The final leg - Israel

After a mix up with the marina reservation, we were re-directed to another location that was an official port of entry for the country. Luckily, they had space for us, but who knew that 2 places had the same name? After going 4 NM (a 1 1/2 to 2 hour detour) out of our way and into a restricted area before figuring it out, we made it into the correct marina right around 5pm.

Boy do they take security seriously and with our “little mistake” they were very concerned. We were greeted by 4 men (1 marina person, & 3 immigration guys, one with a 9mm handgun shoved in his back pants), and 1 women (customs/immigration specialist). After the initial passport checks, and boat search we were allowed into the marina to dock the boat. There we were to go through the more thorough process. The boat was completely searched and we all went through interviews on the dock. After about 3 hours, in which I made dinner for us all in between searches/interviews - we were starving- we were “okayed”. Now we just had to go check into the marina and retrieve our passports!

The port captain on duty was very kind and after an hour with immigrations doing final passport paper work, we were free to go about our business. Well, so much for having a day to explore the city. It was 9pm!

We made our way to the local pub, located on the pier as Carl and Brian were still in their foul weather gear, and celebrated. We had successfully crossed the entire Mediterranean- from the Straits of Gibraltar to Israel. This distance is almost the same as crossing the Atlantic, just to give you some perspective! And, we did this in winter. What were we thinking!!!!!

It was a well deserved beer for all and a great sense of accomplishment.

Cyprus- 2 Countries for the price of one!

We were all looking forward to this leg of the trip as it was one step closer to warmer weather & home, so we hoped! Also, Carl was greatly looking forward to seeing his good friends/mentor who had moved to the island permanently, that prior year. Bonus for us as well, it is always nice to know a local and be shown around.

The Fort in the Marina

Underway

The sail over was uneventful, which was great for everyone. However, coming in and docking at the marina was a much different scenario! Where do you want us? Are you sure right there? It was packed and to top it off a very small entrance and "parking spot". Actually, I think they made one for us, if you could call it that. We were stern to, tied to the corner of the dock between one huge boat and another regular fiberglass sailboat that had been damaged by the last boat that had to park there. Great, fenders out!

Skipping rocks at Lovers Beach

We left our heart at the beach :)

Anyhow, after about 2 hours the boat was secured. Now, how do we get ashore? It gives new meaning to "walking the plank", right! It was so treacherous that Brian actually fell in one night, and Willi’s brother wouldn’t attempt the plank at all. First order of business, Willi's house for a nice hot shower, a laundry machine, and a terrific home cooked meal. Awesome!

The next day we took in the sites- an old ruin. Many cultures, loads of old crap, we were over it almost before we began. But, it was a lovely day and the location being out on the point overlooking the ocean, was beautiful. Enough to keep us occupied for a couple of hours.

Saturday, Willi's girlfriend flew in from South Africa, so Sunday we all took a road trip up Cyprus's highest mountain, Mt Olympus. From Ocean to Snow - yeah it was beyond cold. It was freaking snowing! The oxymoron of the situation and our "romantic, topical, fair winds" life was so comical; we couldn't help but break out into laughter. Most of my backpack was full of shorts and tank tops that I haven't worn for 6 months, and it didn't seem like that was going to change anytime soon. Well, when life gives you lemons, make a Snowman. I did.

Even the snowman carries a cell phone!
Snowball fight!

Sailing the Med - so funnyLynette and I

From beach to snow all in one day

Beautiful outdoor mosaic

The ruins

Cyprus kitty

Next up, a short hop over to Israel, and another visit with one of Carl's good friends. This was where we intended on picking up our fourth crew member before heading for the Red Sea. Alas, that would not happen.
We planned on leaving on Sunday, but ended up leaving on Tuesday due to weather (and various cooks in the kitchen so to speak). Oh well, I guess that means we only have one day to look around Tel Aviv / Jerusalem, and go exploring before we jump on a plane for the States!

See all photos of Cypress here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157623555674275/