Jan 2013 Portugal & Spain
Mon Jan21st
Fuel £57.40
As the weather had been so bad with more snow forecast we decided it would not be wise to set off at midnight as the estate roads were still covered with snow and it would be too difficult to get out of the drive in the dark. We finished loading and went into town for fresh food and euros then when we got back Rich moved the van down the street , hitched the trailer and loaded the car, I was still getting stuff on board and had to walk down the street with it! When we came to drive away it took a few minutes of slipping and sliding before we managed it. We got as far as the roundabout and Rich realised he'd forgotten Gertie so we had to turn round and go back, I walked as we didn't want to risk getting stuck, once off the estate the roads were ok.
We set off at 2.30and got to Dover at 7.30, the snow got less as we got down country but it also got greyer, there had been a bit of sun in the midlands, the roads were very dirty.
We managed to get on the 8.15sailing, it was very quiet, only half a dozen people in the lounge, we took a snack with us and bought a hot drink.
There was snow on the ground at Calais, we made our way to Auchan and filled up then parked by the supermarket where we spent the night.
Miles travelled 256
Fuel €68
Tue Jan 22nd
We woke very early and were on the road by 0730, it was still dark and very cold, 2c. It was an awful, boring drive, even when it got light the landscape was monochrome with lying snow and bare, black trees it was also foggy and it looked like a dirty blanket hanging over the land.
We arrived at La Maillery sur Seine at 1100, got a hot drink and lunch and then had a rest. Rich has not been feeling too well today. There was a shower of snow with a biting wind so we were better off inside anyway.
Later we walked along the river and into town, we called at the Gendarmerieto ask if we were ok staying on the car park as the Aire was very muddy, they said ok. We had tea and an early night.
Miles travelled 168
Wed Jan 23rd
Quite a good nights sleep felt a bit more human this morning, after we packed up I went to the boulangerie for something for lunch and we set off at 0920, it was quite foggy but a bit milder 4c. We called for fuel then seemed to get a bit lost - navigator error! and also we think Gertie has Altzeimers she doesn't seem to be working at all right. We finally got on the right route and after Alencon there was no more snow on the ground but a lot of standing water in the fields. I had a phone call from Emm worried to death because I hadn't texted her, it had been such a hard, cold couple of days I just didn't think. Although it was still a very winters landscape there was a bit more colour than yesterday, being able to see the fields, the skies were very grey still and the last twenty miles or so it was foggy again, a very long, tiring day.
When we got to the Aire at St Maure de Touraine we found that the showers were not working, shame, but at least we had electric hook up. Rich was mending the jockey wheel and had Crackers out when she saw a cat and took off, luckily the cat got through a fence and she bounced off it! I lit the oven and then noticed an awful smell, I had left Richie's apron in it and it was on fire, the fumes were awful but I managed to throw it out with tongs and throw some water on it, disaster averted but very smelly van, had to leave doors open for a while, not the best of days but at least it was a bit milder 5c.
Miles travelled 241
Fuel €47.50
Site fee €9
Thurs Jan 24th
About 2 degrees this morning and very grey, emptied waste and away by 0850. Lots of road works but not a bad trip, passing Bordeaux the worst part, lots of traffic, the sky brightened and although still grey you could glimpse the sun at times. Saw quite a few buzzards and kestrels. Gertie was useless again but we did discover that the wrong co- ordinate s had been entered so that wouldn't help. Arrived at the Aire behind Super U in Parentis en Born at 2pm and discovered that the water dispenser was not working. We walked into the town, pretty little place but everywhere shut, got a bottle of water from the Super U. Then tea and bed, it was a very cold night.
