Trip to Derby/Cannock Chase Oct 2012




Thurs 18th Oct 2012



We set off at 1o.30 it was a bright, sunny morning. We arrived at Doug & Brenda’s about 12.00, Brenda made us some lunch then we took the dog a walk through the estate and park, chatted some more then Bren made us a nice meal, watched a bit of TV before bed.



Miles travelled 73



Fri 19th



Doug took us for a ride round, started at an auction where he wanted a few things then he took us to see Oink the water buffalo then we went on to Belper to a shopping outlet and Home Bargains store, I bought a doorstop, a stuffed dog. Then we went into the town where we got fish and chips and took them to eat in the car, we then had a look round an antiques warehouse before going on to the Riverside Park where we had a cup of tea in the visitor centre which was in an old mill, before walking round the park, it was a bright, sunny day. On the way back we stopped at a wood burner stove shop and a garden centre, a very busy and tiring day, had a snack supper and Doug & Rich went to play pool.



Sat 20th



Set of at about 11.00 and arrived at the Cannock Chase Camping and Caravan Club site at just gone 12.00. We had expected Harry & Loraine to be there already but there had been some mix up with their booking so they had stayed at a CL last night and arrived an hour or so after us, the warden made a big fuss over whether he had room for us as he reckoned Harry had not turned up and so had forfeited his pitch, it was sorted out eventually. We took the dog a walk in the wood where it was possible to get a phone signal and rang Margaret to arrange to meet tomorrow. After tea we went to Harry’s van and played Triominoes.



Miles travelled 37



Sun 21st



We woke up to quite a heavy fog, we went to meet Marg & Bri at the German cemetery, took a bit of finding but got there in the end, we went early and had a walk round, the ground was very wet and there were lots of red spotted toadstools about. The cemetery was quite gloomy with rows of dark granite headstones, the fog had lifted by now but it looked gloomy even in the sunlight. All Germans and Austrians who had died in both world wars were re-interred here in the 1950s, nearly 5000 of them mostly prisoners of war. We went out to wait for Marg & Bri but they weren’t there, eventually I got a call and they had been waiting at the first car park, we caught up with them and had a walk round the Commonwealth Cemetery, most of the soldiers in this one were from the New Zealand Rifles and had died in the Flu pandemic of 1918/19. We then went to the Seven Stars at Brereton for a very nice pub meal. Marg & Bri went home and we went on to the visitor centre where we had an interesting time in a WW1 accommodation hut which was manned by a veteran who gave us a lot of information about the military history on Cannock Chase. Back to the site for tea and then a game in our van in the evening, it started raining quite heavily.



Mon 22nd



We had intended to go the National Memorial at Alrewas today but it had rained overnight and it was foggy and very wet so decided to give it a miss. In the afternoon we went to a large garden centre, Byrkley, it was a huge place with Clothing shops as well as lots of Christmas stuff. We had a cup of tea and a cake then a good wander round, on the way back we called at the Co-Op in Rugely then back for a rest, and tea before another triominoe challenge in Harry’s van. It had been a very wet, miserable day.



Tue 23rd



Not quite as foggy this morning but still very wet underfoot and dripping from the trees, Harry took Loraine and I into Lichfield.

We went into the most wonderful bead shop with the most wonderful stock of all things beads, glittering with colour and sparkle, there must have been millions of beads, I bought a couple of kits to make baubles and a necklace, I had seen Loraine’s and admired them so thought I’d give it a go, a few doors away was a fabric shop and I managed to get a nice yellow fat quarter to make a bag for Karen’s mum. We stopped for a cup of tea then wandered round the town for a while going into one or two shops, it was quite mild but still damp hanging round in the air. Harry picked us up and we went back to site. Rich had taken Crackers on very long walk and tired her out.

A quiet afternoon then tea and Triominoes again.



Wed 24th



We woke up to another very damp morning, we packed up and said goodbye to Harry & Loraine and were on the road by 10.30, mizzling all the way we were home by 11.30.

Miles travelled 38

It had been a nice few days, a shame the weather turned so wet but it was nice seeing Brenda & Doug and Loraine & Harry, we saw a few interesting places as well. The site was good, facilities warm and clean and plenty of walks on the chase if the weather was better.

