Crew: Hardie Tankersley & Meredith Clark
Wednesday, 9/22/10 - Hope shipmates Meredith and Hardy are having a safe flight -- we miss them already! However, Sheila's misstep after dinner last night has turned out to be a worrisome injury. She spent most of the day resting her right foot, taking Advil every 4 hours and icing her foot regularly. Remaining crew managed to take the laundry to be done, do the grocery shopping, run some errands, and get the dishes done while she devoted some time to working on recuperation. We enjoyed a really delicious dinner onboard, using the big table inside because of high winds. Sheila felt a little better, and we shared some good memories -- AND some Limoncello -- but it was early to bed tonight.
Thursday, 9/23/10 - Blessed with another beautiful day in Bodrum! Sheila is feeling much better but keeping to her medical program and rest. We were able to move to another cove near Bodrum, Beglar Cove, so Mike could dive in and check the bow thruster blades -- still not sure what's wrong. We enjoyed the afternoon,and went ashore to the Beglar Beach Restaurant for an incredible dinner! TWO lavash (breads), accompanied by big slices of butter and cheese to use with the torn off pieces. This was followed by an enormous array of mezzes: grilled eggplant, cigarette borek, grilled sweet green peppers etc. Very delicious stuff!! Then we were served a meat dish, a meat pide, and a HUGE green salad (which had corn, shredded carrots, red cabbage, lettuce, onions...and more.) We were beginning to stagger, but another dish of wonderful grilled fish arrived. We took a couple of "doggie bags" back to the boat, needless to say!
In conversation afterwards, it was discovered that Mike and Sheila's Turkey visa had expired! Mike investigated and found that they had to leave Turkey by going to Kos, then re-entering at Bodrum to obtaining a new visa. Lights out early, as they had to catch a 9 am ferry to Kos!
Friday, 9/24/10 - We got up early and "ferried" Sheila and Captain Mike to the ferry. Joe and Pat spent a leisurely day to themselves aboard Migration, split between light "housework" and heavy gin playing. Picked up the Grinnells about 6 pm, and they had a very successful trip to Kos, including more Ouzo! Sheila rested her foot for the evening, dining at the nearby restaurant at the Marina. Nice change of pace for all.
Saturday, 9/25/10 - Captain Mike woke everyone by starting the engines at 7 am to leave, and we arrived about 7:45 am in Bodrum. He informed us that we had some "intruders" during the night. It seems that he was awakened by the sound of German conversation, a man and a woman. The voices were coming from the water. They were at first distant, then they got louder and closer until he heard them come on board via the swim ladder! They were giggling, and as they passed nearer on the deck, Mike could see two bare butts -- they were "buck naked!" Later Sheila also awoke and heard them talking in the dinghy. Her reply: "Well, this is certainly a first!" Mike concluded that they were harmless. Probably a honeymoon couple that had way too much to drink! No damage done. But we were a little worried about hypothermia setting in as a late wedding present.
Winds really started to blow, heavier winds forecast for tomorrow. No one slept much!
Sunday, 9/26/10 - Winds blew and gusted all day, reaching up to 30 knots. We stayed onboard entire day, watching only a few stubborn gulets and reckless ferries venture out. Had a sumptuous dinner onboard, thanks to Sheila's magic, while we waited out the weather.
Monday, 9/27/10 - Morning dawned with only 5-6 knot winds. There had been some heavy rain during the night. However, we were on time for our arrival at Yat Lift, and we had an "experience" getting in without the bow thruster working! Mike's an excellent Captain and with Sheila's expert assistance, we are now safely "on the hard." With Mike's usual methodical efficiency, he began giving us instructions on how we can help decommissioning the boat. I even beat the rugs with a Turkish rug beater -- my response: "Now THAT'S a real first!"
October 3, 2010 - Joe and I left for a few days in Pamukalle. Thanks to the recomendation of Nancy & Ali Kemper, previous guests, we stayed at the Melrose House! The owners were wonderful hosts, and we thoroughly enjoyed the mountain, pools, history and hospitality!
October 6, 2010 - After much "spit and polish," we waved good-bye to Migration and left her in the capable hands of those at Yat Lift. We were taken to the bus station by a cabbie, who told us he could take us all the way to the airport for less than the bus. Much more convenient! We flew to Istanbul, another magical city, and, after more sightseeing and celebrating their 38th anniversary, bid adieu to Mike and Sheila. They took with them all our gratitude for their generosity in sharing their beautiful boat and making such a memorable time for all of us! Much love and many thanks to both of them, from all their happy crew members!