Highlights of The Adventure
Day 1 – Fethiye - Göcek - Ağa Limanı
- Kathryn and Chris, and Jan and Mike, boarded in Fethiye harbour and we made our way to collect the rest of the group in Göcek. Along the way, the Coast Guard was stopping all boats and examining documentation. As our paperwork was still being processed by the Harbour Master, they met us in Göcek Harbour and approved everything after a quick review.
- Snizhana and Maks, and Oonagh and Lloyd, boarded in Göcek. We proceeded through passport control as a group, and then quickly left the hustle and bustle of the busy harbour, heading to Ağa Limanı for some peace and quiet.
- Maks was first in for a swim, and spent every possible moment enjoying the water for the duration of the trip.
- There was a bit of a thunderstorm on our first night together, but everyone stayed cozy and dry in the shelter of the rain tent on Arkadaslik's rear deck.
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Day 2 – Ağa Limanı - Rhodes
- Early morning start for the 5 hour journey to Rhodes. The crossing was rough, so breakfast was served once we were securely moored in the marina.
- Expedited passport control in Rhodes meant everyone was free to leave the boat and do as they pleased for the day.
- Everyone reconvened for pre-dinner drinks around 7:00PM and headed to Mama Sofia's for a group dinner. The marina security guards were "busy" watching the ladies at the local Zumba class, so getting taxis was difficult, but we eventually managed to make it to the restaurant for an incredible evening of fabulous fun and great food.
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Day 3 – Rhodes
- Hot, sunny, and very windy!
- Sue organized a bus tour of the island which included visits to the monastery at Filerimos, Butterfly Valley and Lindos.
Day 4 – Rhodes - Symi
- Weather conditions stabilized overnight, allowing us to safely cross to Symi after breakfast.
- We tossed bread into the sea while passing by the peninsula at Bozukkale, giving thanks for our good fortune.
- We anchored near the clock tower and everyone had the chance to wander around the pretty harbour town all afternoon / evening.
- Everyone met up around 7:00PM to take advantage of the duty free shopping opportunity before returning to Turkey where alcohol and imported goods cost significantly more. (Perfume seemed to be the purchase of choice and we all smelled lovely at dinner time!)
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Day 5 – Symi - Bozukkale - Marmaris
- Fantastic sea conditions as we made our way along the coast after departing from Symi. We stopped at Bozukkale for breakfast, then continued eastward, along to Marmaris.
- Immigration and passport formalities to re-enter Turkey at Marmaris were quick and painless. We were anchored next to the multi-million Euro mega yacht Pacific at the customs dock.
- After formalities were complete, we anchored in the public harbour so everyone could explore Marmaris for a couple of hours. Then we made our way to Kadırga Bay for the evening.
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Day 6 – Marmaris - Göcek Islands (Martili Bay and Merdivenli Bay)
- Another day of great sailing conditions as we made our way to the protection of the Göcek Islands. Big storm forecast for tomorrow!
- Friendly pirate Chris Sparrow made an appearance during the long trip, and we flew a pirate flag for the rest of the journey.
- First stop, Martili Bay featuring a huge seagull mosaic for swimming and sunbathing.
- Second stop, Merdivenli Bay, a well-protected bay where we set out extra lines and laid a long anchor to keep the boat secure from the forecasted winds.
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Day 7 – Göcek Islands (Merdivenli Bay)
- The first wave of the storm hit around 4AM. Sue and Captain Oktay got soaked bringing all the sunbeds and cushions into the salon.
- The bay was a perfect spot to wait out the wind storm. We could see waves outside of the bay, but remained secure on our anchorage throughout the day.
- Rain and wind were interspersed with periods of sunshine and calm, so Maks was still able to swim and kayak to his heart's content.
- We celebrated Chris and Kathryn's 28th wedding anniversary with cake after dinner. Congratulations!
Day 8 – Göcek Islands - Fethiye Harbour
- Yesterday's storm resulted in big swells as we made the trip from Merdivenli Bay back to Fethiye. The conditions calmed as we approached Fethiye, so breakfast was delayed until we approached harbour.
- Good fortune was upon us and we secured a nice spot along the kordon - giving our guests the chance to do a bit of sightseeing before wrapping up the cruise.
- Goodbyes are always hard when you've enjoyed a week together aboard Arkadaslik. This was, once again, proof that people can come together as strangers and part as friends who will likely remain connected for a long time to come.
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