Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Many thanks to Gordon and Saime for a fabulous introduction to the Turquoise Coast. Gordon's knowledge and enthusiasm about ancient civilizations, especially Lycian culture, fueled our own fascination with the many ruins. Gordon - your sailing prowess is second to none. Saime - the same goes for your cooking - your patience, attentiveness, and lovely spirit highlighted our wonderful sailing vacation. Thanks so much to both of you! Alison and John Sawyer, Placentia, California, May 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). A great excursion. Coast, ruins, cuisine, and many other experiences such as meeting Ismail and Ali will be long remembered. Gordon is as competent showing us through the ruins as he is maneuvering the TGE in tight quarters - really impressive! Saime, our mate, is an individual that both of us would love to count among our friends. She is caring and knowledgeable. She taught us much about the country and the people - and what a great cook. The original Theodore Gordon Ellyson would have been proud that his namesake craft can make her guests so happy. We look forward to the Greek islands. Ann and Bob Barth, McLean, Virginia, May 2000

Rhodes to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). Gordon (sailing expert) and Alexandra (kitchen expert), What a great way to see two countries. We've always loved the Greek islands, but wanted to see some of Turkey (although we were apprehensive). We loved Turkey - friendly people, great tomatoes, bread, and lamb, and lots to see. We'll definitely come back for more. P.S. And a special thanks to Adnan for the mayoral reception and lunch in Doluca. Deborah and Jerry Wood, Huntington Beach, California, June 2000

Rhodes to Rhodes (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Thanks for a great honeymoon voyage! We are glad that the winds took us along the Turkish coast rather than north from Symi. The two Greek islands we visited (Rhodes and Symi) were interesting. The alternate route along the Turkish coast, however, gave us an unexpected introduction to a fabulous country - the people gracious and friendly, the water crystal clear, the archaeological ruins spectacular! We have gained a fondness and respect for the Turkish people and their country. We will return. Bozukale (ancient Loryma) was our favorite bay -- the water was great for swimming, the Rhodian fort fascinating, and the small restaurant a wonderful culinary surprise in what is truly an out of the way place -- Mustafa has created a wonderful anchorage without the benefit of the infrastructure that we normally expect. His family was so friendly and engaging. Of our prints, that of Mustafa holding the wild boar reminds us of his great chase in flip-flops across the rocks and through the brush with his dog in hot pursuit. We have a new respect for how easily he moves on his own turf; guests who wish to see the acropolis had best be in good shape. Ekincik and ancient Caunos came in a close second as our favorite stop. The tombs at Dalyan were awe inspiring. We are looking forward to our next voyage with you! So much to see, so little time. And we are looking forward to meeting Jenny and the children. Fondest Regards, Mandy and Clark Nichols, Seattle, Washington, June 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). This has truly been a wonderful and adventuresome experience. Wilma was a lovely hostess and Captain Gordon was a remarkably skilled and talented professional. I honestly believe my coordination has improved, especially in climbing ropes. This has been too much fun - and the crew are wonderful people. P.S. I'll mail you your martini olives, and when you come to San Diego I'll take you horse-back riding. Happy hour on the boat was delightful! Stevie Fate-Dixon, Encinitas, California, July 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). The trip was everything I had hoped: a special way to experience a special place, comfortable accommodations with knowledgeable and personable hosts. As a non-sailor I appreciated the chance to participate in sailing such a beautiful boat. Despite several klutzy moves on my part, Gordon maintained his professional and accommodating composure - proving that under a somewhat crusty exterior lies a heart of gold. Thanks Gordon and Wilma for a very memorable experience. Frank Dixon, Encinitas, California, July 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). It was a great trip. Thank you so much! I really liked all the ruins, especially those at Cleopatra's Bay (ancient Lydae). Thank you so much, Gordon and Wilma, the food was great. And thank you for letting me snorkel with your equipment. It's something I've always wanted to do. Thank you so much (heart depicted). Meagan Oldfather, San Anselmo, California, July 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). A learning experience from beginning to end. CAN I SAIL YET? I'm excited to have learned things I didn't even know I wanted to learn and am inspired to learn more about sailing. Now when I read about sailing it will be enjoyable (great reading material on board). Thank you, Wilma, for some of the best food of our whole European trip. The excursions to ruins were fantastic and I'm looking forward to returning for more. Lastly, thanks, Gordon, for patiently teaching me to stay out of the way and, most importantly, how to keep the beer really cold! Holly Oldfather, San Anselmo, California, July 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). The greatest way to see Turkey. A relaxing and enjoyable experience, the best part of our holiday. Thank you, Wilma, for the very enjoyable breakfasts and lunches, and thank you, Gordon, for patiently teaching me about sailing and the ruins. Be sure to take your other guests to Cold Water Bay for a hike with Rahan to Kaya ghost town! Newton Oldfather, San Anselmo, California, July 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thank you, Gordon, for welcoming our family as your guests on the T.G. Ellyson. You did everything to make sure that we had a great time. The background info you gave us to the history of the area made it a great learning experience for Holly, Newt, Meg, and me. It is a truly beautiful area and I felt lucky to have someone so knowledgeable to find the good spots to stop. I really liked the experience of being a crew member and loved taking off from the pier under sail. All in all it was a very exciting, enjoyable, and relaxing week. I feel privileged to have had the chance to learn about sailing, about the inhabitants of the area in earlier times, and about local geography. Thank you also for your wonderful crew Wilma who was so charming and who took such good care of us. You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Keep sailing and thanks for taking good care of our family. Jon Oldfather, San Ansellmo, California, July 2000