Site fees £48.60

Total miles 148

Fuel £67

France & Germany Aug 2012

Trip to France & Germany August 2012




Tuesday Aug 14th



We were up very early, 0230, and having packed last night we set off at 0340, not a bad run, mostly dry but a bit of mist/low cloud around Oxford, we stopped at Maidstone services to let Crackers stretch her legs and arrived in Dover at 0815, it was raining. We went straight to the ferry desk and got on the 0925 sailing, we gave Crackers a tablet to keep her calm, it was an easy crossing, very calm and grey. When we got back to the van we woke Crackers up so she had obviously been relaxed enough to sleep.

We drove to Arques, near St Omer calling for fuel at a Carrefour, we arrived at 1340 local time, it was a nice, big Aire by a lake and a municipal camp site, we walked to reception to pay €3. I got a meal and we sat outside and chatted to a couple who had arrived alongside us, we then walked round the lake where there were a lot of people fishing and picnicking, it was grey but warm and humid. I sat outside and read while Rich had a doze then later we got a bit of supper before an early night. The chap from reception came round for fees,, there were about a dozen vans by now, he didn’t call on us so I assumed he knew we’d paid but a while later the chap next door called and said he’d paid for us as he thought we were asleep!



Miles travelled 254 + 38

Fuel €70

Site fees €3











Wed Aug 15th



We got up and had breakfast, said goodbye to the couple next door and gave them €3 for paying our fee, we then walked to reception to tell them we had paid twice, and we got the €3 back. We then walked around the lake, on which there must have been about 100 swans, as well as moorhen, grebe and shelduck. We set off at 10 o’clock; it was a hot, sunny morning. We came to the conclusion that it must be a public holiday as all shops seemed to be closed and there were very few lorries on the road. We passed through small towns and villages all very neat and clean with lovely floral displays, we also passed a few war cemeteries, mostly from the WW1 we think.

We found the Aire at Bellicourt, arriving at 12.30, we had a look at the, very impressive, American 1st World War Memorial and got a bit of lunch. We walked down to the canal where there was a tunnel, built on Napoleon’s orders, which has a chain link to pull boats through, we walked along the canal for a while, the tow boats that nowadays pull boats through the tunnel by electricity were moored up, we then back to the van and decided to move to another Aire not far away as this one had only 2 spaces and was on a slope. We left at 1.45 and arrived at the next Aire at Beautor at 2.45, again only a small one with 3 spaces but it had a very clean toilet block and was close to the canal, what we thought was the Council Depot was across the road. We took a walk along the canal and round a fishing pool, Crackers was very good and we let her off the lead, she even paddled a bit in a brook, it was very hot and humid again, we sat out for a while before tea but after it was starting to rain a bit, it came to nothing though and was still very close. There was free wifi at the Aire and I found out that it was a religious holiday, Feast of the Assumption.



Miles travelled 127





Thurs Aug 16th



We were woken by the Council workers arriving; it was a lovely, sunny morning with clear blue skies. Rich took Crackers a walk while I got breakfast and he was gone ages, he said he’d been watching barges fill up with gravel on the canal, there was a large quarry. Rich decided to fill up with water but when he put €2 in the machine it wouldn’t work, I went and asked one of the men at the depot and he came over and bought another man who had a key, he managed to get it working but it stopped again so he filled up for us from the toilet block, he was also watering the flowers which were lovely around the Aire. We went to Aldi which was just across the main road and then set off at 11.10, we passed lots of tractors piled high with huge bales of straw, there were many combines in the fields, huge fields of cereal crops, there were also some quarries, we realised that the lake we’d walked round yesterday was an old gravel pit. We seemed to go a roundabout route across country but it was very nice on quiet back roads passing small towns and villages with red brick houses and some very large farms, the towns and countryside were all very clean and lots of beautiful flowers in gardens and public areas. As we passed into the Ardennes region the country changed and was greener with root crops, sunflowers and beans in smaller fields, very different to the vast yellow fields we’d been seeing. The architecture was slightly different as well, taller house with very old red bricks, very pretty. We arrived at Charleville Mezier at 12.40 and found the Aire which was full with people who looked like they’d been there for a while camping, I asked at the camp site and she said it was nothing to do with them, we decided to book in at camp site as it was only €16.86 a night. We pitched up and had a bacon buttie before walking into the town, a lovely town with a big central square, we walked back to the site and sat in sun/shade for rest of afternoon. I cooked tea then we walked round the marina, we noticed that 2 more vans were at the Aire, parked outside the official spaces, we were not cheeky enough to do that. Back for a sit outside with a drink then showers and bed.



