Thanks all for pushing the arrangements on a bit further. I'm presuming that it doesn't work out any cheaper to book 4 tickets at a time? Just to keep things simple, I'll book my own. M was unsure what to do -- an old friend of hers is celebrating her 50th that weekend, and is having a do -- but on balance thinks she's unlikely to make it to Almeria this time. To simplify planning, I'll presume she won't be joining us.
I'm happy to do some of the driving if a volunteer is needed. £35 or £40 for 3 days of transport sounds very reasonable to me. (Sweder -- I'm assuming your estimate does take into account that we'll need the vehicles for part of a 4th day i.e. midday Sat to Tuesday evening...?)
Parking near the hotel will be fun .
Apart from getting us from the airport, having transport will be useful for storing bags on race day, and getting us all up that mountain on Monday or Tuesday afternoon.
Sweder's disclaimer is probably wise, especially as there'll be more of us this time. I'm having no complaints about my driving, after 14 pints of Guinness and a bottle or two of fine Riserva Rioja...
I'll get my flight booked and let you know when that's done.
El Gordo
Great things are done when men and mountains meet.