Thursday 23 February 2012
Monday 6 February 2012
Portugal & Spain 2012
Portugal & Spain Jan 2012
Tue Jan 24th
Up at 04.00, bumbled around getting breakfast and loading final things on van, we then had an inauspicious start getting stuck in the mud by our own gate, had to unhitch the car and finally came unstuck, must have woken the neighbours, finally on the road by 05.30. It was not a good run to Dover, it was raining continuously and there was heavy traffic all the way, the visibility was bad, it was like driving through low cloud and was compounded by the spray from other vehicles, the traffic only eased up just as we approached Dover, we got to the docks at 10.15 and were able to get on the 11.10 sailing, we were booked on the 12.10. It rained all the way across the channel and was still raining when we landed at 12.35, 1.35 local time. We drove to Coquelles to get fuel at Auchan and left there at 2.15 and drove through Boulogne and Abbeville to just below Rouen at a place called Oissels to find an Aire, when we found it there were only had two small campervan spaces, both in use, by now it was dark and we didn’t want to drive any further so we carried on just past the Aire and came to a dead end where there was a square of ground and a boat ramp into the river Seine, we decided to stay there and hope for the best as we were tired and wet, it had not stopped raining for a minute all day. Had a very scrappy meal and an early night with huge barges passing on one side and church bells ringing on the other.
Miles travelled 409 - 254 home to Dover, 155 in France
Fuel £70
+ €78.40
Wed 25th
It had stopped raining overnight and was 9c, there was a mist rising off the river looking very eerie, the trees around us were covered in mistletoe and there were a couple of swans on the water, we seemed to have been parked by a leisure area, newly refurbished, there was basketball and football areas and a nice promenade after breakfast we got away by 0840. We headed for Evreux and Dreux it was grey and damp with poor visibility but not actually raining, we called for fuel at a Carrefour in Bonneval and I got myself a couple of nice cakes. Just after we passed Dreux we saw a strange cloud on the horizon which, as it came towards us, turned out to be a large flock of Lapwing, we saw two more large flocks shortly after. Just outside Chartres we saw the fire brigade attending a nasty looking accident to a car and as we were leaving Chatellerault the carriageway was blocked onto the N10 by recovery workers attending a big, container lorry which had gone over the embankment and tipped on it’s side spilling it’s load, hope the driver is alright as the cab looked badly crushed, we tried to find an alternate route but ended up at the same blockage but by this time deviation signs had been put out so we were able to follow those. The weather had been mixed, drizzling at times and a few times a watery sun almost came out. We arrived at an Aire at Couhe at 3.30, a large, tarmac car park with plenty of space; we parked up and took a short walk round the town which boasts a large, old timber and stone market hall, otherwise a typical small, French town. Quick meal and early night.
Miles travelled 257
Fuel €73.6
Thurs 26th
Got up quite late as I’d not had a good night, Rich slept very well; it was 8c and not so grey this morning. We were on the road by 0930 heading towards Bordeaux; we saw another huge flock of lapwing in a ploughed field just as we left Couhe. We called at a small town called Baignes for fuel and as we approached Bordeaux the sun came out, we saw 3 storks flying over. The N10 was very busy with so many lorries travelling both ways, there were also a lot of road works, there was another heavy shower but it stopped again s we reached Bayonne, we found the Aire at Anglet, just below Bayonne at 2.25, it is a very big one adjacent to the beach, there were a few vans there some looking like hippy types as if they’d been there a while, it was ok though, free in the winter. It started to rain again as we set up, we sat and planned tomorrow’s route and then got tea after which as the rain had almost stopped we took a walk to the beach, there was a long promenade and the surf was very heavy but it was quite mild.
Miles travelled 239
Fuel €68.6
Fri 27th
Up and away by o855, it was cold damp, and overcast. We had a bit of trouble getting away from the Aire ended up doing a bit of a run around, new roundabouts etc. We decided to use the toll road over the border as it is an easier road bypassing, StJean de Luz, we got in a mess again as we tried to get off the toll road, the signs are more confusing because of the Basque language which is very difficult to understand (good excuse) and ended up staying on it longer than we intended. We stopped for fuel at a place called Eibar and then were on a very twisty road over the Pyrenees driving through low cloud and drizzle, we saw a couple of kites; as we got beyond Miranda de Ebro we started to see snow on the mountain peaks and very soon it was alongside the road as well, the drizzle turned to fine snowflakes for a while, as we got past Burgos it cleared and stopped raining, very busy roads with lots of lorries again, we saw another one being recovered from the central reservation. We arrived at the camp site at Cubillas Santa Marta at 2.15, booked in and set up, I think we were the only customers the place was deserted, it was very cold 4c and all the water taps were turned off, got some out of the wash place in the end.
Miles travelled 236
Tolls €8.28
Fuel €60
Site fee €22.75
Sat 28th
A very cold night, it was -1c when we woke, frost on all the plants and icy puddles but a clear blue sky and sunshine. We got away by 9 o’clock stopping fro fuel at the next motorway service. We had a good run as far as Salamanca; it was lovely to see the sun and blue sky, as we by passed Salamanca Rich saw a police car following us, it followed us for 3 or 4 miles, pulling alongside a couple of times for a good look then pulled us up, they were telling us that the car being towed on an A frame is not allowed in Spain, “not possible in Spain”, we showed them the document from Towtal in Spanish but they were still not happy, anyway after a few minutes of shrugs and “not possibles” they let us go, this put a cloud over the day, literally because as we drove off the sun disappeared and we drove into low cloud ! This continued as we went over the mountains and at the summit the ground was frozen and all the plants covered in hoar frost. As we came down the other side the sun came out again with cloudless blue skies, such a change from the last few days, we saw a few storks starting to nest and literally dozens of birds of prey, kites, buzzards etc, we also saw larks running by the carriageway. It was a good run with very little traffic. We arrived at Caceres site at 12.45, booked in and set up, we then sat in the sun for an hour or so, it was only about 13c but no breeze and was lovely. I got tea and we both had showers, this site has a bathroom on each pitch, and another early night, just before I turned in I discovered a large puddle in the kitchen, Rich got out of bed and discovered that the water pump was malfunctioning so we had to turn that off till he can look at it,
Miles travelled 214
Fuel €46
Site fee €20
Sun 29th
Another freezing night, 3c when we got up but clear skies. We were away by 0930 but had a nasty moment leaving the site as there were 4 policemen standing by the exit, we hesitated a bit but decided to go for it and they didn’t follow us, they were not traffic police and I think they may have been policing the football stadium next door. We drove through bright sunshine again and clear skies although there was a general haze, it was amazingly quiet, hardly any cars, and we only saw about a dozen lorries all day, there was more traffic by Huelva than anywhere else, even Seville. We called for fuel twice, once just before we entered Portugal as it is cheaper in Spain. We passed large areas of vines and saw quite a few storks, as we neared Portugal we saw orange groves and lots of almond and cherry trees in blossom. It was such a contrast from the bust roads and bad weather in France. We arrived at Albufeira at 3 o’clock, booked in and found a spot but didn’t set up properly as Rich wants to wash the vehicles. We pitched next to a couple we’d met a couple of years ago. It was wonderfully warm and they said all winter had been the same.
Miles travelled 301
Fuel €71
€52.5
Site fee €17
Total miles travelled 1656
Total Fuel €500
Mon 30th
A very cold night woke up to frost everywhere and 3c, it soon warmed up when the sun came up, clear blue skies again. Rich took the car to wash while I started to sort the van inside, the he came back and took the van to the car wash, I went with him and between us we got it clean and back to pitch to set up, this took us all morning. We sat down for a while then had showers and booked in with the rally stewards, we then went to Lidl for some groceries, back for tea and later we went to the quiz night, didn’t win but it was a bit of fun and we socialised. A very cold, starry night as we walked back to van.
Tue 31st
Another very cold night 2c in morning, but soon warmed up in the sun. Quiet morning we walked up the road to get some oranges, had a bit of lunch then played boules, Rich’s team lost mine didn’t do too bad, I found that I can get an internet connection in the van but it is so weak it won’t let me do anything, I fiddled about with it after tea but no joy.
Wed Feb 1st
Another very cold night, everything frosted over again. Today we went to a market in Quin****** a mini bus went from the site, organised by the rally stewards, there were only 5 of us going and one couple got off in the town, the market was just outside. It was quite disappointing as a market, mainly clothes, textiles and handbags, it appears that the veg market had been kept in the town and the rest moved to this new site, there seemed to be mostly English people, some German but no where near as busy as expected without the locals running into you with their shopping trollies of veg. We noticed that there was an Aire n the site with water, waste disposal etc. When we’d done the market we had a sit and a drink at a café then went round a nearby Lidl, Rich got a nice jacket. Back to site and it was not quite warm enough to sit out so we sat in and had a quiet afternoon, after tea we played Triominoes for a while, first time we’ve felt awake enough.
Thurs Feb 2nd
This morning the temperature was a bit higher, 5c, but there was a cool breeze. We went on a mini bus to a shopping centre, it turned out to be the one we’d cycled to in the past but there was an off shoot with an Iceland. We had a look round then went over to the other side to see what Iceland had got, it was just like an English supermarket but the prices were a bit higher, we went back to the first place and Rich had a coffee while I looked round the shops, it was very quiet and all the shops had sales. We had a Chinese buffet then went to Iceland to get a few things and had a drink waiting for the bus; it was quite cold, although the sun was nice when we were in it there was a very cold wind. When we got back we played boules, it seemed a bit warmer than at the shopping centre but the wind was still cool. Quick tea and game of cards before bed.
Fri Feb 3rd
Another very cold night, -1c this morning. We decided to change the sheets and do the washing this morning, Rich got the machine set up on a separate socket and carried water to and fro, luckily we are very near the tap and drain, just across the road so t worked out ok, the machine did well and we did 6 loads! Decided that we would not save it up again and do smaller loads, it took us about 4 hours, it mostly dried though by the end of the day, just needed a bit of airing. Sat and read in afternoon, sun nice but wind cool. After tea I went to the line dancing, Rich came up with me and had a couple of drinks then went back, it was enjoyable, friendly people and easy dances.
Sat Feb 4th
Minus 1c again and a very cold wind today. Mid morning we walked into Albufeira, they have finished – well almost – the footpath and it is much easier walking than it used to be, like a long park with concrete benches and gazebos along it’s length and an underpass beneath the traffic island, there were lots of small birds flitting about that we couldn’t identify and a couple of small herons. The town was very quiet; we walked around and stopped on the front for a snack then back to get a few things from Chinese shop, the sun was lovely but the wind was bitter. We got back just in time for the boules, only 8 turned up so it was 2 men teams, me and my partner won the cup! We were both very tired after all the fresh air, had a couple of games of cards before turning in.