Miles travelled 78

Site fees €16.86



Fri Aug 17th



Up and had breakfast, away by 10 o’clock, another sunny morning with blue skies. We drove through more neat towns and villages and mile upon mile of crop fields, lots being combines and baled, there were a lot of tractors hauling bales again but going the other way today. We crossed another district border and the architecture changed again, one town seemed to be all terraced houses made of blocks with a wide road going through, again lots of flowers. There were fields of sunflowers and beans and it was quite wooded.

We arrived at Bar Du Luc Aire and it was very small and between a railway, canal and road, quite an urban area so we decided to move to Contrisson a few miles away. We called for fuel and arrived at 1 o’clock, it was very rural by a lake, no facilities except a toilet. It turned out to be a very busy place with dozens of people rolling up to swim, picnic; fish etc, there were families and groups of youngsters. We took a walk then sat in the shade all afternoon, Crackers was not as good as she had been getting a bit upset with all the people and dogs passing by. After tea we walked around the lake, managed to persuade Crackers to paddle briefly then sat outside till the sun went down playing cards.



Miles travelled 105

Fuel €77





Sat Aug 18th



We were up quite early and the lake was a picture, dead calm with all the trees reflected in it, as we had breakfast a man arrived and cleared himself a patch of grass and put down polythene and various blankets, he then unloaded his car of various boxes and bags laid a picnic table and lit a barbeque, this was at 8am! We presume he had a large family.

It was a lovely day again with clear blue skies, we had an uneventful journey except for a town called Chaumont where there were road works and deviations, and we ended up in the town centre but soon got out. We passed a lot of rivers and canals.

We arrived at Corgirnon at 11.30, it was more a mini site than an Aire with hedged pitches and electricity for €4, the only thing it didn’t have was toilets/showers. We had a bit of lunch then walked round the village, very quiet not a soul in sight, came back through the woods. There was a family in 2 vans opposite us 3 generations, they all got dressed up, looked like they were going to a party, when they left we sat and watched a nuthatch and marsh tit pecking round on the pitch. We had a quiet afternoon sitting in the shade then had steak and chips for tea, after which we played Triominoes outside for a while before another walk in the woods .



Miles travelled 95

Site fees €4



Sun Aug 19th



Up and away by 0925, another hot day but a bit hazy, we took D roads twisting across the country, more small villages, lots of sunflowers, bales and cattle, even some sheep, we were in more hilly, wooded country today, rising up quite high and back down again. We saw lots of buzzards on the hay fields and some kites.

We arrived in Toul and the road we needed was closed but we found the Aire by following the diversion signs arriving at 11.25.

We parked and paid €5 for a ticket and hooked up to electric.

We walked into the town and had a look around there was a cathedral which was impressive but looked very uncared for, we walked to the town centre to a big traffic island with a fountain and flowers and sat in the shade with a drink for awhile, it was very hot. Back to the van and we sat under a tree all afternoon reading and dozing. It got so hot that Rich decided to get the hose on the tap and stand under it, we got our bathers on and it was lovely, cooled us down for a few minutes, the chap in the next van, German from Hamburg, joined us. We had tea outside then took Crackers a walk round the marina, she was shattered, we played Triominoes and cards outside till the sun went down and it was still so hot we had another go with the hose, and the German, a van had just pulled in with a family and when we came in we saw the father with his hose and the children having the time of their lives, at 9.30 it was 30c out and hotter in. Crackers had been very good passing other dogs and even ignoring a cat someone in one of the vans had walking about, she made friends with the German and his wife as well.



