Still in Marmaris!

Paul had spent a few days out in the anchorage then went back in to the marina ready for my return. It was nice to have (almost) all the jobs completed and ZigZag nice and clean.

The national holiday was now over and everyone was back at work, so the engineers returned to investigate the issue with the water lock on the engine. They removed it and took it away with them to assess whether it would be possible to weld over the fault.

Later that day we were advised that it cannot be repaired and so will need replacing, this was not good news as we thought it would delay us while they sourced a new one. However, they said that they knew a man who could make a new one and they would be back the following day to fit it, we kept everything crossed!

The next day, as promised, the engineer returned with a shiny new water lock and promptly fitted it. After running the engine to test it, there were no leaks and finally we were good to go.

Paul had managed to eat and drink everything on board during his few days at anchor so after picking up some essentials in the marina shop, we untied our lines and motored out, around the old town, to the anchorage where we would be ready to leave in the morning.

However, the weather forecast showed a meltemi wind coming our way, so we decided to wait in the shelter of the bay for a few more days until it passed. The temperature had really increased since I left so it was nice to be out on anchor with some breeze, and to be able to jump into the water to cool down.

It’s always interesting sitting at anchor in a busy bay, there’s plenty to watch with boats trying to anchor and what seems like 100’s of trip boats and pirate ships playing loud party music, weaving their way around us.

The anchorage is full of boats of all different shapes and sizes, but even the super yachts only get the same view of the sunset and colourful sky as us.

After a day of rest it was time for Paul to get back to work. The shower hose and tap on the transom needed to be replaced. In order to do this, Paul had to get into the stern locker. I think he must have been enjoying himself because he stayed in there for ages, no, I didn’t close the lid on him!

Eventually it was done so I had to let him out. We now have a shiny new tap that you can switch on and off and a shower that works again.

Having not planned to stay at anchor so long, provisions soon ran low so we got Ed and Fred out and went back to town.

We pulled Fred up on to the beach and first walked along the sea front. This area is just outside of the old town and very touristy lined with big hotels and apartments.

There are lots of statues and Fountains throughout the town.

We had heard that this large circular one is quite spectacular, we sat close by for a while waiting for it to fire up but nothing happened so we gave up and went shopping. We later learned that nothing happens until 9pm.

We walked back towards the old town, there’s a large undercover bazaar selling everything from fridge magnets to fur coats, but it does give some welcome shade.

Around the narrow streets by the castle, this lovely little bent over old lady sets up her ‘shop’ along the street every day selling a whole range of treasures mostly for 1 euro. She’s very friendly and is known as ‘Mama Castle’, of course I have to buy something from her each time I pass. Please look her up if ever you’re in Marmaris.

In the evening the town lights up and the streets are busy. We visited our favourite bar (cheap beer) before returning to ZigZag.

The next day the wind had passed and it was time to leave…or so we thought. The engine was fired up and the anchor lifted, however, as we headed out of the bay, Paul noticed a problem with the alternator not charging the battery properly. We were very tempted to press on but after going around in circles for a few minutes, we decided to turn back and drop the anchor again so we could investigate. We (Paul) have now been here almost a month and beginning to wonder whether we will ever leave?

Paul spent the rest of the day playing with cables and cursing but after much testing, the fault seemed to be fixed, so we planned to leave (again) in the morning.

That evening we could see a firework display on the shore and decided that it must be a celebration for our last night in Marmaris!