20^th April       PUERTO DE SAN JOSE

30 46.0 N  02 06.0 W

Nick left Almerimar on the morning of the 18^th, Graham Wassell arrived that evening. Meanwhile a gale blew up. Waves were crashing over the breakwater, the Darsenas had white horses, boats were swinging and groaning, the wind howling through the rigging, and the bar and café owners disconsolately took in the tables, chairs and umbrellas and put up the shutters.

I really thought we could be stuck for days, but Friday 20^th looked a lot better. Chris and Beverley Lees got their boat “Elysium” back in the water, Anna and David Holliwell have “Dragonfly” out being antifouled (both on last year’s Rally Portugal with us.)

I decided to go for Puerto San Jose after lunch, allowing the sea state to settle. We left at 12.20, filled the tank, and set off. It wasn’t bad – wind W/SW 4-6, with a heavy swell pushing us on. We crossed the bay of Almeria, rounded Cabo de Gata, and berthed at Puerto San Jose at 18.45. This was a stern to mooring right by the marina entrance, and we needed a bow line from the marinero to haul us round as the wind blew directly across our run in. Beautiful little place – tiny marina, as Graham said, it was like arriving at a small Greek harbour. We had our beer/wine and tapas at the restaurant nearby. To bed early as usual, and the ropes screaming and wailing all night long. It really is incredible the noise they make. Really need to fit springs and will get some asap.

36 NM covered today.