As we began our final preparations to return to Berkeley East and begin our ninth season of cruising, the excitement was mixed with anxiety. Where did the winter go? There was still so much to do in order to leave our land life and go back on the sea. Spring had finally arrived (such a beautiful time in North Carolina) and we were sad to miss it. But the weather in the Mediterranean was warming up as well and soon the conditions would be perfect for sailing. People were asking about the state of affairs in the Mediterranean; was it safe? Others stared blankly, wondering how anyone could have angst over returning to "living the dream." The answer to that is easy: when you have a fabulous land base with good friends who truly hate to see you to leave, it can be difficult to make the transition from one life to the other.



We were lucky that our last weeks at home brought warm weather so we were able to get the ski boat in the water and enjoy the lake. Water ski runs, fire pits on the beach, backyard barbeques were enjoyed between house projects, appointments and packing. As we locked the front door to leave for the airport, we wondered what we forgot to do, or pack, and would it really matter anyway?



Taking off over the lush green countryside, the plane turned east and some 19 hours later, we landed in Turkey. The travel this year was relatively simple, a 15-hour direct flight to Munich, a brief layover, a quick 2-hour hop to Izmir Turkey. After collecting our many heavy bags filled with boat parts, our blurry eyes caught sight of a sign that said "Berkeley East." A smiling man said "merhaba" (hello) grabbed the trolley and dashed off towards the car and the 90-minute drive to the marina.





We left Berkeley East on land last year, so we checked into the marina's Yacht Club for a few days while we prepared her to be splashed. Our first glimpse of the boat after six months away is always nerve-wracking, but as usual, she was right where we left her, high and dry, and looking good. Climbing the ladder, we saw evidence of the repairs we had done while we were away. Suitcases tossed aboard for unpacking and very quickly the changeover began.







We spent the next four days waxing and polishing, moving things from one cabin to the other, stubbing our toes and smashing our heads, as we once again became accustomed to the layout of our boat. With a last bit of bottom paint, BE was ready to float, another moment always filled with tension. But float she did and after some docking excitement, the process was complete; land lubbers to cruisers in just a few days.




The next two weeks were filled with more boat work and cruising preparations, along with dinners with friends, marina parties, and even a land trip to central Turkey.





Checking the rig - 75 feet above the water




The Didim farmers market



Garlic with the stem on it



Enjoying a break from the work at the Yacht Club



Dinner at one of our favorite Didim restaurants - Yoran Bar with a guest eyeing Larry's lamb chops



The resident marina peacock displaying his feathers



A week of parties at the marina - BBQ lamb on a spit for the yachties, opening of the new dockside café and a live concert at the beach club. With the parties over it is time to go sailing.