The Pasteiners in Turkey

Saturday 24

The Pasteiners arrived last night having had a good journey and tucked into a chicken sandwich and a bottle of wine before bed - early for them late for us.  At last time to set sail but not before the Captain had his first challenge of getting out of a very awkward space as by now hemmed in by a large boat on our port side and two catamarans on our starboard side and various lines in the water waiting to be caught on the stabilizers.  But we had plenty of help and at least four people waving us off from the pontoon which was lovely.

We headed for our first night stop - a beautiful day and no wind to bother us initially.  It took four hours to get to Bozuk Buku, a large bay with the ruins of ancient Loryma and an ancient citadel. We tied up on a rickety old pontoon with Ali Baba's restaurant at the end, went for a swim and then later climbed up to explore the citadel and finally ate dinner in the restaurant. A very full first day and so far so good.  The wind did pick up but nothing too alarming.

Sequel from the citadel and Ali Baba's restaurant

Greta and Rob

Sunday 25

A short trip round the headland to Sogut Limani where we tied up on another pontoon, lolled about most of the afternoon and another swim in the sea before dinner at the Octopus Yacht Club (the restaurant which owned the pontoon) and included in the price of dinner was our overnight stay as well as electricity and water. 

Monday 26

An even short trip round the corner to Bozburun and despite being advised that the harbour is very small we went in and tied up against the town quay without any problems.  It was more or less empty when we arrived at 1 p.m. but by the evening we had been joined by many other boats and the harbour was almost full - still early in the season here.  Greta & Rob are intrepid swimmers and they went off in the afternoon to find somewhere to swim.  Dinner at Osmans.

Tuesday 27

Market day but disappointingly nothing like as good as others we have been to but managed to stock up on fruit and vegetables as planning to have a couple of nights at anchor. Found our way to a bay recommended by Bula known as Kucuven Burnu but now renamed Geoff's Bay.  More swimming, more book club after lunch and a lovely evening at anchor.

Wednesday 28

Finally chose to anchor in Keci Buku after examing a couple of other spots first.  Appalled by amount of rubbish along the sides of one bay and evidence of camp sites so anchored in a lovely spot only to spend the afternoon being irritated by personal watercraft buzzing about and gulets coming in playing loud music but by the evening they had all gone away and Rob declared this his favourite place. Again Greta & Rob went swimming and Rob climbed up to the ruins of another fortress on a small island close by.  As someone said to us a while ago now 'another pile of old rocks' but thought to have ancient foundations. Another evening on the boat but supplies running low now and beginning to feel like we are on some kind of slimming kick.

Early evening in Keci Buku

Thursday 29

A seven hour trip back to Marmaris Yacht marina but a beautiful day and lovely sitting on the back of the boat in the sunshine.  By the time we got back to the marina,  however, the sky was beginning to take on a dodgy shade of grey.  Our last night with the Pasteiners at our usual restaurant - have had a brilliant week - they are excellent guests and we are still speaking. At least we are to them!

Early morning in Keci Buku

Friday 30

Heavy rain overnight and a grey day - Greta and Rob left us at 10.30 a.m. for their flight home and we set to tidying up but getting ready for our next adventure and a week on shore but first - drinks on board with all those boats still here: Breakaway, Seductress, Freya of Lerwick  - are they ever going to leave?