Miles travelled 75

Site fees €5



Mon Aug 20TH



Woken up very early by nearby building site and busy road, Rich hurt his back bending down to Crackers and was in a lot of pain. After breakfast we walked to bakery to get some bread and cakes, and I went to nearby pharmacy to get some cream, I had been bitten a few days ago and had some dreadfully itchy lumps. We left at 0920 Not a very nice run today mostly motorway through industrial area, 2 o3 big EDF energy plants, just before we left France we stopped at a Le Clerc, it was a huge one, the entrance was most confusing and we went under a barrier that said 2.9M and hit the roof, we got the few things we wanted then went for fuel as we left there was a barrier saying 2.8M (we are 2.9) but there was loads of room, thank goodness to get to the fuel we had to leave the site and go round a roundabout then re-enter and circumnavigate it, most weird but probably us misunderstanding things. As we entered Germany Gertie completely lost the plot and just wandered around in mid air giving no instructions, we found Trier alright but the Stellplatz seemed to be closed so we went to the campsite and booked in €43 with €20 returned when we returned keys, they were not proper pitches more like an Aire with vans close together but we had electric and showers. I did some washing and a bit of tidying up then we walked along the river for a while, we found that there is the world rally to be held this week and they were setting up in what we think should be the Stellplatz.. After tea we decided to walk to Trier, it was quite a way and we did not find the centre just walked round residential streets really, we went over one bridge and came back over another, this one a Roman bridge with World Heritage Status. It started to rain while we were out, there had been a couple of light showers in the afternoon. When we got back there was a very short storm, I paid €1 for wifi but couldn’t get a signal, I was told it was me every one else had no problem! Got a shower, not the best facilities, and bed. Did finally manage to get on internet with Ipad by crouching in the cab.

Miles travelled 106

Fuel €58

Site fees €23



Tue Aug 21st



We packed up and paid and left by 0950, it was not quite so hot today but still very warm. We were headed for a place called Reil where there is a Stellplatz; we think Gertie is terminally ill as she still refuses to find any roads, we headed along the Moselle and saw 2 or 3 nice looking Stellplatz right on the river bank so decided to stop at the next likely one which we did, it was €5 or €7 with electric, but it had no water or waste disposal, we got a spot right on the bank, it was lovely and peaceful, there was a light shower just as we set and it looked threatening for a while but it soon cleared. We hadn’t been there long when a baker’s van came round so I got some cakes for elevenses. After lunch we took a walk round the village which we discovered was called Ensch, a very pretty little village, lots of flowers and quite a few café/wineries. The site started filling up and a young chap came chatting to us, he was Belgian but spoke very good English, he is in the Air Force and had 2 little girls who thought Crackers was nice, he told us of a nice place to visit that has a stone and mineral museum/mine so we think we’ll go there tomorrow, Crackers took to him and he seems to be very good with dogs, they had a small Brichon Frise, in fact nearly every van that came in had at lest one dog, next to us had a dog and a cat, on small one came in with 4 large dogs, on the whole Crackers was very good. We sat outside all day just watching the barges and cruisers on the river, in the evening hotel boats came by. In the afternoon a grocery van came and I got a bit of fruit and veg then later an ice cream van so I had an ice cream! After tea we walked along the river through the vineyard along an avenue of walnut trees (not ripe) then played Triominoes and cards till bed time.



Miles travelled 21

Site fee €7











Wed Aug 22nd



We were up and away by 0930, Gertie still playing up so we had trouble finding our road, we went round and round a small town and eventually asked a young woman and she explained very well even though she didn’t speak English, it was a mountainous, scenic route but good roads with very little traffic, lots of forests, very little agriculture, a few cattle. We arrived at Idar-Oberstein at just gone 11oclock, we found the Stellplatz with difficulty as there were road works and diversions. We filled up with water and emptied the toilet then walked into the town, we found a café and had a glass of wine then walked round a bit, the town is famous for minerals and stones, I bought a small piece of amethyst, we didn’t find the museum, the town was very quiet. We moved on to the other place the Belgian had told us about, again difficulty finding it because of diversions, we eventually arrived at Oberbrombach at1.30, it was on top of a hill/mountain with panoramic views, a very well organised place with hard standing and usual facilities, except shower/toilets, €7 or €9 with electric. We had a bit of lunch, took the dog a walk then had a lazy afternoon; it was a lot fresher although still very sunny. After tea we sat outside and played games but it got a lot cooler so we took the dog a walk and had an early night, there was a splendid sunset.



