Cocktails, sunsets and other stuff

Ayvalik Archipelago, Turkey

As hard as we try to convince people that our cruising life is more than just cocktails and sunsets, most don’t believe us. Or perhaps they just don’t want to hear us, as the thought of something other than smooth sailing, idyllic anchorages, refreshing cocktails and amazing sunsets would tarnish the concept of “living the dream.” Our time in the Ayvalik Archipelago in Turkey was pretty much the type of experience where the “living the dream” and “cocktails and sunsets” cruising image came from. While the surrounding area wasn’t gorgeous and tropical, it was attractive in an uncluttered, quiet, Mexico kind of way.

For several days, we kayaked, swam, read and enjoyed some incredible sunsets, including one green flash.

In between the colorful skies, however, we did have to move Berkeley East in 20-knot winds and a two-foot swell. And after one lengthy lightening storm and torrential downpour, when BE was cleaner than she had been all year, we were forced to get the boat wax out and put a shine on the coach house. Cocktails, sunsets and other stuff.