Summer in the UK

This summer was different for us, we were going back to the UK for a couple of months. Gordon's mother, Jill was 80 at the end of July so we were flying home and had decided to stay for a while. It had been too hot in the Med the previous year, we could earn more for the cruising fund and Gordon could play on his motorbike without fear of getting wet or cold!!

Glorious weather greeted us on our return and a family gathering at Jill's house saw us celebrate her 80th Birthday. Then back to the grindstone of work which is much harder to do when the weather is warm and the evenings light. But work we did except for when we took a couple of holidays!!

Sailing in the Solent

Jane & Mark weren't coming out to us this year and instead invited us out sailing in the Solent. We'd been concerned that it would be cold and wet but are pleased to report warm sunny weather and good sails each day. We returned to some old haunts of years past, Cowes, Yarmouth, Newtown Creek and enjoyed a fabulous evening in Hythe marina with Steve & Maggie of Rassy Lady. Mooring on their berth, BBQ'ing on their patio and using their facilities. Sorry not open to all Solent users! An excellent few days and more so as we were the guests not the hostess and skipper. Some boat maintenance was required along the way but a cracking week. Thanks Jane & Mark.

After a few days back at work we were off on our next jolly - on a canal boat with Dave and Marilyn. A

A different pace of life

70ft traditional barge with all mod cons on the Kennet & Avon canal. We lost count of the number of locks we went through and the miles we covered but a relaxing time at a much slower pace than we are used to.Again the weather was good to us and the coats stayed in the bag. We were able to BBQ in some stunning places on pleasant evenings even celebrating Dave & Marilyn's wedding anniversary a week late - a long story but we were a week late for their actual wedding day and so it's tradition! Some maintenance was needed along the way, some urgent when we lost reverse whilst heading for a lock gate. Thankfully no lasting damage to the boat or lock gate!!! Thanks Dave & Maz really enjoyed it and we'll be back for more when you get your own boat.


Back to work to save for the cruising fund but we managed a few BBQ's and to meet up with some friends along the way. Time for us to head back to the boat came round quickly and at the right moment as the weather was starting to turn autumnal and a lot cooler. It had been good in the UK for summer and we enjoy the greeness of the country but Crazydream was calling.

On our return to Greece we were met in Kos by Rassy Lady who had offered us a lift back to Leros on their yacht. We couldn't have asked for more, a pleasant wind to take us north, sailing for 4 out of the 6 hours and moored just 3 boats away from Crazydream. No humping of luggage across the islands. Thanks Steve & Maggie.

Crazydream sailing away from Lipsi

All was well on the boat and with an outlook of good weather for a few days we got her ready to sail in a day, including scrubbing her bottom. As she hadn't moved for nearly 3 months her underside was covered in slime and bushes which would slow us down if we didn't get rid of it. So G went in the water with the scrubbing brush!

We had some nice sails up to the islands of Lipsi and Arki with Rassy Lady. It wasn't a race but they won each time but our excuse was that our bottom was dirty! One sail was in stronger winds than P really liked and it reiterated that she is a fair weather sailor and sees no enjoyment in holding on whilst the boat is at a 45' angle. On our return to Leros we stopped at an idyllic anchorage spot for lunch and to scrub her bottom again. Although the water was 23'C it felt very chilly if you weren't actually scrubbing! With a forecast of strong winds and rain we headed back to the safety of the marina and a reunion with Marinerme, Frank and Jenny. The three boats, Crazydream, Marinerme and Rassy Lady have been cruising and wintering together on and off for the last 8 years or so.

Plenty of socialising and planning of the winter jobs begin!

Crazydream, Marinerme & Rassy Lady in Lipsi

Windy July

Anne-Marie on the Helm

We spent a couple of weeks in Hisaronu Korfezi, one of our favourite cruising areas. We were lucky enough to have Anne Marie join us from Fethiye for a few days. Great to catch up and a chance for us to return some of the hospitality we get on visits to her. Our time however went far too quickly and saw Anne Marie heading back to Matapan and us to Greek waters, after a stock up from the local market. As much fruit and veg that you can carry for less than £4, 2 litres of local olive oil for less than £6 and 2kg of chicken for less than £5 – good job the freezer is still working well to store it all.