Miles travelled 240
Fuel €69
Fri Jan 25th
A very cold night with a bright moon, I woke at 6am and it was 0degrees out and 5 in so I put the fire on, the skies were clear but there was fog, the sun was coming through the fog and at times was very bright, it made a beautiful scene with the diffused light on frost whitened trees. We got fuel at the Super U the set off, quite a good journey to start with although there was quite a bit of fog around, but when we got to
Bayonne it was awful, whether Gertie was wrong or the road numbers were we got in a right mess and ended up going through Biarritz and area on all sorts of back roads , the road numbers did not seem to tally at all with our map,it took ages and after a couple of false starts we decided to get on the toll road and to hell with it. All went well for a while then there was an awful noise and the engine started to make whining noises, rich thought it was the turbo gone so decided to carry on quietly and get off the motorway, which was one with flyovers and tunnels, we managed to make it to Haro and the camp site and as I was looking out the insurance details Rich had a look,in the engine and it was a pipe that had come off and he was able to fix it. We booked in to the site and managed to pitch without unhooking the trailer, the site had only opened today which made us have a look at the other ones we're using only to find that Salamanca is not open yet, we managed to find an alternative but will have to see about Merida. Got tea and had a lovely hot shower. It started to rain as we settled down but it was 8degrees so a bit milder. A couple of families seemed to arrive to open up their vans, there was a bit of activity during the evening.
Miles travelled 210
Fuel €52
Toll €11.7
Site fees €16
Sat Jan 26th
Good night's sleep, the first time we'd not been freezing it was 8 degrees, there had been some rain overnight. We set off at 0910 and before long the sun was shining in a clear blue sky. It was a much better trip than yesterday, good roads and almost empty, we made really good time, as we passed the place that we had been stopped by the police last year, just outside Salamanca, they had got someone else pulled over, just beyond Valladolid we were so warm we took our jumpers off, then just before Salamanca we saw the first storks, we also saw quite a few kites and an eagle. We were heading for Salamanca but made such good time that we decided to carry on to Placencia, we arrived at 2.30in bright sun, it was 17degrees, we parked and then sat in the sun for a while, took the dog a short walk then got tea and an early night, we hope to make Albufeira tomorrow.
Miles travelled 297
Fuel €70
Site fees €16
Sun Jan 27th
Up very early and set off at 08.20 just as it was getting light, it was quite a misty morning but the roads were empty. As we approached Merida we decided to go through
Badajoz instead of Seville as we were a bit worried about the toll road which no one seems to know how to pay forint was not a bad road and we went through Elvas where there was a fantastic viaduct. We saw mimosa and almond trees in blossom and lots of cork oaks. We also passed an area where there was marble quarries and cutting yards. We passed through a few areas of fog as well, later we were in olive and vine country, everywhere was very wet with fields full of standing water and rivers flowing, there were a lot of cattle and sheep in fields, also w saw shepherds with flocks on the road verges. Bypassing Evora we went along
cobbled streets, the roads were very mixed some new and good some old and full of pot holes, there were a lot of road works and numerous new bridges under construction with no apparent destination. As we entered the Algarve it started to rain, a light mizzly rain which continued till we got to Albufeira, we arrived at 3pm, which was 2pm Portuguese time, found a pitch and parked the van then took the car to wash it before tea and an early night. The rain did stop and it was quite warm.
Miles travelled 326 Total miles 1738
Fuel €80.50
€77
= €157.50 Total fuel €464
Plus. £57.40
Mon Jan 28th
A lovely, sunny day, we washed and cleaned the van, then pitched and finished setting up, put up the kitchen tent and wind breaks, haven't brought the flooring so it is a bit muddy, will try to get something at Chinese shop. Once work finished we had showers and sat for a while before tea, after tea we took Crackers a short walk outside camp, she has been very good today but was a bit silly on her walk, all strange for her I suppose.
Tue Jan 29th
Another cold night, down to about 4c with a heavy dew, once the sun came up it warmed up.