Miles travelled 58

Site fees €9



Thurs Aug 23rd



A nice clear morning, we were away by 0945 heading for Bernkastel, quite a scenic route with forested hills, we have noticed quite a lot of wildflower meadows around, at one town there were paper mills, obviously using the wood from the forests. When we arrived at Bernkastel we called at an Aldi then found the Stellplatz, I booked in with the winery for one night, the owner was an old chap who spoke good English, we parked right by the river. After lunch we walked along the river, along a “promenade” to a small town, Wehlen, there were beautiful, scented roses all along the bank, back at the van we decided to stay for 2 nights so went up to pay, the old chap didn’t recognise me from earlier and had difficulty finding our booking. We sat and watched the river traffic, lots of pleasure boats with very few passengers, barges and “Boatels” also with very few passengers. We had a BBQ of fish we’d bought at Aldi, while we were having tea the owner came around checking pitches and said we shouldn’t have parked where we were, row E, for just one night, he’d told me A, B, or C, I hadn’t noticed the letters thought there were just the 3 terraces, I apologised and offered to move but said we had paid for a 2nd night, again he hadn’t recognised me! He said it was okay in the end but I felt a bit bad about it. After tea we had another short walk and bed, the evening was cooler, still 23c though.



Miles travelled 66

Site fees €18





Fri Aug 24th



Got up slowly this morning as we were not moving, it had rained quite a bit in the night and a thunder storm but it wasn’t too wet underfoot. We walked into Bernkastel, 3km; it was a very pleasant walk along the river under trees, we let Crackers off the lead a lot of the way but it was very busy with walkers and cyclists. We arrived in the town and called for a drink before crossing the bridge into the centre, we were very surprised as we thought that it would be quite a small town just along the river as the vineyard rise steeply from the river banks, it was actually quite rambling and very picturesque with half timbered buildings, quite touristy but some nice shops, the Boatels tie up so there were big groups of people about, there were also an awful lot of dogs but Crackers was very good and ignored most of them which pleased us. We had a good wander then stopped for a drink and a piece of apple strudel then decided to take a trip up to the castle on a big, yellow wagon, not much up there just a view, quite spectacular, and a café, we decided to have something to eat as we had to wait an hour for wagon back down, very ordinary meal, schnitzel and chips. We walked back (¾ hr) and sat for the rest of the afternoon. Had a bit if tea then a game of cards before bed. It had been a nice day but not as hot as previous days and a bit overcast.



Sat Aug 25th



Rain overnight again and a cooler morning. We packed up and left the site by 0845 and went to Aldi to get some cheap booze, we then set off along the river for Senheim arriving at 11.30, went to book in but the site does not take dogs but they have a few places just outside that can be used and then you can use the shower/toilet facilities so we took one of those, near the main road but we were ready for a shower after a few days without. We walked along the river and marina for a while then it went cool so sat inside and wrote this, have got free wifi so hope to publish it.



Miles travelled 40

Site fee €€ 21.50




Sun 26th Aug



It was grey and overcast this morning and raining, I lost internet connection last night but got it back this morning, the people next door, a nice Dutch family, said they had been kept awake by the dog next to them, they told the owner who said it was the first time they’d left it, they did not get in till 2am, the dog had done some damage, it was an awful long time to leave him for the first time, he was very distressed. We packed up and headed for Cochem, we couldn’t get on the Stellplatz but managed to park and we walked into town, the rain got heavier and heavier, the town was crowded with coach parties, there was a wine festival going on and bands playing but it was too wet to hang around, we found a café with an awning we could sit and have a drink and then made our way back to the van, I bought some glasses in a sale for €1 each.

We did not see any Stellplatz by the river and ended up in Bodenbach in a quiet car park, it is a nice little village on the river but it continued grey and damp. We walked along the river then sat and read before I got tea. After tea we took another walk through the village and had a few games before bed, the clouds did break up a bit as the evening progressed.



Miles travelled 29



Mon 27th Aug



It was only 11c this morning but the sky was blue above low cloud on the top of the hills, we set of at 0850 and headed over the hills to Boppard, when we got there the car park charged €5 for motorhomes, we went to the bottle shop to buy something to get change and it had gone upmarket and was not as cheap as we remembered. We walked into the town along the river it was nice and warm by now, we went into the square by the church and had a drink then Rich went down by the river while I had a look round the shops. We went back to the van and then found a Lidl to get a few groceries, we decided to go back up the Moselle to one of the nice Stellplatz we’d passed on the way down and stay for a couple of days, there did not seem to be many on the Rhine and upper Moselle. We went back over the hills and along the Moselle, we called for fuel at a small town and then found a Stellplatz at Eller-Ediger, it was between the road and on the river bank, there were no services but a garage just up the road had them so we emptied the toilet (€1.50) then went back to pitch up. I had a bit of a tidy up and then we walked along the river for a while and sat for the rest of the afternoon, after tea we had a walk across to the town and then sat outside watching martins swooping over the water till the midges got too bad.



Miles travelled 78

Fuel €78.55

Site fee €9 (4.50 per night)



Tue 28th Aug



A bit overcast this morning and a light rain for a while but it cleared up quite quickly. Mid morning we walked over to the town and had a look round , it is a very pretty little town with lots of old houses, they are mostly half timbered with the wood painted red and decorative patterns on the eaves, they are quite tall houses, some 5 or 6 stories high with steeply pitched rooves, every other one is a winery; we walked to the church which has an amazing, decorative spire and back to a little café for a coffee and roll, another short stroll round the back streets and back to the van for a lazy afternoon. We walked along the river bank for a while later and then went for a meal in the town.



Wed 29th Aug



Up and away by 0930 but we had trouble getting past Koblenz, without Gertie we were struggling but eventually managed it after going the wrong way for a while, road numbers and signage are very confusing, we ended up on a motorway so all in all quite a stressful journey, the last bit was along a very twisty road and we were stuck behind a lorry for all of it, we arrived at Warstein at 2.45, it is not the place I thought it was, we had been before on the way to Gutersloh but I’d got it mixed up with another place we stopped at, it is at a brewery with a hot air balloon site attached. It was a very hot evening but discovered there were showers so I enjoyed one.



Miles travelled 191 (should have been less)

Site fee €15 (should have been less)



Thurs 30st Aug



There were thunderstorms last night rumbling round for hours with very heavy rain but it was quite a nice morning but cool, when I went to pay €7.50 as the book said I was asked for €15, I showed him the book and he said that was not where we were but 2km down the road, that was why it did not look familiar to us, I had remembered in the night driving to this place and then carrying on down the road a bit, with Gertie playing up though we didn’t do that this time, we were both very tired last night after a stressful drive and were just glad to stop.

We set off at 0915 and arrived in Gutersloh an hour later, we were sure we could find the railway station but got lost, we ended up in the town centre, then realised it was a branch station by Wyn’s, we called Karen as Wyn had not answered our texts, she said he was in a meeting and directed us to a Shell garage where he could come and find us, he found us eventually, he was looking at a different Shell garage! When we got to their house we parked by their garage we found that Karen was not very well, she had hurt her neck and was in a lot of pain, Wyn had to go back to work so we let Karen have a rest and sat in the van with Crackers for a couple of hours. When Wyn got home he, Rich and I walked the dogs, Crackers was very good, we then went to the Chinese restaurant for a super buffet. It had been a lovely hot day.

Miles travelled 46



Fri 31st Aug



This morning Karen went to a chiropractor, when she came back she looked really ill, Rich gave her some of his painkillers which seemed to help her. Wyn went in to work so we left her to rest and went into the van to keep Crackers company, it rained quite heavily and came in through the roof light. When Wyn got back we walked the dogs again, 3miles! We took Crackers into the garden for a couple of minutes when we got back but it was a bit unfair on Rossi. We took Crackers to the vets for her tapeworm treatment, we had to wait a long time, she was the best behaved dog there, there were one or two making a fuss, there was an old chap there with a very old, very thin dog, it was very sad as he came out without the dog. We then went to a supermarket to get some meat for a BBQ which Wyn cooked.



