Jungle Jim: Adieu France - Buenas Dias Spain

We are still in Sanary-sur-Mer for our last day in France. Our wonderful friend, Philipe took us to Bandol wine country. We drive up over the hills from the sea along this narrow road, that turns into a narrower dirt track, that lands us at this winery - Chateau de Pibarnon (Bandol). We're told it is quite specialized, but well known among the wine couture.

It's Monday and we are the only visitors. The cat is impressed.

Inside the small winery, we take a tour.

And a tasting of some wonderful reds. We buy 2 bottles of the Mourvèdre (2008, 2010). Our hostess was great. Philipe suggested we let the wines age about 5 years before opening. The hostess thought they were pretty good now - we agreed. We're thinking of opening them in say, oh, 5 hours. Just kidding, we'll let them age some.

Outside again, Philipe, Jenée and Canouan pose. Canouan takes the prize. She is named after the island in the Grenadines (Caribbean).

Not a bad pose by me. Almost as good as Canouan. Jenée said, "good boy".

Philipe told us in detail how the improved air and lack of sea salt makes for a much better grape over here. He knew his grapes, the Mourvèdre and his wines. He just doesn't drink them. I think I mentioned Philipe is a retired Pediatrician. Dr. Philipe to you.

Jenée and Canouan have some quality girl time. Next stop was the Ott Winery for some whites. After that, we visited a wine club Philipe belongs to and picked up many bottles at his price. Very nice indeed.

Unfortunately, it was time to drop Canouan off at home. Fortunately we got to see Philipe's beautiful home. Sorry, you only get to see his beautiful yard.

We are off again into the French countryside and mountains.

To the little village of Evenos.

Our tour guide Philipe explains the history of Evenos.

At its center is a 1500 year old castle.

And we are climbing up.

A look to the top.

And a look out over the valley.

Quite a view.

Philipe explains all we survey.

What a wonderful guy.

We're heading back down.

Philipe explained there was a wonderful little restaurant here, but today it's closed.

The population of the village is 14. Mostly related and they do all the upkeep of Evenos.

Philipe points out all the wineries we visited. Jenée and I agree, Philipe was the most giving and wonderful person we met and quite by chance. This of course, is outside of Cypress.

We drive through the mountain pass on our way back to the harbor.

Back on board Jungle, we take a last look into the beautiful village of Sanary-sur-Mer.

And a look out to sea. Tonight, we sail. Aurevoir, France, it has been a most beautiful visit.

The next day we arrive in Spain at the Empuriabrava Marina. It is like a new Venice or the inter coastal areas around Ft. Launder dale. Very pretty - but cold!

So cold you can see the snow on the Pyrenes Mountains as we leave. Those mountains separate Spain and France. I climbed to the top years ago and looked down here.

We are sailing again, this time for two overnights to the coastal town of Denia. Jungle is heading south. We pass this small island and mini sailing regatta.

Here we are at Marina de Denia. Another wonderful harbor and a good price.

We have a private dinner for two that evening. I mean the whole restaurant to ourselves. The owner/chef sent this wait person home and served us personally.

We rise the next morning to an interesting sky.

Looking to the mountains.

Now looking to the open market! Someone is happy!

Moving right along we took advantage of a southerly blow to head towards Gibraltar. It's a little gloomy out there, but the wind and seas are going our way.

The next day and the wind and seas have picked up - significantly. Always a smile on the Admirals face. Bravest gal I've ever known. (For that matter, one of the bravest persons I've known.

Pictures never tell the story on the seas, but it got rough and quickly. Many sailors will say, the Mediterranean can have some of the roughest seas in the world. It felt like it to us.

The seas peaked around 3-4 meters (9-12 feet) and Force 8 (35-40 kt) winds. It was basically a gale out there. Did I mention it also rained hard? Fun times.