh a carpet guy right behind me, come , come, take a look. I head in, I wanted to check prices and see about buying a hand made pillow case ( easier to pack) He through everything I looked at on the floor and kept showing me more piles, “look at these” beautiful, darling. How do you stay so thin? Look this one is lovely” What would you do for high blood sugar?”
Wow he’s really getting chatty. I got a history on the designs and how long they took to make. I eventually bought one for 110 tl. ( $65)Later I found some more but the lady wanted 200tl ( $120) I got a good price.
Took a walk along a great beach, touristy of course. Filled with colorful tables at each restaurant or bar. Seating right up to the waters edge. The beach is a bit rocky going in.
The water is so clear here you can see 20 feet down along the pier.
Heading back toward the bus again , oops went passed the restaurant guy again. “ok ,I’ll have a tea but I’m not hungry really.”
Resting for a bit and getting out of the hot sun was nice but now I had another friend to chat with !! He had an hour for break and thought he might take me someplace to have some fun !! Mmmmm how should I take that. But really they are not as pushy and annoying as some other places I have been. And the guys are all HOT !
I left and headed back to the boat in time for dinner.
It was Tim’s turn. We had Mexican soft taco’s tonight.
Hussien is now my friend on facebook. Got a request before i was even logged in.



Super size chest set at Marina

 Tomorrow we set sail at 0930h. 2 hour sail and then we anchor. Not sure were but it’s my turn to make lunch and dinner. Pressure is on !!

Sunday May 29 2011





Dining on deck



Mozart Bar on the Marina

May 29^th 2011
0930h
Everyone is on the own there own for breakfast. The boat has a freezer , frig so there is lots of room for provisions.
We started off the day cleaning up the boat. Alison wiped down the woodwork inside, Tim was cleaning the wood deck and cushions and later Alison and I did a wiped down of all the stainless steel on deck.
Showers at the marina where nice and there is also a laundry that washes clothes for you. They charge 6 euros a load and deliver.
0100h
Lunch is cold meat, salad and fish soup made with left overs from last nights meal. All was very good.
0200h
We took a walk into town and picked up fruit, some meat which is limited here and other things like juice canned good and milk. The prices here are a bit steep. Bread from the bakery was $ 3 for 2 loaves and some flat bread which is less than at home. I bought 12 homemade cookies and they were as much as the bread. Fresh fruit bananas, apples, strawberries were 5 lira a kg. ( $3 can.)
Turkish wine is not good so I picked up a bottle of African, Two Roads but that was $18 at home $12. Malcolm is drinking some Greek wine he picked up in bulk cardboard casks.
Our new member of the group has arrived, Mark is Australian , retired teacher.
It’s 1630h, time to relax on the bow cushions , read and have a nap.
1815h
We all get a day to cook lunch and dinner clean up after too. Alison is cooking tonight. Looks like we are having chicken, mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.
1900h
After dinner I took a walk to the marina and visited the sites. Had a drink at a lovely bar called the Mozart had a beer and took some photos.
Back at the boat everyone is busy emailing and blogging.
Our last guest has arrived Florian 23 years old from Romania but living in the U.S.and doing his thesis.l
We are staying at this marina for 3 days so tomorrow we will take a Dolmas bus to the town of Bodrum.
Weather is sunny and warm

Flight and Arrival Friday May 28 2011

The fight across the pond was 9.5 hours from JFK.
9:30 am ( 3 am Canada time)
I arrived earlier than expected which gave me time to catch the earlier flight I wanted to take to Bodrum where my shuttle awaits to take me to the boat. Unfortunately I change to a later flight after reading that I wouldn’t be able to make a 1 hour connection. Domestic connection Is now 6 pm.
I had plenty of time to get a visa that would have cost 190 can. At the Turkish embassy in Toronto. I got to the counter with 20 people ahead of me thinking this would take some time. 3 min. later and 45 euros ( 65 can.)I had a sticker and was on my way to customs. No questions , stamped my passport and I was on my way to get luggage. My bag was already there.
Now I needed to get a phone card. 4 retailers to chose from , I walked over paid my 29 euros ( and was connected in 30 min. )
10:15 am
I head over to the domestic terminal and check in for the 6 pm flight.
So now I wait. It’s warmer here so I decide to throw on some shorts.
The airport here is very clean not too busy on the domestic side so I go find myself a place to read. I’m tired 3 am your time and it’s a 7 hour wait.
A plane has just loaded so the lounge in section 104 is empty and they have those chairs without arms here ! 3 in a row and I’ve got myself a cozy spot for a nap! I manage to get 2 hours and then .. A child running up and down the rows stirs me. I get another 20 and now it’s time to sit up , I’m close to having the last few spots here.
Starbucks feeds me with a lovely salad ,roll and coffee. No cream here just steamed milk. 20 lira ( 12 dollars)
3:30 pm
2.5 hours to go . Ugh.
2.5 hours to go . Ugh.
7:15
I have arrived in Bodrum. No sign of shuttle. Lucky I got my phone hooked up, had to make a call. They were waiting for me at International rather than Domestic.
Driver doesn’t speak English. They have my emailed info so I think he knows where we are going. 20 min drive and looks like we are close. He says “ Delta” I say “ marina” maybe delta is marina in Turkish ?
It’s getting dark. We are along water, good sign. He stops several times to ask where the “ Delta “ is.
We stop at the drive way and he points. Oh ,,,, no,,,, not the Delta hotel.
Ma… ri…na. off again. After several text messages to my captain and questioning passers by, we finally reach the marina.
Malcolm my captain greets me and is accompanied by Alison and Tim. Not a couple but both from New Zealand. Tim is staying 10 more days . He has been here for 2 weeks now. Alison has been on for 2 weeks and is staying till the first of August.
I get a short tour of the boat my sleeping quarters and after a short chat and a beer I had to bed. The temperature is presently about 68-70. Nice for sleeping.