We are sat in the sun outside Mario's bar in Almerimar with all the "bob tails"..... i.e. the golfing community in their fancy, coloured clothing while we sit in our ragtag sailings clothing. Yottie clothes have come on in the few years since I sailed in jeans and a yellow oilskin jacket but even so, compared to the golfers we're somewhat "ragtag".

Our departure date is looming. Just waiting on the westerlies to die or turn east. Grib files say that should happen towards end of week but that then clashes with George flying out and Fiona flying in for a week when she hopes to ski and I hope to sail!

We do need to get moving as we could get stuck or have to bash ourselves senseless beating upwind from here to the turn of the coast just past Lagos.

The plan is to get west then day hop up the Portugeuse coast up to Bayona or La Coruna and wait for a weather window to cross Biscay to either Ireland or maybe Milford Haven, e latter so Anne can meet up with Fiona.

We squeezed in a week's skiing and quite pleased the old magic was still there but too wary to venture off the blue runs although we managed most of the reds but slowly. We should have measured how far it was before we left but 1,000 miles each way was a Bit tiring. Chalet was grand and evenings spent in hot tub and bath helped ease the aching limbs.

We have had major @timebandit email problems which are still unresolved. If you need us, just call.