The fitting turned out a lot less stressful than we had anticipated, Kevin and Nigel (our friend) planned well and managed to have them fitted within the day. The wiring was no more complex, then came those batteries, remember that small space? Well, it took a lot of manouvering, cutting wood, adjusting and remanouvering!! However, they are in, just won't be getting them back out again soon! Having wired them to the solar and the original two batteries, we were confident to leave them overnight. Not sure how many times one of us said " they won't fry the boat, will they". The next morning we head off very early to ensure the boat is intact, and not frazzled to a puff of smoke, to our relief, all was perfect. For the next few days we enjoyed a little more of our local delights, aware that we plan to journey further from home, very soon. Bafa lake, is a beautiful spot around 12 miles from home. The more traditional Turkish villages and farmlands can be experienced. Donkeys are still used daily to transport various crops and animal feed, and are an equally invaluable form of transportation for the farmers in the dazzling hot sun. Crops of corn and wheat are grown successfully in this waterless land, only bore holes (drilled wells) are their constant nourishment, maintaining their lush and very green state. Beehives line the mountain sides, painted blue one assumes, so they can be easily found in the crispy brown, rocky landscape. A tractor will trundle past carrying most of an entire household, grandma, children and the dog, not to mention the farmer and his wife, out for a jaunt through their fields and crops. They wave and smile, looking thoroughly pleased with themselves that we have taken the time to capture them on camera. Our destination is a pansion, high on a rock face, overlooking the lake and an ancient monistary built precariously on a rocky outcrop. What a tranquil place for a Turkish breakfast ( kavalti) for a whole 50 lira, or £12.50 the two of us eat and drink for the next few hours!! Cucumber, tomatoes, eggs, salami, fresh bread (unlimited) olives, sigorta ( pastry cheese cigars) together with a very tasty selection of cheeses, jams and of course that gorgeous local honey. Fabulous experience, not to be missed. It works perfectly, the solar is keeping us powered!We cannot believe the difference, not having to worry about starting our engine twice a day, just to keep the fridge working, brilliant :) Obviously that wasn't the only benefit, the windlass continues to drain our power, which can be overcome mostly. When dropping anchor, my tendancy was to use the controls, mainly because that chain running so fast when let out manually, scares me lots ....... yes I know, what a girl! I am becoming a little more brave now, I can use the handle to let out chain, I cannot however, stop the bloody thing!! So yes we might only require 30 meters to be deployed, but guess what........ you get the whole damned chain ! I am beginning to handle it better now, I just fear for my delicate little fingers :( I am also gaining confidence in some other thing too, which we will touch upon a little later ! Sorry I have wandered off the point ........ when I feel so relaxed stretched out in the cockpit with a coffee, listening to our fellow boatees whilst Kevin is off snorkeling about, looking for the ever elusive fish. I can't help but rabble on :) So, back to the solar, we have two hand held tablets for communication, navionics and various other uses (writing this and playing games) additionally, we both have laptops. Items such as cameras, razors, hair appliances, not to mention boat instruments. These all rely on our power, in the next week, Kevin plans to fit our fans, as it 30 degrees in the salon at this moment :(( If you bear in mind that from the moment we stop the engine, our little batteries have to take all of the strain. When we arrive at an anchorage at lunchtime, we would normally have to restart the engine at night for at least one hour. This ensures that we maintain energy until around 07.00 hours next day. When yet again we restart that engine. It of course it lots of wear and tear on it, as well as the inconvenience of noise and disturbance for any neighbouring boats. Therefore, having spent an entire 24 hours without switching it on is an immediate success :))
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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