The weather has been nice enough, not much in the way of rain, plenty of sunny days, but my goodness it has been windy. We had been told it was a windy place, but for a few nights it felt like Michael Fish was a guest presenter on the TV. Scarlet was safe enough on her mooring, and although she moved around a bit, we had already taken the sails down, and removed the spray hood to reduce windage. What made it uncomfortable, and frankly almost impossible to sleep, was the noise of the wind as it howled like a demented werewolf through the rigging. We managed to get a screenshot of the plotter showing 50 knots, but during the night we have been told it gusted to over 70 knots!
 |
| Chartplotter showing windy conditions |
At the beginning of March, we also had Scarlet Lady lifted out of the water for three weeks to do the annual anti-fouling.
 |
| This is the first time we have had to reverse into a lifting dock |
Anti-fouling is not a job anyone really looks forward to, but it has to be done. It was a little disappointing after the hard work of last year, to see the paint had once again lifted in a few places. The time will come before too long when we will strip all the old paint off, and apply an epoxy layer. We were both impressed with the very slick operation in getting the boat out of the water put on some chocks, and jet-washed.
 |
| Home for 3 weeks |
We took about two weeks to prepare her, apply primer where necessary, and two coats (7.5 litres) of Hempel Tiger Extra anti-foul. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't always on our side as we had some rain, and strong winds blowing the boatyard grit around. It was hard work, but after a final polish of the hull, and the application of some new lettering for the boom, we were ready for re-launch.
 |
| Just add water! |
 |
| New boom graphics |
Whilst Scarlet Lady was in the yard, we rented a three bedroom apartment on the marina with friends Chris and Frances off Usquabae of Fife, as their boat was in the yard at the same time. The apartment not only had a lovely view over the beach, but it came with the luxury of a bath! This came in very useful for relieving aching muscles.
 |
| View from our apartment balcony, a rough Alboran sea |
We weren't always around at the same time as Chris and Frances, but we made of point of always having dinner together on a Sunday. We had the obligatory traditional Sunday roast. Chris made some fantastic Yorkshire puddings, and the best gravy we have tasted.
Towards the end of our time in the flat, we threw a small party for our friends off Time Bandit, Genie of London, Wraith, Obsession of Poole, Mayra I and Pegasus of Arne. It was good to relax after all the hard work in the yard.
At the beginning of March, we were treated to a visit by Lynne's parents, and a surprise re-visit from brother Phill. They rented an apartment close to the marina, and we used our time together to do some sightseeing. We went to Almeria, where we visited the Alcazaba. This is a medieval fortress located on a hill overlooking the town and bay of Almeria. It is well worth a visit, and is free for EU citizens.
 |
| View from the Alcazaba looking towards the port |
 |
| Looking up at the walls of the Alcazaba from the car park |
We also took a trip to Roquetas de Mar. We went for a walk around the small marina, but as it started to drizzle, we moved on to the Gran Plaza shopping centre for a bit of retail therapy. Steve purchased some new glasses, and we had a superb lunch at the Hollywood restaurant. We would highly recommend this restaurant if you like burgers, ribs, steaks etc. The staff speak good English, the food really is tasty, and reasonable in price.
 |
| Mega meal at Hollywood in Roquetas |
The day Lynne's family were due to leave was Mother's Day, so we treated her Mum to a hearty Sunday lunch at Marios at the Marina, before bidding our farewells. We really enjoyed our few days together, and very much hope they will visit us again later in the year.
 |
| Group photo outside Mario's |
Just as they were leaving, Lynne's Dad handed us an early wedding anniversary present. He has recently taken up painting as a hobby, and he had done a watercolour of Scarlet Lady at anchor in front of Eastbourne Pier for us. It has now taken pride of place in our cabin, and until our next blog update, will be proudly displayed on our web page header.
 |
| Many thanks Graham |
March has seen a few arrivals and departures. At one stage, there were seven boats from Rally Portugal 2012 in the marina. Ian and Sally from Seraphina called in for a few days en-route to Cartagena, and we were invited onboard for drinks and tapas with Usquabae of Fife and Moonstream. It was good to catch up and discuss what plans we all had for this coming season. Ken, Jim, Tim, Chris and Maureen from Moonstream where also in the yard at the same time as us. We purchased some new mooring warps and Jim very kindly gave us a lesson on splicing and whipping. Thanks Jim. We hope you will agree we did an O.K. job.
 |
| Newly spliced mooring warps, and out of shot we have
fitted some rubber snubbers
|
Planning ahead for when we go further into the Mediterranean, we purchased four new water jerry cans. We really enjoy our time at anchor, so the extra 80 litres of water in these cans will mean we have to go into marinas less frequently to top up the water tanks, well in theory anyway.
 |
| Extra water on board |
As it is nearing April, many yotties are beginning to leave Almerimar, and head to pastures new. We have already bid farewell to our friends Stuart and Anne off Time Bandit. We wish them both well on their travels this year. It's always sad when you say goodbye, but we are sure we will see some of our friends again at some stage 'down route'. We have some more visitors coming over from the UK in early April, then we too will be on our way.
Almerimar has been a wonderful place to winter the boat. It is relatively cheap (you do need to factor in the cost of electric though, at some 3 euros a day), has a great liveaboard community, and most things you need are on the doorstep. The weather has been superb for nearly all of our stay although the very high winds have been a bit irksome.
The nearest town, El Ejido, is a bus ride away as is Roquetas, but the public transport is very cheap.
All in all, it has been a positive experience. We have thoroughly enjoyed our first overseas wintering experience, and best of all, the showers now have hot water!
Steve and Lynne xx
