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We’ve seen how tectonic activity around this part of Anatolia has razed entire ancient towns to rubble, and sunk ancient ports into the sea. Another geographic feature, that often leads to topographical change - dramatically affecting humans and other life - is the rivers, along with associated spits and estuaries. We can all probably think of numerous examples of towns in England or France named “ Some-place-on-Sea ”, or “ Quelque-chose-sur-Mer ”, that are now miles-inland f

I was a little sad to leave the ‘Yacht Classic’ hotel pontoon in Fethiye, but we were soon sailing across to the other side of the large bay, to the Gocek side, and to our overnight anchorage in the marine park. Our home for a few days R&R We decided to swing on the hook in Round Bay, one of the few places in the entire Bay of Gocek that is shallow enough to allow you to anchor without taking a line ashore. We had been here on a day sail with Richard’s sister, Rachael, and he

With Tony and Lynn on board, and victualled-up, we continued eastwards for our next adventure. Over the Turkish mainland, and to our right on Rhodes, we could see cumulus clouds building into tall, fluffy towers. We kept any eye on these in case they flattened-out into the tell-tale, anvil shape, a sure-sign of a potential thunderstorm. Fortunately, they all collapsed before the anvil formed. Our first anchorage We agreed we would push on further east, and finally anchored-up

In his book, ‘ A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages’, Anthony Bale describes the trials and tribulations of pilgrims heading from northern Europe, including Britain, to the Holy Lands. It does cover, albeit rather briefly, the rather challenging and grubby conditions onboard ship, ‘sailing’ from ports such as Genoa, Venice, Rome, and even Constantinople. Bad food, dirty water, seasickness, smelly neighbours, and piracy were just some of the downsides. This got me thinking about

We had been away from England now for seven weeks, and I was starting to looked a bit like a raggedy, wind-swept sailor. My longer, shaggy hair always shows up greyer, like my un-shaved chin. That was the first thing Mum said to me, on the last FaceTime call. “You’re going grey!” So, to the Berber in the Fish Market, I must go, on Monday! And seeing as there is also a Hammam along the covered street, I decided to treat myself to a Turkish bath, and a full body massage as well