Sun Feb 5th
Getting boring but another cold, frosty morning, quiet morning showered when sun had come up a bit, rally Sunday lunch at site restaurant, it was a very good lunch. I sat on the terrace for a while in the freezing wind trying to get on the internet and send emails but didn’t have much luck, I spoke to a lady who was telling me all about her I pad and an internet booster she had bought from Amazon will look into it when we get home. The sun was lovely and I sat out sheltered from the wind for a while, lazy afternoon.
Mon Feb 6th
It was much warmer this morning; we could tell as soon as we woke, we were able to get out of bed without freezing, 10c out, quite a change. We went on the rally walk, it was enjoyable lovely and warm and the breeze was quite warm, we walked for a couple of hours and ended up at the café across from the site. I got talking to a woman, Terri, I asked her where she had her hair cut, and it turned out she used to work at our opticians, she said she had her hair cut next door to the café. When we got back I did a bacon bap, lovely rolls from shop on site, and we sat in the very hot sun for a while. We walked across the road for me to make a hair appointment and also to book a massage, this was the rally free gift this year, so Thursday is pamper day. Got tea then went to quiz, quite a fun evening, didn’t win but were 2nd highest score and won one round which got us a box of chocolates.
Tue Feb 7th
Warm again this morning, a couple we’d sat by at Sun lunch came round as we’d asked them for help in finding our way to Moncofa and could they recommend sites; they gave us a couple and were most helpful. After they’d gone we went to Leroy Merlin (B&Q type shop) to get some silicon for Rich to repair the pump. Had a bit of lunch then went to boules, my team got wooden spoon today! Rich mended pump tea and a game before bed.
Wed Feb 8th
Milder again this morning but still cool breeze. We went to Portimao. We found the harbour area which was very empty, a large paved area with lots of closed cafes, we couldn’t find the centre and it was a big town so we drove round a small town called Ferragydo where we saw a few motorhomes which seemed to be wild camping on a wide beach then out to a small area called Canieros, this was a lovely cove surrounded with yellow cliffs with a café overlooking the sea so we had a drink looking out over the surf. We drove on to Lagos and found a parking place by the bus station. We walked around the town, went into a Chinese shop and got some plastic matting to use on the table, a rather “sudden” pink pattern but we will use the back which is white. We then had a sandwich in a café at the top of a street and walked back round the shops that were open, I managed to get a sunshade/visor type hat. We passed a Chinese restaurant with a cheap meal of the day offer and even though we’d not long had a sandwich decided to go for it, it was just a small doorway off the street and we climbed up steep stairs and were surprised to find a terrace overlooking the sea and the canal leading to the marina. After our meal we went back to the car and back to Albufeira calling at Iceland for a few things, then a lazy evening. There is a big, new motorhome service area in Lagos by the Football stadium there were about a dozen vans on it.
Thurs Feb 9th
Cold, frosty morning again, this morning I went to get my hair cut at a small salon which is attached to the café just across the road from the site, I was quite pleased with it, quite short so should last. We went to Lidl for a few things then back for lunch, after lunch Boules, Rich’s team won the cup today. After boules I went for a massage, this was this year’s free gift from the rally, I had to go to one of the bungalows a young girl called Andrea did it and it was so nice and relaxing. After tea we had a couple of games of Triominoes but I couldn’t keep my eyes open I was so relaxed. It had been a sunny day but a cool wind again.
Fri Feb 10th
Frosty again 1c when we woke did some washing this morning. In the afternoon we went into Albufeira and had a meal at the Portuguese Restaurant, it was very good, €9.50 for bread & pate, soup, main course, sweet half bottle of wine and coffee. In the evening I went to line dancing, enjoyed it and met Barbara who we had met the last time we were on a rally at Castillo de Banos.
Sat Feb 11th
Richie’s birthday, not quite so cold this morning. We went to Aldi for me to get some moisturiser Rich ended up buying a planer! Had to pay cash so went to Algarve Shopping to find cash point and got some moisturiser at the Body Shop. We drove back to site on the back road we used to cycle on.
Boules after lunch, my team had wooden spoon!
Sun Feb 12th
Weather continuing the same, rally Sunday lunch at the restaurant otherwise very lazy day.
Mon Feb 13th
Today we drove to Faro, we found the old part of the town by a harbour, we called for a hot drink as the wind was very cold then walked around; the old streets were very interesting and we came to what was obviously an old town or fort wall, there was a very pretty square surrounded by orange trees full of fruit and a church with a tower, I paid €3 to go up the tower where you could see all the bells and a stork standing by it’s nest, there was a good view all over the town and estuary. I had a look in the cathedral as well which was very gloomy but had various side chapels full of statues and gilding but all seemed to be blackened with smoke from candles.
We went back to the car and drove to Loule had another drink and a bun and a short walk but not much to see so back to the van.
In the evening we went to the quiz and our team won!
Tue Feb 14th
Didn’t do much this morning but I went up to the terrace to see if I could get internet connection, the waiter said I could sit inside so as Rich had carried the laptop up for me we both went in and had a drink. I was unable to get a connection so was about to leave as I thought it was my computer but the waiter said it was their problem and the boss would be back soon to unplug it and plug it in again, we waited a while but decided to go and return later, we were halfway down the site and he shouted us back to say it was fixed I went back and managed to check the bank (gulp!), publish this and hopefully send a couple of emails. In the afternoon it was boules and my team had the wooden spoon again! Went for a chat with Barbara & Norman while tea was cooking. Couple of games of cards before bed. Sunny but cool wind again.
Wed Feb 15th
We got up early today to go to Faro for a boat trip which we thought went at 10.00, we got there about 9.15 but it didn’t go till 11.30, we booked then went for a drink in a café by the harbour and to use the toilet, Rich went while I ordered but by the time he came back there were two coach loads of people dropped off all wanting the toilet, as there was only one I had to wait over half an hour as there was a continuous stream of women queuing. As we walked round the harbour we saw some swallows. We sat in the car keeping out of the wind until it was time for the trip. We went on a small catamaran to the Ria Formosa National Park, there was a guide on board who was very interesting and told us about the area and was able to point out all the birds, we saw :-
Black Necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Whimbrel, Curlew, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Sandwich Tern, Dunlin, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, Stork, various gulls, Mallard, Spoonbill, and an Osprey which sat and gave us a great view.
The guide then told us about the various shell fish and their life styles and how the locals go out onto the mud flats at low tide to collect them, it was bitterly cold on the boat. When we landed on an island we went to the restaurant and had a drink, we thought we may eat there as it was a sea food restaurant but it was very expensive. We walked out onto the beach and walked along it for about an hour and a half picking up shells, there was a fierce wind but it was sunny. We thought it was a very good trip with so many birds to see and someone to identify them for us, worth €25, the basic ferry was €10. We caught the 2.30 boat back then drove back to Albufeira hoping to have a meal but the restaurant we like was closed for refurbishment, we walked around trying to find somewhere we fancied and ended up in one we’d been in before with Jan & Mike, it had a tourist menu for €10, it was ok but not as nice as the other one, reconstituted fish billed as hake fillet, but good, friendly service. Back to the van very tired and wind burned for an early night.
Thurs Feb 16th
It was a bit warmer this morning. Just a couple of degrees but there was not the cool wind. We did a few loads of washing then went over for a chat with Barbara & Norman who leave on Sat. Boules in the afternoon, Rich & I were on the same team and we got the wooden spoon!
Fri Feb 17th
Went for a drive to Armacao de Pera we parked and there were lots of fishing boats so we went to have a look there were rows of fisherman’s huts and what looked like a market, we watched as a boat came in and was winched up the sand, his catch was octopus, others were preparing bait and sorting nets, very busy and interesting.
We carried on walking and there was a pedestrian way above the beach with various small cove below most of which seemed to have cafes in them, we walked back again and stopped for a small picnic out of the wind then back to the car. We went to Shopping Algarve and went into Coninente for a few things then to Iceland but Iceland was closed. We called at the large Chinese shop then back to the van. It had been sunny but windy and in the afternoon it clouded over.
In the evening I went line dancing, which I enjoyed.
Sat Feb 18th
This morning it was quite cloudy but no cooler. We went to Iceland again and it was open today, we asked why it had been shut and it was Portuguese Trading Standards had said their labelling was not clear enough so they had to shut for 3 days to change it all. I asked the girl who served us did she already live over here and she said yes, when the shop opened there were 24 jobs going and 3500 applicants, mostly ex-pats as they had to be able to speak good English.
Back to van over back roads, picked up some oranges, spent ages fitting food into fridge, it’s like a jigsaw puzzle! It had been cloudy all day but still quite bright we had a lazy afternoon, a couple of games before bed.
Sun Feb 19th
Milder again this morning, we pulled down kitchen tent and packed as much as we could then sat in the sun; it was real sun bathing weather, the best day yet, reached 20c. We went for dinner in the restaurant; sat with the people we’d quizzed with, nice company although one couple were not there they have had flu. After lunch sat in the sun again and finished packing up.
We enjoyed the rally, and met some nice people, we enjoyed the boules and quizzes also we liked seeing more of Portugal, we noticed the N125 just outside Albufeira seemed to be the haunt of prostitutes, there were always 4 or 5 hanging around. On the site there were a lot of Chiff Chaffs and Sparrows also a very small Woodpecker was about most days, the last couple of days we saw some swallows and a couple of times we saw a Kingfisher along the very grubby little brook.
Mon Feb 20th
Set off at 0900and went along the N125 rather than the 22 which is a toll road but no-one knows how to pay the toll. As we passed Faro we passed a couple of gypsy carts pulled by donkeys, very shabby looking. We called for fuel after we’d bypassed Seville, the fuel was 30cents cheaper than in Portugal, the most expensive unleaded in Portugal was €182, not long after that we saw a great flock of kites and gulls over a tip. The country was mostly olives, mile after mile of regimented olive trees, some old some very new, it seemed a lot neater than near the coast, more cared for, the land was either red or white chalky soil. We arrived in Humilladero at 2pm (3pm Spanish time) we entered the site and the reception was closed there was a notice on the door which said “Help yourself to install a pitch then pass by the office to register” so we helped ourselves to install. It is a very new site but nice, clean facilities and a big pool, it was very hot when we arrived so we sat outside for a while, then I registered and got tea, I bought some olive oil which was local, the receptionist said it was the very best and from his grandmother’s farm.
Miles travelled 240
Site fee €20.50
Fuel €71 van
€40 car
Tue Feb 21st
Up and away by 0910, a cool, misty morning, and quite hazy in the distance. Although the sun came out the haze remained, whether pollution of low cloud or a mixture we weren’t sure, we certainly saw quite a few factories pumping out smoke. We drove through mile upon mile of olive trees, it looked like a random patchwork quilt as far as the eye could see with various shaped fields each with the trees in straight rows at different angles and with different coloured soil showing, varying between white, yellow, terracotta and red. The road was mountainous climbing quite high and then down again with many z bends, although in the main it was a good surface and dual carriageway, as we climbed the scenery changed to craggy mountains and there was a lot of snow on the Sierra Nevada around Granada, lots more road works going on, another new road in the making. In one area there were cave like houses built into the hillsides, and we also passed 3 or 4 marble quarries, the rocks were very varied, white, yellow, red and grey.