Palon harbour on Nisiros

A couple of fast sails – up to 8.4 knots, saw us in Panormitis to sit out the next blow. Three nights of windy weather before we saw a weather window to head for Nisiros. Again a cracking sail with speeds up to 8 kts until the wind dropped for an hour in the middle of the 30 mile crossing. Lots of space in Nisiros and the following day saw us take the lines of C’est la Vie and a few days were spent together before we headed off to Kos to pick up Kathryn.

Kathryn lived up to her nick name of windy witch. After her first couple of days on board, the wind filled in to 20-25kts plus and stayed there for the next 10 days. In fact until she’s gone home. We managed a few sails with her to Leros, Arki, Lipsi and then back to Leros to the safety of our paid for marina berth!

Windy Leros

The enforced stay in the marina saw us touring the island in a car and being true tourist, going to the beach on a couple of days. With the wind as strong as it was Kathryn was quite happy to catch the ferry to Kos for her flight home. Apparently the trip was quite lumpy!

With just over two weeks till we flew home we decided to stay put in the marina. The meltemi wind was here to stay which kept it cooler on the boat but still too warm in the middle of the day to do jobs.

Looking towards Kalimnos from Leros

A very sad day happened when C’est la Vie (Sven & Caryn), who had followed us up from Nisiros, was at anchor in Lakki. The boat caught fire and was totally lost to the flames. Thankfully they were not on board (they were touring the island) and were not hurt but they were true liveaboards and lost everything apart from what they had ashore with them. Very sad and tragic, we were only pleased that they were alright. All we could do was help in what seemed little way. Drinks on Crazydream, offer of accommodation, rading the wardrobe for clothes. Many people offered and gave help as only the yachting community can. Even the locals in Lakki offered help. A very sad end to this year’s early cruising. It really does make you stop and think.
 

Local boats on Leros

Early Season

We finally decided we should get out of the marina for a shake down cruise, also we needed to fill the freshwater tanks and didn't want to pay for water. We headed north in light winds checking we'd put everything back the right way after the winter. Everyting seemed to work apart from the bleeper on the autohelm, hopefully we'll get that sorted without incurring a hefty bill from Raymarine - the maker or we'll just keep saying "beep" each time we press a button!

Lipsi early in the season

We arrived in Lipsi to find just two other boats on the quay, two more would follow us. It was still early in the season and idyllic. Although the water tap had a padlock on it, it still worked up to half open. It only took 2 hours to fill the tanks!
We ate at Manoli's, a taverna at the top of the stairs in the village. Everyday he comes down to the quay in his chiefs outfit to tell the yachts what he has and where to find him. We haven't ate better on the island yet.
It would have been easy to stay longer but there was a weather window if we wanted to go north and G wanted to go to Arki and the taverna with the music. We anchor'd off for one night taking lines ashore but the sea was still too cold to enjoy the swim and the evenings too chilly to sit in the cockpit. We managed our first BBQ of the year but were below decks way before 9pm!
Arki was quiet with only 5 yachts on the quay, the wind blew constantly whilst we were there but other than making us cold we were very safe. A night in the music bar saw a few sore heads the following day. We decided to head back to Lakki with a sail downwind seeing our first turtle and had dolphins playing off the bow - lovely. Back to the marina to do a few jobs and to enjoy the Greek Easter celebrations. The marina bar hosted a free lunch for the yachties, traditional Easter lamb and free drinks. Although the beer ran out there was plenty of ouzo going. We'd have stayed later except that Chris from Vonasi call to say he was just coming into the bay. Riding bikes and taking lines is not that easy after a free Greek lunch and drink session!
It was good to catch up with Chris but seemed strange with no Claire who was in the UK dealing with her mothers estate. A few meals and drinks had before Chris headed out towards the Cyclades, he was heading for the Ionian.