We drove into town and found that the car park were now charging, we walked aroind and found that the restaurant we liked is still open then went on down to the beach, we let
Crackers off the lead and she was ok until another dog kept pestering her, she warned him nicely but he wouldn't listen, then she spotted a little girl and tried to make a fuss of her but frightened her, her mum was fine about it but we felt awful, there were lots of dogs around, many strays but she was good with them on the whole. We then went to find the hotel that Marg & Bri are coming to, it was a long trek up loads of steps and through lots of back streets but when we got there it was actually quite close to the beach tunnel. We had a drink then set off back, again taking the scenic route and ending up back at the hotel! We passed a little cafe that had specials for €4.90, it looked nice so we decided to stop, it was a very good meal, came to €15.80 with drinks, the waiter was very taken with Crackers, he brought her some water and took photos of her. Unfortunately I had a bit of a tummy upset but we went to Lidl looking for rubber mats for the pitch but there were none, had to rush back to site for loo! We sat in sun for a while then went up to Chinese warehouse, we got a small tarpaulin for the floor of pitch, called for some oranges on way back then sat in sun till it cooled off.
Wed Jan 30th
Cold again overnight and another heavy dew, I felt sick and didn't want any breakfast, just sat quiet for a while until it passed. Had a very quiet day, stayed on site and sat in sun, 17degrees, went up to restaurant and got code for wifi, got on line up there but when we tried to set up the booster in the van couldn't get it to work, very disappointing. Played cards and watched a film.
Thurs Jan 31st
Another chilly night but once the sun came up it was nice again. Spent the morning trying to get the wifi booster to work with no luck, did a bit of cleaning and popped to the Chinese shop for another tarpaulin for the floor, drove into,town to see if we could drive and park nearer to Marg's hotel. Had lunch and sat in sun for a while, nice and hot, then played boules in the afternoon, after tea played cards before bed.
Fri Feb1st
Another really nice day, I went to a card making session in the morning then after lunch we went to the Algarve Shopping centre to the supermarket to stock up on fresh food, had some nice pork chops for tea.
In the evening I went to line dancing, Rich walked me up then went back and watched a film, it was enjoyable and still quite mild when I walked back down at 9.30
.
Sat Feb 2nd
Milder this ,morning, not so much dew 12c but a cool breeze. We did a load of washing and it dried nicely. In the afternoon I took lap top up to terrace to see if I could get wifi but the laptop is not working, it was a bit funny before we left home. It was breezy all day with strong gusts of wind now and again.
In the evening we went to the variety show, various people off the site and the stewards doing turns some very good and funny, it was a good evening, most enjoyable, about 10.30 when it ended, the stars were very bright and it was cold walking down.
Sun Feb 3rd
Another sunny day, the wind had died down but it was a bit cooler than yesterday, we washed sheets and towels. We went to Sunday lunch in the club room, sat with our next door neighbours, Babs & Steve, and the couple from over the road, Sylvia & Mike, good company and a good meal. Did a bit of sewing in the afternoon but to got a bit too col to sit out, took dog a walk then had a bit of tea and watched a film.
Mon Feb 4th
Another cool start to the day but it soon warmed up. We went on the rally walk, it was a couple of hours and there were quite a few people and 4 or5 dogs, Crackers was very good on the whole, just one little snap at another little terrier who lunged at her but we walked with them after and she was fine, walk ended at cafe where we had a drink and toastie. When we got back to van we had message from Marg to say they had arrived so we went to meet them at their hotel, we had a walk round town stopping for lunch in the square, quite a nasty incident with a stray dog coming at Crackers. We came back to the van for a cuppa as Marg & Bri didn't want to do much but it was too early for bed, then we took them back down. We went to the quiz night, sat with Babs & Steve, Sylvia & Mike and Margaret & Brian (another pair) Didn't win but a bit of fun.
Tue Feb 5th
I slept very badly so woke up tired, quite a mild night and morning, 9c. We left Crackers in the van, after Rich had taken her for a run, and picked M & B up at 10.30, we went to the market and had a good wander round it was very warm, the market seemed a bit more organised with tarpaulins over most of the stalls, bought some strawberries and raspberries. We then went on to Aldi and Iceland looking for dog treats, had a coffee then back to pick Crackers up. We drove to Gale where there is a nice, quiet beach and had a good walk along with Crackers enjoying the freedom, this is the area M & B had stayed in June. We had a drink at the cafe and back to van where wee left Crackers and went into town for a meal, went to O Veliera where we'd been before, it was very nice. Back to van for an early night.
