Wednesday 21st June...
Linda - New anchorage today.... Bozburun. It's midsummer's day, the longest day, and Wednesday's Child was full of woe onboard Thesee.
The day started OK, flat calm and an easy departure from Orhaniye, even though we had an AW right next to us. We popped across to the north shore coastline to check out a couple of bays but were unimpressed. So we put up the sails and made a course for Bozburun. Oh, then no wind....4 knots, then 12 knots, then 5 knots. It was so fluky with changing directions, we weren't getting anywhere, and Dean got mad because his tell-tails on the mainsail weren't flying. In a nautical context, a tell-tail is a piece of yarn/wool/nylon attached to the sail. When the tell-tails fly freely the sail is set correctly. Let me tell you, they weren't flying AT ALL.
We did sail briefly but then the wind disappeared all together, so sails came down. Next thing we know we are approaching the headland with winds of 19 knots and lumpy seas. In the meantime Dean announced that the handle had snapped off one of the sea-cocks.... oh joy.
Bora La was behind us and they were having problems of their own with their genoa roller furler malfunctioning. I'm sure we'll get together tomorrow to swap stories.
It wasn't a great distance to the tip of the headland and then as we reached the south side we could change direction and therefore we were going in the same direction as the wind and sea. This gave us chance to roll out the genoa for about half an hour and switch the engine off. It's so peaceful sailing with the wind behind you.
Finally we reached the entrance to the Bozburun inlet and the swell died down and the calm blue waters appeared.
Bozburun isn't great for anchoring, but we got lucky and there were only two boats already in the small bay, so room enough for Thesee and Bora La. The depths are very uneven in places too so can be tricky finding a good spot. Well we seem to be OK.
This afternoon there was a lot of cursing when Dean tried to solve the issue with the broken sea-cock handle. A lot of time was spent on his hands and knees with his head inside the very small cupboard space.
The troubles didn't stop here either. He had to fix his new anchor wash unit because it had also malfunctioned this morning when lifting the anchor. To do this we had to get the massive cruising chute out of the sail locker so that he could get to the fuse. It's still not right even after the cruising chute being removed not once, but twice. That will give him something to keep himself awake all night pondering.....
At least we had a lovely sunset and new moon.....
Thursday 22nd June...
Linda - My perfect kind of morning welcomed me as I stuck my head out into the cockpit at 7.30am.
Aaaaah, Blissss
It was a great opportunity for taking a photo of Bora La, and vice versa it seems.....
Bora La
Thésee
Before we went for a pre-arranged walk at 9am, the goats came down to the shoreline. We have to get out and about early, ideally being back onboard before 11am because the UV sun factor gets very high around midday, sometimes up to number 11 on the UV scale. And today the winds were light making it a very hot day indeed.
Bozburun is only a very small village really, but a fair number of shops and cafes. Phil chose today's coffee stop and they sold croissants too..... good choice. Then it was the obligatory Chandlery store, this one in a pretty setting too...
Chandlery store
Well they say you can't keep a good man down..... what's Dean up to now? Our outboard engine struggles a lot of the time when trying to get the dinghy to plane, especially if going head to wind. Today it wasn't playing game at all. Back at the boat, Dean immediately got to work. It seems that it's not getting enough air into the carburettor. If you take the lid off it, it runs great. So he set about cutting the air intake hole to make it twice the size. Hey presto, we took it for a spin and it FLEW.
Man at work.....again
The enlarged air intake hole
Time for a spot of fishing before dinner
Sausages tonight then 😏
Linda - Another walkies this morning, and we started this one early at 9am. Following the so-called goat path we all clambered a short way around the headland to the south before deciding it was a bit too dodgy. We turned back and walked the other way along the dusty track towards town.
Bora La in the bay.
How beautiful is this place?
Thesee in the background
Part way along the goat path
Back down by the shore, an old boat inland
A lonesome glamping hut
Rural Bozburun
Walking into town now, looking back at our anchorage
Strange rock formations
These goats weren't shy
Noah's Ark ??
Two by two
After a shady sit down under a tree to cool off we arrived into town. Well actually not quite into town because the first thing we came across was this lovely beach.
Apartments
There was no doubting we would stop at the first available beach bar for beer and a coke. It was so lovely sitting there under the trees by the beach. Our walk turned into a very lovely morning out. But it was another hot day and we were quite relieved to get back just before midday.
The small creek next to our anchorage
Glad I took my light shawl for sun protection, it worked very well
A very friendly and lively puppy appeared
and asked Dean for a tummy rub
Fishermen set up a table and chairs in the water
Nearly back onboard
Is this an iceberg?
No, just more plastic in the oceans
A big surprise today, Ant & Cindy on Impavidus turned up at our anchorage. Late this afternoon the six of us all got together on Thesee for a catch up. So nice to be together again, even if it may be for a short time only.
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June...
Linda - Moving on today to Datca. It was a shame to leave our perfect anchorage in Bozburun, but we must keep moving west when we can. We passed this superyacht in the Bozburun channel as we left.