Kalimnos Harbour

Time for us to start heading for Kos for G's sister's, Lin, holiday. She had a hotel room booked for her duration but we hoped to get her out on the boat although she'd never been on Crazydream before.
A stop in Kalimnos town where our first breakage of the year happened - the shower drain pump decided not to work. A few hours later, with the pump being dissembled at least 3 times, a new impeller was required but it was sunday! The following morning found us trawling the greek chandlers and eventually finding a Greek impeller that would fit and at a good price. Shower pump now works.
We arrived in Kos at the time we'd said (always difficult when sailing) and there was Lin in the harbour entrance with a beer in hand. Lunch on board with more drinks prior to seista, well for Lin, we decided to fill with water (again for free) and shop for beer and wine (not free!).
A couple of days in Kos showing Lin the sights and using her hotel shower saw rolly nights in the harbour on the boat and a surge at one time causing us to hit the bottom with the rudder. It was not pleasant and so it was time to head off.

Kos Free Quay

With a southerly forecast we headed northward stopping again in Kalimnos, then onto Leros where the strong southerly blew through before we headed back south. There was a lot of shore time with us being attached to the land each day, we even hired a car for one day to show Lin the island of Leros where we have kept the boat for the last four winters. She caught the ferry from Kalimnos to Kos and we headed for Nisiros to sit out another southerly that was due to blow.
As with most times when we go into Nisiros, Ces la Ve were in port and we caught up with what each other have been doing over the last couple of years. Sven was still enjoying being "harbour master" helping boats who got into trouble whilst mooring or leaving. The Port Police where in force here, well one chap came round everyday to check papers and take money. Cost us nearly as much as our marina berth a night but it was a safe harbour for the blow and a lovely beach for a swim. Downside is that you feel obliged to eat out in one of the many taverna's that line the small harbour and then it starts to get expensive.

Leros looking south from the castle

On to Tilos for a free stop and to stock up from the local butcher before heading over to Symi to sit out another blow that was forecast. A very good anchorage at Panormitis saw it full of boats, some closer than we'd have liked! The blow came in when it said it would and we saw a few boats drag their anchors, we held firm but put a chum weight on the anchor chain to get further away from the boat who we and a canadian boat couldn't wake up. A little sleep that night before P was up anchor watching as the wind increased. It turned off in the evening giving us enough time to have Geoff and Liz from Surf Song over for a drink and to discuss some of the yachts anchoring techniques!
Onto Symi town to stock up before a few weeks in the Turkish anchorages in Hisaronu Korfezi. As ever we went to Georgina's for our beer and wine supply and were pleased to see her busy and that people we had recommended to her had visited and spent some money. A noisy night from the cafe bar made our decision to head off the next day. A nice downwind sail and anchored behind the island of Kiseli Adasi, an idyllic anchorage until the wind turns, we dislodge the rock that we are attached to the land with, wind increasing with us on a lee shore (being blown onto the land 10m behind us) and rain - all before 7am. We spent some time looking for somewhere to hide as did many others, with all the normal places open to the wind blowing 30kts plus and other places too deep. Eventually we settled outside of the islands for a few hours knowing that the wind was going to change again and we'd need to move - again - oh the joys of cruising!
An arrangement to meet Frank from Marinerme saw us heading to one of our favourite anchorages, Dirsek, a spot backed onto the beach with lines ready for Frank when he arrived (he was on his own as Jenny was back in the UK). The offer of pork chop on the barbie was a too good and it saw us meeting a day early and staying together for a few days. Sadly only two of the blue band gang where together, Rassy Lady weren't out but hopefully we'll get us altogether in the autumn and maybe this unsettled weather will sort itself out!