We arrived at San Javier at 2.15 and booked in and set up, the Spanish aerial display team were flying round, then we went into Los Alcazares had a look round the Chinese shop and had a meal at the Chinese restaurant, got back to site about 5pm and I flaked out and slept all night, that’s what half a bottle of wine does to me!
Wed Feb22nd
Up quite early this morning but took our time getting ready then went to meet Joyce & David at La Manga, we managed to get a bit lost as all the roads have been changed since we last went there, we also noticed a lot more plastic “greenhouses” than previously, the fields were busy with fruit and veg picking. We went to their van for a coffee then brought them to show them the site we were on then went for another Chinese meal and back to theirs, we enjoyed seeing them and had a good day out with them, they are at La Manga for 5 months, Joyce told me that a lady on the rally had died last week and in Spain you have to be cremated within 48 hrs and they don’t use a coffin, there had been a service for her from the rally.
Thurs Feb 23rd
Away by 0900, another sunny morning with the Spanish Air Force flying round, our route today took us past salt flats where there were lots of Flamingos and other waders, then on past Alicante, awful, polluted, industrial looking then up over the mountains. The road was a good dual carriageway but climbed up and down a lot, nice scenery though, quite pretty for Spain with a backdrop of craggy, majestic mountains almond trees everywhere, in blossom lower down but high up still bare. Quite a good trip except for passing Valencia arrived at Moncofa at 1pm. We had a very friendly greeting from the stewards, found a pitch and set up, facing the sun which was very hot so we sat out for quite a while, I booked a meal for tomorrow with the steward and paid for a week’s internet €15. After tea we strolled down to the sea and had a couple of card games, Rich turned in while I answered emails and wrote this.
Miles travelled 192
Fuel €65
Fri Feb 24th
Another cold night, frost on cars when we woke. Did some washing this morning then went for a meal with rally; we gave a lift to a couple across from us, most people cycled. The meal was a bit of a disaster for us as they ran out of our starter then what we did have was cold and had to go back then when the main meal came that was uncooked for a couple of people on our table, what we had was ok but the organisation was a bit hit and miss. The car was making an awful noise, brakes rubbing. Back to van and lazy afternoon in the sun. I went to the line dancing in the evening, it was ok, basic and very few there and then people started to come in for the quiz and just sat watching making you feel a bit uncomfortable.
Sat Feb 25th
Weather much the same this morning, first thing we tried to find a garage for the car, the one in Moncofa was shut so we tried at Nules a nearby town, put “vehicle repair” in Gertie and found about 3 that were closed, saw a shop on a street which looked a bit like it sold car parts so stopped and asked, spoke no English but 2 chaps tried to help and rang a few numbers but it seemed everyone was closed, the older chap had a look at the car for us but couldn’t do anything. We went back to the site and then to Mercadona for some shopping then after lunch Rich took wheels off and found brake pads completely worn away, probably need new discs as well. Chris a couple of vans away who we had met a couple of years ago said he would run us to wherever we needed to get parts but no use trying till Monday. I tried to contact our insurers about European assistance but couldn’t get through.
We played boules in the afternoon, a bit different to how we usually play but good fun, 12 people in 2 teams of 6 all playing 1 game. We were asked for a drink with our next door neighbours and Chris, who’d all been playing boules, so we sat and chatted for a while then got tea. We had a mystery tea, in Mercadona we were offered a sample of something which was quite tasty so bought some, she told us how to cook it so I did it with some chips, it was on the fish counter and I think it was some sea creature that I normally wouldn’t eat, Rich thinks he knows what it is, I will try and translate it tomorrow when I know it has gone down alright! (think it was calamari) Cards before bed.
Sun Feb 26th
It was quite a bit warmer this morning, Rich had not been well in the night so we were a bit later getting up, we had a lazy morning then walked the length of the town along the front, bigger town than I’d thought, lots of nice looking holiday apartments but also private houses. We played boules again in the afternoon, it had been a really hot day, and in fact some people went for a swim!
Mon Feb 27th
Milder again this morning and a lovely, sunny day, Chris took us into town to the garage and it was open and they said come back at 10.30 S the mechanic would be there then. We went back and they called the manager to come in and rang up for parts and prices, we were going to have brake pads put on and get the disc done when we got home but it was so reasonable for the whole job that we had that done, €205.
While we were waiting for the car to be done we did some washing, we got the message that the car was ready and could collect it between 15.30 and 1900hs so we played boules and when we’d finished Chris took us in to collect it, we called at Mercadona to get some wine to thank him for his help (“Cava” at 1.65 a bottle!). We took wine and some nibbles round to theirs and they were most indignant, said they didn’t want thanks, we opened some anyway and sat and drank and chatted for a while then back for tea and cards before bed.
Tue Feb 28th
Milder again this morning, Rich washed the car then we drove into a nearby town, Vall d’Uixo, and visited the Caves of St Joseph where there is an underground river, we were there just as it opened and there was just us and a Spanish couple we entered the cave and then got into a boat which took us further in on the river, it was absolutely fantastic, clear water varying in depth between 1 and 11 metres, it was a constant 20c, warmer than outside, we had to keep ducking as it was a very low ceiling in some places and there were many stalactites, the boat dropped us and we walked along more tunnels and then met the boat again to return, there was subtle lighting with spotlights showing places of special interest and atmospheric music playing which added to the atmosphere, it was a very worthwhile trip, although the guide was speaking Spanish to the other couple he also had French so I was able to ask a few questions and understand his answers. We went back to Moncofa got a few things at Mercadona then back for boules, back to Chris & Shelia’s for drinks and chat again, late tea again! Some lovely fresh fish we’d bought, cards and bed.
Wed Feb 29th
Another mild morning, didn’t do a lot sat outside in sun, there was a rally BBQ so did vegetables in Remoska ready, Rich was sat outside podding broad beans and there was a photographer from Carefree (rally organisers) on site so he took some pictures of him and of me sewing, he was taking pictures at the BBQ as well, Rich cooked our pork and it was lovely, there was a big communal BBQ stoked up with wood, it was a nice get together, afterwards we played boules but there were only half a dozen of us the rest were doing something else for the photographer, still good fun.
We went to Chris & Shelia’s van again, quite a crowd of us. Steve, the steward, came by and stopped for a drink he said we were the type of people who they liked to come back again and stay a bit longer another time, very nice of him to say so. Cleared the pitch ready to move off tomorrow, quite a few going tomorrow. Cards & bed
We had liked the rally at Moncofa and had been warmly welcomed by Chris & Sheila and Trevor & Linda, the stewards Steve & Dawn were nice and welcoming as well, everyone says the site is like a car park and it is really with tarmac roads and gravel pitches but it is nice and open and sunny and an easy walk to beach and town.
Thurs Mar 1st
Up and away by 0915, not a very nice journey today, bust single carriageway road most of the way and we were stuck behind a lorry with sticking, burning brakes nearly all the way, it was a bit better after Tarragona with dual carriageway for a while, there were quite a few prostitutes alongside the road and we saw one being spoken to by police. When we were by Peniscola it went cloudy and the sun went in, we weren’t sure if it was cloud, mist or pollution, there are so many chimneys belching out smoke I think it was mainly that with a bit of low cloud. There seemed to be a few bonsai nurseries and quarries otherwise it was mostly mile after mile of orange trees, quite a few almond trees, olives groves, a few vineries and some artichokes. We went wrong when we got to Vilanova, Gertie took us up a back road where we had to unhitch the car to turn round, 3 passing cars told us the way to the site and we found it eventually. Booked in and got sited; we had been told it is a very shady site and it is, we chose a pitch with a bit of sun and hoped for the best. We had a short walk to find our way about, it is a huge site, nice, clean, heated shower blocks, and then got tea; the sun soon went off our pitch. Early night.
Miles travelled 164
Fuel €55
Fri March 2nd
Milder again this morning, the first morning I’ve felt like going for a shower first thing, been going once day has warmed up, nice heated shower blocks here though and it felt really mild. Welcome meeting for rally this morning, it has only just started and things not properly organised yet it seems. We drove into Vilanova and onto beach/marina area, quite pretty there, then tried to find a supermarket, after going round town about 3 times gave up, back at site we were told where it was so tried again and found a Lidl. Boules this afternoon, very different to the relaxed game at Moncofa, and it was quite cool under the trees, it had been quite cool all day but the sun was nice. Tea and cards before bed.
Sat March3rd
Mild morning again, we caught the bus into town and went round the market a very big market with stall after stall of beautiful fruit and veg. it covered quite a few streets around an indoor market, this looked quite new and had more fruit and veg and also fish and meat, a bit disconcerting as crabs and lobsters were still moving and on meat stalls there were skinned rabbits still with their heads and eyes also a skinned cows head looking at you – uggh!! Back to the site, the bus was crowded, it was only small and most people had shopping trollies. We had a lazy afternoon, Martin & Lesley, who had been at Moncofa arrived and we chatted to her for a short while. We sat out most of the afternoon but it soon got cool in the shade.
Sun Mar 4th
Mild again, we walked to a local market, not a very big one but nice veg and plants on sale, plus the usual clothes, bags and shoes, it was quite cool when we set off but was hot by the time we got back. A couple who had been at Moncofa, Loraine & Harry, came over as they wanted a bit of info about Barcelona, I told them what I could and they said I was welcome to go with them on the bus but I don’t think I will. We sat and chatted for a couple of hours then we just sat outside, it was pleasant in the sun but as the afternoon wore on it got cooler and clouded over. The Carefree Magazine photographer was on site so Rich sat podding beans again, as a joke, but he took some more pictures of us!! Had us showing Harry & Loraine the map as well, bit of a laugh. Lesley told us that he had taken pictures of them setting off on the walk and some people had got to the front to be in the picture but they set off in the opposite direction leaving them at the back so they had to scramble to get to the front and then they didn’t even go on the walk!! We saw a crested tit and tree creepers really close to the van.
Mon Mar 5th
Mild again, the freezing nights seem to have gone thank goodness. While we were having breakfast we were watching the Tree Creeper again and also saw a Black Redstart and a Red Squirrel playing in the trees. We drove to Sitges a nearby town, found somewhere to park at the end of the town and walked in, it is a lovely town with a broad palm lined, promenade with many narrow streets leading from it into the town, we walked the length of the promenade and up into the narrow streets of the town itself, apparently the town hosts an annual film festival which is why it probably seems a bit smarter than a lot of Spanish towns, at one point we saw a dog making it’s way down the street on it’s own and it ended up at a veterinary hospital and was pawing at the door to be let in! There were some lovely beaches and lots of older buildings, in particular the museum which seems to be under restoration, on one part of the promenade the palm trees seemed really old and some had lost all their fronds and were being held up with wooden supports, they must be trying to keep historical trees, there were parrot’s nests in some of the trees, it was nice and sunny but the sea was quite choppy. We stopped for Tapas at a small café by one of the beaches and were surprised when 3 swans flew onto the beach, people were getting quite close to them and they were not at all aggressive, they caused quite a stir with lots of people taking photos of them.
