Continued from
http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,8271.0.html :
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The island in Keci Buku |
The next day, we sailed across to Simi to stock up on cheap booze and pork!
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Approaching Simi |
When in Simi, I decided that seeing as I was on holiday, and seeing as Exup in particular wanted some good pics of the trip, I decided to hire a scooter for the day and explore the island. At 15€, it was very much worth it! In true Greek style, helmet rental was optional...
The rented 'ped, Rhodes in the background |
The rented 'ped, Rhodes in the background |
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Simi harbour |
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A better view |
Pethi bay. We often anchor here. Note Turkey in the background |
Pethi bay. We often anchor here. Note Turkey in the background |
About 45 minutes later, I got to the South end of the island. Apart from the phenomenal view, the smell was incredible. The air was so thick with the smell of wild sage and thyme, you could almost cut it! You got the impression you could almost smell the sunlight too. It was incredible. And talk about a stunning view!!
Panormittis bay , Rhodes in the background |
Panormittis bay , Rhodes in the background |
On the way back - Pethi to the right, Simi harbour the left |
On the way back - Pethi to the right, Simi harbour the left |
Emborio, just to the west of Simi's main harbour |
Emborio, just to the west of Simi's main harbour |
Simi harbour, seen from the west |
Simi harbour, seen from the west |
Sadly, the next day, we had to leave to head back to Marmaris.
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Leaving Simi |
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Bye, Simi... |
Dad and I dropped into Loryma for lunch with Tazeena.
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Tazeena |
Tazeena is an incredible woman. After a very distinguished career working in set design, she retired and continued her other great passion in life: sailing. Although over 70, she still single hands her 38ft Freedom rig ketch, Bathsheba Everdene. She is also my adopted grandmother!
Actually, that lunchtime was rather dramatic. After a good lunch, Tazeena was planning to anchor off the pontoon where we had both moored. I offered to help, with Dad then casting Mianda off alone, and coming alongside for enough time for he to hop back onto Mianda before dailing on to Marmaris.
Didn't quite work out like that. As it so happened, as we were casting off, by a stroke of incredibly bad luck, the mooring line fouled Tazeena's propellor. I had to strip to undies, hop overboard and clear it. But after I cleared it, Tazeena found she couldn't turn the wheel, and the prop wasn't engaging. A second look told us the rope had pulled the propshaft out!!
After a quick chat with Dad, he continued on up to Marmaris alone (no choice, Mum was returning the next day; he HAD to be there) while I stayed to help Tazeena. I hopped back into the water, and to my delight and horror, the prop shaft slipped back in, easy as you please, and the engine reengaged. We took stock, and decided to motor up to either Bozburun or Keci Buku, places where she could get expert help. Loryma doesn't even have a proper road (if any) leading to it.
Tazeena and I motored up to Keci Buku, a 5 hour trip in very sloppy seas, me helming Bathsheba by hand, standing up for most of it. We motored, as we were worried that if the propshaft could fall out again if it stopped turning, and pushing forward (and in, effectively)! We eventually got there, and I got a lift back to Marmaris from a friend. Poor Dad had a very tiring trip too, sailing solo downwind (jib up only) in force 6 / 7 on the Beaufort scale with some difficult gybes to contend with.
But back to Marmaris. We anchored off Yacht Marin in the South East of the Marmaris bay.
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Yacht Marin |
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The anchorage |
The anchorage again. Mianda's the boat on the right |
The anchorage again. Mianda's the boat on the right |
Unfortunately, those last few days flew past, and before I even knew it, it was nearly time to go back to England. Before leaving, my parents a few friends and I had a bit of a goodbye meal in the excellent Yacht Marin restaurant.
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Goodbye meal |
The next day (Sunday the 9th of June), it was on the bus to Dalaman airport. I got in at 2am UK time (4am body clock time), and had to wait until about 6:30am before I could catch a train to St Albans to be picked up by a friend who'd been looking after my Fazer in my abscense. I still haven't recovered!
Leaving Marmaris. Bye, Turkey! |
Leaving Marmaris. Bye, Turkey! |
Three weeks of enjoying Turkey, sailing, swimming and brilliant fresh fruit and veg! The time flew by as if on wings, although there were several moments when I severly missed being able to zoom abound on the FZS. It was an interesting experience being back out: the last time I'd been in Turkey had been in October 2009, for a paltry 10 days half term, when I used to live on that boat for 6 months of the year, for up to 4 months at a time. It was great catching up with old friends, but strange to see all the changes to the places I knew, not to mention missing people who'd simply sailed on. One thing is certain though, the trip was bloody good fun!!