Saturday 16 April 2011  

Leaving the berth (was bow-to) in high wing caught lazy line mooring warp in prop. Quite a performance, several yachts helping to fend off! Flexible coupling on prop shaft broke. Went to Alamar chandlers owned by Mike, an Anglo Argie, who later ordered a replacement from Vetus in Barcelona after Gerry the mechanic removed and identified the broken one.

Went with Dough to see Almeria-Valencia football match. First division, but Almeria in relegation slot, they lost 0-3. Nice new stadium, Doug loved it! Then watched first of three matches involving Barcelona and of couse Messi. This one was brilliant against Real Madrid.

Had bad tapas but then good pizza at Guzzi with the singing owner and wood-fired oven with a revolving hearth. Bought six bottles of La Gorreta, a good, tannic merlot, the restaurant owner being a shareholder in the bodega.

No sailing, so tourism! Slow Sunday start, hired a car and went for a great drive to mini Hollywood where the spaghetti westerns were filmed in the Desierto de Tabernas, apparently then only desert in Europe. Tried to visit Castillo de Tabernas olive oil place, but was closed. Carried on up the Granada road, then cut down towards Roquetas on a magical road lined with small pine trees. Amazing views as we came down towards the sea.

Monday was boat maintenance day.