Back on site we had a cuppa and I decided to go into town to see if I could get a haircut, had been recommended by the stewards to a hair academy, found it easily and paid €9 for a wash and cut, by a trainee I assumed, not the best haircut ever, she didn’t know when to stop and I had to stop her, she also cut my neck, she fetched a supervisor as she could see I was not best pleased, probably my fault for not being able to speak Spanish, I tried to tell them it looked more like a man’s cut than a woman’s! the supervisor dried it off and put some product on it and it looked a bit better so I left. Met Loraine & Harry on the bus back. Tea and cards before bed.
Tue Mar 6th
Rich a bit poorly in the night, chest pains again, so we were a bit later getting up, a bit cooler this morning. We decided to do the washing so I changed the sheets, the washing machine packed up on the first load, very disappointing, Rich tried his best to get it going but it kept tripping the electric and then stopped working. We took the washing down to the sinks to do as we had quite a load, the sinks are indoors and in a heated room with as much hot water as you want, we did it between us and got it all pegged out then we went to Mercadona, we took a couple who we’d met at Moncofa as they are in a motorhome and we’d said we’d let them know when we were going and give them a lift. We were just back in time for boules, it got very cold by the time we’d finished, Harry & Loraine had come to watch so we stopped and had a coffee and natter with them at the bar, I booked us on a trip to Montserrat going on Friday. BBQd some chops we’d got at Mercadona they were lovely.
Wed Mar 7th
This morning we went for a drive with Harry and Loraine, he took us up into the hills a bit to a dam, it was very pretty and a lot greener than most of Spain, we drove on a bit further looking for coffee and stopped at the next small village, Castellon, we parked and walked around, you couldn’t get a car into it, it was a lovely, tranquil place built around a castle but no café at all so we went back to site.
After lunch the ladies had a “knit & natter” which Loraine & I went to while Rich showed Harry how to play boules. It was really interesting to see the crafts other people were doing, a lot of knitting, some crochet & embroidery but also jewellery making and Loraine did lovely patchwork bags, amongst other things, namely beadwork, lacework, Christmas baubles, a very clever lady, she showed us all how to do the patchwork. The four of us sat and chatted for a while then it was time to get tea, it had been a nice day with good company.
Thurs Mar 8th
This morning we went into Sitges with Loraine & Harry, they thought there was a market but we didn’t see one, we stopped for a coffee and walked round the town for a while, Loraine and I bought a scarf each and she got some beads, it was lovely and sunny. We went back to the site and played boules in the afternoon, it clouded over and was quite cold under the trees, we then went to Mercadona for a few things, tea and cards before bed.
Fri Mar 9th
Up early this morning as we went on a trip to Montserrat, this is a Benedictine Monastery high in the mountains, the mountains are spectacular rounded peaks eroded by centuries of weather. When we arrived we were a bit confused at first, not quite sure where to go and what to look at, there was quite a lot of building work going on and lots of children, very small, making a lot of noise. We decided to get commentary headsets, for which we had to leave a driving licence as identification. We wandered around and found the headsets to be not much use. We joined a queue to visit the shrine of Our Lady, the main pilgrim’s destination, we went up stairs decorated with beautiful mosaics, through solid silver doors and finally to the shrine, a statue from the 12th century, then into a small chapel dedicated to her and then we went for a snack, not very nice, and back to the Basilica to hear the choir, the place is also famous for the boy’s choir school, the Basilica was crowded for this but we managed to squeeze in, they only sang for about 15mins but it was beautiful. We went back to the coach and drove to a winery, Torres Family, it was a very interesting tour on a little train that tok us into the wine caves where they showed hologram like films about the history of the place, then there was a short film and a tasting. Back to site for tea then Harry & Loraine asked us round for a drink where we stopped till gone 10pm putting the world to rights, we have really enjoyed their company the last few days and think the feeling is reciprocated.
Sat Mar 10th
We met Loraine & Harry and got the bus into town, had a coffee then wandered round the market for a while Loraine & I were going to go off on our own and arranged to meet later but Harry is so protective because Loraine suffers badly from arthritis he kept us in sight, we tried to escape but gave up in the end till Rich got fed up so we separated and Loraine & I went round the shops on the Rambla for a while then met for Tapas in a café, which was very nice. We then walked back to the Rambla and followed it to the sea, stopped for a coffee again then on to see a statue of a cow Harry wanted to show us, very modern and quite rude, a naked woman inside a cow, modern art!
By this time the wind had got quite cool so we went for the bus, waited on the wrong side of the road and missed one, had to wait almost an hour for the next one, Rich had a nasty cold and got really chilled. After a bit of tea Loraine came and showed me how to do some patchwork and Harry played Triominoes with Rich, then we all had a few games.
Sun March 11th
Waved Loraine & Harry off at 0930 then went on rally walk at 10.30, drove to Sant Pere Ribes, a nearby town, parked the cars and set off, we took Rob & Beryl in our car. Walked for a couple of hours through the countryside, lots of vines, olives and almond trees, a lovely hot, sunny morning. Back to van for a bit of lunch then drove to local market, which was just packing up, but managed to get some veg. Sat in sun for rest of afternoon, Rich still suffering with his cold so tea and early night.
Mon Mar 12th
Rich still feeling really poorly this morning so got up late, I went to bar and got on internet, sent a couple of emails and checked the bank-gulp! Sat in sun and after a bit of lunch we walked over to the swimming pool and I went for a swim, sat in sun for rest of afternoon and when it cooled off Rich had a sleep and an early night after tea.
Tue Mar 13th
It was mild this morning but hazy over the sea, in fact we didn’t see the sea all day there was a haze over it, it went quite misty over the town as the sun went down but it was one of the hottest days. Rich felt a bit better this morning, I, changed the sheets, cleaned the van out and sorted some cupboards, and then we went to Mercadona. We went back and unloaded food shopping then drove to car park on outskirts of town and walked down to Chinese shops, stopped for a coffee then back to van and sat in sun, Rich started to feel poorly again and didn’t want any tea, he ate a bit then went to bed.
Wed Mar 14th
Mild again and hazy over sea, 11c at 7pm, Rich felt a bit better but still rough. We went a short ride into the country, trying to use back roads but kept ending up on new roads cutting off towns, we headed towards Vilafranca and then on past to a small place called St Pere de Ruidebitlles where we spotted an aqueduct and got out to have a look, it was quite high and we climbed some steps up to the top and were very surprised to see a water channel carrying a fast flowing stream of clear water, there was a large picnic area with BBQ area, I think the notice said it was Pont Nou aqueduct from the 14th century.
Back to the site and I went to the “knit & natter for an hour or so. In the evening we went to the rally meal, it was a social evening as well but we didn’t stop, the meal was not very good.
Thurs Mar 15th
A very hazy morning again over the town it was sunny but a bit cooler than yesterday. I went for a swim in the morning and we had our meal lunchtime and started to pack up the van. WE played boules in the afternoon and finished packing ready for an early start tomorrow.
We ended up quite liking Vilanova, except for the shady pitches; we saw quite a few different birds and red squirrels.
We enjoyed the rallies for doing different things and meeting different people.
Fri Mar 16th
Up and away by 0805, the first road we took was a very twisty coast road, very pretty views back to Sitges, the sun was sparkling off the sea and we saw quite a few marinas below us, once the road straightened out a bit we were bypassing Barcelona, there was a traffic jam which we sat in for about half an hour. The countryside was different after Barcelona, greener and a bit neater, there was mile upon mile of vines in various states and lots of almond blossom, all day we saw a haze on the horizon but it was still sunny. We used a different road to usual, we think it was a toll road and Gertie hadn’t stopped us so we weren’t sure, we took a ticket but when we came to the other end we followed some lorries through and were not asked for money, this was just on the border and the road was very high up above the usual route with high viaducts, we got ourselves, and Gertie, sorted as we got into France and got off toll road, had to pay in France, trying to get off toll road Gertie took us on a very narrow, twisting, mountain road, D1 & D 18 through a place called Calce obviously a wine place, finally got back on track and arrived at an Aire at Montferrand at 3pm, it was a quiet Aire but the facilities were out of order, door broken open and flapping and unable to use either toilet emptying or get water. It had been grey and cloudy all the time we’d been in France but was sunny and very windy here. A couple of vans came and went again, there were a few people walking either up to an obelisk to Pierre Paul Riqut, builder of the canal du Midi, or along the Canal itself which was nearby, I got half way to the obelisk but it was too cold and windy, game of cards before bed.
Miles travelled 282
Fuel €51
Sat Mar 17th
The wind had died down in the night and it was quite mild 11c. We set off at 0805, it was grey but bright and the sun came out during the day. We did not trust Gertie as she had been messing us about so we got a bit lost round Toulouse, we’d set her for shortest route instead of fastest as we thought this was the problem bur of course she took us all through the city centre. We headed on to Limoges and saw lots of Limousin cattle, there were also a lot of very young lambs in fields, country much more like home with fields of young crops showing green or newly ploughed land, the only difference is there are no hedges so you can see for miles. We got lost again as we kept ignoring Gertie who wanted to take us off the N147, we were sure this was the road we needed but she was right and by the time we found out we were miles adrift, we listened to her at last and she took us cross country on D roads, the last few miles it was trying to rain and had been raining as the roads were wet. We finally arrived at Couhe at 4.20, a very long, tiring day. The facilities at the Aire are not the best but we were unable to empty toilet as the facility was full and overflowing, a horrible mess. Tried to find something to eat in town but the only place was smoky and showing football so back to van for egg & chips, and cards before an early night.
Miles travelled 295
Fuel €52.88
& €64
Sun Mar 18th
It had rained in the night and was a bit cooler this morning, although the sun was trying to come through. We set off at 0805 and let Gertie have her head, she did not go the way we would have but it was an easy run along quiet roads, the only busy part was Le Mans, it stayed grey mostly with the odd patch of sun, we passed through mainly agricultural land with spring crops showing green and lambs and cattle, the last hour or so it was raining. We arrived at the Aire at Le Saps at 1.45, a nice place by a pond and the fire station but unfortunately someone had emptied their toilet in the grey waste grid and it was a mess. We walked into town and found a restaurant that was open in a museum that wasn’t and had a very nice meal, the restaurant was in an old, traditional, beamed house. It was a nice little town with half timbered houses but a lot of properties seemed empty, it had stopped raining but was quite cold.
Miles travelled 215
Mon Mar 20th
Up and away by 0800, A better day, quite bright and sunny at times, a good run to Calais all on D roads, we saw daffodils out and some primroses by the side of the road, there was a lot of mistletoe, some trees were more mistletoe than tree. We got to the port at about 1pm managed to book in for 2.20 ferry (we were booked on 0550) very pleased but there were 15 coaches of teenagers also on board, it was very noisy. We landed in Dover at 3.45.
