We left Atakoy marina early with a strong wind blowing and rough seas. We intended to anchor at Canakale but we were forced to take on a pilot at the beginning of the Dardanelles. If we stopped to anchor it would cost us a fee plus the expense of another pilot the next morning. So, we kept going dropping the pilot off at the entrance of the Aegean sea.
We cruised into a great sheltered anchorage off the town of 'Ayvalik'. This Turkish town is opposite the Greek island of Lesbos. The next day we explore the town which has a rural feel to it, although still with the waterfront bars and cafes. With some effort using sign language we find the market and Scuba diving boat. MB booked to do a Scuba dive the next morning and buys some bait at the tackle shop. There are lots of fruit and veg in the streets especially cherries and tomatoes. The old town has a tumble down feeling but still quaint narrow cobblestone streets. There are lots of old men sitting around playing Backgammon.
That evening we try fishing, there are several local boats around us drifting and trolling. MB finds they are fishing for Calamari so he sets off to follow there example, result, 2 calamari and he buys another six. These we stuff with Risotto and BBQ the next night.
Tuesday, scuba dive people cancel, so we leave. We head off for 'Chios' a Greek island. As we are legally not supposed to enter Greece, we anchor in a very attractive bay on the Turkish coast, which happens to be used by party boats. They come in with music blasting and young people dancing on the Decks. We dance on our back deck to their Samba music. This bay is near the fancy town of 'Cesme'.
JB and Mick