Sat 1st Sept



Karen was a little bit better this morning; Wyn had to go into work and to the NAAFI for a while we then walked dogs again, we took Crackers into the garden and they put Rossi on his rope, Crackers had a go at him so was put into her cage, this was better than leaving her in the van on her own, she settled down and slept except for the odd grumble if Rossi pounced, it was a nice, sunny afternoon. Wyn took us to a couple of shops where we got a rug and a hose and some dog food, we all went for a lie down and then later got showered and dolled up ready to go out. A car called for us and took us to the barracks, the ball was all very formal with every item and guests being announced all the members of the WO & Sergeant’s mess, looked splendid in their dress uniforms, and also the ladies in their ball gowns. Their was as much champagne as you wanted and then we paraded into the dining room, it all looked impressive laid out with the regimental silver, candelabras and crystal glasses, the food was very good, main course lamb shank on mash with roasted vegetables, while we were eating a six piece band played, they were excellent, with an extensive repertoire. Wyn made a short speech which went down well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We were very proud of Wyn’s skill at being able to organise such an event and being included in it.

We had some photos taken by the official photographer, he was very flattering to me, didn’t believe I was old enough to be Wyn’s mum, said I was “fit”, I said I did zumba but he said he didn’t mean fit like that! He also said I had a lovely smile! Don’t know what he was on! After the photos the car was called and Rich, Karen and I went home, we don’t know what time Wyn got home.



Sun 2nd Sept



Karen was a lot better today and moving a lot more easily, we decided to stay and go for lunch then set off after that, Wyn had to go back to bed for a while though, I tidied the van then Karen and I played about with photos on the computer,then Rich started to watch the grand prix, we asked Wyn to put his uniform on so we could take some photos, it took him 2 hours to press and polish it! By the time we’d taken the photos it was gone 2pm so I had to get a snack then it was too late to go for lunch so we set off at 3pm, Gertie started working as soon as we left Germany, we think her German maps were not updated. We arrived at Grobbendonk, at 6.40, it looked a nice town and the parking place looked very new and was good though the services were out of order, I got a meal and we sat outside for a while, it was a lovely evening but went cool as soon as the sun went down, we were too tired to walk round the town.



Miles travelled 198

Fuel €64.50





Mon 3rd Sept



Up and away by 0915, a nice, fine morning. We decided to go to Brugge for a couple of hours and get lunch before carrying on to Calais. We had co-ordinates for motorhome parking in Brugge but after about an hour trying to find them gave up and decided to go to Dunkirk, we had the same trouble there and couldn’t find parking or anywhere to eat so carried on to Gravelines where we went to the dunes and climbed over them to the beach where we let Crackers have a good run then headed for the ferry. We arrived at about 2pm and saw the ferry that Wyn was booked on leaving. We booked in and got onto the 4.10 sailing, we heard a shout and there was Wyn behind us in the queue! His office had held him up waiting for paperwork so we were on the same ferry, what are the odds of that?



Miles travelled 174

Fuel €73

Total miles 2016 Total fuel £366

Wales Aug 2012

Sun 5th Aug

We set off at 12.25 and travelled through some awful weather, very heavy rain, and arrived at Teifi Meadows Caravan Site at 3pm, it was raining very heavily so the owner told us to site up and he'd see us later.  It was a very pleasant CL with a new shower block, quite small and unisex but very clean and with flowers growing up it.  We contacted Caron and arranged for her to visit us tomorrow.  After tea it stopped raining and we walked Crackers up the road to the nearest village, it was quite a warm, pleasant evening.
Game of triominoes before bed.

iles
travelled 92 Site fees  £30


Mon Aug 6th

Rain overnight and most of the morning but it cleared up mid day when Caron and the children arrived, we sat and chatted most of the afternoon watching all the other residents play cricket, hampered by the owners dog who kept running off with the ball.
Caron went home then came to pick us up at 6pm to take us to an Indian restaurant in Lampeter, we had a super meal and it was a very nice restaurant, not cheap!
Caron took us back to the van and we said goodbye to them, then it was bedtime.

Tue Aug 7th

A couple of light showers overnight and mizzly this morning.  We packed up and left at 0950, the weather was a bit better, no rain but grey and chilly.  We called at Llanrhystud and took Crackers a walk on the beach then carried on home arriving at 1.50.