Wed Feb 6th
Mild again this morning but a really cold wind. We picked M & B up and drove to Faro, we were going to check out the bird watching boat trip for another day but as we got there it was just about to leave so we decided to go, it was a bit disappointing for us as the guide did not give quite as much information s last time we went and the tide was higher so there were not so many birds to be seen, we did see heron, egret, spoonbill, whimbrel, oystercatcher, cormorants, gulls, sanderling and dunlin. The guide seemed a bit distracted and when we got to the island he explained that we were unable to land as one engine had gone so we had to go straight back to Faro, we were a bit put out because the beach full of shells was one of the highlights, still safety first. A speed boat pulled alongside us as we approached the jetty and changed drivers, the new chap seemed to do something to the engine and it started again.
Thurs Feb 7th
This morning there was a computer help session on the terrace so I went and Derek, the man doing the helping, got me on line in seconds, I knew it was just a matter of knowing which buttons to press! He was unable to do anything with the lap top though but I didn't mind as at least the iPad was ok and I was able to publish blog and send a couple of emails. Had a snack then we walked into town, trying to buy some poop scoop bags as we've run out, no luck, Rich got some brandy and a small bottle of Mateus Rose for Marg. we sat in the sun for a while then they rang and Rich fetched them and I got a meal of fish and chips, sat and nattered for a while then Rich took them back to the hotel, it had been sunny again but a cool wind.
Fri Feb 8th
We fetched M&B and went to the shopping centre, got some groceries at Aldi then found a pet shop where I was able to get some poop scoop bags. We went to the food hall and had a coffee, had a quick look round shops, I got a new purse and Marg got a bag. We went back to the site and sat on the terrace with a drink, it was out of the wind and very hot, Marg & I had a walk round and back to van for cup of tea. We walked into town for a meal, we went to the cafe where we'd had a nice lunch at last week, the waiter was charming and very helpful in suggesting meals, when we'd ordered it took quite a while to come and was very disappointing, Rich & Bri had steak and couldn't eat it, I had monk fish and don't think it was cooked and couldn't eat it, we told him it wasn't very good and he gave us a bag to take steak for dog! It came to €82 so all in all not a good experience, rich and I walked back to site.
Sat Feb 9th
Up early and picked M&B up at 9am and drove to El Roccio, a very long drive which took us about 3hours, we had a coffee in a cafe and a walk round, there were a lot of people about and quite a few horses, the lake was low and there were quite a few birds on the water, ducks and waders. Crackers was very good, in the car and in the town. We then drove to Heulva to the Chinese Buffet and had a very good meal, a much better experience than last night and a lot cheaper. We tried to find the replica ships, Pinta, Nina and Santa Maria, that Columbus had sailed in in 1492 but the area was closed off and we couldn't get to them so we set off back, a long, tiring journey made worse by the sun setting low in the sky directly in front of us for most of the way making visibility very bad.
Sun Feb 10th
A bit cooler and cloudy this morning, we did a few chores and then Rich fetched M&B and we went for Sunday lunch, we met Babs & Steve, from next door van, and Margaret & Brian, from a few vans away and sat with them for lunch, after lunch, and a few bottles of wine, Steve & Brian went to watch rugby while the rest of us sat and played a few games, it got quite cool so we sat in our van. Later Rich took M&B back to their hotel and we watched a film, it started to rain about 9pm.
