Our chores now took our attention, and kept our mind from the furball :(( We had discussed the need for an energy source on board. Our present status is three batteries, two of which are domestic and one for the engine. Each battery is 74 amps, which we know is much less than we require. Problem is, the space within the aft cabin where they are placed is very tight. Room for larger sized batteries would mean revamping the whole cabin floor! We are not ready mentally, physically or financially ! Therefore, whatever we decide upon must be easy to install and cost effective. Various trips to the different chandlers, gave us a huge range of ideas, our followers on social media have been a fantastic resource too. The decision was made to install 3 x 100 watt solar panels, together with two additional batteries of 74 amps each. We realise we could probably do with larger batteries, but again, the space was the limiting factor. With help from our good friend Nigel, Kevin got to work sourcing the frame and fixtures. They decided upon aluminium, which would tolerate the weather, high winds and strong sunlight, yet be light in weight. The solar was ordered, batteries measured and remeasured ( remember that tight space!) Then were finally on their way by cargo from Izmir. A new fender, Turkish flag and various stainless steel bolts, nuts and bits were gathered in preparation for the fitting and next part of our journey. During all this organisation, we managed to capture some of the local Turkish culture and lifestyle. I feel we cannot bypass our surrounding areas, there are so many places to see and sights to capture Turkey at its best. One of the first places worth a visit, is the local town of Didim. It's golden sandy beach, Altinkum, is outstanding Altin (gold ) kum (sand) There are in fact three substantial beaches in a row, 1st, 2nd and 3rd beach! Along the whole coastline are bars restaurants and shops, each of them drawing you inside with their gentle persuasion, dazzling colours, not to mention their yummy menus! Stone seats follow the entire waters edge, giving an ideal vantage point for a spot of people watching and a chance to be absorbed into the holiday atmosphere. The variety of dress code is unimaginable, from fully covered ladies ushering their brood past the giggling, bikini clad, young European girls. To the traditional Turkish gentleman, dressed in shirt, tie jumper and jacket, with his worrybeads in hand, strolling alongside the young tattoo covered lads in garish, colourful swim shorts wearing shiny jewellery, clutching their iphones. It plays out like a cartoon or sitcom, over which you can sip on a beer lazily in a well padded, probably, well used wicker chair. Enjoying the protective shade of the essential awnings, whilst summoning the energy to join the passing crowd in the sizzling heat of the sun. In the background, invariably there will be a couple of locals talking in their rather harsh almost Arabic language, they can sound a little aggressive at times, which initially can be a little frightening for the newcomer. This is their culture, they can be very demonstrative and quite loud, especially whilst on their phones! The town is separated into sections, Altinkum s the lower, beachfront area, whilst Didim is the main upper town. Busy and bustling business deals, banking and bartering, all take place in Didim, there are many eating places to choose from, however, at the upper part of town, the more traditional Lokantasi (eating house) is commonplace. There you will also find the local cay (tea) houses, these are filled with men of retirement age, sitting in groups catching up with each other's day. Strictly for the local men, there is no alcohol consumption in these little places of culture, and women tend to gather at their homes for a natter and cuppa. Didim has been a tourist destination for many years, however, in the last 18 months, a new mayor has been busily changing the somewhat tired town into a vibrant new holiday hotspot. It really is amazing what has been achieved here. The belediyesi is our perfect coffee stop, directly in front of the sea, this well finished, attractive wooden construction, houses the local council cafe. Filled with chatty, families and small groups of friends, the place exudes happiness. Children play nearby on one of the many well designed play areas, leaving their exhausted families to relax with their cay. Looking out towards the many decorative gulets (traditional wooden boats) and the little fishing boats lined up against the harbour, you will see the marina D Marin. The marina stands grandly on the west side, next to second beach. Some rather fabulous super yacht's, stand bare on the hardstand awaiting their bottom clean and repaint. Many more float serenely next to the pontoon, all waiting for a summer clean up. Owners climbing into golf buggies off to collect various new parts and laundered bedding and cushions, plenty to watch from the numerous bars and restaurants above. The shopping area within the marina holds many pretty and useful items for a restock and provision. Essential maintenance can be carried out along with painting and refitting, obviously it does become busy in the winter months, as most marina's do. A spot of lunch at the lower restaurant ' Key-f', gives us the sustenance required to continue our day. Chicken wraps with chips, gorgeous. Within the next few days our solar was delivered, batteries collected and we were ready to begin the mammoth task of fitting!
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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