Early start

This morning was an early start leaving behind Turkey’s smallest ski resort and its shy bears for the coast. Given what we have seen so far of Turkey Black Sea resorts it does not bode well.

What a beautiful drive down the mountains in the cool early morning air and dappled soft light. All the cars ran beautifully and have now bedded in really well. Never count your chickens but so far so good and far fewer problems (discounting Nigel’s false start and putting it down as a Mulligan) than in South America. Long may it continue, despite what you think, fault free motoring is definitely the way forward!

We covered nearly 400km on good tarmac passing through two large cities without problems. Charlie and Chris were stopped at a police check point but only to have a good look at the cars. Recognising the pure class of the marque they waved the Lagonda’s through.

For the first time we experienced rain! Ham’s wipers didn’t work but we managed to keep just ahead of the clouds which was a relief.

We just ate up the miles and were going to arrive at our sea side ‘boutique’ hotel by about 1:30pm. Chris and Ham decided that a lunch stop was in order and due the the power of Google Chris found Et Efendi where we all managed to rendezvous. They produced the most delicious Turkish beef and chicken delicacies, Chai tea and watermelon and almonds. Absolutely perfect. We met the local Chief of police and Chief Prosecutor which hopefully will prove unnecessary contacts over the coming days. The Chief Prosecutor qualified at Brunel University. What a small world! It could not have been a better meal, delightful staff and cheap as chips.

Well the Mavi Marin Boutiqe Hotel has proved a complete triumph!. Parking by the front door, on the beach and looks as if it has everything a tired driver and his crew could wish for.

Nigel was of course immediately discovered with his spanners and multi meter out! Dangerous times indeed. Charlie thought he had heard a squeak so was hunting it down. Hopefully he will get oil on his shirt and that will be the last we will see of that item of clothing!! Ham mended his wind screen wipers (for whatever that’s worth!) and Chris drank three pints and went for a snooze. Very much a normal day in theultimateoverland diaspora.