We’re here for the whole of March as Steve’s booked onto a course with local guitar-maker, Stephen Hill to build a classic Spanish guitar. With the first class on Monday, 4 March we spent Sunday sorting out the van, moving to a better pitch (still under the avocado trees at the far end) and going for a first recce by bike of the hilly western headland. Some of the roads are pretty steep and Steve suggests using the N-340 tunnel – the traffic noise is very daunting, scary even, but we used it in both directions . . . apparently the alternative ‘over the top’ route to Cerro Gardo isn’t too bad so we’ll try that sometime as well. It’s an early start for Steve in the morning, so we go out for a meal on Sunday evening at our favourite (if a bit touristy and expensive) Chiringuito El Bambú on the beach. Monday we set the alarm for 0700 so Steve can get himself to the first class on time. Daily schedule is 0900 start, 1100 coffee break, 1400-1530 lunch and finish at 1830.
Bev has found a flamenco class to try and, after the first session on Monday evening, signs up for two classes a week until the end of March – it’s even closer to the Area Cámper than Stephen’s workshop and a very friendly group. She’s also been exploring the best places to shop for provisions, trying to learn just a little more basic Spanish vocabulary, done the washing and hung it all out to dry and joins Steve and the other students for their coffee break each morning.
Thursday was the last day of good weather with rainstorms forecast so she did a recce by bike of the roads up to the eastern headland, Punta de la Mona. As expected, it was steep again but she reached the lighthouse, housed in an 18th century lookout tower and visited La Ermita de San José y Santa Rita. It was only six miles and about 800’ of climbing, rewarded with excellent views, interesting folk to chat with and a brilliant downhill back into the town. It’s now Friday evening and the promised heavy rain has arrived, forecast to continue over the weekend. Had another most enjoyable supper in the van, cooked using some of the excellent local produce, la Herradura has many small, independent shops to choose from so no need to visit big supermarkets at all.