Winter 2012

After the wedding life got into some sort of routine, P working back at QA hospital on the bank in orthopaedics and G doing odd jobs and looking for work. He had inherited a motor bike, a Moto Guzzi 1000s ( a bike he'd always fancied and never been able to afford) from a friend who had died following a road accident. If you couldn't find Gordon he was in the garage "tinkering" getting the bike road worthy and MOT'd for its 19th birthday. Geoff Hebditch would have been pleased to see it back on the road again.

The inherited Moto Guzzi

An add in the local paper saw G making a phone call and then working for Southern Self Drive, a car/van hire firm. It was minimal wage and day by day notice but fairly regular work.

We tried to catch up with as many people as possible which wasn't always easy with peoples commitments and working ourselves. We managed a few days with cruising friends in Worthing with Crazydream, Flirtie, Matapan and Vonasi crews gathering.Great to see everyone but strange without Geoff  from Matapan who passed away in summer 2011. He was there is spirit!

Gathering in Worthing

Curries or outings to Whetherspoon's (its the only place we can afford to eat and drink!) with different friends through the winter were regular events and 6 months seemed to pass quite quickly. The last few weeks seeming to be quite a rush with G doing decorating, bathroom refurbishments as well as driving and doing roofing repairs. Things still needed to be bought to take back to the boat, keeping within our 20kg each luggage allowance - amazing what you can get in hand luggage!

After last goodbyes we were finally heading back to Crazydream over Easter weekend via Rhodes for a short holiday. We decided to fly in there as we were not likely to take the boat there. Although it has a nice new marina, its not open yet and the town harbour has minimal space. So in true cruising style we flew in and hired a car! In 3 days we visited the old walled town, ancient sites and toured the island. Our stay turned out to be longer than anticipated due to bad weather.

Rhodes Harbour entrance

Strong southerly winds, 50knots plus prevented the fast catamaran running and delayed the ordinary ferry as it couldn't get into the harbour (waves crashing over the breakwater and swell coming up the ferry slip way). We opted for another night in the hotel and thus 2 extra days in Rhodes with many others in the same predicament. At least the sun was shining. We finally got toCrazydream at 4am in the morning.

There was a few things to sort, leaking window, leak through the deck at the bottom of the mast and the exploded battery! The battery could have been a lot worse but thankfully the battery box contained the spilt acid and not further damage was apparent, just the replacement battery to purchase. All this before the normal relaunching jobs took place. A week later found us afloat in Leros Marina. Since we've been in the water its been windy from the north making it quite chilly even with the sun shining. We actually got the winter tent out and on so that we could sit up top and watch the world go by and keep us warmer - definitely not BBQ weather yet! It says its going to improve and it needs to before we go sailing - even the quilt is on the bed, a first for a few years!

Crazydream being launched

When the weather gets better we'll be heading out for some cruising.

Ending the Season

Panormitis, Sym

We spent time anchoring in our favourite Turkish gulf, Hisaronu Korfezi and returned to Iskele pontoon when we needed to fill with water and jobs were overdue. We met with friends Pattie & Paul of Sarilla and spent many nights with them (mainly on their boat as their air con works better than ours!!) before it was time to head off. But the socialising didn't end there as we met with Vonasi again. Our six week wait for Jane & Mark went quickly and we were soon making our way back to the Gocek area where thankfully it seemed a bit cooler or were we just getting used to it?

Crazydream at anchor

Boat cleaned and jobs completed ready for Jane & Mark's arrival when we planned to take them out to cruise in the Gocek bay (Skopea Lamini). Idyllic as it has short distances between anchorages, flat seas and wind from the south most afternoons. In fact too much choice of idyllic places to go! Girls had a treat when we headed to Fethye and moored at Yacht Classic, a hotel with a pontoon where yachts moored there they can use the hotel facilities, including the swimming pool with the understanding that you eat in their restaurant and pay a small fee for the boat (which includes water and electric hook up). The treat for the girls was a Turkish "starter pack" Haman. This consisted of a sauna (the longer the better they said to get the dead skin off!) then laying on a marble slab to have water thrown over you with no warning - refreshing after the sauna! You were then scrubbed before a foam bath was put all over you followed by more throwing of water. Finally a nice relaxing massage for half an hour. Very nice and all for 100 Lira (approx £30.00). All this was to prepare us for the trip back west towards Bodrum - against the prevailing wind and current.

