May, 2017 - BENALMADENA, SPAIN

We enjoy a downwind sail, using foresail only to Benalmadena.  The marina staff very very slow to arrive at our dock.  After we made several passes, we received help from our dock neighbors to do our first Med tie.  We can only do it "bow first" due to our full keel (poor control in reverse), canoe stern and wind steering off the back.  This means we have to drop to the dock off the bowsprit.

May, 2017 - FUENGIROLA ANCHORAGE

We say goodby to the "Rock" and enjoy a good sail to Marbella Yacht Harbor.  It was a very tight harbor, with no room to maneuver and a cross wind of about 15 knots.  Any increase in the wind would make it impossible to leave.  Also, it would be our first Med tie.  We decide to go to the nearby anchorage at Fuengirola.

East side of the Rock.

May, 2017 - TRAIN TRIP TO RONDA, SPAIN

We take a train/bus trip to the historic town of Ronda.  This was by no means a fast train, but was a pleasant trip through the mountains.  The old town is built on a high plateau above the valley, cut off from the rest of the plateau by a DEEP and narrow river valley.  The only access was via a VERY high bridge.  It was considered impregnable, but was taken when the attackers cut the defenders access to the river, the only water supply.

Railway poster for Ronda.

Nosebleed inspiring view of the drop to the valley floor #1...

...#2

The bull fighting ring.

Orson Wells visited...

...as did Hemingway.

The famous bridge.

The church from the "new" side of town.

Town hall square.

Colorful souvenir shop.