My Sea Change

/ Stella Maris & Flying Fish
Tomb Bay Pine.sm

Flying Fish is anchored bow and stern in the iridescent waters of the Turkish Mediterranean Sea. Photography:  © Jeffrey Cardenas

In the past 30 months, Flying Fish has carried me through the western Caribbean, across the Pacific to Polynesia, south to New Zealand, New Caledonia, Australia, and across Southeast Asia. Within every molecule of water I have encountered a life and landscape that is profoundly different. Now, as I begin my passage through the Mediterranean Sea, I am experiencing another significant sea change. There will be time to reflect and write of these changes, but, as always, my first impressions are visual. Here is a small portfolio of images from the Turkish Mediterranean and some initial thoughts on this exciting new water.

How this gallery works: The text under each image is relevant. Hover the cursor not just on the image, but at the BOTTOM of each image to read the text. When you click on the text it will bring up a full-frame view with a scrolling arrow allowing navigation to each image. Thanks for being interested enough to do this. 

I cannot even image the geological upheaval that applied this amount of pressure on the landscape. If only rocks could talk.
At first glance it just looks like a rock. Look closer and let your eyes drift across the striations of texture and color. Imagine the mass and density. I won’t get mystical about this but it is clear to me that this rock has its own power. No human being created this rock.
This is not an image of a beach. My camera is underwater pointed at a mosaic of pebbles on the bottom, six feet below the surface. The water clarity is otherworldly.
Rock Passage

The landscape is rugged and wild on the Kapıdağ Yarımadası Peninsula of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. Photography:  © Jeffrey Cardenas

Please subscribe at the bottom of this page so that you don’t miss a new update, and consider sharing this post with others who might enjoy following the voyage of Flying Fish. Readers encourage me to continue writing.

If you would like to follow the daily progress of Flying Fish into the Mediterranean, and onward, you can click this link: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Flyingfish

To see where Flying Fish has sailed since leaving Key West in 2017, click here: https://cruisersat.net/track/Flying%20Fish

Instagram: FlyingFishSail
Facebook: Jeffrey Cardenas

19 thoughts on “My Sea Change”

  1. Jeffrey, those photos are magnificent, love the suns rays penetrating the water, and those pebbles are beautiful in so many different colors and shapes, and wow, that face on that mystical powerful rock ,Love that you captured that. Also the sea urchin with the perfectly symmetrical blue line to the white dots is beautiful and amazing.
    Thank you for sharing your journey as I always enjoy reading your adventures.
    Byron

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Hi Jeffrey What a pleasure to follow your journey across the oceans and hearing about islands and counties you visit. Your descriptions make me dream and I am happy you could have join Flying Fish in Turkey for new adventures through the Mediterranean sea. My name is Christian Chevalier. I live in New Caledonia where I I own an O’Day 37 Central Cockpit. It is always great to go sailing and drop anchor to enjoy the wonderful spots we are lucky to have here. I heard about Flying Fish when you stopped in Noumea and I have been following your trip ever since. Sailing the Mediterranean must be really fascinating with so many cultures, ancient cities and beautiful landscapes to enjoy. When you are in the Western part of the Mediterranean sea, don’t forget Corsica which is absolutely gorgeous. Happy sailing. Christian Chevalier

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Christian, what a great message! I am sorry we did not cross paths in Noumea. I was there for quite a while repairing Flying Fish after a serious knockdown in transit from New Zealand.
      The joy for me sailing around the world is the diversity I encounter in each new place. The Mediterranean is no exception. It may not have the coral gardens and fish of New Caledonia but there is an attraction to the landscape and the history.
      I won’t forget about Corsica. Because of COVID I might not make it there this year but it is definitely on the itinerary.

      Like

      Reply

    • Thanks again for the comments, Ruben. I have a couple thoughts regarding the lack of fish (and it’s not just my imagination, the fish markets I have seen here are devoid of anything other than small sea bream and mullet): First, this is an ancient land and people have to eat. Also, wherever there are no regulations regarding fishing, people will take until there is nothing left. There are still fish in U.S. waters (and elsewhere) because the country is young and the fishing is regulated. My two cents…

      Like

      Reply

  5. Wow!!!
    These are amazing photos. Thank you so much for sharing the images and the beautiful descriptions of the context of each, As well as your thoughts as you experienced these moments.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Jeff, these are absolutely stunning! My favorite is Natural Art! It looks like a Claude Monet painting! In such awe of your talent for photography and writing. Continue on your journey and may you always discover the natural beauties and wonders of this world… I also liked Rock Meets Water! The descriptions were wonderful as well! Thank you Jeff!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Jeff, these are absolutely stunning! My favorite is Natural Art! It looks like a Claude Monet painting! In such awe of your talent for photography and writing. Continue on your journey and may you always discover the natural beauties and wonders of this world… I also liked Rock Meets Water! The descriptions were wonderful as well! Thank you Jeff!

    Like

    Reply

  9. Jeff the photos are beautiful and your descriptions and history of the different locations are wonderful ! Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for your encouragement Craig. The history here is amazing. When I dove with mask and snorkel to do an anchor check yesterday I could see under the boat the broken remains of a Byzantine cargo of clay amphora containers. I am careful not to touch or disturb these archeological treasures. I hope they are still here 1,000 years from now.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment