David's Diary: Monday, August 4, 2003

Last Passage in Turkey

Karalee and I are up at 05:30. We organize the boat and get Allen up. In the two years that we have been sailing in the Mediterranean, Allen has consistently wanted to be out in the cockpit with us when we are moving. At 06:00 we pull up anchor and wave to Dick and Marian on Van Kedisi. They are up getting ready to move too.

Allen Asleep

For the last passage of our two year adventure, we have the wind right on the nose. As we motor sail into the wind and waves, Allen goes to sleep under the dodger. It has been a comfort to me to always have him be a presence during our passages. I wonder if the next time Allen is onboard Dragonsinger will he be too big to fit into his snug little spot under the dodger.

Cruise Ship

As we enter the large bay off Bodrum we see a large cruise ship with sails. We've seen this ship a few times in our travels. The first time was when we were moored in Calvi, Corsica in June last year. We saw it again in Venice one year ago. It seems fitting that we encounter the ship once more as we pull into the marina in Bodrum.

At Dock in Bodrum

We fill with fuel, then moor and tie up at our assigned spot in the marina before noon. I spend the afternoon doing maintenance chores. The engine oil needs to be changed, as does the generator oil. The next job is to sterilize the water maker. We have got a lot of use out of our generator and water maker -- two hours running a day when we are at anchor provides us with all the electricity and water we need. After a hard days work in the heat, I enjoy a long shower in the marina before we all head out for a well deserved dinner out.