Faults

Leaving Kalkan for Kas we had a good view of the coastline. There are dramatic gorges and caves dotted along it. One photo shows the geological fault line that encourages some rocks to part company from their neighbours.

Rather than enjoying the even more chaotic town harbour of Kas we opted for the marina. The skipper finally remembered that he said 'never again' on each recent visit to the harbour. Crossed anchors are almost unavoidable, and the commercial traffic has no mercy on the likes of us. So instead the crew can relax at the marina pool and mentally practise her knots.

Force 6 to 7 soon

The forecast encouraged us to set off in good time to get past the Notorious Seven Capes' and beyond Patara to the harbour at Kalkan.

In the event the winds were light and the sea was smooth. Last night the wind did blow up for a while, and the yacht next to us had to reset its anchor twice in the dark. A large gulet also had problems but we wondered if the guests were aware of the crew working away with the anchor and using the dinghy as a tug to push the gulet into place.

So now we are settled in the busy town harbour at Kalkan, with dozens of little tour boats, one large gulet and a rare flotilla composed entirely of young people. Their advertising must be very specific. Earplugs are at the ready. Flotillas have almost disappeared, even Sunsail has decamped from Turkey to Croatia and elsewhere.

Rain?

A very peaceful day overshadowed by dramatic dark clouds over the mountains. They teased us all day, with distant flashes of lightning and thunderous rumbles. It looked as if they might pass by, but we were deluding ourselves. The rain has arrived so we are enjoying the cosy saloon down below, with the wet world safely shut out.

Socialising, sailing, and solitude

After a very social evening with other Cruising Association members, and an unaccustomed late night, today saw a proper sail across the Gulf of Fethiye to Gemiler Island.

A regular supplier on a local boat sold us melon, figs, dried figs, eggs, and an apple pie. The apple pie was a bit dubious, but the fruit is great.

The wind has dropped, the sun has set, and it is time for the galley slave to get to work.

Round Bay

At last a peaceful night at anchor, rewarded by perfect visibility for stars and passing satellites.

Sunrise at this time of year comes at a more civilised time, so it is no problem to be up in time to catch it.

Now dressing in our finest for a Cruising Association dinner in Tomb Bay. If there's a prize for smallest boat it's ours.

Farewell Gocek

Final preparations sorted; water tanks topped up; bread for a couple of days chosen; and off we went. The little street scene includes our new favourite fruit and vegetable shop. They turn out to have everything else as well, shifting crates of oranges and figs to find ice-cube bags.

A brisk sail S to Round Bay, where it has remained resolutely 'brisk' all day. Crisps have just blown out of the bowl! So skipper on duty to cook up something tasty while the crew gives words of encouragement and demands more gin.

Ready for the next voyage

Wednesday, and the awaited part arrived for a final repair. Nigel finished his work and we are just about ready for the sea tomorrow.

An experiment in refrigeration is under way. The bags for ice cubes haven't worked too well, so a large piece of pink foam insulation has now been carved out to encapsulate the ice cube bag against the evaporator plate. It remains to be seen if Heath Robinson is alive and well.

We consoled ourselves with a second afternoon on the beach - actually only an hour or so - as the temperatures are still mid thirties. The sea is wonderfully warm and inviting.