Happy birthday Alan!
 
We arrived in Marmaris (yacht marine) on the 6th May, the day before the big 60 party. We had a fairly good day and even managed to sail for a bit of the way, which was a nice treat. As we approached the marina the wind was picking up (darn that wily wind). Luckily the birthday boy had managed to have a word with the marina and they’d saved us some spaces. As we were mooring up we saw chums Flapjack from Crete (You remember Robin & Pauline, the intrepid walkers). We are moored just along the pontoon from them, unfortunately we are a zillion million miles from other people and the facilities, but the main thing is we’re in! shipmates!! Without boring you too much with details we have been here six nights, I have visited the marina office on four occasions to book in and get a contract to stay here. The first time I was told booking for a month is the cheapest option, even if you don’t plan to be here that long. The office was very busy and they asked me to come back that afternoon to draw up the contract. I returned to be told we couldn’t have a contract and we would have to leave the day after the party. After I explained that ‘Team Stella’ do not travel well after parties we were given a reprieve of leaving the day after that! Chums rallied round to nag the marina into letting Team Stella stay a bit longer, in the end they caved and said yes. Anyway this isn’t important what is, is that we have met up with chums from Crete and had a fab fab fab time (get the message). I was so excited when I got here, I actually thought I was going to burst. Alan’s 60th birthday bash was excellent, drinks and catching up in the bar (at Happy hour prices of course) and then a scrumptious scrumptious meal and more catching up, followed by even more catching up. We are all only here for a short time, so are taking every opportunity to meet up and do things together. Pre-dinner drinks on Flapjack ended at midnight (they really are hardcore). We’ve called on Robins expertise and extensive range of tools and had him in our rather snug engine compartment helping the Captain to remove and fit some new engine anodes. I’ve even managed to get a haircut from Pia (used to sort me out in Crete). Saw her giving Pauline a chop so wandered down to see if she could fit me in, she had a slot available after Robin. Little unorthodox sat out on a pontoon having your mop chopped as people pass by, coffee was provided by Flapjack which was a nice touch. Today we met up with chums Carillion and went sailing on their boat. They are anchored outside the marina (no room inside). In the bay we jumped in the dinghy to take a peek at some caves. Whilst we were investigating a tripper boat arrived and came right up to the entrance of the cave blocking us in the tourists on board then took picture of us!! We returned to Carillion, went and anchored in a bay for lunch, which was positive feast (you only get a cheese sarnie on Stella). Then a bit more slow sailing (no wind) and back to the anchorage. At the risk of sounding like a broken record it was fun fun fun in the sun (that’s a lie it was actually a bit cloudy). It will be hard to leave here, but that’s the nature of what us sea gypsies do. You have to have the sadness of the ‘Good-bye’ to experience the full joy of the ‘Hello’ when you next meet up! Rest assured shipmates Team Stella Maris will seek you out, that goes for you lot at home as well. I wish you all calm seas with a soup-son of wind up your bot!! Love & friendship The Captain & The little one XXX
Sunday, 11 May 2008