Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). This sail was the second week of our first visit to Turkey. Super, fantastic, time. Gordon is a superb captain. Honest and trustworthy, too. We learned so very much during our sailing holiday. The seawater is not like any we have seen ---- cobalt blue unlike any other. The ruins were wonderful. The coast deserved two weeks to visit. We will be back. Carol Scearce and David O'Brien, Dallas, Texas, and Vickie Virvos, Richmond, Virginia, May 2001

P.S. Lest there be any doubt, we give references. Dallas (214)826-4919. David O'Brien, May 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). What a difference a week makes! First Friday boarding the sleek T.G. Ellyson anticipating and hoping for seven days of Mediterranean fun and beauty, and the second Friday knowing what a memorable, special, week we spent with Gordon and Jenny learning, gawking, laughing, appreciating, and reminiscing. Linda Weitz, Washington, D.C., May 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Thanks for the introduction to Lycian history. They sure knew how to pick a beautiful place to live, and so did you. Fabulous scenery. Maybe Gordon has Lycian ancestry. Steve Weitz, Washington, D.C., May 2001

Ucagiz - Kekova Roads
Luigi Mayer - 1804

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Our week was wonderful from beginning to end. You made sure everything was special - magical moorings, spectacular ruins, bustling ports. We'll remember every newspaper kiosk! Thanks for everything. Alice Brunner, Chicago, Illinois, May 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Thank you for the special help. Bob Fulk, Chicago, Illinois, May 2001

Kos to Bodrum (Aegean Odyssey). Dear Gordon, Thank you very much for our introduction to sailing. I really had a great holiday. Sometimes you just have to force yourself to get away from U.S. stress, as you have done permanently. I wish I had the courage to drop out forever. I really enjoyed Leros and Agathonisi the best. Your quiet refuge was exactly what I needed to forget about "six calls holding." The sea is so magical and peaceful it nourishes my soul. I wish the best to you and your family. Even if you are grumpy! You are a great sailor and I trust your knowledge of the sea. Thanks for your hospitality. Goknur is a great crewperson. We'll be back. Katherine Lee, Denver, Colorado, June 2001

