Looking across the estuary from Rompido to the spit Flecha del Rompido with the Atlantic just a few 100 meters the other side.
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On the way back to the Guadian a bee hitched a lift.
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Since getting back from the UK in June I have had a few minor problems, a leaking water tank (sorted) a non functioning bilge pump (sorted) a faulty domestic water pump (sort of sorted but need a new one) and finally a leak from my raw water engine pump. I brought some of the parts from the UK and Spanish friends found me an engineer who rebuilt it in a couple of hours at half the cost of a new one so that's sorted.
I then needed to get out of the river and go sailing so headed west up the Spanish coast to El Rompido. Tricky entrance as they had moved the first 3 navigation buoy's close inshore but eventually fond them, what and experience, the channel was only about 150 meters from the shore and literary 100 of swimmers to look out for. The new part of the town is very commercialised and I have never seen so many motorboats in one place before it is was mad. About 6 kilometres up the river I found the old town with a very safe anchorage, supermarket, fuel and excellent marina with showers and washing machines and some friends that I had meet on the Guadiana. The other thing in its favour is it is cooler especially for July & August and NO mosquitoes, yippee. There are also some very nice and cheap restaurants and bars with a nice buzz about the place, think the I will relocate and use this as my base.
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The view as I entered into El Rompido.
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A lost bat hitching a lift on the way to El Rompido.
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On the way to El Rompido I had some companions.
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Mad Andrew washing my tent cover on the way up river.
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Finally got round to having a look at Warrior's bottom. I took her onto the slip at Alcoutim and I am pleased to report she is sound as a pound, just needs some priming and antifouling which I will do over the next couple of months. Stern tube tight no wear on the rudder mountings and the hull is first class, there is one sacrificial anode that needs replacing. Me happy....
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A closer look.
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One of the problems on the river, submerged logs that find your anchor and make a nuisance of themselves. They soon sorted it and returned it to the depths.
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We took trip up the river as far as Pomarao to show Oli the sites. Later in the day we headed back down and anchored for a couple of days at the mouth of the Rio Vascao. We had a great time going up river by dinghy as far as we could at times having to manhandle them through the shallows. We came across some fantastic deep pools and cooled off and swam.
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Bathing time up the Vascao
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Its BBQ time again Andrew & Oli on Warrior in Alcoutim before heading up river
Well its back again after being in the UK for a month and it was great to see Gail, Gina & Ozzy. A friend that I meet on the Guadiana was also in the UK and intended driving down with his son so gave me a ring to see if I wanted to come which I did. I had a great time meeting his friends and family in Ipswich over a couple of days. We went via Dover Andrew and Oli drove none-stop taking it in turns and did the journey of about 1,200 miles in 22 hours, I just dosed in the back and made irritating comments like "are we there yet" - we are still speaking.
It's a little strange getting back as it feels like two different existences it takes me a week or so to settle down again. We now have the start of the summer weather, warm but a northerly breeze that makes it very pleasant.
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I said cheerio to Arne and Alex this morning who left Alcoutim and the Guadiana to continue their voyage in their fantastic catamaran, I am sure that I will catch up with them again. I shall really miss them as they have become very special friends. I think that it is time for me to leave the Guadiana too. Back to the UK at the beginning of next week for a month or so to shoot a wedding and when I get back head off.
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The fiesta in honour to the Virgin de la Rabida in Sanlucar de Guadiana.The procession has stopped next to the river for the fireworks.
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Around Easter time there is a fiesta in honour to the Virgin de la Rabida in Sanlucar de Guadiana. They have a service and then a procession around the town with male dancers lead by a drummer who also plays a pipe. Looking down from the church spire with the river and Alcoutim in the background.
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My lunch at the Alcoutim Sardine Festival which takes place every year.
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Robert Black and the Journeymen at the Riverside a good night. All local musicians that write their own material - good stuff.
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Andrew and I organised a race for the young crew of Losadama Audrey & Damien. Starting on the Portuguese side they had to race across the river to Spain and back again twice under power and rowing. According to the race marshal Arne after penalties it was a draw - great fun.
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On the way back from Pomarao - just having fun and saving on fuel.
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Alex looking after things while I buzz around taking photos in the dingy.
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On Friday Arne, Alex, Lee and I headed up river from Pomarao for Mertola. We went up as fare as we could by yacht and then the remainder by dingy. As a we came round one of the bends we were surprised to come across this imposing and pretty little riverside town. It has long history as a trading port and a strong Islamic feel to it. There is an "Islamic Festival" that takes place every two years in May and recreates the Islamic period of the town with music, exhibitions, and a street market. This is one of the years so hope to go back.
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Looking down the river where we had come.
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On the Sunday to recover from over indulgence we headed for a walk into the countryside.
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Enjoying a fish super with Lee during the Festival do Peixe do Rio at Pomarao up river from Alcoutim.
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Under sail off Faro
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Rafted up again at Vila Real with Ayamonte in the background.
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I went from Faro to Culatra and meet-up with Arne & Alex who showed me round the island. We then sailed on to Olhao where we spent the night. I intend to come back much to explore.
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Heading down the Gudiana the easy way.
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What a ship!
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