Hauled our anchor out of the mud at Kekova by 0900, to wave goodbye to the remaining crowd of ex rally boats and head off out of the bay and away from this lovely part of the Turkish coast.  We headed east - past Fineke and towards Kemer - our chosen 2006/7 wintering spot for Swagman.

With good winds, a favourable current, (plus high engine revolutions when required) we made good time along this stunning southern coastline with its backdrop of mountain ranges that reach right down to the rocky cliffs dropping into the sea.

We slipped past (for the second time this year) ancient Olympus and the high ski resort on the top easily visible from the sea.  Back in April it was covered with snow and the lifts operation, but they were quiet as we passed today and the hill sides were green grasslands.

By 1600 we were passing close in to the last bluff headland and joining onot a long line of tourist gullets who were like us, queuing to enter Park Marina at Kemer. 

The marina is in a lovely location, nestled into a southerly facing deep bay, with high mountains on each side.  We chose it originally for its extensive facilities, its strong ex-pat winter livaboard community (which does give bonus security) and its 15 km proximity to Antalya Airport (and year round cheapie Thomas Cook flights to and from the UK).

At close to 2,900 euros for a nine month 69 sq metre berth - its certainly a lot cheaper than last years winter spot in Palma!

Kemer the town is not unlike many other tourist destinations on this coast - a bit yucky.  Shops full of copycat clothing and tourist tat, beachs crammed with broiled German, Russian and British bodies, and beach bars competing with the boom boom volume to attract trade. 

Fortunately whilst these are close enough to use if required, they are far enough away to reduce the noises in the night.  Here’s a shot from the marina wall in high summer.

They've allocated what we hope is a good spot to berth Swagman.  Close enough to the offices and showers / restaurants etc, but apparently well protected also from any winter surge into the harbour.  You can see her blue hull parked up alongside the catamaran - we took the shot from the other side of the marina.

Let us just hope the adjacent boats are also going to be in place for the winter - which might minimise damage were they constantly moving in new ones. 

As I’ve said, the facilities at Park Kemer are good.  Not just showers, wifi etc, but nice little extras like our own swim platform off the harbour mouth – equipped with all comforts including its own serviced bar.  Here livaboards can cool off and enjoy the view eastward towards the mountains.

Apart from enjoying the semi and finals of the Soccer World Cup and meeting new people in the Navigator Restaurant / Bar / Club House in the evenings, we’ve been busy sorting jobs which we wanted done either before we go back shortly, or later when we revist before winter months close in.

The list started off quiet short – but each day we seem to scrub off two or three things done – and then add on another ten we’ve found!

Our aim is to return in September and possibly October from the UK – and the jobs we can't complete now can wait until one of those trips.  I do know we'll have to slip Swagman to do some work below her waterline - but equally want to pack in a short cruise or two back along the coast with some family and friends who want to visit this area.

So it’s now past midday – time for another dip to cool off. 

Take care all.

Cheers

JOHN