Miles travelled 112

Durham July 2012

Wed July 4th 2012

We set off at 09.50 and travelled through some awful weather, rain and spray on the roads, not pleasant, we stopped for a short while and arrived at Finchale Abbey site at 2.50, it was quite sunny by now.  We set up and just managed to get the awning half up before the rain belted down so were able to finish setting up under it's cover, this is an awning that Jan 7 Mike gave us and the first time we'd used it, and it was a godsend.  We walked the dog along the river bank.
Harry and Loraine came to fetch us at about 5.00 and took us to their house, on the way we drove around Durham to get a look at the town.  They had planned a Chinese take away but the shop was closed so we ended up with fish and chips which were very nice, it was good to chat and catch up and Crackers was very well behaved.  It rained on and off all evening.

Distance travelled 223 miles
Site fees   £80

July 5th



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Harry came for us at 10.00 and drove us up the north east coast, we saw a few castles, Alnwick and Bamburgh amongst them and we stopped at lots of small harbours, we managed to stay dry as the weather was not too bad.  We had had an incident with Crackers this morning, she really had a go at a dog on the site so we were very wary meeting people with dogs, we went into a pub for a snack and she was a bit naughty but settled down after a while.  We were very impressed with the beauty and grandeur of the coastline and various towns we saw.  We went to look at the docks and saw a huge forign tanker being tugged out of the harbour, we then called at the Angel of the North for a few pics. When we got back we went to a local pub, The Mousehole, for a meal.

July 6th

The forecast was bad today and started off very grey and mizzly, Loraine and I went to Newcastle round a shopping centre and also looking at the town, some lovely old buildings with a statue of Earl Grey presiding over, Harry And Rich walked the dog round a park and managed to stay dry.  We went back to theirs for a meal, pie and peas, and another good chat.

July 7th

A bit better day today, we took the park and ride into Durham, leaving the dog in the van.  We were very impressed with Durham,lots of really old buildings, the coffee shop we went in was three stories high and a warren of small rooms with lots of exposed brick and beams.  There was some sort of music festival going on and bands all over the place, made it quite lively.  We went round the cathedral, a bit bleak and stark looking at first sight but vast.  Harry then took us to see the Tyne Bridge.

We went back to the van and I did bacon butties, then had a wander round the priory, today was Harry & Loraine's golden wedding anniversary. 

July 8th

Up and away by 0955, went through lots of rain again, home by 2.30 to sunshine, got the awning dried and van unloaded.

It had been a nice few days and we had done lots of sightseeing and really enjoyed seeing Harry & Loraine again.

The site was very good, excellent facilities and lovely walks, right by the river Wear and Finchale Abbey ruins, these are quite impressive,if only the weather had been a bit better!

Port Sunlight June 2012

Shirley & Derek were staying with us and wanted to go to the Antiques Road Show so we booked a site, Grange Farm a CL, and they booked an hotel Bridge Inn Bebington.

Wed June 6th 2012

We set off at 10.30 and arrived at our site at about 12.00, we unhitched the car and drove S&D to their hotel about 6 miles away, it was very wet and rained most of the day so we didn't put any mats or awning out, it was the first time we travelled with Crackers and she travelled very well.  We took her for a walk and were a bit upset when she took at another dog quite viciously, she soon calmed down and I was able to walk her by the other dog quite calmly.
We went back to The Bridge for a meal which was quite nice.

Miles travelled 66
Site fees £40


Thurs June 7th

Up early and Rich took me to the hotel to meet S&D and walk to the Road Show which was near their hotel, he went back to van and stopped with the dog.

We queued for about 2 hours in the rain, luckily it was not cold and everyone was friendly and chatting.  We got assessed and told which expert to queue for, we only had some bits that were Dad's and the statue Rich found in brook and saw George Archdale and Mark Hill, they were very friendly and did not rush any one, none of our stuff was worth more than about £60 or of any real interest.  We went for a drink in their cafe and the service was awful, some people walked out but we really wanted a drink.  Back to hotel and Rich picked me up, waited nearly an hour as messages got mixed up! back to van then after a rest and a wash back to hotel for a meal again.

Fri June 8th

up early and Rich fetched S&D then we hitched up and set off, we called at Cheshire Oaks on the way home.

An interesting few days but very wet, it hardly stopped raining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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