This morning we will be moving our boats into the Yacht Classic Marina in Fethiye, there is a small pontoon set aside for transient boats, there we can stay for a few nights if we need to. The plan is to stay one night in here where we are allowed to use the facilities, as long as we pay for our mooring. The exciting part is that if we also have an evening meal in the marina, the pontoon fee is so much cheaper! Mark and Angelina took Cygnus 111 in first, they have stayed here on a previous occasion and are familiar with the place. They picked up anchor and slowly motored towards the moorings, there were no staff milling around to guide them to a spot, in fact there were very few people there at all! After a few drive bys, they spotted the area that housed them previously so headed there. As soon as they began reversing into the space a few helping hands appeared to assist them, fortunately they were then secured nicely, and ready to help us into our spot next door. I lifted our anchor and Kevin manoeuvred 'Kejstral' round, easing her gently into position, within minutes we were stern to, secure and ready for a day of fun. Together, we decided to visit the well known Tuesday Fethiye market, having been to plenty of these over the last few years, we were still happy to experience this one with our friends. We left 'Kejstral' to fend for herself whilst we all wandered into town, following that same road from the evening before. Once in town we caught a local bus or Dolmus, which carried us through the older more business end of Fethiye. A familiar looking lady boarded and sat nearby, I realised it was our Austrian neighbour from the pontoon in Tomb bay! She recognised us instantly, her husband was on board their boat repairing something, while she took a few hours to come ashore for provisions. We disembarked together then took our separate paths to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local farmers market. Passing some small hardware shops with goods piled high beside us, we picked our way through buckets and tins of paint which lined our pathway, accidentally nudging the high step ladders causing them to vibrate noisily against the stone wall. Each step took us closer to the noisy venders shouting their 'best price' to whoever was listening, loud voices calling us over to sample their colourful stalls. We smile and shake our heads, declining their no doubt tasty selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Each makeshift table, was filled with beautiful plump, juicy foods ready to be snapped up and cooked into some delicious meal. Huge lettuce sprawled over the bright orange carrots and beefy red tomatoes, beetroot sat in piles still with purple and green leaves attached, everything looked so fresh, still dirty from the fields and gardens, yet free from sprays and pesticides. Food from the market tends to have a better flavour than the mass produced fruit and vegetables which we are accustomed to in the UK. The tastes are stronger and more pronounced, what we have previously experienced seems, watered down, weak and even tastless at times. We wander through the shaded stalls in an attempt to hide from the fiercely hot sun, sticky from the hot bustling market with crowds of people. Teas of all flavours are offered to our dry mouths, we gratefully quench our thirst with the fruity drinks, apple tea is a common Turkish drink. From fine granules this sharp apple flavour tingles our tastebuds, box upon box of this great alternative tea are sold each day, especially to the tourists, I find my lira to purchase my own little box full. Nuts and seeds of amazing varieties fill stalls, little bowls are filled with selections, enticing us to try. A sesame and honey coating draw us to this sweet, probably extremely fattening, sample, we all have a taste. Our eyes light up with the delicious combination offered, we leave, each clutching a bag of goodies, happy with our find. The pathway takes us through into the linen and clothing stalls, in here we experience the more lively sellers, they are heavily armed with quips and wise cracks, these vendors are on a mission to sell, and do their upmost to cajole us into spending our holiday cash. Some use unfortunate phrases gleaned from previous tourists, which, perhaps would steer a potential customer in the opposite direction. Other stall holders rely on a friendly nature and welcome smile to attract that vital custom. We quicken our step until the smell of lunch draws us to the cafe and snack stalls, we linger over each choice, hoping to find a tasty bite. Eventually we settle on a traditional gozleme, a savoury pancake filled with potato, cheese and spinach. We melt onto stools in some shade, relieved to be free from the burning sun, water is served generously, for which we are grateful while our body temperature dips below boiling. Our table overlooks a slow flowing river, huge bushy trees overhang each side, and on the opposite shore is the local farmers stalls with a white wooden footbridge adjoining the two. The stalls are busy, with such good quality produce, they have thriving businesses, it is a great sight to see. Lots of European towns have these local markets, they are a tribute to the work carried out by families living and working here, something that in the UK, we sadly seem to be losing to the large Supermarket culture. The floury pancakes are beautifully cooked, a crispy crunchy outer edge, with a yummy combination of flavours within. Heads nod and our eyes meet, as we chew in appreciation of this perfect snack, not a crumb is left and we are full. As we finish our meal and consider our journey back to our boats, we wearily stumble from our stools, when someone points towards a furry item drifting downstream, we stare trying to fathom it's origin when we realise that we are watching a rather deceased cat floating past, how sad, this poor soggy moggy had ended life here, adrift alone. We have endured this heat too long, we make our way towards the Dolmus where we travel back to the marina. Siesta time, we all have the same idea, a snooze then a delightful swim in the gorgeous swimming pool in the marina complex, before we toast ourselves dry on the poolside sunbeds. The water is a fabulous temperature, just cool enough to refresh without causing a shiver, blue tiled steps lead down into this sanctuary, with only two other guests making use of this facility, it is tranquil. There is another pool nearby, it is labeled 'family pool', red and blue inflatable balls fly across its diameter, followed closely by two boisterous children. In their native tongue they yell across the expanse of this not so tranquil area, encouraging our 'adult only ' choice.Feeling refreshed we roam the slate tiled walkways past white painted wooden planters, each filled with healthy shrubs and pretty flowers. The restaurant sits opposite the marina pontoon, perfectly situated for boat owners and people watchers. Next to the restaurant is the circular pool bar that we enjoyed last evening, our friends are seated already sampling the local beer, we ought to help them in their task. For hours we chatter and learn more of the lives of these lovely friends, a few more beer adding depth and laughter to our stories and experiences. The restaurant are expecting our presence at 8pm, until then we locate and make use of the superb showers and facilities nearby. Having spent so long squashing into a boat shower cubicle with minimal manoeuvrability, we luxuriate in the grey, marble tiled rooms designed just for one person! The powerful shower is second to none, on board we limit our water to a rinse, then switch off, soapy sponge clean, then a quick rinse off again, we waste none. This is heaven, standing under the flowing needle sharp jets is fabulous, indulging I stand too long in here, other guests are waiting! Hairdryer and plug sockets, wow, this is exciting, I haven't used a dryer since leaving home, I hadn't realised just how reliant I have become on free flowing electricity, let alone water. As I complete my ablutions Angelina appears with a huge smile, "they have normal toilets...you just press and flush, it's amazing, I didn't have to pump the handle once" ( clearly she has been a boatee too long!) Jude joins our conversation a little confused by our excitement, me with the flowing water and Angelina with the loo!
At 8pm we are gathered around an elegantly decorated dining table, just a few feet from the waters edge. The sun slowly dropping from view beyond the darkening mountains, leaving a golden glow over the shimmering almost calm sea. Our waiting staff dip in and out discreetly laying plates of meze starter, mixed vegetables and yogurts with spices and tangs to surprise the palat, served with slices. of delicious fresh bread. We taste a wine from their selection which enhances the food being served, our main meal is sumptuous, a fantastic offering. Our overnight stay on the mooring, at 60 tl (£15 ) our meal which was perfect, for two 94tl (£25) and a few drinks throughout the day 60 tl. (£15) Totalling £55 for this stunning location and facilities, what a bargain! Throughout the meal, we reflect on today's experience in the market and our great sail yesterday. We will be leaving our friends in the morning to move onto our next anchorage, they have been great, making this leg of our journey lots of fun, so thank you guys we hope to meet you all again.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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