Gocek to Kas (Alexander's Path). Tired of the Hamptons? Bored with the Caribbean? Chateauxed out in France? Turkey and Greece from the decks of the T.G. Ellyson is the trip of a lifetime. This is my third TGE excursion. The first time in the bays and coves of Turkey. The second time in the Greek islands. This time a mixture of both. It's hard to choose a highlight of this outing - maybe the wild boar at Ali's restaurant, maybe Yuksel's campfire, possibly the hike to the fortress atop Kale, or taking down the awning in 27 knots of wind (not compulsory for guests) enroute to Kalkan, or, and unquestionably, the company of Gordon and Jenny Abercrombie whom I consider very dear friends. Until next time!! All my love, Debra Walton-Collings, New York City, August 2000

Gocek to Kas (Alexander's Path). Action and adventure, rest and relaxation, all in my first yacht trip! Thanks to Gordon and Eva for seven packed days of sun and sea. If Gordon will have me I'll definitely be back. Thanks a million. Jim Akers, New York City, August 2000

Gocek to Kas (Alexander's Path). A different type of vacation. Rustic and quaint stops. Sailing is relaxing if occasionally a bit intimidating. I've enjoyed myself and would recommend it to others. I had a great time. Barbara Brown, New York City, August 2000

Gocek to Kas (Alexander's Path).We were well advised by our dear friend Debra to vacation on the T.G. Ellyson with Gordon. He has exactly the voice and quite a bit of the look of Charlton Heston in a star turn. But rather than parting the Red Sea for us, he expertly navigated a swath of the Mediterranean, imparting insights on the history of ancient Lycia as well as the contemporary history of the many charming restaurants and stops at which he is known. A wonderful experience to share with friends, we are looking forward to our next visit. Thanks, Gordon and Jenny. Matt Romanelli, New York City, August 2000

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Gordon, we could not have wished for a more spectacular adventure. The landscapes were awe-inspiring; the coves treasures of paradise. You put together the perfect itinerary, with a mix of the out-of-the-way and the most picturesque villages and ports. Most importantly, the ruins were incredible. You added very welcome insight into each historical locale. In fact, my only recommendation would be to please share more of your knowledge of history. You, when you chose to, were able to make a scattering of rocks come alive. Finally, Wilma is a delight. Her cooking was superb, her company a treasure. We are very grateful for the hospitality that you both shared. Next time we'll go in search of more wind!! Peter and Kirsten Chadwick, Washington, D.C., August 2000