Kos to Bodrum (Aegean Odyssey). Dear Gordon, What a way to see Greece and Turkey. The sailing was truly relaxing with bits of excitement mixed in. Your competent shiphandling made us feel at ease while negotiating the lovely blue waters of the Aegean. The sites were memorable, but your introductions to local people were what made the trip truly special. Tom Lee, Denver, Colorado, June 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). What an extraordinary experience - to sail the Turkish coast. Thanks for your patience, great history lessons, delicious food, and fun holiday. We will be back! Lyn and Mark Ivanowicz, Balikpapen, Borneo, June 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). This was totally awesome. I really enjoyed paddling around in the kayak. We had our own taxi service going. Thanks for everything. It was fantastic!!! Allie Ivanowicz, Balikpapen, Borneo, June 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). We had wonderful food, and thanks for blowing up the kayak. And thanks for all the great information you gave us on the ruins. We had an awesome time. Hopefully we will be back!! Hope to see you again. It's my favorite thing in Turkey so far. Emilie Ivanowicz, Balikpapen, Borneo, June 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thank you so much for a wonderful time. I especially liked sailing back at night with the stars twinkling above our heads. The swimming was great, the food superb, and the companionship admirable. I had a wonderful experience on the T.G. Ellyson! Thank you soo much! Kirsten Kasper, Swanzea Centre, New Hampshire, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). What a wonderful experience from beginning to end. The sailing was relaxing and peaceful even if we always got a late start. But that seems to be the way in this part of the world. Gocek is a special place and I certainly understand why you love it here. It's great for the soul, and I look forward to returning. Wilma is a special lady and treated us all so well. And the food was devine, as was the sailing. Thanks for that special night under the stars. I will remember it a long time to come. Diane Kasper, Swanzea Centre, New Hampshire, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thank you so much for everything. I had an awesome time. This was one of the best things we did on the trip. The food was great, and the people so friendly. I had a great time swimming. One of my favorite things was when we came home at night. I hope next year we can do the same thing. Chelsea Kasper, Swanzea Centre, New Hampshire, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thank you for a most enjoyable experience! The whole time we spent with you! Wilma was great. Jenny's food was wonderful. I sincerely hope I will be able to come again and spend more time here. Thank you much. Patricia Melech, Worcester, New York, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Dear Gordon, Jenny, and Wilma, Thank you for putting up with us so well. We feel very close to you and the T.G. Ellyson. Thanks and see you a third time in a few years. John Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thanks for a great adventure! Laura Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). I had a great time and adventure. Leilani Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Holiday). Thank you for taking us on this wonderful trip. I enjoyed it very much. I hope we can do the same thing sometime again in the future. Thanks a lot. Jonathan Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). A nicely selected route along the Turkish coast and the Dodecanese. It included everything from charming ports to breathtaking views and outstanding restaurants. Thank you very much for making my first trip to Turkey such an unforgettable experience. Jan Kegelberg, Munich, Germany, August 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). Challenging nature and impressive ancient history, and the thunderstorm, of course. The instinct for potential trouble. Sailing with T.G. Ellyson was like a dream. Still, what I enjoyed most was talking to Gordon and I'd say "Our captain is always right." Aylin Sasa, Istanbul, Turkey, August 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Our second trip together was even more spectacular than the first. Thank you for the introduction to places we must explore again! May your sails, glass, and plate stay full (i.e., with wind, raki, and octopus). Until the next time. Yours, Eric and Caglasu. Eric Achtmann, Munich, Germany, and Caglasu Altinkopru, Istanbul, Turkey, August 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). Our voyage on TGE through paradise surpassed our expectations. Gordon is a superb and experienced sailor who knows the local people as his friends, and the country like his backyard. He will take you where few tourists have ever set foot. Our constant comfort and satisfied appetite for delicious food was the accomplished goal of second mate and cook, Goknur, whose good cheer and charm we will always remember. Nick Loniello, Madison, Wisconsin, August 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). This log entry is written in cursive Cyrillic Russian but is believed to be a favorable commentary on a nine-day holiday aboard the T.G. Ellyson. Iryna and Alexander Medvedkova, Odessa, Ukraine, August 2001

Kusadasi to Bodrum (Aegean Odyssey). If you love sailing and observing beautiful sites and amazing history, this is a must. Gordon is not only an amazing sailor but a very gracious host. And Wilma is a fantastic cook. The trip can mix the smallest Greek islands, left behind by time, with some of the most interesting ancient Roman and Greek cities. The diversity is here and I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves the sea. John Dalfonsi, Los Angeles, California, August 2001

Kusadasi to Bodrum (Aegean Odyssey). A journey best described as short and sweet, the days filled with superb sailing despite five and six-foot seas and strong winds. Delighted in two towns to which time has been kind, stepping back in history hundreds of years to enjoy the deep blue of the sea and light blue of the homes in Agathonisi. The voyage to Kos required hands on the wheel for six hours. If ever a drink was earned it was in the sailing to Kos. Accompanied by a pair of dolphins for thirty minutes or so, we delighted in the joy of the Aegean. Kos - what a juxtaposition of old and new with Hippocrates' oath clearly standing the test of time while discos blare. Have we come very far? Then on to Bodrum for a tour of St. Peter's castle remarkable in its enduring presence. A trip like no other, among ancient history, the sea, and wonderful vistas. A trip we hope to resume when life permits. All the best, JoAnna Abrams, Los Angeles, California, August 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). Wonderful sailing trip on a very nice boat lovingly cared-for and fun to sail. It was a real pleasure. Henry Klyce, Piedmont, California, September 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). I think we certainly had a vacation filled with many experiences, a good mixture of islands, just wish we could have stayed longer in Tilos and Simi. When we return we will bring our ninja outfits so we can capture the pirates. Thank you for a great trip and the wonderful food. Wilma was a delight and great cook. Until our next trip, Carole Klyce, Piedmont, California, September 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). I had a wonderful time, different than any other trip I've ever done. Sailing was relaxing and the little islands that we visited were charming and the people friendly. Wilma was wonderful (I want to kidnap her and take her back to the States with us). Overall, a great vacation that I would recommend to anyone. Thanks, Gordon and Wilma. Keep in touch. Genevieve Klyce, Piedmont, California, September 2001