Mon Feb 11th
Richie's birthday, rain overnight and when we woke up and quite cool. We walked into town so that Rich could enjoy a birthday drink, we didn't take Crackers as it was too cold to eat outside anywhere, there was a very cold wind but it was behind us and it kept trying to rain. We met M&B and were going to go to the restaurant we'd used before, O Viera, but called for a drink first at another one, A Travessa, as we went in another customer said we should eat there as it was very good, we recognised the waitress who had been at O Viera other years and she told us she had left there as she'd not been treated very well, we always thought she was the boss as she did most work, we decided to eat there and were glad we did as it was very good food and good value. It was very cold and still trying to rain so we thought we'd get the bus back but must've missed one as the next was haLf an hour's wait so we decided to walk, it was really cold with a strong wind and we were glad to get back to the van. We sat and read and dozed for the rest of the afternoon, in the evening we went to the quiz night and we won! Rich took M&B back to the hotel, there was a wedding reception on in the bar and there was very loud, thumping music playing for ages.
Tue Feb 12th
A bit milder this morning but clouds soon blew up with a cool wind. I went to have a quick look at the pancake race then we went to pick M&B up, we'd arranged to meet Babs and Steve and Margaret and Brian at a small restaurant they recommended, we found it and were early so went to get fuel in the car first. It was a nice, local cafe with tourist menu for €7.50, it was very good value, only came to €64 for eight of us, best value yet. We went back and parked by the hotel then had a stroll to the harbour, it was bright and sunny at times and the sun was nice out of the wind but there was a cold wind again. R & I went back to the van as Crackers had been on her own. We borrowed a DVD off Babs and she asked us round for a drink at 7.30 so we watched the film and then went round, Margaret & Brian were there as well and we had a few drinks and nattered then played a game of Balut played with 5 dice, which Babs had tried to show us on Sunday, an enjoyable evening.
Wed Feb 13th
Milder this morning and no wind, we said goodbye to Babs & Steve who were moving to Turiscampo then went to pick M&B up at 10.00.
We drove to Loule, parked and had a walk round, we went into the big market hall which had fresh fruit and veg, meat and fish, I bought some chicken and some fish, scabbard fish which we had had in Madeira, hope it's as nice as we remember. We had a drink sitting in the sun outside the market which was quite a spectacular building looking almost Moorish, it was lovely with no wind, we walked to the historic old part where there was a museum in the remains of a castle and a small but beautiful church. We then drove up to Alte, a small town in the hills, it was very pretty and peaceful, they had had a carnival the day before and there was a lot of rubbish left about, we also saw some of the carnival floats parked up. We had a drink and a cake in a little cafe sitting on a sunny terrace overlooking the town, very picturesque. We drove back to the site and sat in the sun for the rest of the afternoon, it was lovely and hot, then I got a meal, curry, and we sat for a while before taking M&B back to their hotel at about 7pm and saying goodbye as they leave in the morning
.
Thurs Feb 14th
Mild again this morning with no wind. We did the washing and had a tidy up then played boules in the afternoon, it was a lovely hot day. We had the scabbard fish for tea and it was very nice.
Fri Feb 15th
Another lovely, sunny day, we took Crackers on to Gale beach for about an hour and she was very good and seemed to enjoy herself, we called to look at another beach but it was very rocky. Back to the site and a lazy afternoon in the sun.
In the evening I went to line dancing which I enjoyed, it was quite mild walking back down at 10pm, stars shining brightly and a quarter moon.
Sat Feb 16th
Grey skies this morning but not too cold. We met Margaret & Brian and went for lunch at the little cafe, we were the only customers for a while, the meal was very good again and very reasonable. We called at Lidl for a couple of things on the way back then took them to the Chinese shop as Margaret wanted some sewing thread. A lazy afternoon, having drunk wine at lunch, reading and dozing, in the evening we watched a film.
Sun Feb 18th
Overcast this morning with a bit of drizzle, changed the sheets but didn't wash the dirty ones, will wait for a better day. A quiet morning then Sunday lunch, we sat with Margaret & Brian, Kath & Graham, after lunch we walked down towards town then back for a rest. In the evening we went for a drink to Margaret & Brian's van, it had rained very heavily and were almost paddling, we had a good chat a a laugh over a game of triominoes, back home after 11 when the skies had cleared and rain stopped
.
