37:51.9N 27:14.9E

This year we are welcoming the American branch of the Kefford family and their friends.  We have always enjoyed seeing David and Susan when we visit Mikes sister Lesley and her family in New Jersey and they have stayed with us on a visit to the Cotswolds a few years ago.  David and Susan know Turkey very well having lived there some years ago while David was involved in various maritime archeological projects.  We had long planned to sail together in these waters and this year we managed it following a conference that David was involved in in Istanbul.

On our last visit to Kusasdasi we had failed to persuade the marina to do what most others do and allow us to berth for a couple of hours.  They were charging 70 Euros whether we were there for 24 hours or 24 minutes.  We had recce’d the town quay but part was choca with fishing boats and the rest taken up by one, often two cruise ships.  We didn’t fancy getting Tashi Delek mixed up in that lot so it looked as though we would need to fork out for a very expensive short stay parking place.  Mike then had the inspired idea of picking them up at the fuel dock while we refuelled which we would certainly need to do by then.

So, David and Susan come aboard through the car park, past the workshops and onto the fuel quay just behind the customs boat and unceremoniously climb over the guard rail onto the boat while we are juggling fuel hoses, lines, fenders and money.  Only once out of the harbour could we say ‘Hello’ properly and have some lunch.

We had a fabulous four days and learnt so much more about the ancient history, kingdoms and cultures of this area of Greece and Turkey from both of them.  We did some ‘proper’ sailing needing harnesses and concentration....

And some ‘proper’ relaxing, enjoying the sun and a calm sea.

We spent their last night at anchor in Pythagorian and found the perfect spot for a group photograph with Tashi Delek in the background.  Only Carol had set the camera wrong and cut off David and herself.  Still, it is a nice picture....

We set off early next morning and adopted the fuel pontoon technique in reverse.  After four days we only needed a thimbleful but it was enough to justify going alongside for a few minutes so that David and Susan could get ashore. 

And then back to Pythagorian to get provisions, change the engine and gear box oil and spend a bit more time with Andrew and Julia. 

Now came a very big moment in Mikes life.  He crossed the threshold of a Lidle.  Being more of a Waitrose man this was difficult for him but Andrew and Julia had kindly offered to take us there in their hire car and it was a tremendous opportunity to purchase all the heavy supplies such as milk, orange juice, wine and so on ready for the next few weeks without having to carry everything.  Mike suppressed his natural instincts and came along.  Andrew and co had explored Samos a bit by then and so drove us via the scenic route so we were able to see something of the island as well which was a bonus.  It is a lovely island.

Jobs done we set sail after a couple of nights towards Santorini ready to pick up our next guests Viv and Tim.