SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of Andalucia and is well worth a visit. It is situated on a navigable river and is a university town. The university has been converted from a tobacco factory. The Moorish palace is very attractive and similar to the AlHambra in Granada and don`t forget Seville oranges (the basis of marmalade when Princess Marie etait malade). Wonderful restaurants and of course a bull ring. I did enquire if they had any need for a retired butcher. The cathedral is the largest in Europe with its tall Giraldo Tower. The very narrow streets are cool in the heat of the day.

CADIZ

Cadiz is a lovely old Spanish town and is well worth a weekend visit. It is truly Spanish with lots of tapas. The beach is great for swimming. The streets are old and narrow and cool. Behind big, shabby doors lie wonderful courtyards. Lots of parks and squares and giant rubber trees full of parrots. Cape Trafalgar is just visible.

RIO GUADIANA

The Rio Guadiana is the geographical boundary between Spain and Portugal. At the head of the river the town of Sanluca is 1 hour ahead of Alcoutim opposite it on the Portuguese side. This anchorage was 20 miles inland from the sea. We arrived at the end of a festival with music going on till 0400. On Sunday we joined a sardine festival with free beer for all. We even joined in the dancing with the locals. In the lower reaches of the river there was very good bird life with black winged stilts and storks. In the upper river there were kingfishers, golden oriel and azure winged magpies.

LIFE AT ANCHOR

Life at anchor is comfortable but no hot water so we use a solar shower for hair wash. Shore trips require the dinghy to be launched. Rowing for excercise otherwise outboard. Home contact is via mobile phone. Power has to be conserved so solar or paraffin lamps are used in cockpit at night. Mustn`t forget anchor light before dark.

ISLA DA CULATRA

Anchored in the lagoon between Isla Culatra and Faro. This sandspit is host to a fishing community and is also a holiday retreat for Portuguese. Clams are gathered at low water and are delicious. Portuguese ladies learn to swim by reading the manual in the water.

FARO

Faro is the capital of the Algarve. The old town is very interesting. It is surrounded by salt marshes. Most people only visit the airport here. The cathedral has a chapel built of skulls and bones from old monks. Lovely sunsets over Faro from our anchorage.

VILAMOURA

I was looking forward to visiting Vilamoura but it was far too touristy. No old town or history. However a nice beach.

ALBUFEIRA FOR OLD TIME SAKE

The new marina at Albufeira is called Legoland and its plain to see why. We last visited Albufeira 27 years ago when Nick and Tim rode `AYE/AYE` bee. He is still there. We also found our appartment block from that time and would still recommend staying there. Very busy in August but still quiet areas to be found and Sir Cliff had something to do with the place.

MR AUGUST

Here it is. The one you have been waiting for. Mr August 2007. Eat your hearts out W. I. Sailing between Lagos and Albufeira.

NATURIST BEACH LAGOS ALGARVE

The geology and beaches are fascinating. Caves, grottos and steep canyons down to isolated coves. Even more fascinating is the naturist beach! The naturists retreated when they saw my camera!!! However our all over tan is coming on nicely apart from being sore sitting in the bar at happy hour in the evening.

SALEMA

Last lunch at Salema with our visitors. Now is the time to rest our digestive systems. No more `light` lunches. But fluids plenty! Temp. still at 34 degrees. Plan to visit old town of Faro and move on some time next week.