Bozcaada Island was one of only two places exempted in the population exchange between Turkiye and Greece after WW1, not sure why. It retains a bit of a Greek atmosphere in the buildings. The island once was a massive grain distribution area before Constantinople became the capitol of the Roman Empire. Now it is becoming known for particular grape varieties that are unique to here and is building again on the ancient wine making knowledge that had existed for 5000 years. Most places are shut still at this time of year unfortunately as there are good winery tours in the season. We bought some very reasonable reds that reminded us of Greek Tavern house wine for around AUD$6.00 a bottle. We were tied up at the town wall which is nice for a change to hop on and off the boat whenever. The only downside is the cats but they have quickly learned that they get water sprayed if they come on board. The fishing boats bring in fresh catch each day. Peter and Kiki have got an octopus tenderising in the freezer.

The trip up the first part of the Dardanelles (the old Hellespont) was in hazy rainy weather so no good photos - maybe on the way back. We arrived and the Canakkale Marina where the dock guys managed to leave a line in the water and it went around the starboard prop! Poor Kiki had to dive in 12 degrees - brrrr. The town is really interesting with hundreds of little locally owned shops of good quality in a maze of streets - not quite a bazaar but almost. There is the actual Trojan horse from the movie Troy in the town and the ancient Troy site quite close by. We had heard that there was nothing to see really except the trenches dug by the archaeologists so decided not to go and concentrate on the Gallipoli Peninsula instead. I've decided to make the Anzac trip a blog on it's own.