Today we travel a little further into Kekova bay, to a spot called Ocagiz only 3.5 n.ms away. Tucked snugly into a smaller bay within a larger outer bay, this well protected little haven is really pretty with shallow waters 4-6 meters throughout, but full of gulets whizzing around. They seem to be everywhere you look, I cannot imagine where the passengers have all come from, this area is rather remote on this southern coast, yet the trip boats are stacked alongside the harbour in anticipation of their numerous visitors. We anchored in what we thought was a good spot, Lee & Larry following. A few other yacht's bobbed around their trusty anchor chains nearby. Crystal clear waters gave an almost tropical feel to this bustling environment with a mountainous silhouette providing the perfect backdrop. Healthy trees bend and bow to a rhythm created by the gentle breeze, leaves shimmering as each catch those sparkling rays of sunshine, such an idyllic setting. Once securely anchored, 'Kejstral' is facing bow to the bay entrance, our cockpit faces a row of small jetties protruding from the town inviting us into their surroundings. Alongside grassy shores lie yet more sarcophagus, lots of them, perching on little hilltops, others part submerged at the waters edge. Settling between buildings and cars, these stone caskets throw a touch of history between the vibrant town activities. A few small rocky outcrops sit around the outside of this bay, most of which still hold onto the remains of stone cottages and houses, gorse thriving perfectly in their shade while birds find shelter within their crumbling walls. We took Zoe our tender across the short distance to shore, as, never quite knowing the safest place to abandon her. We later learned that each of these small wooden jetties are in fact built by the town council, providing a fantastic choice for boaters like ourselves. Additionally saving us from the obligatory drink or food purchase generally expected when we tie up to someone's private jetty. The town is smaller than it appeared from the sea, spread around the beach front are numerous restaurants all expectantly awaiting your thirsty arrival. All over the hill behind and trailing towards the sea are sarcophagus, never ending piles of them. Old stone ruins nestled between the trees and little stalls set out, offering locally produced clothing and hand woven linen goods. Bougainvillea plants trail pink flowers over the worn encryptions, their leaves tickling tthemselves nscriptions of long emptied sarcophagus. We cannot believe there are so many just dotted around this little town. Three stores provide both locals and traveller's with their fruit vegetables and the smell of freshly baked bread tempts us in by tantalising our nostrils. Huge fresh peaches piled high in crates, peppers of green red and yellow stacked neatly next to washed potatoes which are enormous, all just awaiting their purchase. Vendors chat happily with us in their native language we try our best to pick out the words and phrases leading the conversation. We struggle with the speed at which they talk, but manage to answer and nod appropriately.......we hope! Hand crafted jewellery and trinkets displayed on many of the stalls are pointed out by there eager makers, each smiling happily despite our declining words. For such a compact town we are amazed to see such busy people with their vibrant goods managing to stay afloat with thriving businesses. Our walk was short yet my brain feels exhausted with the bright colours and bold people, busy boats and bustling stalls, so much to take in within such a small place. As we reach Zoe tied onto her well worn jetty, the small wooden shack nearby drew us in for refreshments. Sinking comfortably into soft padded cushions on bamboo chairs, we absorb this beautiful setting. Sipping ice cold local beer we gaze over at a little fleet of brightly painted fishing boats, with nets sprawled over the wooden decks, fishermen busy themselves with repairs and cleaning. Trip boats hosting hoards of fresh faced holiday makers all pointing and gesticulating towards their newly spotted surroundings, whizzed by creating a wake which sent the fishermen awkwardly tumbling into their clean and newly repaired nets. As the day progressed we realised the sea was not quite as sedate and quiet as we hoped for. Despite the protective outer bay, this little inlet managed to collect and hold onto that incoming swell. That together with the wash from other vessels meant a very uncomfortable anchorage.
When we take Zoe our tender back to our boat, it is clear we must move. The swell is growing and becoming more uncomfortable, within a few minutes the decision was made to pull up our anchor and travel 200 yards towards the shore and tuck snugly into a slightly more protected spot, away from the movement and closer to 'Sea Dreams'. Now that we are somewhat more settled, we spend our evening on board relaxing to some background music with home cooked food and a dash of home made wine, perfect. Well, it would have been........Until the Gulet pulled in alongside us, fortunately it's guests were relatively quiet by bedtime, until that point we watched these happy holiday makers enjoying their meal on deck, followed by an abundance of alcoholic beverages and a spell of drunken dance moves, all great fun to watch from the comfort of our own little private 'Kejstral'.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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