Gocek to Marmaris (Cleopatra's Route). Wonderful trip. Nothing I've ever done can compare to the experience of island-hopping around Greece and Turkey. I can't wait to tell my friends about my adventures and add to the jealousy that already exists. Take care, Gordon, and keep Wilma in check. She is a feisty one. Maybe one day we'll see you in the States and we can tease some wind up then. Matthew Klyce, Piedmont, California, September 2001

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). Last day of another great sailing trip. All the places we went were in their own way fun and interesting. Highlights were riding a motor scooter in Simi and dinner in Loryma. Old Rhodian fortification (at Loryma) was interesting - no mortar used in construction. Goknur continues TGE tradition of beautiful, helpful, cheerful, crew. Gordon is grumpy as ever, especially when awoken early in the AM. Leni and I really enjoyed sleeping in the master cabin - felt like royalty. Neal Whisenand, Palmdale, California, October 2001

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). Can't believe we've been able to come sailing with Gordon again! Wish we could come every year, but, unless we win the lottery, we are going to make the trek every other year. There are so many sights to see. This year we did a back-to-Bodrum and also returned to Simi (I needed more sandals and Neal wanted to take a scooter trip up to the windmills). We've thoroughly enjoyed the new (to us) Greek islands and Turkish coves (mainly Ogun's and Loryma). Gordon is his same old self, crew Goknur an able cook and interesting for her Turkish background and personality. We have missed seeing Jenny, William, and Sian. Hope to see you all in 2003. Leni Whisenand, Palmdale, California, October 2001

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). With Gordon we went out to sea, to hamlets in Greece and Turkey. The people were best, Ogun and the rest. A voyage to top all my dreams. Sorry for subjecting you to one more limerick. My eternal thanks for an unforgettable adventure. P.S. Goknur is a gem, but call if you need a hand! Kristi Garrett, Sacramento, California, October 2001

Ed. Note: Kristi subsequently wrote an account of her holiday entitled Aegean Escape available in paper back, 133-pages, from Bookworm.com at $12.95.

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Way beyond expectations and hopes. The merits of an intimate owner-captained cruise cannot be overstated. The luxury of service, the superior competence of Captain Gordon. His detailed and yet extremely broad knowledge of history and archaeological sites made our trip aboard the TGE one we hope to repeat. And one we cannot wait to share with our friends. Ann Hagan, Rembert, South Carolina, November 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). The past eleven days sailing the Turkish coast have been beyond belief. We did not expect the wealth of history, the beauty and grandeur of the place. Gordon sailed as though he were part of the boat - he managed to sail even when the wind did not cooperate. The hospitality on the boat and Gordon's knowledge of the places we visited added much to the trip. He has studied each and every place we went. His narrative history along with our presence at these archaeological sites made me feel of a tune with the ancients. The overall impression is that we were fortunate to have such a superb sailor and historian as our host. John Carmichael, Rembert, South Carolina, November 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). This, our fifth cruise on T.G. Ellyson, has been idyllic. We came, we sailed, we relaxed, and we enjoyed. Now one regret: we must return home, but, however, with the thought and hope of our next cruise with Gordon on board the ship we've come to appreciate in so many ways. Howdy Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, November 2001

Gocek to Gocek (Alexander's Path). Tout c'est bien passe. C'etait extraordinaire et tres reposant. Dommage, nous devons partir. J'aurais envie de restes. Eva Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, November 2001