Miles travelled 204
Fuel €64.39
& €53
Total miles travelled 3800
Total fuel
Tue Jan 24th
Up at 04.00, bumbled around getting breakfast and loading final things on van, we then had an inauspicious start getting stuck in the mud by our own gate, had to unhitch the car and finally came unstuck, must have woken the neighbours, finally on the road by 05.30. It was not a good run to Dover, it was raining continuously and there was heavy traffic all the way, the visibility was bad, it was like driving through low cloud and was compounded by the spray from other vehicles, the traffic only eased up just as we approached Dover, we got to the docks at 10.15 and were able to get on the 11.10 sailing, we were booked on the 12.10. It rained all the way across the channel and was still raining when we landed at 12.35, 1.35 local time. We drove to Coquelles to get fuel at Auchan and left there at 2.15 and drove through Boulogne and Abbeville to just below Rouen at a place called Oissels to find an Aire, when we found it there were only had two small campervan spaces, both in use, by now it was dark and we didn’t want to drive any further so we carried on just past the Aire and came to a dead end where there was a square of ground and a boat ramp into the river Seine, we decided to stay there and hope for the best as we were tired and wet, it had not stopped raining for a minute all day. Had a very scrappy meal and an early night with huge barges passing on one side and church bells ringing on the other.
Miles travelled 409 - 254 home to Dover, 155 in France
Fuel £70
+ €78.40
Wed 25th
It had stopped raining overnight and was 9c, there was a mist rising off the river looking very eerie, the trees around us were covered in mistletoe and there were a couple of swans on the water, we seemed to have been parked by a leisure area, newly refurbished, there was basketball and football areas and a nice promenade after breakfast we got away by 0840. We headed for Evreux and Dreux it was grey and damp with poor visibility but not actually raining, we called for fuel at a Carrefour in Bonneval and I got myself a couple of nice cakes. Just after we passed Dreux we saw a strange cloud on the horizon which, as it came towards us, turned out to be a large flock of Lapwing, we saw two more large flocks shortly after. Just outside Chartres we saw the fire brigade attending a nasty looking accident to a car and as we were leaving Chatellerault the carriageway was blocked onto the N10 by recovery workers attending a big, container lorry which had gone over the embankment and tipped on it’s side spilling it’s load, hope the driver is alright as the cab looked badly crushed, we tried to find an alternate route but ended up at the same blockage but by this time deviation signs had been put out so we were able to follow those. The weather had been mixed, drizzling at times and a few times a watery sun almost came out. We arrived at an Aire at Couhe at 3.30, a large, tarmac car park with plenty of space; we parked up and took a short walk round the town which boasts a large, old timber and stone market hall, otherwise a typical small, French town. Quick meal and early night.
Miles travelled 257
Fuel €73.6
Thurs 26th
Got up quite late as I’d not had a good night, Rich slept very well; it was 8c and not so grey this morning. We were on the road by 0930 heading towards Bordeaux; we saw another huge flock of lapwing in a ploughed field just as we left Couhe. We called at a small town called Baignes for fuel and as we approached Bordeaux the sun came out, we saw 3 storks flying over. The N10 was very busy with so many lorries travelling both ways, there were also a lot of road works, there was another heavy shower but it stopped again s we reached Bayonne, we found the Aire at Anglet, just below Bayonne at 2.25, it is a very big one adjacent to the beach, there were a few vans there some looking like hippy types as if they’d been there a while, it was ok though, free in the winter. It started to rain again as we set up, we sat and planned tomorrow’s route and then got tea after which as the rain had almost stopped we took a walk to the beach, there was a long promenade and the surf was very heavy but it was quite mild.
Miles travelled 239
Fuel €68.6
Fri 27th
Up and away by o855, it was cold damp, and overcast. We had a bit of trouble getting away from the Aire ended up doing a bit of a run around, new roundabouts etc. We decided to use the toll road over the border as it is an easier road bypassing, StJean de Luz, we got in a mess again as we tried to get off the toll road, the signs are more confusing because of the Basque language which is very difficult to understand (good excuse) and ended up staying on it longer than we intended. We stopped for fuel at a place called Eibar and then were on a very twisty road over the Pyrenees driving through low cloud and drizzle, we saw a couple of kites; as we got beyond Miranda de Ebro we started to see snow on the mountain peaks and very soon it was alongside the road as well, the drizzle turned to fine snowflakes for a while, as we got past Burgos it cleared and stopped raining, very busy roads with lots of lorries again, we saw another one being recovered from the central reservation. We arrived at the camp site at Cubillas Santa Marta at 2.15, booked in and set up, I think we were the only customers the place was deserted, it was very cold 4c and all the water taps were turned off, got some out of the wash place in the end.
Miles travelled 236
Tolls €8.28
Fuel €60
Site fee €22.75
Sat 28th
A very cold night, it was -1c when we woke, frost on all the plants and icy puddles but a clear blue sky and sunshine. We got away by 9 o’clock stopping fro fuel at the next motorway service. We had a good run as far as Salamanca; it was lovely to see the sun and blue sky, as we by passed Salamanca Rich saw a police car following us, it followed us for 3 or 4 miles, pulling alongside a couple of times for a good look then pulled us up, they were telling us that the car being towed on an A frame is not allowed in Spain, “not possible in Spain”, we showed them the document from Towtal in Spanish but they were still not happy, anyway after a few minutes of shrugs and “not possibles” they let us go, this put a cloud over the day, literally because as we drove off the sun disappeared and we drove into low cloud ! This continued as we went over the mountains and at the summit the ground was frozen and all the plants covered in hoar frost. As we came down the other side the sun came out again with cloudless blue skies, such a change from the last few days, we saw a few storks starting to nest and literally dozens of birds of prey, kites, buzzards etc, we also saw larks running by the carriageway. It was a good run with very little traffic. We arrived at Caceres site at 12.45, booked in and set up, we then sat in the sun for an hour or so, it was only about 13c but no breeze and was lovely. I got tea and we both had showers, this site has a bathroom on each pitch, and another early night, just before I turned in I discovered a large puddle in the kitchen, Rich got out of bed and discovered that the water pump was malfunctioning so we had to turn that off till he can look at it,
Miles travelled 214
Fuel €46
Site fee €20
Sun 29th
Another freezing night, 3c when we got up but clear skies. We were away by 0930 but had a nasty moment leaving the site as there were 4 policemen standing by the exit, we hesitated a bit but decided to go for it and they didn’t follow us, they were not traffic police and I think they may have been policing the football stadium next door. We drove through bright sunshine again and clear skies although there was a general haze, it was amazingly quiet, hardly any cars, and we only saw about a dozen lorries all day, there was more traffic by Huelva than anywhere else, even Seville. We called for fuel twice, once just before we entered Portugal as it is cheaper in Spain. We passed large areas of vines and saw quite a few storks, as we neared Portugal we saw orange groves and lots of almond and cherry trees in blossom. It was such a contrast from the bust roads and bad weather in France. We arrived at Albufeira at 3 o’clock, booked in and found a spot but didn’t set up properly as Rich wants to wash the vehicles. We pitched next to a couple we’d met a couple of years ago. It was wonderfully warm and they said all winter had been the same.
Miles travelled 301
Fuel €71
€52.5
Site fee €17
Total miles travelled 1656
Total Fuel €500
Mon 30th
A very cold night woke up to frost everywhere and 3c, it soon warmed up when the sun came up, clear blue skies again. Rich took the car to wash while I started to sort the van inside, the he came back and took the van to the car wash, I went with him and between us we got it clean and back to pitch to set up, this took us all morning. We sat down for a while then had showers and booked in with the rally stewards, we then went to Lidl for some groceries, back for tea and later we went to the quiz night, didn’t win but it was a bit of fun and we socialised. A very cold, starry night as we walked back to van.
Tue 31st
Another very cold night 2c in morning, but soon warmed up in the sun. Quiet morning we walked up the road to get some oranges, had a bit of lunch then played boules, Rich’s team lost mine didn’t do too bad, I found that I can get an internet connection in the van but it is so weak it won’t let me do anything, I fiddled about with it after tea but no joy.
Wed Feb 1st
Another very cold night, everything frosted over again. Today we went to a market in Quin****** a mini bus went from the site, organised by the rally stewards, there were only 5 of us going and one couple got off in the town, the market was just outside. It was quite disappointing as a market, mainly clothes, textiles and handbags, it appears that the veg market had been kept in the town and the rest moved to this new site, there seemed to be mostly English people, some German but no where near as busy as expected without the locals running into you with their shopping trollies of veg. We noticed that there was an Aire n the site with water, waste disposal etc. When we’d done the market we had a sit and a drink at a café then went round a nearby Lidl, Rich got a nice jacket. Back to site and it was not quite warm enough to sit out so we sat in and had a quiet afternoon, after tea we played Triominoes for a while, first time we’ve felt awake enough.
Thurs Feb 2nd
This morning the temperature was a bit higher, 5c, but there was a cool breeze. We went on a mini bus to a shopping centre, it turned out to be the one we’d cycled to in the past but there was an off shoot with an Iceland. We had a look round then went over to the other side to see what Iceland had got, it was just like an English supermarket but the prices were a bit higher, we went back to the first place and Rich had a coffee while I looked round the shops, it was very quiet and all the shops had sales. We had a Chinese buffet then went to Iceland to get a few things and had a drink waiting for the bus; it was quite cold, although the sun was nice when we were in it there was a very cold wind. When we got back we played boules, it seemed a bit warmer than at the shopping centre but the wind was still cool. Quick tea and game of cards before bed.
Fri Feb 3rd
Another very cold night, -1c this morning. We decided to change the sheets and do the washing this morning, Rich got the machine set up on a separate socket and carried water to and fro, luckily we are very near the tap and drain, just across the road so t worked out ok, the machine did well and we did 6 loads! Decided that we would not save it up again and do smaller loads, it took us about 4 hours, it mostly dried though by the end of the day, just needed a bit of airing. Sat and read in afternoon, sun nice but wind cool. After tea I went to the line dancing, Rich came up with me and had a couple of drinks then went back, it was enjoyable, friendly people and easy dances.
Sat Feb 4th
Minus 1c again and a very cold wind today. Mid morning we walked into Albufeira, they have finished – well almost – the footpath and it is much easier walking than it used to be, like a long park with concrete benches and gazebos along it’s length and an underpass beneath the traffic island, there were lots of small birds flitting about that we couldn’t identify and a couple of small herons. The town was very quiet; we walked around and stopped on the front for a snack then back to get a few things from Chinese shop, the sun was lovely but the wind was bitter. We got back just in time for the boules, only 8 turned up so it was 2 men teams, me and my partner won the cup! We were both very tired after all the fresh air, had a couple of games of cards before turning in.