It's called Octopus
Some info on Octopus here....(copy and paste the link)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_(yacht)
From Bozburun to Datca we needed to pass the Greek Island of Simi, therefore avoiding entering Greek waters. I think most people don't bother to try and keep to the Turkish side, but we like to keep within the law of course. I wouldn't want to be caught in Greek Waters flying a Turkish flag, or even vice versa.
As we passed to the north of Simi the wind kicked in and it was time to set the sails. Along with Bora La and Impavidus we had a cracking sail (according to the men) all the way right into Datca. We were having an impromptu race with Bora La, who we managed to hold off for quite a while, but right at the end Bora La pipped us at the finish line (a large rock just outside Datca).
Bora La chasing us down
Thesee mainsail
Genoa clew
Bora La approaching the finish line
The winner, but only just
Thesee in the anchorage.... a bit rolly
Some friends were already here, so tonight eight of us went out for drinks and dinner at the 'Cheers' bar. Nothing like the real one!
Sunday was time for a rest. However we did pop ashore to check out the 'agents' here because in a couple of week's time we shall be leaving Turkey and heading to Greece. And, you need an agent to check out of the country, just like when we checked in.
The town is very lovely
This unhappy fish not so impressed
Big shell statue
Restaurant tables all along the beach
And our day ended with a drink onboard Impavidus. Not sure what our next step will be because as usual there is a windy week coming.
Monday 26th June...
Linda - Another nightmare day in the Adventures of Thesee. Phil and Cristina on Bora La left early heading towards Bodrum, so we sadly said our goodbyes last night. We don't think we shall see them again because they are taking the boat across the Atlantic this winter. So along with Impavidus we decided we would like to spend a few nights on Datca quay. I've been up since 2am because of wind and swell in the anchorage all night. Usually at night the weather goes calm and still, but not last night. By going on the quay we could top up with water and easily do shopping too. Plus it doesn't cost the earth, and it's the most protected place from the prevailing wind.
Sadly there is no form of organisation in Turkey. After we had sent berthing requests, the quay 'masters' told us they don't take reservations so just turn up early. We were in the anchorage nearby so kept an eye on boats leaving from the night before. At 10am we spotted some boats leaving so round we went to the quay. We could see berth spaces free so started backing into one, only to be told we have to wait until midday. So off we went and anchored for two hours, in the meantime watching many other boats arriving and getting a space. Midday came and we made our move as it was filling up fast. The berthing staff were paying no attention to us milling about and as we neared a berth got shooed off yet again. Must wait another two hours! WHAT! You're having a laugh Mr Berthing Master. Dean was fuming. There was no way we were going to be put on hold again, so both Impavidus and Thesee decided to 'bugger off' elsewhere. The only suitable places were back across towards the Bozburun peninsular, where we had came from two days ago. Thesee headed to a place called Dirsek....it was HEAVING with boats tied to shore all the way around the bay. And I mean jam packed. There was no way we would be able to tie to shore in between any of these boats because by this time it was nearing 4pm and the wind in full blow, sideways on as always.
We had no choice but to look further on for a suitable spot. We are now tied to shore off some small island called Koca Adasi. I think the letter 'K' appears in nearly every word of the Turkish Dictionary. It's as common as the letter 'E' in scrabble 😊. Of course, yet again, the north west wind is actually a southerly and so we have light wind on the beam as we are tied to shore. To be honest I'm so tired, nothing will keep me awake tonight. In fact I'm nearly asleep right now. Better add some photos then.... before I zzzzzzz
This first photo is of a strop that Dean fitted to raise the new mainsail a little bit away from the boom.
Strop
Second and third photos showing us tied to shore tonight. This small island is uninhabited by humans but we fear that rats may be present. Therefore, Dean fitted some old CD's to the shore lines to stop rats tightrope walking and climbing on board.
Macbeth CD, enough to send anyone or anything overboard
View of our anchorage
A couple of neighbours still here
This yacht carries a flag from Antiqua and Barbuda
Tuesday 27th June...
Linda - We tend to get up early during our summer season. It's lovely to wake up to birds singing and goats bleating when anchored in remote spots. This morning I popped my head out into the cockpit to find Dean having a bleating competition with the locals.
The water was sooooooo clear and soooooo blue, Dean actually saw a small tuna fish swim past. This is one of the areas where diving is prohibited.
Who can bleat the loudest??
We are the blue spot tied to shore on Koca Adasi
We moved on just a couple of miles east to a small town in a large bay at Selimiye. It's very holiday touristy in a small way, lots of restaurants around the harbour.
Passing a lovely tiny beach on the way to Selimiye
Beautiful green rocky shoreline
So we reached Selimiye to find about a million boats at anchor.....what the hell. It's a very deep anchorage at around 20 to 25 metres deep. There were a few AW's around today, unfortunately we were one of them as we tried to fit into a small space. After three attempts we almost got our position right, not too close to anyone.
It's been really hot today with not much breeze. Tonight we dinghy'd ashore for a walkabout. It's quite nice but loads of people. The Turks are having a nine day holiday at the moment, I guess that's why it's heaving. A bit disappointed really.
Wednesday 28th June...
