ISTANBUL

Having ensured the boat was left safely in Gochek we flew up to Istanbul for a few days.

We found it quite overwhelming with it's huge population of over 14 million.  Heavy traffic and packed trams on the roads, boats of all sizes on the Golden Horn and Bospheros all contributed to our sense of frenetic activity.

The Blue Mosque

There were some wonderful sights.  I took this shot of the Blue Mosque from the hotel roof.

The next day we went off to visit the Mosque and found that the interior was just as magnificent.  Visitors are only allowed entry when there there are no services.

Known as the Blue Mosque because of the wonderful blue tiles from Iznik.

The Grand Bazaar......

We also visited the Grand Bazaar with it's never-ending passages of treasures and great for last minute gifts.

The Spice Bazaar

Alan was more interested in the Spice Bazaar, which was amazing.  Everywhere in Turkey we have found such beautiful produce.

Great windows full of Turkish Delight, and stalls with Pomegranates.

AYA SOFIA

Completed in 537, it was the greatest Church in the Christian World before the Ottoman Conquest in 1453 when it was converted to a Mosque.  In 1935 Ataturk proclaimed it was to be a Museum.

We look forward to returning to Istanbul next April.

FRIENDS WHO SHARED THE JOURNEY

Various friends joined us over the Summer.

JOHN STORR

A long lost friend who we hadn't seen for twenty years, it was surreal to catch up with John on the  beautiful island of Paxos.

THE BISSETTS

Lynne and Gerry Bissett all the way from Sydney

Lynne and Gerry joined us in Lefkas and shared the journey through the Gulf of Patras, the Corinth Canal and into the Aegean Sea.

Gerry acted as co-Captain on the boat and Lynne chronicled all the adventures by camera and daily diary.

THE GARCIAS

Early in July Cathy and David Garcia joined us in Andros.  We celebrated Cathy's birthday in Tinos and had a day off the boat to celebrate.

Both Cathy and David are experienced sailors so it was such a shame we didn't get many good sailing winds, however there was more time for swimming and culinary adventures.

We travelled across the Aegean Sea and finally left Greece in Kos, the journey then continued into Turkey where we all enjoyed exploring the coastline as far as Fethiye.   

THE GOMEZ

Begona and Elbio joined us in mid-August, fortunately the weather was kind with gentle winds.  Despite never sailing before they both seemed to enjoy the experience.

Their time went far too quickly.

Last but not least  FRAN 

Fran was our only visitor last year and we obviously got 'the stamp of approval' as she caught up with us  again in Gochek.  

We spent the fortnight sailing around the Bay of Fethiye enjoying somewhat cooler weather and warm seas.

FETHIYE BAY

Beautiful Fethiye Bay was one of the major highlights of our summer.  It's situated on the Lycian Coast ( part of the Mediterranean Coast) and about 77 Ks north west of Rhodes.  It's a huge 'playground' for boats, especially yachts, and is well served by marinas in Fethiye and Gochek.

Red marks show our favourite overnight anchorages.

Moody B'Lou in Küçük Kuyruk Bay

There are numerous inlets around the Bay.

We visited the bay of Kucuk Kuyruk several times with different friends and on this occasion we were especially fortunate to have the magical place to ourselves.

The indented coast is lined by rugged tree-clad hills that sweep down to crystal clear waters.  No need to ask if we enjoyed the swimming........

Evening light - a spectacular show each night........

The Taurus Mountains formed dramatic blue layers along the coast, unfortunately my photos never did them justice......

We often stayed for two or three nights and enjoyed lazy days of swimming, reading and goat watching!

The goats are incredibly nimble and seem to follow a daily routine of inspecting the coastline on their own special network of paths.

There were lots of great barbecues accompanied by quaffable Turkish wine.  In the port towns of Gochek and Fethiye there were plentiful supplies of local fresh vegetables and fruit.

However it was the sheer beauty of the bay's environment that we loved.

We chose a marina in Gochek to leave the boat over the winter months.   We will certainly enjoy returning here next April.