Sun Feb 5th
Getting boring but another cold, frosty morning, quiet morning showered when sun had come up a bit, rally Sunday lunch at site restaurant, it was a very good lunch. I sat on the terrace for a while in the freezing wind trying to get on the internet and send emails but didn’t have much luck, I spoke to a lady who was telling me all about her I pad and an internet booster she had bought from Amazon will look into it when we get home. The sun was lovely and I sat out sheltered from the wind for a while, lazy afternoon.
Mon Feb 6th
It was much warmer this morning; we could tell as soon as we woke, we were able to get out of bed without freezing, 10c out, quite a change. We went on the rally walk, it was enjoyable lovely and warm and the breeze was quite warm, we walked for a couple of hours and ended up at the café across from the site. I got talking to a woman, Terri, I asked her where she had her hair cut, and it turned out she used to work at our opticians, she said she had her hair cut next door to the café. When we got back I did a bacon bap, lovely rolls from shop on site, and we sat in the very hot sun for a while. We walked across the road for me to make a hair appointment and also to book a massage, this was the rally free gift this year, so Thursday is pamper day. Got tea then went to quiz, quite a fun evening, didn’t win but were 2nd highest score and won one round which got us a box of chocolates.
Tue Feb 7th
Warm again this morning, a couple we’d sat by at Sun lunch came round as we’d asked them for help in finding our way to Moncofa and could they recommend sites; they gave us a couple and were most helpful. After they’d gone we went to Leroy Merlin (B&Q type shop) to get some silicon for Rich to repair the pump. Had a bit of lunch then went to boules, my team got wooden spoon today! Rich mended pump tea and a game before bed.
Wed Feb 8th
Milder again this morning but still cool breeze. We went to Portimao. We found the harbour area which was very empty, a large paved area with lots of closed cafes, we couldn’t find the centre and it was a big town so we drove round a small town called Ferragydo where we saw a few motorhomes which seemed to be wild camping on a wide beach then out to a small area called Canieros, this was a lovely cove surrounded with yellow cliffs with a café overlooking the sea so we had a drink looking out over the surf. We drove on to Lagos and found a parking place by the bus station. We walked around the town, went into a Chinese shop and got some plastic matting to use on the table, a rather “sudden” pink pattern but we will use the back which is white. We then had a sandwich in a café at the top of a street and walked back round the shops that were open, I managed to get a sunshade/visor type hat. We passed a Chinese restaurant with a cheap meal of the day offer and even though we’d not long had a sandwich decided to go for it, it was just a small doorway off the street and we climbed up steep stairs and were surprised to find a terrace overlooking the sea and the canal leading to the marina. After our meal we went back to the car and back to Albufeira calling at Iceland for a few things, then a lazy evening. There is a big, new motorhome service area in Lagos by the Football stadium there were about a dozen vans on it.
Thurs Feb 9th
Cold, frosty morning again, this morning I went to get my hair cut at a small salon which is attached to the café just across the road from the site, I was quite pleased with it, quite short so should last. We went to Lidl for a few things then back for lunch, after lunch Boules, Rich’s team won the cup today. After boules I went for a massage, this was this year’s free gift from the rally, I had to go to one of the bungalows a young girl called Andrea did it and it was so nice and relaxing. After tea we had a couple of games of Triominoes but I couldn’t keep my eyes open I was so relaxed. It had been a sunny day but a cool wind again.
Fri Feb 10th
Frosty again 1c when we woke did some washing this morning. In the afternoon we went into Albufeira and had a meal at the Portuguese Restaurant, it was very good, €9.50 for bread & pate, soup, main course, sweet half bottle of wine and coffee. In the evening I went to line dancing, enjoyed it and met Barbara who we had met the last time we were on a rally at Castillo de Banos.
Sat Feb 11th
Richie’s birthday, not quite so cold this morning. We went to Aldi for me to get some moisturiser Rich ended up buying a planer! Had to pay cash so went to Algarve Shopping to find cash point and got some moisturiser at the Body Shop. We drove back to site on the back road we used to cycle on.
Boules after lunch, my team had wooden spoon!
Sun Feb 12th
Weather continuing the same, rally Sunday lunch at the restaurant otherwise very lazy day.
Mon Feb 13th
Today we drove to Faro, we found the old part of the town by a harbour, we called for a hot drink as the wind was very cold then walked around; the old streets were very interesting and we came to what was obviously an old town or fort wall, there was a very pretty square surrounded by orange trees full of fruit and a church with a tower, I paid €3 to go up the tower where you could see all the bells and a stork standing by it’s nest, there was a good view all over the town and estuary. I had a look in the cathedral as well which was very gloomy but had various side chapels full of statues and gilding but all seemed to be blackened with smoke from candles.
We went back to the car and drove to Loule had another drink and a bun and a short walk but not much to see so back to the van.
In the evening we went to the quiz and our team won!
Tue Feb 14th
Didn’t do much this morning but I went up to the terrace to see if I could get internet connection, the waiter said I could sit inside so as Rich had carried the laptop up for me we both went in and had a drink. I was unable to get a connection so was about to leave as I thought it was my computer but the waiter said it was their problem and the boss would be back soon to unplug it and plug it in again, we waited a while but decided to go and return later, we were halfway down the site and he shouted us back to say it was fixed I went back and managed to check the bank (gulp!), publish this and hopefully send a couple of emails. In the afternoon it was boules and my team had the wooden spoon again! Went for a chat with Barbara & Norman while tea was cooking. Couple of games of cards before bed. Sunny but cool wind again.
Wed Feb 15th
We got up early today to go to Faro for a boat trip which we thought went at 10.00, we got there about 9.15 but it didn’t go till 11.30, we booked then went for a drink in a café by the harbour and to use the toilet, Rich went while I ordered but by the time he came back there were two coach loads of people dropped off all wanting the toilet, as there was only one I had to wait over half an hour as there was a continuous stream of women queuing. As we walked round the harbour we saw some swallows. We sat in the car keeping out of the wind until it was time for the trip. We went on a small catamaran to the Ria Formosa National Park, there was a guide on board who was very interesting and told us about the area and was able to point out all the birds, we saw :-
Black Necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Whimbrel, Curlew, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Sandwich Tern, Dunlin, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, Stork, various gulls, Mallard, Spoonbill, and an Osprey which sat and gave us a great view.
The guide then told us about the various shell fish and their life styles and how the locals go out onto the mud flats at low tide to collect them, it was bitterly cold on the boat. When we landed on an island we went to the restaurant and had a drink, we thought we may eat there as it was a sea food restaurant but it was very expensive. We walked out onto the beach and walked along it for about an hour and a half picking up shells, there was a fierce wind but it was sunny. We thought it was a very good trip with so many birds to see and someone to identify them for us, worth €25, the basic ferry was €10. We caught the 2.30 boat back then drove back to Albufeira hoping to have a meal but the restaurant we like was closed for refurbishment, we walked around trying to find somewhere we fancied and ended up in one we’d been in before with Jan & Mike, it had a tourist menu for €10, it was ok but not as nice as the other one, reconstituted fish billed as hake fillet, but good, friendly service. Back to the van very tired and wind burned for an early night.
Thurs Feb 16th
It was a bit warmer this morning. Just a couple of degrees but there was not the cool wind. We did a few loads of washing then went over for a chat with Barbara & Norman who leave on Sat. Boules in the afternoon, Rich & I were on the same team and we got the wooden spoon!
Fri Feb 17th
Went for a drive to Armacao de Pera we parked and there were lots of fishing boats so we went to have a look there were rows of fisherman’s huts and what looked like a market, we watched as a boat came in and was winched up the sand, his catch was octopus, others were preparing bait and sorting nets, very busy and interesting.
We carried on walking and there was a pedestrian way above the beach with various small cove below most of which seemed to have cafes in them, we walked back again and stopped for a small picnic out of the wind then back to the car. We went to Shopping Algarve and went into Coninente for a few things then to Iceland but Iceland was closed. We called at the large Chinese shop then back to the van. It had been sunny but windy and in the afternoon it clouded over.
In the evening I went line dancing, which I enjoyed.
Sat Feb 18th
This morning it was quite cloudy but no cooler. We went to Iceland again and it was open today, we asked why it had been shut and it was Portuguese Trading Standards had said their labelling was not clear enough so they had to shut for 3 days to change it all. I asked the girl who served us did she already live over here and she said yes, when the shop opened there were 24 jobs going and 3500 applicants, mostly ex-pats as they had to be able to speak good English.
Back to van over back roads, picked up some oranges, spent ages fitting food into fridge, it’s like a jigsaw puzzle! It had been cloudy all day but still quite bright we had a lazy afternoon, a couple of games before bed.
Sun Feb 19th
Milder again this morning, we pulled down kitchen tent and packed as much as we could then sat in the sun; it was real sun bathing weather, the best day yet, reached 20c. We went for dinner in the restaurant; sat with the people we’d quizzed with, nice company although one couple were not there they have had flu. After lunch sat in the sun again and finished packing up.
We enjoyed the rally, and met some nice people, we enjoyed the boules and quizzes also we liked seeing more of Portugal, we noticed the N125 just outside Albufeira seemed to be the haunt of prostitutes, there were always 4 or 5 hanging around. On the site there were a lot of Chiff Chaffs and Sparrows also a very small Woodpecker was about most days, the last couple of days we saw some swallows and a couple of times we saw a Kingfisher along the very grubby little brook.
Mon Feb 20th
Set off at 0900and went along the N125 rather than the 22 which is a toll road but no-one knows how to pay the toll. As we passed Faro we passed a couple of gypsy carts pulled by donkeys, very shabby looking. We called for fuel after we’d bypassed Seville, the fuel was 30cents cheaper than in Portugal, the most expensive unleaded in Portugal was €182, not long after that we saw a great flock of kites and gulls over a tip. The country was mostly olives, mile after mile of regimented olive trees, some old some very new, it seemed a lot neater than near the coast, more cared for, the land was either red or white chalky soil. We arrived in Humilladero at 2pm (3pm Spanish time) we entered the site and the reception was closed there was a notice on the door which said “Help yourself to install a pitch then pass by the office to register” so we helped ourselves to install. It is a very new site but nice, clean facilities and a big pool, it was very hot when we arrived so we sat outside for a while, then I registered and got tea, I bought some olive oil which was local, the receptionist said it was the very best and from his grandmother’s farm.
Miles travelled 240
Site fee €20.50
Fuel €71 van
€40 car
Tue Feb 21st
Up and away by 0910, a cool, misty morning, and quite hazy in the distance. Although the sun came out the haze remained, whether pollution of low cloud or a mixture we weren’t sure, we certainly saw quite a few factories pumping out smoke. We drove through mile upon mile of olive trees, it looked like a random patchwork quilt as far as the eye could see with various shaped fields each with the trees in straight rows at different angles and with different coloured soil showing, varying between white, yellow, terracotta and red. The road was mountainous climbing quite high and then down again with many z bends, although in the main it was a good surface and dual carriageway, as we climbed the scenery changed to craggy mountains and there was a lot of snow on the Sierra Nevada around Granada, lots more road works going on, another new road in the making. In one area there were cave like houses built into the hillsides, and we also passed 3 or 4 marble quarries, the rocks were very varied, white, yellow, red and grey.
