Franciscan on Sister Water

After a long winter in Marmaris, we have decided to get back to sailing again.  After checking our stores and getting the boat “ship shape” we have set out.  It is quite sad to have to say “goodbye” to many of our friends, who we spent the Winter with, but we will either keep in touch with them through e-mail or we will see them next Winter in Marmaris.

Leaving Marmaris, Turkey

Our first stop was in Serce Limani.  We thought we would be the only boat there, but there were two other boaters who anchored there for the night.  I guess the sailing season starts early here.

We did not go ashore, but enjoyed some relaxing time on the boat.  Serce Limane is very peaceful.  When we first arrived we were greeted by a squid.  It came out to the boat than swam away.  I have never seen a squid in the water before, so it was quite a treat.  The water also was quite clear.  We had one purple squid in the afternoon and another came by, that was almost transparent, towards evening.

Friendly Squid

We decided to get up early the next morning and leave for the Datca Peninsula.  One nice thing about getting up early, one can enjoy the colorful sunrises.

Sunrise, Serce Limane, Turkey

Also in the morning, the cows came down from the mountains to feed on the green grass near the beach.  The head cow then hollered for them all to come back up the hill.

Cows grazing, Serce Limani, Turkey

Leaveing this peaceful sight, we continued to the Datca Peninsula to arrive at another peaceful place, Ova Buku.   We anchored and went ashore and had lunch at one of the local restaurants.  There was an interesting rock formation that we climbed around.  Grocery shopping was next and then we headed back to the boat.

Ova Buku, Turkey

After a quiet night, we rose early and left for the Bodrum Peninsula.  While rounding the lighthouse at Knidos, we saw a Monk Seal in the water.  Because the water was so calm, it was fairly easy to spot.  They peak their heads out of the water and look around a bit.  Usually, they are hard to see because of the wave action.

Monk Seal off Knidos, Turkey

We had a great sail Knidos to around the southern tip of Kos.  But, then the wind was in our face.  We motor sailed in.

Our landing was Aspat Kuyu.  This is just around the corner from Akyarlar.  It is a small bay with a nice beach and a restaurant or two.  We went ashore to explore the town of Akyarlar and buy some groceries.  It was so hot that ice cream was a welcome treat.

Anchoring along with the fishermen, Aspat Kuyu, Turkey

We weren’t sure where we would go from Aspat Kuyu.  We decided we might sail along to Didim if the winds were coming from the right direction.  There was little wind at all and most of the day was flat calm.  It was not so bad for a change.

Calm Seas to Didim

After about five and a half hours, we arrived in Didim where we will stay for a few days.  Sometimes one has to wait for good weather again.