This evening we will meet with our new sailing friends Mark and Angelina, we met for the first time in Gocek only 4 n.m. away from, here. They are bringing their yacht Cygnus 111 to Tomb bay with some other friends Jude and Paul, so we are looking forward to meeting them and an evening of fun. For the rest of today we catch up with video, blog, cleaning and relaxation. Life on board can be so varied, not that it sounds particularly full of busy moments, however there is plenty to keep us occupied, whether we chose to tackle those things....... depends on how we feel! Firstly there is housework, yes, you may chortle to yourselves, it's only a little boat. But boats get dirty whether they are little or large, this one has just enough dust, dirt and salt to maintain my need for rubber gloves! On this occasion we have cleaning, plenty both inside and out, dirty black marks appear on our hull from fenders and pontoons, salt covers everything from ropes to windows and winches. Dust from the reddish coloured sand lays on the deck, then the morning dew spreads it a little further into grooves and woodwork. This same red dust settles on every surface down below deck, handprints appear everywhere from suntan lotion and perspiration, not to mention cooking and mosquito spray. So we spend a few hours sweating and struggling to achieve a shiny 'Kejstral'. The task is complete, we flop into the cockpit with an ice cold drink, the heat is overpowering even under this shade. Our attention is drawn to a scuffle a few yards away on this jetty, a slightly portly man wearing smart shorts and a short sleeved shirt, is being dragged with force by a very lively and bouncy dark brown dog. They thunder towards us, puppy excited, tongue lolling around with each springing step, his portly owner running wide eyed behind, looking somewhat apprehensive. We smile at this cartoon unfolding in our landscape, giggles can be heard from our neighbouring boatees, we gaze at the spectacle in wonder. Just as energetic pup reaches the pontoon end, he leaps with brilliant height into the stunning blue sky for his diving finale......the owner has seconds to spare, just enough time to disentangle himself from the long leash that was attempting to restrain that playful pooch. Within seconds he is drenched by the voluminous splash in cool salty seawater whilst still struggling to catch his breath from the aerobic workout he endured. Fabulous entertainment for everyone, the poor owner however, looks rather sheepish as he drips and slops past us towards his boat leaving huge wet footsteps behind him. Meanwhile, smiling puppy then paddles gently around the pontoon looking so happy and cool, gradually he makes his way towards the shore not too far away. His owner is still towelling himself dry as he makes his way towards the shore and his pooch. This lovely wet dripping pup lops onto the beach eager to be reunited with his buddy, when both parties meet the pup takes yet another leap, only this time onto his poor soggy owner knocking him flying onto the soft shingle beach. His dog, so excited to see his owner, then proceeded to lick and drip all over him, before bounding back in for another swim! Having enjoyed the entertainment in our bay we decide to walk around the path leading to an adjacent cove. A pontoon sits at its far end with a few yachts tied stern to, so we thought we ought to investigate. Walking sandals on, suntan lotion applied and off we wander, the view is stunning with pretty summer colours. Carefully we trace this winding, man made path over sticks and through braken, the ground slopes steeply down towards yet another tranquil spot of beach. Drift wood lies untouched almost awaiting some enthusiastic decorator to collect and adorn their abode, pebbles shine from the splashing sea alongside curled white shells filled with sand and water. Our path then leads us through shrubs and prickles, some remain green leaved others dry and crispy from the damaging sun. The path slowly opened out revealing a stone filled beach, a large cafe building sits on the far side with a small sheltered area closer to us. Chicken wire and wooden framed enclosures lure us closer, little chicks scarper across the grain covered floor, clearly unhappy to see us. Larger hens and cocks squabble around our feet as we step near their little family, and in cages nearby quails are pecking at snacks underfoot. Ali, as he introduces himself, greets our inquisitive faces, he welcomes and invites us to have cay (Turkish tea) at his cafe, free of charge. We find out that this collection of very healthy clean looking birds are his business, he breeds and sells them to nearby villages and towns. Although his premise is rustice, basic and not commercial, he explains that within the last few months he has become the new owner and would love to encourage boats to use his wobbly jetty. Work is underway here, the pontoon is being rejuvenated with electricity and water stations for boating visitors, his dining area, somewhat sparse at present, will house new furniture ready for the next season. His father sits each day, on a wicker chair at the end of the rickety jetty awaiting incoming boats, on their arrival he waves the vessel to an appropriate mooring and assists with ropes and guidance, all in an attempt to have new custom. This lovely man offered drinks and fruit at no cost because we look tired and thirsty following our walk. We thank him and say goodbye to this very kind, friendly local entrepreneur, perhaps our next visit will incorporate this delightful place. Heading back towards 'Kejstral', we meet a British couple on their stroll in the opposite direction. They have their boat moored at this pontoon and are happily enjoying home made, traditional food from the little cafe and good although limited, facilities in the cove. They also happened to have four children on board with them!! We receive a message that our friends are here in the bay, having showered already we head towards the restaurant to meet them. By this time the bay is full, the pontoon is almost unrecognisable with boats and ropes clinging to its cleats and wooden balustrades. Sailors swarm the jetty talking with new neighbours, each learning about idyllic coves and stunning beaches, not to mention poor anchorages and overpriced locations. The atmosphere is fun and lively, people are holidaying and relaxed in this beautiful bay where light background music seeps through the excited chat. As we make our way through the carefree throng of people, the sumptuous aroma of cooking drifts towards our hungry noses. The paved footpath meanders in a slight incline towards that fabulous cooking, small vegetable gardens on each side hold bushy, healthy red and green peppers plants, beetroot, tomatoes and lettuces. I have no doubt we will have the opportunity to taste the wonderful produce this evening at dinner. Decking edges this restaurant providing a perfect seating area with views of the vessels milling around in the bay, on the shingle beach wooden chairs and dining tables have been laid out for guests to enjoy their meal. Soft creamy lights illuminate the dusk simultaneously, lights appear one by one on the jetty highlighting the path with a warm pretty glow. Our table is on the shingle, the trees around us would offer dappled shade from daytime sunlight, this evening those trees are adorned with colourful fairy lights, just enough for us to see and enjoy our food. Angelina, Mark, Jude and Paul arrive, excited to try this lovely establishment, none of us were disappointed. The evening was great, lots of laughs, good food and some beer to celebrate our next plan, we will be sailing alongside Cygnus 111 in the morning to Fethiye, 13.4 n.ms from here.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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