The stiff wind that was blowing when we arrived in Kos has continued all day, kicking up sand and waves. As we feared, this caused the cancellation of our ferry, owing to the state of the sea. It’s somewhat frustrating as it’s a very short crossing — we can actually see the houses in Bodrum from here!
It must be admitted, however, that the ferry is rather small — to be precise, it can take the Animalcouriers van, a car and a few foot passengers — hence the reluctance to venture out. On top of that, the boat itself is currently at Bodrum. But it does make us slightly wonder how the Greeks got their reputation as seafarers!
Anyway, fingers, toes and everything else crossed, we are booked on a special ferry at 1100 tomorrow morning (weather permitting), which will hopefully mean we can get to the Turkish port of Tasucu for the overnight ferry to North Cyprus. It’s scheduled to leave at midnight but is notorious for departing anything up to three hours late. So we’ve been in touch with Vehbi of Ertuk Lines, who’s been brilliant at helping us out of tight spots on previous trips. He’s going to phone Fergun Ferries and ask them not to sail until Animalcouriers gets there! Of course, it all depends on us getting there, and being allowed into the port if we’re running late. Vehbi is being very positive, saying:
“Please do not hesitate to call us for any influencing factor in Turkey. We love to help you.”
In the meantime, couriers M and J2 have had a lovely day exploring Kos, keeping the pets cool with the aircon running and the van parked in shady spots. We’ve also stocked up on picnic food so that we can drive as fast as is sensible to Tasucu. It’s a pretty route along the coast, but is 800km of mainly winding roads, so we’ll need to be very careful and not take any risks with our precious cargo.
Of course, if we don’t leave Kos tomorrow, or we can’t reach Tasucu in time for the ferry, we need to have another plan up our sleeves, as the next sailing from to North Cyprus isn’t until Sunday night! So we’ve been in contact with Eren at our friends Petical Vets, who have a lovely cattery and kennels not far from the port, which is where the cats and dogs will stay for a few nights if need be. Eren emailed to say:
“We have rooms for the dogs and cats, so it won’t be a problem, they can stay here. If they miss the ferry, the dogs and cats will be alright, don’t worry about it. Just let me know before you come so that I can arrange everything.”
So as you can see, everyone is being kind and helpful, including the ferry company. For now, we’re at a hotel just outside Kos town for the night, within easy reach of the harbour for tomorrow, when we very much hope we’ll be seting off on the next leg of our excellent adventure.
Hope you make it as Ian is waiting for Sam, Izzie and Bruno to arrive. However, better safe than sorry for all of you! Thank you so much for taking such good care of them. I have to keep working to pay for food and lodging for them and Ian but will be over to see them 14th June! Thanks again! Michelle
Hi Michelle – it’s not a true trip to North Cyprus without this kind of excitement 😉 We are of course hopeful that we can make it but have to make contingency plans. We’ll keep you posted on how it pans out but whatever happens, the dogs and cats will be fine. Keep up the good work!
It’s better to stay safe, what a bummer though .. xxooxx
Mollie and Alfie
The joys of island hopping in Greece can have downsides 😉 Luckily we’ve got lots of friends in the area pulling for us and we’re hopeful delays will be minimal…
Always better to wait and travel peacefully and safely. Beautiful dogs all of them! 🙂
Thanks! With animals on board you have to plan for all eventualities.
I think it’s smart not to head out on a small ferry when the weather is being perverse. Hope for better conditions tomorrow!
Yes, it was worth the wait – they’re at Bodrum now and hoping to make a speedy entry to Turkey.
The range and constant nature of your business never fails to amaze me.
Puddle jumping in the med has its up and down sides!
So well orchestrated maestro! Like a fine symphony. I hope you’ll be happily on your way too. As you say, best to mind the sea’s until it’s “steady as she goes”. Good Luck all.
Thanks! So far so good – hoping for speedy passing through Turkish customs now…
Hope the wind has gone by now and that you can resume your journey. Isn’t it lovely how all the connections you’ve made really help out at a time like this – that’s what makes you special and safe to entrust our beloved furpals with 🙂
At times like this you realise how good the networks are that have built up over the years. It’s really lovely to have these lovely people batting for us 😀
Please be safe…we are keeping our paws crossed for you at Casa de Canterbury tonight, too!
Well, your crossed paws obviously did the trick dear Red Man. Thanks! Reached Turkey and now hope to be through customs quickly 😉
Safe travels and enjoy the journey. I once read that a truly happy person will enjoy the scenery on a detour!
It’s hard not to find detours beautiful in Greece!
Wow this is so wonderful to see the network of caring people who will help you get your precious cargo safely to their destinations..can you imagine how this would be without the internet,excellent telecommunication services..you would have to travel perhaps with a courier pigeon…’Off you fly Pierre…fly and send the message safely”..good grief i think i need to take a nana nap..the imagination is getting away from me..safe travels to all 🙂
We started out without many of the great inventions we take for granted now. GPS devices to tell us how to get places and the vitally important Blackberry! We are royally spoilt. Considering the recent speed of travel through these islands, a carrier pigeon might have sufficed 😀
HAHAHAHAHAH 🙂
Never a dull moment. But your cargo is precious and I understand your need for safety. Be careful!!