What a day. Got to the restaurant at 09h15. First we walked to the meeting point to pick up the bus from the hotel Falcom Crest then switched to a bigger bus and were driven into Koycegiz. This town is situated on a lake so in fact we were making the trip in the opposite way from usual. We visited the market and found some trinkets. “Bird” was so annoyed at the price that the seller was asking that he got Caryn back half the amount she had originally paid!!! Caryn thought that she had originally bargained quite well. Svein also found some Turkish rolling tobacco (at last). Then we had lunch and took the tripper boat that had been organised for us by the owner of the 2 restaurants. We were the only passengers. We crossed the lake and then meandered up the Dalyan river through the rushes – sometimes with only a passage the width of the boat at other times crossing large open sections. We passed through Dalyan town that was full of tourists and hotels and saw the rock tombs on the cliff. Eventually we arrived at Turtle beach under a terrific thunderstorm. We waited until the rain had stopped before visting the beach and seeing the barrier between the fresh water lake and the open sea. On the river also went through a fish trap. A cushy job pushing the button to lower the barrier when the tripper boats pass in both directions. We ended the day by visiting the mud and thermal baths on the shores of the lake. Although we did not try out the baths we had fun watching the people trying out the different options. Eventually we were brought back to Ekincik by the owner of the restaurants who had organised the whole outing. Again a thunderstorm on the way back from Turtle Bay and another whilst waiting to be picked up so 3 in all during the day. Fortunately the boat was locked up so she stayed dry and the storms were not so bad on that side of the mountain. We had a quick dinner when we got back to Ekincik and then back to the boat for a cosy evening. Pictures

After anchoring we launched the dinghy and took the dolmus to explore Marmaris. Svein bought some aluminium so that we could strengthen the windlass fitting.  We called in at various sail repairers and arranged for North Sails to come and collect the stay sail that we want altered. We also asked them for a quote for a  new main sail.

After our first night a anchor here we took the dinghy into Yacht Marina and explored. First we found the technical shops, supermarket, library, swimming pool, restaurant and finally the laundry. It really is a big place.  On returning to the boat Svein started repairing the weak spots in the deckhouse and main door with epoxy and filler. He also painted  the back hatch cover and put antislip on it so as to avoid any further accidents.

The next day we again took the bus into Marmaris having found a jetty nearer to the bus stop.  This time we bought the pole for the staysail plus fixtures. We also bought more green paint and epoxy. We had lunch in a great restaurant before returning to the boat when Svein painted a second coat on the deckhouse window frames. He is always finding some to do and cannot sit still!

We are still anchored outside Pupa and again we took the  dinghy into Yacht Marina. We wanted to do some laundry but it is closed on a Sunday. We did buy the tokens necessary and then went and spent the afternoon at the pool. Stronger winds have blown up and it was a wet ride back to the boat.

Calmer seas today when we returned to Yacht Marina. After a great deal of hassle  we finally got the washing done and spent the day at the pool while we waited. They also have an extensive library so we have been able to  swop our stock of books for the next stage of our trip. We have been surprised at the difficulty in getting internet whilst in Turkey so took full advantage of the free service at Yacht Marina and called our families to reassure them that all was well.

Another day and a very expensive one at that. We went into Marmaris and ordered a new main sail (made to measure) from North Sails. We also bought new diving equipment for Svein.  The temperatures are rising so we were glad to get out of the town and back to the boat for a swim in the sea.

Today we waited for North Sails to come and measure for the new sail.They came  in the late afternoon as took numerable measurements and delivered the  altered stay sail.  We had moved to Pupa jetty so it was easier for them to come on board and it gave us a chance to have electricity so that Svein could do the necessary work on the staysail fittings and windlass.

It had been our Intention to sail today when the work was finished but Laerke rang to say they were on their way so when we were ready we moved out to anchor again and visited them. We all went into Pupa hotel and had a fantastic dinner.

On our last day Caryn took Niels into town to show him shops and to get the last minute shopping. Once back on board we spent the day on the boat.  As some very strong winds blew up in the evening we moved anchorage and then Laerke  came to a farewell dinner on board. Pictures

We left Orhaniye for the trip to Marmaris. We managed to sail a little but it was mostly head winds. We decided to break the journey and stopped for the night in Serce bay where we bought some local honey from a fisherman

After several swims we moved on to a new anchorage in Kidragi Limani. We had very strong winds that made for uncomfortable sailing. Svein succeeded in painting the deckhouse window frames. He also managed to injure a thumb whilst  hoisting the mizzen when he slipped on the back hatch.

After two days we arrived in Marmaris and anchored near Yacht Marina outside Pupa hotel.  Pictures