Back in Turkey

There were times this year when we wondered if we would ever get back to Matapan but, finally, here we are in Turkey!!

After a few grey,rainy days the sun has at last made an appearance and we have beautiful blue skies, temperatures in the mid 20s and it feels good to be back.

Most of our first week has been spent socialising with friends who are either leaving Netsel marina for alternative winter venues in the Med, or flying back to UK.
We were very pleased to have got back in time to see them all but realise now that once they have gone there will be no distractions or excuses for not getting on with all the boat jobs we came back to do!


From 3rd to 5th November we went on one of the now famous 'Gwen' trips to Antalya. This was essentially to see the amazing dance performance by Fire of Anatolia (similar to River Dance in UK) at Aspendos but also included visits to some lovely ancient sites like Perge,Phisalis and Myra. A long journey, but well worth it.














On Sunday our friend Lulu invited us out for a sail on the 50 foot Beneteau she is currently caretaking over the winter. This was our first sail since last October and it was lovely to be out on open water again. We even managed to get the sails up for a short while and made the most of the gentle breeze in Marmaris bay.


















Now it is time to get on with the boat jobs - we can put this off no longer!! The weather forecast for the next week is good so we really have no excuse now but to get the external wood work rubbed down and varnished.

Almost a year in UK

As Autumn sets in I realise that we have spent 10 consecutive months now in UK watching the seasons pass, adding finishing touches to the house and garden and exploring the wonderful Suffolk countryside.

We have begun to know our neighbourhood and are starting to feel familiar amongst the miles of footpaths and bridle ways that criss cross this area. We have joined a number of assocaitions - The Deben Association, The RSPB, The Woodbridge Cruising Club and a walking group... all of which help us to feel part of this great little community.

Last month had a Maritime Festival at Woodbridge where Geoff felt instantly at home amongst the traditional, wooden boats that had congregated in the harbour.


















It was also Heritage week end in Ipswich and we took the opportunity to visit a couple of building that are not normally open to the public. Most impressive of these was the Arup built, Willis building with it's vast sheets of curved black glass and lovely rooftop garden.

















Our 'yottie' friends are all making their annual trips home - just as we are looking forward to getting out to the Med for some late summer sun! Fortunately we were still here to welcome Judy and Rich back for a few days before we, in turn, flew out to Turkey!