Well it was with lump in my eye and a tear in my throat as we bade farewell to our crew (Greg, Steph & Chris). I must admit for the first 20 minutes after they left I thought I was struck deaf, but to my relief everything was ok, it's was just that Steph had left - phew!

The place does seem a lot bigger and quieter now they have left. However, its time to see if we can get a saline drip and revive the 'wallet' after its near critical condition.

We entered Turkey in Turgerettes and it was nice (for a change) that for checking into the country, the Health Control, Port Police, Harbour Master & Customs were all situated in the same building, even the same corridor, no more than 10 metres apart, but it did seemed like I traipsed 500 metres back and forth between the lot of them - I'm sure its some sadistic game they play. Interestingly, there were two guys from Diggle (don't laugh it's a place a couple of miles from where we live in the UK) who were in the same queue and also enjoying the experience, but did remark that if we were in Bodrum, these offices would be spread across the four corners of the town.

We are now down in Sogut, which is magical, sheltered, picturesque and friendly. It was quite amusing as we came in, the guy said '40 lira per night - but the water, electrical, showers and wifi are free', which seems strange, but sort makes sense as we have been charged literally breathing in and out at some places.


So the Meltimi is forecast to blow up for a couple of days so where nicer to stay could there be. Our next Crew arrive later in August (Ken & Lindsey), so we have a few weeks to get the place back into ship shape.



Thanks again to our departed crew and I hope it's given them a taste of 'livaboarding' and that they will return soon for more new adventures.

Kapitan Burke