We were reluctant to leave Ekinçik Iskelesi but with the knowledge that there was so much more to see and do, we headed for Küçük Kuyruk under motor. Before departing we enjoyed breakfast, except for the visitation of a squadron of European wasps. We have learnt while in Turkey that burning coffee grounds to create a small aromatic waft of smoke, gives there's nasty creatures a big headache and drop into the water!
Our first stop en route to Küçük Kuyruk was just around the headland, where our boatman had pointed out a large archway in the rocks that is possible to swim through. Anchored off, we all had a wonderful snorkel into the rocks and through the cave, where we could see lots of fish, sea urchins and a gorgeous orange coloured lichen. Underway again, Jack cooked a delicious lunch of fried green mild peppers and halloumi cheese, along with tomatoes, cucumbers and heated salami....oh so tasty. Before we knew it we had arrived at Küçük Kuyruk, which is described as 'spectacular' in one reference and 'stupendous' in another. We were not disappointed!
Küçük Kuyruk is a long and quite narrow inlet and required 'stern to' anchoring, the first time we had done this manoeuvre on the trip. Jack and Kat were in the dinghy to attach the stern lines securely to the shore, and with the anchor also under tension, Trilogy was secure for the night. The bay is superbly beautiful, with thickly wooded steep slopes dropping down into the water and a sandy beach at the top of the bay. Trilogy was in 25 metres of water and it was possible to see the bottom. Just on sunset, we swam for a while, walked up to the ridge line and motored around the bay in the dinghy, checking out the other craft and the contours of the bay in the soft light.
This was to be Jack's last night on board and he volunteered to cook us 'a salute to Turkey' for dinner. We all feasted happily on köfte, chicken in a deep rich tomato, cheese and chilli sauce, spinach and red cabbage with garlic, rice, crusty bread and all washed down with gallons of wine! We have been such a happy crew and we knew that with Jack leaving, we would miss him.
Next morning we had another wonderful snorkel and swim and set off for Göcek. Trilogy was now passing through some magnificent waterways, with small islands and deep green vegetation all around. It was Sunday and there was a plethora of craft out enjoying the sail, but it required close attention at the helm to avoid any close calls. We moored at Göçek D-Marina, which is tucked up into a corner of this very pretty bay.
The township is equally pretty and we all wandered along the nicely landscaped waterfront, noting an upmarket village complex, complete with its own canal and colourful lighting by night. As it was our final meal with Jack he had the choice of restaurant for his parting meal with us. He chose a genuine Turkish family cafe up a side lane, with a cool green vine creating lovely shade....perfecto! Jack hadn't noticed the cafe was called 'Endee'! At 4pm, we sat down to Turkish pide cooked in a wood fired oven, with a range of tasty fillings, salad, beer and Ayran. The family were watching a show equivalent to 'Funniest Home Videos' and we all shared many laughs over lunch. As Jack has been recording our journey with an old home video camera, it seemed quite poignant! Hugs and more hugs, it was time to farewell Jack for his long 30 hour journey home.
The evening was spent buying more provisions and wandering the delightful shops. We were lured into a carpet shop for a while, but decided to sleep on it before making any decisions.