Heading out of "Shark Bay"

The weather has been checked and it was good to go, we managed a 45nm trip in relative comfort and sailing for three hours of it. It doesn't sound that great but we've had bad trips along this coast and a few years ago we'd have lost Jane below decks with a bucket for the whole trip, where this year sunbathing on the aft deck was taking place! Back into familiar waters for Jane& Mark which saw us anchoring once more in idyllic places in Hisaronu Korfezi, relaxing before the dreaded trip around Knidos, a notorious windy corner which we had to get round to get Jane & Mark to the Bodrum area for their flight home and us to Leros for our winter berth. There were reef's in and out of the main sail (mainly in - making the sail smaller) and we had a fairly comfortable, if wet passage only changing destination once as the waves increased and the wind went more on the nose. Again Jane remained on deck and participated in the reefing manoeuvres. On one occasion when P had a moment of forgetfulness and managed to trap her hand in the self tailing genoa winch, Jane rushed below decks to get an ice pack and administer first aid whilst the boat was under sail and heeled over. Going below decks when undersail, other than to lie down, was a thing Jane never used to do, even trips to the heads went on this year!Thankfully no serious damage to P's hand just a little blood and a lasting bruise!

Evros Marina, Leros

Jane & Mark's time on the boat ended too quickly and found them heading off to Bodrum airport and P&G back to Leros where Crazydream was to stay again for the winter but in the marina in Lakki this time. Too many changes of rules and regulations put a stop to staying on the hard in Partheni and so into Evros Marina we headed. The winter list of jobs came out and got slowly ticked off as we cleaned and got ready to be lifted out of the water and head back to the UK for the wedding of the year, G's niece, Maddie and Bill.

Gordon had been asked to give Maddie away in place of Grandpa who passed away three years ago. He was very honoured and did Maddie proud. Everyone looked lovely with the excuse to dress up. The whole day went smoothly considering the worry and stress that was happening when we arrived home.

The Bride & Groom

Guest in Turkey

There are some idyllic ancorages in Turkish waters near to Symi and we anchored in some whilst killing time till we could check in. The Turks have a visa rule which at this time is 90 days in every 180 unless you take out residency, which you can with a yachts transit log but it all costs! We knew we needed to be in Turkish waters until the 10th September (Jane & Marks hols) and so worked back to when to check in. Anchoring in the Hisaronu Korfezi, mainly Orhaniye allowed us to catch up with friends we hadn't seen in sometime, Cloud 9, Advocator and Fandangle. Some drinking and the odd late night passed easily but we may have to stop off in Symi to restock - again!!
Ian and Yvonne (previous Nicola Jane owners) were on their annual Sunsail flotilla holiday and again our paths would cross and Crazydream would choose to moor next to sunsail boats again. It was great to catch up with Ian and Yvonne and as their route took them to Symi we put a order in for more supplies (beer & wine) and organised a rendezvous later in their route to pick it up. We were returning to Orhaniye to pick Jonathan up, our first guest this year.