Linda - I thought I should take a few photos of our anchorage this morning before we left. These first three photos are taken from our boat looking in different directions. We were literally surrounded by boats. It's incredible how we all manage not to bump into each other as we swing about during the night.
So we've returned to Orhaniye for a few days to escape/shelter from the dreaded winds Thursday and Friday. On our way into the bay we saw this superyacht with an inflatable slide off the side deck!
We had planned to tie to shore but when we arrived at the pre-planned spot there was just one place free and a superyacht's dinghy was loitering. The guy in the dinghy kept saying 'big boat, big boat'. In other words, I'm saving this space.... big boat coming soon. The superyachts and gullets always send their tenders (dinghys) ahead to find spaces for when they arrive.
Dean was not happy AT ALL. We had to go and anchor in our usual spot, which is well protected anyway, but we would have preferred to tie to shore. Would you believe it, the blummin superyacht has left tonight too.
Cumulous Nimbus clouds appearing this afternoon
We are sheltered behind this island with a ruined castle on top
Ruined castle
Thursday 29th June...
Dean - Happy Birthday to me.
Rum and coke of course!
We had a day on board today just chilling out. Not much else to say really. We have been waiting for
the forecasted winds to arrive but not so much today I think tomorrow is forecast as the worst day, but we are tucked away quite nicely.
The weather has been bright and sunny all day at about 32 degrees. No jobs to report today but we're coming up for our monthly maintenance schedule so that may bring an adjustment or two!
Friday 30th June...
Linda - On board all day keeping our eye on things. To be honest, we were busying ourselves this morning so didn't take much notice of the wind coming through. There was a lull mid afternoon but it started up again around 5pm for a while. Despite the wind today, I love this anchorage. I have placed it in the top 3 of my favourite Turkish anchorages.
Dean carried out the monthly maintenance checks, and a resident dog came past. We see him every day enjoying his boat life.
Saturday 1st July...
Linda - Market Day today, the height of excitement sometimes. Although I would prefer to shop at a Superstore (if they ever had one in Turkey) and get everything in one go, Dean likes to go to the markets and small shops. He says that he would rather spend his money at the local retailers. I can see his point. Well, the market did us proud and we found all the supplies we needed except for Oranges. Luckily the market stall accepts bank cards because Dean forgot to take enough cash! That's very unusual for him as he normally remembers EVERYTHING.
One of our highlights of the summer season boating life is being able to dispose of our rubbish. We seem to gather so much of it somehow. All that packaging and beer cans..... Oops I wasn't supposed to mention beer cans. We've not been ashore for the last two days so we had three carrier bags full (not just beer cans)! Luckily where we leave the dinghy is right by the shop and we can use their dustbins. Sometimes we have to sneak it into small garbage bins along the roadside. And of course the temperature is roasting hot at the moment so we don't want any morsels hanging around the boat.
We have two water tanks (235 litres each) on Thesee which we filled up two weeks ago in Marmaris. We are quite frugal with our water consumption, things like washing up in one inch of water etc. One of the tanks is now empty after two weeks, so time to think about where we can replenish. There's about 3 pontoons at the head of this bay where we are, one is quite rickety but we've had reports of decent meals there, and they have WATER too. Tomorrow we intend to go on this small pontoon for the day/night, fill up with water and a meal then Monday we're outta here 😢.
Sunday 2nd July...
Linda - Finally a lie in this morning. Strangely, the last few days the wind has picked up around 5am and I've been woken up by the movement.
There were a couple of hours spare before we moved onto the small rickety pontoon at the top of the bay. I passed the time doing one of my pastimes.... cross stitch. Unlike me, Dean did something useful which was making a new plate for the back of the dinghy. This is where the outboard engine sits. The old wooden plate was very badly worn, and since we noticed this, we've been on the lookout for a suitably sized plastic chopping board. We finally found a suitable plastic chopping board at the market yesterday. Dean had to cut and shape it to size this morning, which he found out afterwards made quite a mess on the boat..... and on him too or a matter of fact. Well the finished article is just the job.
Old and New
Fitting the new piece to the dinghy
Close up
All done.... super job
We arrived at the rickety quay about 11.30am. There's only space for about 3 or 4 boats maximum. Today just one other boat and us. Dean soon set about getting the hosepipe sorted, washing the decks and hull, filling the water tanks, and getting the laundry arranged. He didn't stop until 3pm. The water pressure is very low, but one has to take what is on offer, no matter how long it takes.
Hose pipe sorting
Small hotel on shore
Quite pleasant view
Lovely looking this way across the rickety quay
After a short break, one more job for today, removing the (now) tatty mosquito netting from the companion way doors.
The deal for going on a restaurant quay is that there is no charge for the quay but you must eat in their restaurant. We haven't got a problem with that because at least you feel that you are actually getting something for your money. And, it was also kind of a late Birthday celebration for Dean.
At the restaurant
Birthday selfies
Looking at Thesee from our dinner table 😀
He's bigger than the pontoon!!
Getting in the mood
Belated Birthday Boy
Obligatory kitty at the dinner table
Pudding......erm... not sure about that
The next blog post will be called 'Waiting and counting down to Greece'
No comments:
Post a Comment