Mon Feb 19th
Grey again this morning so decided against washing. Took the dog to Gale beach, there was a heavy surf and quite a few surfers out. We missed to find the shopping centre from that end so ended up back in Albufeira, dropped dog off and then went to shopping centre. About 3pm when we got back so short rest then tea and a shower. Went to quiz, we were a small table, 8 of us, but we did win one round.
Tue Feb 19th
Not quite so grey this morning and a bit of sunshine. Want to the market, this week there were stalls selling birds of all sorts, chickens, geese, quail, cockerels, parrots, budgies and some very frightened looking baby rabbits, a bit upsetting. we then went to the Chinese shop, just got a couple of things, then after lunch played boules. While I was cooking tea a jar fell out of the cupboard and knocked the pan of boiling veg of the stove, Crackers was in the kitchen and got splashed with boiling water and maybe hit with the pan as well, she was very frightened and quite traumatised, I got some on my leg but not too bad, the poor dog was so upset and wouldn't come inside, we had to carry her in then she wouldn't move just sat where we'd put her looking very cowed. We sat down to watch a film and she was still very nervy so I gave her one of her travel pills and she went to sleep.
Wed Feb 20th
Clear skies this morning so we did the washing, after we'd done it we went into town and had a drink on Fisherman's Beach, and had a look in shops, I had to buy a new mirror as I'd dropped mine this morning frightening the dog again! the town was a lot busier than we've seen it before, quite a few people on the beach and more shops open, we think it's half term. Back for a late lunch then I went for a line dance session, we cannot have the room on Friday so there will not be the usual session so Lyn asked any dancers with more experience if they wanted to have a go at some more advanced dances, there were only four of us but I enjoyed it. Rich peeled veg for tea while I was gone and I shall try not to throw them about today.
Thurs Feb 21st
Rain overnight but 14c when we woke. Quiet morning but it stopped raining for long enough to play boules in the afternoon but the game was cut short when it started raining again.
Watched a DVD after tea.
Fri Feb 22nd
Heavy rain overnight again and very blustery, it was not cold but very wet underfoot. I went to a card making class which I enjoyed and we decided to go to the shopping centre for lunch, had seen a cafe with nice looking meals and wanted to try it. It was so windy we decided to wind the awning in as it was flapping so much. We went to the cafe and were a bit disappointed as the meals we fancied were not on the menu today, rich had wanted to try broad beans Algarve style but he had pig's trotters instead! We went to Aldi then to Sports Direct where I got a sun visor, we called at Chinese shop as I wanted some string to crochet a net for oranges which everyone seems to be making, I think I got the wrong string as it didn't turn out quite right, will check with someone tomorrow. Rain and wind on and off all day.
Crackers seems to have really learned our routine as depending on our movements she seems to know if she's coming with us or not and if not she just pops into her bed good as gold, same at night when it's bed time in she goes, she's a very clever little dog. She's got quite a nasty sore where she got scalded but it doesn't seem to bother her.
Sat Feb 23rd
More rain overnight but clear skies in the morning, very breezy. Pitch very wet underfoot again. We noticed a site van delivering pallets so I went to see if we could have a couple but were told there were non left, we had always assumed that they were just left about and you picked one up if you were lucky, but found out that you had to ask at reception for them. While we were having lunch Kevin, who had had them delivered came to say that he only wanted two so we could have the other two and as Rich was going to fetch them with his sack truck Kevin was fetching them down in his car, very nice of him. We pulled up the sodden, muddy tarpaulins and put the pallets down trying to clean up a bit as we went, we hope we will be a bit dryer for our last week, hopefully it won't rain much more, there is still a muddy puddle in the kitchen tent though. It was still very windy but inside the wind breaks it was quite nice and we got the chairs out and sat in the sun for the first time this week.
In the evening we went to a Chinese Buffet in the mini bus which was very nice.
Sun Feb 24th
Clear skies again this morning but still breezy, we did sit out of the wind and it was very nice. We went to Sunday lunch, sat with Kath & Graham, from Leicester, who we'd been in quiz team with, also Carol & Murray who arrived last week and joined our team, also on our table were a couple from Pontesbury so we had quite a chat with them. The Carefree photographer was there and recognised Rich from last year. We walked the dog down towards town then sat and read, I had a chat with Lyn, who's husband was taken ill, he is getting better but they are unsure about driving home next week, I was asking about the crocheted orange nets as the one I've started looks hideous. Watched a DVD before bed.