Hot P&G walking from Wall Bay to Ruin Bay

After settling onto the boat and a good nights sleep after travelling, we set off for a weeks sailing and mooring on restaurant pontoons. Jonathan said this was what he'd like to do and who were we to argue! Most days we got some sailing in but definately everyday there was much drinking and partaking of food. We met up with Rassy Lady for a night on her return from the Gocek area and the important rendezvous with Ian and Yvonne for the exchange of "supplies" and another night with Sunsail.
After a sail in uncomfortable seas we finally made Skopea Liman, the Gocek bay area where the sea is flat but there is wind and numerous bays to anchor or in most cases pick up a buoy. The bays are so deep that you are grateful of the buoys as you don't have enough anchor chain to feel happy relying on your anchor. So far we have managed to find free buoys - hopefully this will continue into the July and August months.
Our last night with Jonathan saw us in Boynoz Buku on a rickety pontoon with a shady wooded restaurant ashore. Their special that night was lamb casserole which was delicious unfortunately the wasps thought so too. The Turks have a great wasp deterrent - burning coffee powder, apparently they don't like it and if you don't like the smell you have to wait till dark to eat when the wasps have gone to bed! As we left the next day we were a little embarrassed as the waiter chased after us in his rib saying we hadn't paid. We all thought Jonathan had when he'd got his Raki (a local drink) at the bar but after further thought, Jonathan was sure his card come out of his wallet but he hadn't entered any numbers into a machine. The waiter was very understanding and said that Raki did this often!!

Iskele Pontoon - Orhaniye

Into Gocek town for some souvenir shopping for Jonathan, supplies and cleaning for Crazydream. The boys were going for a shave and hair cut, a first by anyone else for Jonathan (a shave that is). Both came out squeeky clean and feeling 10 years younger - for a while!
A great week but now we were ready for a rest, oh dear no such thing, Vonasi (Chris and Claire) were in the area and we had essential supplies to give to them (we managed to hide it away and not use it ourselves) and we wanted to catch up on their travels since we'd last seen them. We also only had 5 days till Kathryn joined us for her hols.
Having picked up Kathryn we headed off to explore some more of the Gocek bays and to see how busy the area was. Thankfully Kathryn didn't think that the 34-35'C temperature was too bad but she was always willing to swim the lines ashore or take them off. Even the sea temp was up to 30-31'C. We're starting to think its too hot for us here and its not even August. Cooler area needed next year!!

Kalekoy

Despite the heat we did some tourist bits with Kathryn, Gemiler Island, an old Byzantine settlement and Kayakoy the abandoned Greek village from 1923 after the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey. Its the setting for Louis de Berniere's novel "Birds without Wings" which describes the events leading up to the population exchange and the birth of modern Turkey under Ataturk, a thought provoking read.

P&G at Kalekoy

We experienced our first real katabatic wind (the night time strong wind that blows off the land as it cools) with Kathryn on board, which started about 2am and continued through till 8am. Thankfully our anchor was in well, holding Crazydream with the side wind as many boats had to move as they weren't holding, even the large gulet next to us anchor was not as tight as we'd have liked with him swinging about next to us. Many people had people up on deck but not Gordon, he slept through most of it!!
Nine days Kathryn was on board and her least miles during her stays so far with less than 70nm covered but some good sailing each day. Definately no competition as to who could get the highest speed out of Crazydream but G managed 8 kts beating to windward and getting the side decks wet! Kathryn says she'll see us again next year so we haven't put her off - yet!
We now have six weeks on our own till Jane and Mark head out and we'll spend the time in this same area hopefully still finding space and we'll be meeting up with Vonasi who are in the area for a little longer. Not sure that the beer and wine supplies will last, we'll just have to pay the Turkish price for some more!!

Crazydream Sailing

Well that was our inital thoughts but after a few nights with Vonasi, bbqing and drinking, supplies took a big hit and the temperatures in Gocek seemed to get hotter - 39'C by 10.30am!We made the decision to head back toward Symi for coolness and supplies. The seas were big outside of the sheltered Skopea Liman but it was not uncomfortable and we made good progress covering the 70nm in 3 days and being rewarded with cooler air and sea temperatures. We'll stay around here until we return to Gocek to pick up Jane & Mark for their annual holiday.

