arrived in Ashkelon Israel

Seventy-two hours and about 500 nautical miles....first day a bit bumpy, second day great sailing, third day mostly motoring.  We'd e-mailed all our passport info ahead of time, then called it in to the Israeli Navy at 40 miles out, had an Israeli Navy escort at 20 miles and gave them the same info, then were met on the dock by 7 security people.  We were separated for questioning, every hold and space on the boat opened and inspected (Hugo's black saxophone case seemed to cause momentary alarm until they had John open it), swabs taken on various surfaces, and then we were free to go to immigration, customs and marina check-in. 

So here we are in Ashkelon, about 6 miles above the Gaza Strip.  First time we've been a country where our guide book includes a section on "What to do in a Rocket Attack," but this looks like a good homebase for exploring the Dead Sea and Jerusaleum!

Israeli Navy escort off the coast

heading to Israel

After a relaxing three months in Marmaris Turkey, we're getting ready to start moving again.  Not the best weather yet, but all we need is a three or four day weather window to make it to Israel.  We're all set to go...last engine maintenance finished, meals ready to go in the freezer in case weather is not conducive to cooking, cat has a fresh round of rabies shots and paperwork, friends arrive tomorrow to join us, and if the weather cooperates, we'll clear out of immigration/customs and set sail in the next few days.  We'll always have great memories of our time here: fascinating side trips around Egypt and to Turkey, good chance to learn new hobbies and do boat work, but mostly it's been about meeting wonderful people from around the world.  Next post will be from Israel, or somewhere on the way there, depending on weather...

The kids will miss their friends

The kids' favorite staff at the

workers' canteen

 

Recorder performance



 


Field trip to a turtle rescue center with Slovenian friends

 



Creating things from "treasures of the bilge"