36:48.9N 02:33.6W

It was only a short hop across to where we are now, in Aguadulce.  Here is a view of the marina as we approached it:  you can just make out the red and green makers showing the marina entrance. 

Although we had arrived at “siesta time”, two marineros (the guys who help you with your lines) raced up on their motorbikes to help us tie up at the waiting pontoon.  They explained, in English, that the office would open at 4.30 pm, and I should present with my papers then.  Can you imagine a marina employee in the UK being able to speak French like that?  We used the time to go for a wander around the town, and it all seemed very peaceful and cared for.  I had had  problem with the starter battery for the starboard engine, and had decided to buy a replacement.  They are normal car batteries, and are guaranteed for 2 years.  Needless to say, this one was 2 yrs and 6 months old, and failing!  I explained my dilemma to the lady in the office, who promptly whipped out a map showing where to go and buy one.  It was quite a hike, and I told her I would go there on my bike.  She promptly handed over her car keys to me, and told me to use that to get to the car parts shop, and wouldn’t take no for an answer!  So off I went, and came back 20 mns later with the battery.  We then sat down and she showed me where the best berths in the marina were to be found, and promptly allocated me one!  Talk about perfect service, and a complete contrast from the previous evening.

The next day was spent visiting Almeria and the Alcazaba castle.  Almeria is a city of fountains:

Alcazaba is a massive fort, and very easily defended, but has been repeatedly attacked over the years by everyone: Christians, Berbers, Romans, Sir Francis Drake etc….  Almeria is an important trading centre, hence the interest in the place.  

We also visited the cathedral which is unusual in being fortified and has gun emplacements.

That evening we decided to have a meal in the marina.  We chose the busiest restaurant, and they promptly handed us the English menu.  We asked if we could have tapas instead, and the waitress’ eyes lit up.  She explained that if I had a beer, we could order tapas at 1 euro each!  We promptly did so, and had the 6 different tapas she recommended.  A fabulous meal for 10 euros including tip!

Off to anchor in a bay next.