Start of the Season

We stayed our 10 free days in Leros, infact we stayed 12 as the wind was very strong and from the wrong direction. There was also a large swell coming into the harbour which meant big waves outside. The good thing about Lakki is if you take a short walk you can see out of the entrance and see what the sea is doing. If you see trees in the sea - its too rough, if its bushes then the sea is calming down!! Finally we left, we had to we were having to pay! We sailed to Kalimnos or rather motor sailed as the wind had turned right off. We were welcomed on the quay like long lost friends from the taverna family and spent a couple of days. They did give us some duff info on the buses - they don't actually run on a Sunday and so we walked up to the Hora and then up the steep steps to the castle. Hard work but worth it for the view from the top.

View from Kalimnos Castle

We went onto Nisiros to sit out a southerly wind which in fact when it came blew from the east there and thus straight in the entrance. We watched a boat get blown across the fishing boats, then our neighbour - a large Amel yacht had his anchor displaced and lent on us for half an hour as he had no power to pull up his anchor or to start his engine. Crazydream was in full ahead, still tied to the quay hoping that the anchor would hold both of us with the extra weight on it. There were fenders protecting the aft quarter and people on the quay pushing us off - it was a long half hour with the wind increasing all the time. Once the boats were sorted G helped the Amel sort his lack of power and recieved a bottle of wine for his trouble. Then a chartering skipper asked for advice about pulling off the quay and where to put his ropes (yes he really should not have been left in charge of a boat) and G got another bottle of wine. All this before 9am but thats not all, when a Swiss charter boat came in and really didn't know what to do he managed to pick up our anchor whilst trying to moor. Engine on full ahead again with "instructions" being shouted from the bow of the boat! When they managed to release our anchor and drop it, it was in the wrong place and with alot less chain so we decided we needed to relay and with the help of some people on the shore went out and relayed in 20 knots plus cross wind and even if we say so ourselves, did it quite well. The Swiss charter boat was still trying to get in an hour later, when we saw them in the taverna that night G apologised for the language used in the "instructions" and asked where they were going the next day so we could avoid them! They bought us a drink each. A stressful but rewarding (in alcholol) day.
We didn't want another day like that and with a favourable wind we set off for Symi. We didn't expect the wind and sea to be as much as it was and then to increase the nearer we got to Symi, gusting up to 30knots but thankfully from behind with only the genoa poled out and surfing the waves with speeds up to 9.5 knots. The sea was building as well and we were seeing waves up to 2 meters which at times meant we couldn't see the hull of the boat that was sailing close to us off Symi. Once inside the entrance of Panormitis the sea was fairly flat, we dropped anchor and stayed a week! We took the bus to Symi town to stock up and to see a bit of the island. A dozen hairpins on the road up to the top of the "hill" and then fabulous views of the Greek islands of Nisiros, Tilos, Rhodos and the Turkish coast. Half an hour to shop before the bus returned and the hairpins, if possible, were worse going down!

Symi Town

Temperatures were improving and we finally had our first swim of the year on the 27th May when the sea temp actually rose above 20'C - just! When we finally left Panormitis we had some gentle sails and stopped in some nice anchorages on the Turkish coast. We hadn't signed into the country yet but Rashit, the man who made our sprayhood last year was available to make some cockpit cushions for us so we stopped in one of favourite spot in Orhaniye to meet him. Two days later we had new cockpit cushions which we are trying desperately to keep clean - maybe a darker colour would have been better!!

Orhaniye

 We headed back to Symi to re stock and after some days at anchor, for some wi-fi.We stayed longer than we expected due to a fouled anchor - stuck fast to debris on the bottom and held more so by a another boats anchor and chain. A long story short was that we needed to get a diver to free us. We split the cost 150€ with the other boat and as they had caused more problems they paid two thirds of the cost. Great we're free we can go except the other boat (French) managed to re pick up our anchor chain and wrap it around a block on the bottom. Thankfully the diver was still there and didn't charge again for going down to sort us out. When we were finally sorted it was late in the day and so we re moored (in a different place) and went to the divers cafe for a drink! Oh the joys of cruising!
We will check into Turkey soon as our first visitor arrives there in a couple of weeks and we'll then head towards the Gocek area,