We arrived at San Javier at 2.15 and booked in and set up, the Spanish aerial display team were flying round, then we went into Los Alcazares had a look round the Chinese shop and had a meal at the Chinese restaurant, got back to site about 5pm and I flaked out and slept all night, that’s what half a bottle of wine does to me!
Wed Feb22nd
Up quite early this morning but took our time getting ready then went to meet Joyce & David at La Manga, we managed to get a bit lost as all the roads have been changed since we last went there, we also noticed a lot more plastic “greenhouses” than previously, the fields were busy with fruit and veg picking. We went to their van for a coffee then brought them to show them the site we were on then went for another Chinese meal and back to theirs, we enjoyed seeing them and had a good day out with them, they are at La Manga for 5 months, Joyce told me that a lady on the rally had died last week and in Spain you have to be cremated within 48 hrs and they don’t use a coffin, there had been a service for her from the rally.
Thurs Feb 23rd
Away by 0900, another sunny morning with the Spanish Air Force flying round, our route today took us past salt flats where there were lots of Flamingos and other waders, then on past Alicante, awful, polluted, industrial looking then up over the mountains. The road was a good dual carriageway but climbed up and down a lot, nice scenery though, quite pretty for Spain with a backdrop of craggy, majestic mountains almond trees everywhere, in blossom lower down but high up still bare. Quite a good trip except for passing Valencia arrived at Moncofa at 1pm. We had a very friendly greeting from the stewards, found a pitch and set up, facing the sun which was very hot so we sat out for quite a while, I booked a meal for tomorrow with the steward and paid for a week’s internet €15. After tea we strolled down to the sea and had a couple of card games, Rich turned in while I answered emails and wrote this.
Miles travelled 192
Fuel €65
Fri Feb 24th
Another cold night, frost on cars when we woke. Did some washing this morning then went for a meal with rally; we gave a lift to a couple across from us, most people cycled. The meal was a bit of a disaster for us as they ran out of our starter then what we did have was cold and had to go back then when the main meal came that was uncooked for a couple of people on our table, what we had was ok but the organisation was a bit hit and miss. The car was making an awful noise, brakes rubbing. Back to van and lazy afternoon in the sun. I went to the line dancing in the evening, it was ok, basic and very few there and then people started to come in for the quiz and just sat watching making you feel a bit uncomfortable.
Sat Feb 25th
Weather much the same this morning, first thing we tried to find a garage for the car, the one in Moncofa was shut so we tried at Nules a nearby town, put “vehicle repair” in Gertie and found about 3 that were closed, saw a shop on a street which looked a bit like it sold car parts so stopped and asked, spoke no English but 2 chaps tried to help and rang a few numbers but it seemed everyone was closed, the older chap had a look at the car for us but couldn’t do anything. We went back to the site and then to Mercadona for some shopping then after lunch Rich took wheels off and found brake pads completely worn away, probably need new discs as well. Chris a couple of vans away who we had met a couple of years ago said he would run us to wherever we needed to get parts but no use trying till Monday. I tried to contact our insurers about European assistance but couldn’t get through.
We played boules in the afternoon, a bit different to how we usually play but good fun, 12 people in 2 teams of 6 all playing 1 game. We were asked for a drink with our next door neighbours and Chris, who’d all been playing boules, so we sat and chatted for a while then got tea. We had a mystery tea, in Mercadona we were offered a sample of something which was quite tasty so bought some, she told us how to cook it so I did it with some chips, it was on the fish counter and I think it was some sea creature that I normally wouldn’t eat, Rich thinks he knows what it is, I will try and translate it tomorrow when I know it has gone down alright! (think it was calamari) Cards before bed.
Sun Feb 26th
It was quite a bit warmer this morning, Rich had not been well in the night so we were a bit later getting up, we had a lazy morning then walked the length of the town along the front, bigger town than I’d thought, lots of nice looking holiday apartments but also private houses. We played boules again in the afternoon, it had been a really hot day, and in fact some people went for a swim!
Mon Feb 27th
Milder again this morning and a lovely, sunny day, Chris took us into town to the garage and it was open and they said come back at 10.30 S the mechanic would be there then. We went back and they called the manager to come in and rang up for parts and prices, we were going to have brake pads put on and get the disc done when we got home but it was so reasonable for the whole job that we had that done, €205.
While we were waiting for the car to be done we did some washing, we got the message that the car was ready and could collect it between 15.30 and 1900hs so we played boules and when we’d finished Chris took us in to collect it, we called at Mercadona to get some wine to thank him for his help (“Cava” at 1.65 a bottle!). We took wine and some nibbles round to theirs and they were most indignant, said they didn’t want thanks, we opened some anyway and sat and drank and chatted for a while then back for tea and cards before bed.
Tue Feb 28th
Milder again this morning, Rich washed the car then we drove into a nearby town, Vall d’Uixo, and visited the Caves of St Joseph where there is an underground river, we were there just as it opened and there was just us and a Spanish couple we entered the cave and then got into a boat which took us further in on the river, it was absolutely fantastic, clear water varying in depth between 1 and 11 metres, it was a constant 20c, warmer than outside, we had to keep ducking as it was a very low ceiling in some places and there were many stalactites, the boat dropped us and we walked along more tunnels and then met the boat again to return, there was subtle lighting with spotlights showing places of special interest and atmospheric music playing which added to the atmosphere, it was a very worthwhile trip, although the guide was speaking Spanish to the other couple he also had French so I was able to ask a few questions and understand his answers. We went back to Moncofa got a few things at Mercadona then back for boules, back to Chris & Shelia’s for drinks and chat again, late tea again! Some lovely fresh fish we’d bought, cards and bed.
Wed Feb 29th
Another mild morning, didn’t do a lot sat outside in sun, there was a rally BBQ so did vegetables in Remoska ready, Rich was sat outside podding broad beans and there was a photographer from Carefree (rally organisers) on site so he took some pictures of him and of me sewing, he was taking pictures at the BBQ as well, Rich cooked our pork and it was lovely, there was a big communal BBQ stoked up with wood, it was a nice get together, afterwards we played boules but there were only half a dozen of us the rest were doing something else for the photographer, still good fun.
We went to Chris & Shelia’s van again, quite a crowd of us. Steve, the steward, came by and stopped for a drink he said we were the type of people who they liked to come back again and stay a bit longer another time, very nice of him to say so. Cleared the pitch ready to move off tomorrow, quite a few going tomorrow. Cards & bed
We had liked the rally at Moncofa and had been warmly welcomed by Chris & Sheila and Trevor & Linda, the stewards Steve & Dawn were nice and welcoming as well, everyone says the site is like a car park and it is really with tarmac roads and gravel pitches but it is nice and open and sunny and an easy walk to beach and town.
Thurs Mar 1st
Up and away by 0915, not a very nice journey today, bust single carriageway road most of the way and we were stuck behind a lorry with sticking, burning brakes nearly all the way, it was a bit better after Tarragona with dual carriageway for a while, there were quite a few prostitutes alongside the road and we saw one being spoken to by police. When we were by Peniscola it went cloudy and the sun went in, we weren’t sure if it was cloud, mist or pollution, there are so many chimneys belching out smoke I think it was mainly that with a bit of low cloud. There seemed to be a few bonsai nurseries and quarries otherwise it was mostly mile after mile of orange trees, quite a few almond trees, olives groves, a few vineries and some artichokes. We went wrong when we got to Vilanova, Gertie took us up a back road where we had to unhitch the car to turn round, 3 passing cars told us the way to the site and we found it eventually. Booked in and got sited; we had been told it is a very shady site and it is, we chose a pitch with a bit of sun and hoped for the best. We had a short walk to find our way about, it is a huge site, nice, clean, heated shower blocks, and then got tea; the sun soon went off our pitch. Early night.
Miles travelled 164
Fuel €55
Fri March 2nd
Milder again this morning, the first morning I’ve felt like going for a shower first thing, been going once day has warmed up, nice heated shower blocks here though and it felt really mild. Welcome meeting for rally this morning, it has only just started and things not properly organised yet it seems. We drove into Vilanova and onto beach/marina area, quite pretty there, then tried to find a supermarket, after going round town about 3 times gave up, back at site we were told where it was so tried again and found a Lidl. Boules this afternoon, very different to the relaxed game at Moncofa, and it was quite cool under the trees, it had been quite cool all day but the sun was nice. Tea and cards before bed.
Sat March3rd
Mild morning again, we caught the bus into town and went round the market a very big market with stall after stall of beautiful fruit and veg. it covered quite a few streets around an indoor market, this looked quite new and had more fruit and veg and also fish and meat, a bit disconcerting as crabs and lobsters were still moving and on meat stalls there were skinned rabbits still with their heads and eyes also a skinned cows head looking at you – uggh!! Back to the site, the bus was crowded, it was only small and most people had shopping trollies. We had a lazy afternoon, Martin & Lesley, who had been at Moncofa arrived and we chatted to her for a short while. We sat out most of the afternoon but it soon got cool in the shade.
Sun Mar 4th
Mild again, we walked to a local market, not a very big one but nice veg and plants on sale, plus the usual clothes, bags and shoes, it was quite cool when we set off but was hot by the time we got back. A couple who had been at Moncofa, Loraine & Harry, came over as they wanted a bit of info about Barcelona, I told them what I could and they said I was welcome to go with them on the bus but I don’t think I will. We sat and chatted for a couple of hours then we just sat outside, it was pleasant in the sun but as the afternoon wore on it got cooler and clouded over. The Carefree Magazine photographer was on site so Rich sat podding beans again, as a joke, but he took some more pictures of us!! Had us showing Harry & Loraine the map as well, bit of a laugh. Lesley told us that he had taken pictures of them setting off on the walk and some people had got to the front to be in the picture but they set off in the opposite direction leaving them at the back so they had to scramble to get to the front and then they didn’t even go on the walk!! We saw a crested tit and tree creepers really close to the van.
Mon Mar 5th
Mild again, the freezing nights seem to have gone thank goodness. While we were having breakfast we were watching the Tree Creeper again and also saw a Black Redstart and a Red Squirrel playing in the trees. We drove to Sitges a nearby town, found somewhere to park at the end of the town and walked in, it is a lovely town with a broad palm lined, promenade with many narrow streets leading from it into the town, we walked the length of the promenade and up into the narrow streets of the town itself, apparently the town hosts an annual film festival which is why it probably seems a bit smarter than a lot of Spanish towns, at one point we saw a dog making it’s way down the street on it’s own and it ended up at a veterinary hospital and was pawing at the door to be let in! There were some lovely beaches and lots of older buildings, in particular the museum which seems to be under restoration, on one part of the promenade the palm trees seemed really old and some had lost all their fronds and were being held up with wooden supports, they must be trying to keep historical trees, there were parrot’s nests in some of the trees, it was nice and sunny but the sea was quite choppy. We stopped for Tapas at a small café by one of the beaches and were surprised when 3 swans flew onto the beach, people were getting quite close to them and they were not at all aggressive, they caused quite a stir with lots of people taking photos of them.
