Arykanda Ruins, Turkey 2013

Nov 2013

Recently we visited the Arykanda Ruins with David and Juliete  from Reflections. This was our second trip to this stunning ancient site which we think is one of Turkey’s “best kept secrets.” Our first trip was in 2011 when we caught the local mini bus (dolmus) to the site. 

Situated in the mountains, 30 km from Finike, this ancient Lycian city dates back to the 7^th century BC. However, most of the remaining ruins date from 5th century BC and the Roman period.  It was largely abandoned after it was severely damaged by an earthquake in the 3^rd century AD.  Today it is well cared for and under continual excavation.

There is a lot to see as the site extends over 5 large terraces down the mountain slope and although there is some climbing and steps, the view from the top, over the entire site and the valley, makes the effort worthwhile. This is a peaceful secluded site with hardly a tourist to be seen. It beckons one to return with a picnic lunch and soak in the atmosphere!

Nearby there is a small market, a Lokantasi  (small restaurant) selling  Turkish food and tea as well as a trout restaurant closer to the site.   

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

David and Tom with the Booklet about the Site

Ruins of the Necropolis

Just look at the size of this tomb!

Overlooking most of the site.

Ruins of the Roman Baths

Fortunately this beautiful Mosaic is under Cover

Part of the Roman Bathouse

This Lion is completely exposed to the elements.

This beautiful piece is also very exposed.

Arykanda Ruins

Tom speaking to the Romans and Countrymen!

Fran tried the Stadium Track out!

Morning Tea time on our first trip in 2011

Turkish men are usually sitting around drinking tea.

Small Market

This urn is for Turkish Tea (Cay)

View over the valley

We think Arykanda is special and  highly recommend taking a day trip there if you are in the vacinity.   

From the Hardstand to the Marina -Alanya- Turkey 2013

27 June 2013
After spending the many months on the hardstand Hamamas is floating again!  We chose to be on the out of the water during the winter months as Alanya Marina is untenable during the bad weather due to a continuous swell that moves the dock and the boats around in an unsafe way. During the time we were on the hardstand we did lots of land travel and of course all the necessary maintenance jobs on the boat. 
When spring arrived we took ourselves off to Scotland for a month of land touring and Hamamas remained on the hardstand. Now summer has arrived we finally took the ride from the land to the water. Take a peep.

Hamamas on her funny wooden legs. Note the "ladder climb"

Climbing this ladder many times a day for a few months became a good workout!

Hamamas on the Travel Lift

Almost splashdown! 

All Aboard!

Ahh Floating Again

Now we have to climb this passerole every time we get on or off Hamamas. Well it's really just another workout routine! 

Fran Exercising!

Mid Summer Night Party,-Alanya Marina-Turkey 2013

21 June 2013

Take a peek at what the yachties at Alanya Marina were up to on Mid Summer Night!

 Dave Young from Gwen L suggested we have a Mid Summer BBQ so we all agreed then he told us about the dressing up and the GAMES. Some of us were a bit hesitant but being free spirits we all agreed and helped with the preparations and participated in the games.  Dave displayed his artistic talent by making the master of Ceremony Costume.

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.)

Fran with the Banner she and Tom made.

 John Ping from Caladore was a good sport and agreed to be the Master of Ceremony for the evening even though he had to be dressed in full regalia just so long as he could have his beer in his hand for the evening.

Dave Young  (Gwen L) crowning John (Caladore). Note the BEER!

Tom (Hamamas), Maggie Ping (Caladore) Doug and Irene Takacs Blumel (Voyager II) and Lizz (Gee Wizz) enjoying the festivities.

Frank Marvin Nordskag (Elisabeth) had this Iphone working overtime

Just what is Eddie up to?

John and the lovely ladies all dressed for the occasion!

John and Maggie Ping-the happy couple

 

Juan's not sure what is going on

Nena looking beautiful!

Annie just being "Annie" preparing sweets.

Monique and Frank both absorbed in their own activity!

Matt (Wild One) cooking up a storm in his "Mr Grumpy" T shirt.

Once the food feast was over the games began. Everyone had a turn to honour  Earth,  Air, Fire and Water by engaging in the various activities. It was great fun and we all had a barrel of laughs. Fran will ask the others to see if there is a photo of Air (hula hooping)

Frank Marvin Nordskag braving the "Fire Jump" (FIRE)

Lizz really go into the spirit of apple bobbing. (WATER)

Apple bobbing was challenging! Matt ready for action.

Juan in action.

Juan managed to get one even after all the apples with stalks had been taken by others! Well done Juan!

Fran needed the assistance of John's knee to get up after honouring the EARTH (note the plant on the ground)

Monique finally managed to bob an apple with a little help from Fran.

Crossfit Hamamas 3- Alanya-Turkey-2013

Alanya Marina, April 2013

Never let it be said that we are neglecting our fitness (nor our boat maintenance). Here is our latest Crossfit  Hamamas WOD workout as we removed the old exhaust valve and hose and replaced it with this 7m long green boa constrictor!

It took us 2 days to remove the broken valve as Tom had to cut it away and it took a further 2 days to remove the stiff, hardened old exhaust hose as it also had to be cut into pieces. The new hose only took 1 day to install so we were happy chappies. We are still waiting on the new exhaust valve to arrive.

Here is Tom in the Aft cabin cutting away the old exhaust valve and hose whilst lying on the double bed platform.

(Remember to Click on the photos to enlarge them.)

Tom wasn't really smiling about this!

This green boa constrictor has to be fed into that hole in the cockpit. Everything had to come out of the Tardis first.

The Tardis is down in that open hole.

Our new pet boa constrictor!

 Fran is getting ready to feed it into the hole.

Watch this space as this workout it not over yet!