David's Diary: Friday, August 8, 2003

Last Day on Dragonsinger

Things are starting to come together. Our friends on Van Kedisi arrived back in the marina from their holidays. Jocelyn, Kevin, and Allen head off with Steven and Andy to a local waterslide park. Our three kids have earned their break with all of their hard work this week. It's easier for Karalee and me to finish the final packing with the kids off the boat. I pack many bags and in the end everything does not quite fit.

Jocelyn Reading

Late in the afternoon the kids return from the water slide park. Karalee has been cleaning the boat all day while I was packing. Jocelyn spends some quiet time reading in the cockpit. I wonder how she is feeling about the end of our voyage. I know that she is excited to be going back to Canada.

Bodrum

I take a final walk around the marina and shoot a few more pictures of the harbour at Bodrum. It has been a challenge for me to lead our adventure. There have been times when the whole family have been pulling against me. I know that everyone is ready to get back to Canada, but I'm finding it hard to end our adventure. I know it's time to go back, but it's hard to let go. I know that this trip has changed all of us. It has also made us closer as a family and I hope our time together will be a legacy for all of us for the rest of our lives.

Nightlife

The kids from Van Kedisi come over to Dragonsinger for pizza and a movie. Our main computer, which we use to show movies, will be one of the last things to get packed. Dick and Marian and another couple go out with Karalee and me to our favourite local restaurant for dinner. We sit on the roof of the building, looking out over Bodrum as we visit and eat our meal. As we walk home I can hear live music coming from the bar next to the marina. Everyone else wants to go home, but I'm ready to stay up some more. I have a beer standing outside in the warm evening air as the band plays on and I reflect on our two years in the Mediterranean.