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). "When I was young my limbs were strong, but I could not see the mountains. Now that I am old I can see the mountains, but my weary limbs will not take me there. Genius is wisdom and youth." Edgar Lee Masters c1890. Gordon, Thank you for your youth (e.g., over 100nm beating into the wind) and your wisdom (historical, culinary, and aesthetic). These days have passed in a flash but will always be remembered by Caglasu and me as "the fifty million dollar" vacation (in honor of Mehmet's seafood dinner). In anticipation of our next voyage I wish you blue skies and turquoise seas. P.S. Who were those guys, anyway!!! Eric Achtmann, Munich, Germany, September 2000

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). Between Roman ruins, beautiful bays, grilled octopus, history lessons over raki, and, not least, sailing, I have no idea where the seven days have gone. I feel I could do this for another ten weeks and not grow tired of it. Gordon, bu benim icin her bakimdan harika bir haftaydi. Deniz, gunes, yelken ve tarih yaninda seni tanimak da cok buyuk bir zevkti. Istanbul'da calisirken seni, tekneyi ve o guzel sahilleri hep dusunecegim. Tekrar gorusmek uzere Caglasu Altinkopru, Istanbul, Turkey, September 2000

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon and Wilma, Thanks for making our first trip together so special. Greg and I truly enjoyed the diverse mixture of action and adventure, rest and relaxation, from Force 9 gale to the quiet and quaint stops along the way. The on-board food was delicious (thanks to Wilma) and the restaurants fabulous! Wilma was absolutely delightful and shared so much warm hospitality. We'll always remember the adventures we shared aboard the T.G. Ellyson. Next time we won't bring so much luggage! Beware of gales and best regards, Kircia Maffie and Greg Felix, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2000

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). To Gordon and Wilma, Thank you for introducing a sailing vacation to us. We enjoyed the experience, even the Force 9 gale is a story for the ages. This was a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with our son and girlfriend - to share a glimpse of the beauty of Turkey - its great food - and naturally the rugs. The people are warm and wanting to please. We hope this is only the first of our visits. Wilma was great and we enjoyed her super breakfasts and lunches. We are now somewhat better crew and promise to be even better next time. We wish you and your lovely family health and happiness forever. Jill Felix, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2000

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). To Gordon and Wilma, Thank you both for a superb trip. I know we will have the scars to prove it. We wish you well in the future for the new life you have chosen. Gordon, you have been blessed to start a family anew and can this time sit back and smell the roses and enjoy your children. They are beautiful children, and if in the future you ever need me, all you have to do is call. People think I am crazy the way I take pictures, but for me it is a way of re-living the trip over and over. I just wish I could have taken photos of that gale. They are hurrying me so I cannot continue. However, thanks once more for a memorable trip. I hope we can do it again. Miles Felix, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2000

Bodrum to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). Gordon - We had a wonderful experience these last five days, a new one for all four of us. We enjoyed getting familiar with sailboat cruising, and found we could exist, even thrive, under more basic conditions than in our homes. The scenery was breathtaking and we were most fortunate to have the variety of both the Greek islands and the Turkish coast. While we didn't quite have our fill of pure sailing we certainly did enjoy the winds we did have. The TGE is a beautiful boat and we learned to appreciate its utility and craftsmanship. Here's your winter reading list: Snow Falling On Cedars by Guterson, Poisonwood Bible by Kingsolver, A Fine Balance by Mistry, The Shipping News by Proulx, and Ship of Gold by Kinder. Barbara and Arthur Bernstein, Los Angeles, California, October 2000

Bodrum to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). I am delighted to log on, to make this entry in the Captain's log. The trip was logically planned and beautifully executed by the Captain with the able assistance of Wilma. The dialogue was both informative and enjoyable. Psychologically speaking all of the dramatic personae were in sync. The epilogue will be fast friendships which will last well into the future. Thank you for a memorable and enlarging experience. Arnold Burns, New York City, October 2000

Bodrum to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). I agree with all of the foregoing and echo both Barbara's and Arnie's sentiments. I also want to compliment the Captain on his excellent leadership and Wilma on her excellent cooking. Felice Burns, New York City, October 2000