Tuesday 18th September

We were breakfasted and ready at 8.00am as Ginis, the boat yard boss, had said he would come to the boat “first thing”. We’re not sure if it was our misunderstanding or a different interpretation of the phrase but, when he hadn’t arrived by 10.00, we went to find him. We’ve been aware of the ease with which things can be misinterpreted in translation, then there’s also the cultural differences in timings of the day. Finally, he came late morning and I think was surprised at our extensive list of work needed on the boat. We wanted to show him everything so he could better understand the job list, which he appreciated. He understood we were frustrated, to say the least, at the delay in getting the boat out of the water, but, hopefully his efforts will speed things up. It’s not ideal, us not being there to see Equinox settled on the hard, but we have no choice. We have to leave her in their, hopefully, capable hands.

Meanwhile the guy came to measure for canvas deck covers to be made. We are aware that the sun can quickly damage the teak deck, so covering it up over the winter will prolong it’s life.

Amongst all this and into the afternoon, we busied ourselves stowing everything and doing as much as we could in the time to put the boat to bed. It was a still day, with little wind, making it very hot in the full sun, as all the shade covers had been put away.

We finished in time to relax for a short time with cold drinks before going to see lovely Jessica in the marina office to sort out keys and say farewell.

Our brilliant boat neighbours, Peter and Paul, had kindly offered to run us into Almeria in their car and we were all set and ready when they arrived to pick us up. They have been so kind and have offered to watch the boat for us until she is lifted, which is reassuring.

We arrived at the hotel to shower and brush up before going next door to one of the two restaurants in the city recommended by the hotel receptionist. We enjoyed a superb meal, one the best three we’ve had all summer, so it was a fitting end to this year’s adventures. We hadn’t heard of a Figeua before, but it is a fish soup / stew with mixed fish, shell fish and pasta: absolutely delicious!

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	1616	nautical miles
Distance covered 2018	2336	nautical miles
Tricia (and Steve)