Once in place with cases unpacked, we had time to explore and read the literature Pauline had provided for us.
We were up in the mountains and found that Gaucin was on the road which connected Algeciras and Ronda.
What the maps did NOT show was the way the road zig-zagged across country, rising and falling by means of winding, severe hairpin bends.
One minute one would be in between two hills then next there would be drops either side of the road !
We soon saw that the locals drove in the middle of the road, just going to the "correct" side when another vehicle approached.

One day we decided to go to Algeciras.........
By the time we had gone the full 30 kilometers my arms were aching and I was sweating, and it certainly was not from the heat !
While Algeciras was a great experience, I dreaded the return journey, yet I was more confident going back than coming.

We then left it for a couple of days before doing the Ronda run....
That road was unbelievable.
It was like a roller-coaster and the bends were spectacular.
It did not help to note various heavy, solid road-side barriers had been breached and we even saw the wreck of a car far below !
We almost got the bus back but couldn't find a bus.

THE BULL RING IN RONDA

FRIENDLY LOCALS IN RONDA

After a lovely day in Ronda it again was comparatively easier to go back on the road to Hailwood Lodge and we were not so nervous.
However, we both said that if we had gone to Ronda first, we may not have attempted the Alceciras trip.
Our final run out was to Marbella to see what the rest of the holidaymakers do in Spain.
Compared with the first two runs this was a doddle and we enjoyed using the new motorway in good weather this time.

Back in the Guest House after each day out, we certainly made use of the Bar to calm ourselves.........