Back on site we had a cuppa and I decided to go into town to see if I could get a haircut, had been recommended by the stewards to a hair academy, found it easily and paid €9 for a wash and cut, by a trainee I assumed, not the best haircut ever, she didn’t know when to stop and I had to stop her, she also cut my neck, she fetched a supervisor as she could see I was not best pleased, probably my fault for not being able to speak Spanish, I tried to tell them it looked more like a man’s cut than a woman’s! the supervisor dried it off and put some product on it and it looked a bit better so I left. Met Loraine & Harry on the bus back. Tea and cards before bed.
Tue Mar 6th
Rich a bit poorly in the night, chest pains again, so we were a bit later getting up, a bit cooler this morning. We decided to do the washing so I changed the sheets, the washing machine packed up on the first load, very disappointing, Rich tried his best to get it going but it kept tripping the electric and then stopped working. We took the washing down to the sinks to do as we had quite a load, the sinks are indoors and in a heated room with as much hot water as you want, we did it between us and got it all pegged out then we went to Mercadona, we took a couple who we’d met at Moncofa as they are in a motorhome and we’d said we’d let them know when we were going and give them a lift. We were just back in time for boules, it got very cold by the time we’d finished, Harry & Loraine had come to watch so we stopped and had a coffee and natter with them at the bar, I booked us on a trip to Montserrat going on Friday. BBQd some chops we’d got at Mercadona they were lovely.
Wed Mar 7th
This morning we went for a drive with Harry and Loraine, he took us up into the hills a bit to a dam, it was very pretty and a lot greener than most of Spain, we drove on a bit further looking for coffee and stopped at the next small village, Castellon, we parked and walked around, you couldn’t get a car into it, it was a lovely, tranquil place built around a castle but no café at all so we went back to site.
After lunch the ladies had a “knit & natter” which Loraine & I went to while Rich showed Harry how to play boules. It was really interesting to see the crafts other people were doing, a lot of knitting, some crochet & embroidery but also jewellery making and Loraine did lovely patchwork bags, amongst other things, namely beadwork, lacework, Christmas baubles, a very clever lady, she showed us all how to do the patchwork. The four of us sat and chatted for a while then it was time to get tea, it had been a nice day with good company.
Thurs Mar 8th
This morning we went into Sitges with Loraine & Harry, they thought there was a market but we didn’t see one, we stopped for a coffee and walked round the town for a while, Loraine and I bought a scarf each and she got some beads, it was lovely and sunny. We went back to the site and played boules in the afternoon, it clouded over and was quite cold under the trees, we then went to Mercadona for a few things, tea and cards before bed.
Fri Mar 9th
Up early this morning as we went on a trip to Montserrat, this is a Benedictine Monastery high in the mountains, the mountains are spectacular rounded peaks eroded by centuries of weather. When we arrived we were a bit confused at first, not quite sure where to go and what to look at, there was quite a lot of building work going on and lots of children, very small, making a lot of noise. We decided to get commentary headsets, for which we had to leave a driving licence as identification. We wandered around and found the headsets to be not much use. We joined a queue to visit the shrine of Our Lady, the main pilgrim’s destination, we went up stairs decorated with beautiful mosaics, through solid silver doors and finally to the shrine, a statue from the 12th century, then into a small chapel dedicated to her and then we went for a snack, not very nice, and back to the Basilica to hear the choir, the place is also famous for the boy’s choir school, the Basilica was crowded for this but we managed to squeeze in, they only sang for about 15mins but it was beautiful. We went back to the coach and drove to a winery, Torres Family, it was a very interesting tour on a little train that tok us into the wine caves where they showed hologram like films about the history of the place, then there was a short film and a tasting. Back to site for tea then Harry & Loraine asked us round for a drink where we stopped till gone 10pm putting the world to rights, we have really enjoyed their company the last few days and think the feeling is reciprocated.
Sat Mar 10th
We met Loraine & Harry and got the bus into town, had a coffee then wandered round the market for a while Loraine & I were going to go off on our own and arranged to meet later but Harry is so protective because Loraine suffers badly from arthritis he kept us in sight, we tried to escape but gave up in the end till Rich got fed up so we separated and Loraine & I went round the shops on the Rambla for a while then met for Tapas in a café, which was very nice. We then walked back to the Rambla and followed it to the sea, stopped for a coffee again then on to see a statue of a cow Harry wanted to show us, very modern and quite rude, a naked woman inside a cow, modern art!
Sun March 11th
Waved Loraine & Harry off at 0930 then went on rally walk at 10.30, drove to Sant Pere Ribes, a nearby town, parked the cars and set off, we took Rob & Beryl in our car. Walked for a couple of hours through the countryside, lots of vines, olives and almond trees, a lovely hot, sunny morning. Back to van for a bit of lunch then drove to local market, which was just packing up, but managed to get some veg. Sat in sun for rest of afternoon, Rich still suffering with his cold so tea and early night.
Mon Mar 12th
Rich still feeling really poorly this morning so got up late, I went to bar and got on internet, sent a couple of emails and checked the bank-gulp! Sat in sun and after a bit of lunch we walked over to the swimming pool and I went for a swim, sat in sun for rest of afternoon and when it cooled off Rich had a sleep and an early night after tea.
Tue Mar 13th
It was mild this morning but hazy over the sea, in fact we didn’t see the sea all day there was a haze over it, it went quite misty over the town as the sun went down but it was one of the hottest days. Rich felt a bit better this morning, I, changed the sheets, cleaned the van out and sorted some cupboards, and then we went to Mercadona. We went back and unloaded food shopping then drove to car park on outskirts of town and walked down to Chinese shops, stopped for a coffee then back to van and sat in sun, Rich started to feel poorly again and didn’t want any tea, he ate a bit then went to bed.
Wed Mar 14th
Mild again and hazy over sea, 11c at 7pm, Rich felt a bit better but still rough. We went a short ride into the country, trying to use back roads but kept ending up on new roads cutting off towns, we headed towards Vilafranca and then on past to a small place called St Pere de Ruidebitlles where we spotted an aqueduct and got out to have a look, it was quite high and we climbed some steps up to the top and were very surprised to see a water channel carrying a fast flowing stream of clear water, there was a large picnic area with BBQ area, I think the notice said it was Pont Nou aqueduct from the 14th century.
Back to the site and I went to the “knit & natter for an hour or so. In the evening we went to the rally meal, it was a social evening as well but we didn’t stop, the meal was not very good.
Thurs Mar 15th
A very hazy morning again over the town it was sunny but a bit cooler than yesterday. I went for a swim in the morning and we had our meal lunchtime and started to pack up the van. WE played boules in the afternoon and finished packing ready for an early start tomorrow.
We ended up quite liking Vilanova, except for the shady pitches; we saw quite a few different birds and red squirrels.
We enjoyed the rallies for doing different things and meeting different people.
Fri Mar 16th
Up and away by 0805, the first road we took was a very twisty coast road, very pretty views back to Sitges, the sun was sparkling off the sea and we saw quite a few marinas below us, once the road straightened out a bit we were bypassing Barcelona, there was a traffic jam which we sat in for about half an hour. The countryside was different after Barcelona, greener and a bit neater, there was mile upon mile of vines in various states and lots of almond blossom, all day we saw a haze on the horizon but it was still sunny. We used a different road to usual, we think it was a toll road and Gertie hadn’t stopped us so we weren’t sure, we took a ticket but when we came to the other end we followed some lorries through and were not asked for money, this was just on the border and the road was very high up above the usual route with high viaducts, we got ourselves, and Gertie, sorted as we got into France and got off toll road, had to pay in France, trying to get off toll road Gertie took us on a very narrow, twisting, mountain road, D1 & D 18 through a place called Calce obviously a wine place, finally got back on track and arrived at an Aire at Montferrand at 3pm, it was a quiet Aire but the facilities were out of order, door broken open and flapping and unable to use either toilet emptying or get water. It had been grey and cloudy all the time we’d been in France but was sunny and very windy here. A couple of vans came and went again, there were a few people walking either up to an obelisk to Pierre Paul Riqut, builder of the canal du Midi, or along the Canal itself which was nearby, I got half way to the obelisk but it was too cold and windy, game of cards before bed.
Miles travelled 282
Fuel €51
Sat Mar 17th
The wind had died down in the night and it was quite mild 11c. We set off at 0805, it was grey but bright and the sun came out during the day. We did not trust Gertie as she had been messing us about so we got a bit lost round Toulouse, we’d set her for shortest route instead of fastest as we thought this was the problem bur of course she took us all through the city centre. We headed on to Limoges and saw lots of Limousin cattle, there were also a lot of very young lambs in fields, country much more like home with fields of young crops showing green or newly ploughed land, the only difference is there are no hedges so you can see for miles. We got lost again as we kept ignoring Gertie who wanted to take us off the N147, we were sure this was the road we needed but she was right and by the time we found out we were miles adrift, we listened to her at last and she took us cross country on D roads, the last few miles it was trying to rain and had been raining as the roads were wet. We finally arrived at Couhe at 4.20, a very long, tiring day. The facilities at the Aire are not the best but we were unable to empty toilet as the facility was full and overflowing, a horrible mess. Tried to find something to eat in town but the only place was smoky and showing football so back to van for egg & chips, and cards before an early night.
Miles travelled 295
Fuel €52.88
& €64
Sun Mar 18th
It had rained in the night and was a bit cooler this morning, although the sun was trying to come through. We set off at 0805 and let Gertie have her head, she did not go the way we would have but it was an easy run along quiet roads, the only busy part was Le Mans, it stayed grey mostly with the odd patch of sun, we passed through mainly agricultural land with spring crops showing green and lambs and cattle, the last hour or so it was raining. We arrived at the Aire at Le Saps at 1.45, a nice place by a pond and the fire station but unfortunately someone had emptied their toilet in the grey waste grid and it was a mess. We walked into town and found a restaurant that was open in a museum that wasn’t and had a very nice meal, the restaurant was in an old, traditional, beamed house. It was a nice little town with half timbered houses but a lot of properties seemed empty, it had stopped raining but was quite cold.
Miles travelled 215
Mon Mar 20th
Up and away by 0800, A better day, quite bright and sunny at times, a good run to Calais all on D roads, we saw daffodils out and some primroses by the side of the road, there was a lot of mistletoe, some trees were more mistletoe than tree. We got to the port at about 1pm managed to book in for 2.20 ferry (we were booked on 0550) very pleased but there were 15 coaches of teenagers also on board, it was very noisy. We landed in Dover at 3.45.
Miles travelled 204
Fuel €64.39
& €53
Total miles travelled 3800
Total fuel
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