May 6-12

May is a tranquil and beautiful time to be in Turkey. The winds are usually gentle, the locals are fresh and enthusiastic towards the new season's visitors! Temperatures are perfect for those who don't like it TOO hot; around low 80s. Certainly swimsuit weather during the day, though probably we'll need sweatshirts for evening meals ashore.

This week will be cruising along the well-named Turquoise coast of Turkey - starting in the modern, bustling harbour of Bodrum, with it's famous 10th century Castle of St John, winding bazaars full of trinkets and bargains in leather goods and jewellery... not to mention the very lively night life scene !

From here, however - we head into much less touristy Turkey. To Knidos, a magnificent little bay surrounded on all 3 sides with the reminders of its ancient city; amphitheatres, stone carvings, temple remains.

Ova Buku - a little gem of a place - little known to anyone but us sailors, happily ! Little coves, hikes into the hills, mountain bikes for the explorers amongst us! Then there is Bozburun, where we can try out a few moves in an attempt to match their lithe belly-dancers....the little town of Datca, more shopping for those who didn't quite do enough in Bodrum! And so it goes... some tiny, unspoilt bays/anchorages, some more lively spots to hit the town, try out the local traditions, such as the haman, for instance (Turkish bath).