Kirky Turkey

We flew into Bodrum and made our way to Bitez where Vagrant was moored swinging on the anchor due to extortionate marina fees in Bodrum. Phil picked us up in the dingy, and we clambered aboard with all our bags, but we soon settled in as the 'new crew'. That night was spent in Bitez where we caught up with our old friends, enjoyed the seafront restaurants and stocked up on local currency.

The next day was a long sail across the Gulf of Gorkova. We stopped at a sheltered, empty bay on the small island of Orak Adasi for lunch at anchor, where we swam and tried out Sara and Phil's new kayak. While we were enjoying the sun amazingly a motorboat arrived selling ice cream! 

After lunch we set off for the main sail across the Gulf. The wind picked up and so we were able to deploy the Kite and make good headway.

We arrived at our destination, Velibuku, with it's local landmark, One Tree Island, where we moored line ashore in the secluded bay. We thought they should rename it Lion Island due to its silhouette.

The next day was a shorter sail upwind with the obligatory stop for lunch at anchor and more swimming off the boat and sunbathing. Although we had some choppy seas nobody felt unwell;

thanks Kwells😀. That evening we moored at the jetty at Karaca Koyu where we ate in the local restaurant and stocked up on essential supplies at the minimart; mostly drinks!

Sara and Phil had decided we needed to see some of the local culture so the next day was a short sail to Kerme bay and the ruins of Sedir Adasi and Cleopatra's beach (she is said to have had the beach created especially for her). The ruined amphitheatre was especially beautiful.

The wind dropped after that so we had a short motor to our overnight stop moored off the jetty at Alibar restaurant in Kargili Koyu. We were greeted by the owner of the restaurant with the refrain of 'chicken or fish'! He then proceeded to tell us to come to the restaurant at 9pm and lit his barbecue. The meal was delicious, although there were a few flies to keep us company in the dusk.

We woke after a peaceful night to another lovely, sunny morning. We set off after breakfast along the coast to Cokertime harbour, arriving at lunchtime so we could guarantee a place on the quay and enjoy the swimming and sunbeds at the hotel/restaurant in the afternoon, before another lovely meal ashore. Maddy has been our wildlife photographer this holiday taking numerous pictures of stray cats and dogs and she insisted on at least one photo in the blog!

As we were getting close to the end of the holiday it was decided to spend another night line ashore in Kisebuku bay a days sail east of Bitez, our final stop. There were a few other boats with the same idea but they had all left by the time we woke in the morning to leave us with the beautiful bay all to ourselves.

While we swam and relaxed Sara and Phil took the dingy ashore to explore the ruins of an ancient village

The day was peaceful, we had lunch in the bay and our old friend the Ice cream boat turned up again much to our delight; then we prepared to set off for our final sail to Bitez. Unfortunately Phil pulled on the wrong line to raise the mainsail and it disappeared inside the mast. The air turned blue and our departure was delayed. After some prodding and poking with an old coat hanger it was decided that the only option was to feed the line down from the top of the mast. Fortunately Spider-man was on hand to save the day and the plan worked amazingly well. 

We were soon underway and made good time in a strong headwind.

On arrival we moored up in Bitez bay swinging on the anchor as we had when we'd first arrived, spending our last evening ashore eating, drinking and making merry.

The next morning we reluctantly had our last breakfast in the Bitez cafe on the waterfront where we picked up our airport transfer. Thanks to Sara and Phil for a fabulous holiday, we'll see you again soon. Love Mick, Julie and Maddy x