Marmaris

Hello all,

Well, storms came more and more frequently. Thing sure changed a lot weather-wise in November. It seemed lıke every 3 days another storm was blown through. We were kept safe, of the last two storms, one came while we were in a city harbor in Bozburun and the last storm we sailed through, Levi and I. It was very cool watching the clouds gather over the mountains and then they slowly wandered over and dumped on us. Then we'd watch them head East and start to break up. Very dramatic.
We had three seperate squalls, and were cold and drentched by the end of the day. I think it was the quickest anchor we'd set and then we jumped inside the boat, got on dry clothes and quickly downed two bowls of stew Rachel had made. Really hit the spot. We melted into the couches and watched movies.

So, we're now in Marmaris, a huge bay very protected, and trying to prioritize the next three months until we can head out in early Spring. They're are a few things we'd like to do on the boat, projects we've been putting off while sailing. The kids are going to buckle down with school and try to catch up/get ahead for next year.
The town is big, but 3/4 of it is literally shut down for winter. Shops and hotels closed. I hear in the summer, you can't find a bed, but you'd never know it now. So, we're finding the cheapest grocery stores, parks for the little ones (also a great place to meet people) and the best Döner Kebaps (chicken and beef sandwiches).

Well post again soon, and try for more pictures.

Hems

Storm at anchor......

Hello all!

We had a huge storm come through here (Datça, Turkey) last night. It blew and rained for 8-10 hours straight, up to 48 knots! Plenty rolly for sure! We were at anchor and the weather info said the storm wasn't to hit until Wednesday day, so we certainly got caught off guard. Levi and Maggie and I put out a second anchor (we weren't in a marina, just sitting at anchor) which itself was a challenge. We were rolling around in the dinghy in 6-7 foot waves in the rain (sorry, mom) getting it set and tightened down. Maggie was collecting stuff from below, electronics, etc. that you don't want to leave on a boat in case of lightning. Rachel and the little ones had already spent time on the boat and Levi had taken them to a hotel.

We ended up in a hotel across the street where I sat up all night watching to see if the anchor would drag. It held tight all night! We half expected the boat to wind up parked on the beach....curbside pick-up as it were. Our friend Julie posted this on a Facebook page and it's a great verse:

O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the reaging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them. (Ps. 89:8-9)

Thanks everyone, for your prayers!

We're heading towards Bozburun and then to Marmaris, hopefully uneventfully. (storm wise)

Hems