Leaving Turkey

Some of our friends believed it would never happen. In fact we were starting to wonder if we would ourselves. The issue under discussion was: leaving Turkey.

Where it all began. Fethiye.

We were meant to spend last winter in Greece but fear of a “skin condition” that we believed needed to be treated brought us back to Turkey. This treatment never eventuated, since we decided it wasn’t necessary. Thank heavens. Our pockets were not full enough and our trust in the man who was to do the work not complete enough to do the major peel. However we still came back to take Pavlov out of the water at Bozburun, let the hull dry out for three months then paint her ourselves. But back in Turkey!

Pavlov being hauled out for a bottom job in Bozburun

In 2012 we took out Turkish residency for three years. Turkey was to be our bolt hole. Schengan countries surrounded us so to escape back to Turkey was always a consideration. Turkey had begun to feel like our second home.  In 2013 our arrival back in to the little bay where the village of Orhaniye is situated was like coming home. We sailed in and we knew it. After sailing since April into foreign ports there was something comfortable about coming back there, the place we had wintered in 2012-13.

Christina and Megan at wedding Orhaniye 2013

As I said some thought we would never leave. We made some good friends here who we shared : glasses of wine, Xmas 2012, sailing exploits, Easter celebrations and a number of meals. They became our friends in Turkey. We also met a number of people while sailing around Turkey and Greece who we keep contact with and have and will visit in their countries.

Megan and Sarah Easter 2013

2013 was a year of travel with friends and family: Michelle, Nan and Ayla, Michael, David and Carolene and Bev. We don't expect anyone this year, but you never know.

Michael hunting for underwater city Epidaurus

But westward we must go. Leaving was stressful. From the known to the unknown. Add the process of sailing to your next destination, and you can understand why people for lots of good reasons don’t leave. But the fear of becoming that attached made me even more determined to leave. After all we are here to see the world, or at least the Mediterranean.

Since leaving Orhaniye we have sailed north along the Turkish coast: Knidos, Turgutreis, Port Saint Paul, Gokkovar Limani( our little fjiord from last year)Cesme, Eske Foca, and now Alibey( Cunda) opposite Ayvalik. We are now in new terrain which is great. The adventure continues. If the wind and rain stops tomorrow we leave for Lesbos, Greece.  Wish us luck!

Eske Foca

Cunda, opposite Avaylik. Pavlov in boat yard dock

Cunda

Cunda