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Time to go. Looking forward to next adventure and meeting up with friends around Europe.

Feeling tired, after a long run yesterday I only ran 12k this morning to bring my total for the week up to 100k. Just as well, because, as promised by the forecasts, the wind picked up this afternoon, for the first time in 3 weeks. I managed to get out with my 7.5 which quickly became too big. Sailing technique left a lot to be desired, but all in all I enjoyed being on the water again. Legs kept cramping because of the long run, banged ribs hard on exiting a turn the wrong way and feet and hands are sore after lack of use. I think that means I’ve had fun. Forecast is more wind again for tomorrow.

We had a lovely time at Chris and Gaynor’s place over Christmas along with Derek & Anne and Keith & Zena. We each had our own self-contained studio complete with Kitchen and shower room. The cooking of Christmas dinner was coordinated by Chris (with military precision), each couple was responsible for cooking certain parts of the meal in their own kitchen and then bringing together all the food for the Christmas feast. It was wonderful. Check our Journal for the full story.

The beauty of having a car means we can explore more of Spain. We enjoyed a few days in Granada. Although we were further south the temperature was much colder, however Granada is an interesting city with lots to see and do. Yop of our list was to visit the Alhambra, Check our Journal for the full story

We went to Cartagena this morning to collect our numbers for The Cross of Artillery race. There are four distances, 1/4m, 1m, 6km and just over 14km (1/3 marathon). We have entered the 14km to the lighthouse and back.

Well we’ve done it. Entered two races. November 23 a 14K, (website) and December 14 a half marathon, (website).

We tried last year, searching the web and seeking out help from the local “Oficina de Tourismo” but drew a blank. This year we managed to find some races on the web, but with our weak Spanish, trying to enter them online was a nightmare, (it’s quite a different system to the one we’re used to back in the UK). Our new friend from the Tourist Information Centre (and also a bit of a runner), entered us for one of our races online and explained all the difficult bits. She also explained how we have to pay at the Cajamar, so now we’re set and have a purpose to our training. Watch this space.

Once a month the Dutch organise “Dirk’s Do”. Starting at 7:00pm we indulge in a 3 course meal, drinks and a large selection of music played by Dirk on his keyboard. The whole evening is a very jolly affair with about 140 people, mostly regulars and mostly Dutch and German. We have a table of friends, most of whom we only meet on these evenings, so a good opportunity to catch up.

 
There is a definite style to the music and dancing which we describe as “Dutch/German”. I’m told that the dance most do is something called a disco fox. Based on the foxtrot but with additional oompah.

Some of the men seem to think of it as more of a sport than a dance and sometimes the pace of the occasional couple wouldn’t be out of place on a rugby pitch. This isn’t meant as a criticism, merely an observation, Lesley and I always wish we could learn to trip the light fantastic in the ballroom. All in all an enjoyable evening with good food, company and entertainment.

Our annual 20 mile race today was as slick as ever. Amy was in charge for the first time and with her band of helpers put on a successful event that was praised by many at the end.

Having a birthday on a Sunday has got to be an advantage and Sam made sure that Caroline’s birthday was special. After a relaxing start watching DVDs and eating chocolate Sam took us all out for a meal to Pesto’s at the Cabbage Hall neat Tarporley on A49. (pestorestaurants.co.uk).