A quieter week...
Our first stop after leaving Bozburun was a short sail to Sig Liman, a lovely bay where we were expecting to have to use stern lines but the whole coastline was full of boats, so we free anchored in the middle of the bay, taking care not to cross anchor chains with the boats along the shoreline. Kayaking around the bay exploring the rocks and a garden coming down to the sea. The latter was a spectacular house which apparently has taken 10yrs to build and includes a dock for a rather large boat at the bottom of the property. We had a lovely meal with the Whitstable crowd aboard Barry and Lynn's boat, Waltz.
We spent 3 days in this bay, which was the longest we had stayed on anchor since we left NW Spain 3 months ago. The rest was needed and we enjoyed swimming and Kayaking for the time we were there. We saw some marine life, turtles, dogfish and cuttlefish as the highlights. Interestingly, the dogfish followed Charlie and Carol from the beach all the way back out to the boats which was a good 200m.
We visited a ramshackle restaurant with random items in the outdoor area, Old bicycles, driftwood, pots and a 450yr old olive tree which we sat under for our Turkish breakfast.
Breakfast under the trees
After breakfast some of the party walked round to Selimiye, whilst Charlie and Nigel put Kerensas dinghy through its paces to meet them there.
We hosted dinner aboard that night and Kerensa comfortably accommodated all. Great fun and a good laugh.
We said goodbye to Charlie and Carol and two boats motored off a short distance to Orhaniye, where we anchored behind a small island inhabited by lots of black rabbits. This anchorage was surrounded by forested hills/mountains and gave the feeling that we were in Canada or even Norway. A swim in the restaurant pool was followed by dinner and a dinghy trip back to the boats.
Orhaniye with Barry and Lynn Shottons boat on the right.
Spotting some windy weather on the forecast we crossed the bay next day to Ciftlik Limani. Nice bay with a beach bar.......
Barry helped us change our mainsail reefing from a second and third reef set up to a first and second reef arrangement. The previous owner chose not to have a first reef due to having the staysail but we decided we liked to option of staysail and first reef whilst cruising the Med. On an ocean crossing maybe the 3rd reef option is worthwhile. Now we need to add anti chafe sleeve to the main halyard where it sits when the first reef is used.
The plan now is to head to Datcha for one night then into a nearby bay for shelter for a couple of days whilst the forecasted wind blows over.
We are very impressed with Turkey so far, stunning scenery, friendly and helpful people and great food.