Mon Feb 25th
Very cold again this morning,4c, but clear blue sky. We went on the rally walk which was pleasant, ending at the cafe for toasties. We then went to the shopping centre for some groceries and sat in the sun for a while, it was nice out of the wind. In the evening we went to the quiz, a different team this week, some new people and Kevin ( who have us the pallets) and his wife and Diane, Tony taking the quiz this week as Bob away, it was very slow. There was a brilliant full moon in a clear sky as we walked back.
Tue Feb 26th
Very cold again this morning, in fact there was a frost, but clear skies. When Rich took Crackers for her walk she chased a cat, we ignored her for the rest of the morning and she was very subdued even when we spoke to her again, didn't want to sit with us in the evening either. We did some washing and it was a lovely drying day, though the breeze was quite cool in the awning out of it it was very hot so we sat out until lunch time. In the afternoon we played boules, my team with only 2 players won the cup. It was a hot afternoon. After tea we watched a video.
Wed Feb 27th
Frost again overnight but a clear morning. After breakfast we took Crackers to Gale beach, it was beautiful, warm and very little wind, there was quite heavy surf and a few surfers out in it. We went to Il Cappuccino for lunch, it was very busy but good value again 7.50€ each for three courses with a half litre of wine each, back at the van we sat in sun for a while but it soon cooled off and we went in, I slept most of the afternoon, there were a couple of light showers. Watched a DVD.
Thurs Feb 28th
In the night I heard Crackers licking at her sore and when I got up and looked she had made a terrible mess of it, all I could do was get some germolene and a bandage to tie round her, I put curry powder on the bandage to try to put her off licking, I gave her one of her travel tranquillisers and in the end I let her sleep on my bed because in the cage she can get into corners and get in position to lick.
Slight frost again this morning and a bit overcast. When we looked at Crackers the sore looked awful so we put more ointment on it which she tried to lick off, we made her a " garment" out of one of my trouser legs to cover it up, it looked very silly and not very comfy but at least she couldn't get at it. We went to she shopping centre and got a collar from the pet shop and some burn ointment from the pharmacy. The clouds were building up so we emptied the kitchen tent and put all the stuff away. In the afternoon we played boules and it was very cold. Watched a DVD after tea.
Fri Mar1st
Slight frost again this morning. We took down the kitchen tent and windbreaks, finished packing and Rich hooked the trailer up. We went into town for lunch to A Travessa, it was ok. A quiet afternoon in the van, the wind was too cool to sit out without wind breaks. In the evening I went to line dancing, which I enjoyed as usual, the wind had dropped and it was a bit milder.
Sat Mar 2nd
Grey and overcast this morning, after breakfast we finished loading then loaded car and away by 09.30. Very windy and the Portuguese roads awful. Past Seville up in the mointains we stopped for fuel and just after saw hundreds of kites soaring of what must have been a tip, there were mile upon mile of olive groves marching into the distance, there wa snow on the mountain tops, it was very windy all day. We arrived at La Sierrecilla site at Humilladero at 3.05, but it was 4.05 Spanish time, it was very cold and very windy. Booked in got tea and an early night.
Miles travelled 239
Fuel €71
Site fee €16
Sun Mar 3rd
The wind died down in the night and it was a bit milder, we set off at 09.30 and had quite a good run, dramatic scenery, rugged hills with fertile valleys, sun shining down in shafts through stormy clouds and snow on high, distant mountain tops. Arrived at Castillo de Banos at 11.15, Marion & David, the stewards very welcoming and helpful in getting us pitched. It was milder here and sunny but quite cloudy, the sea was a lovely turquoise and pounding on the shingle. Set up, had a shower, tea and a short walk.
Miles travelled 113
Mon Mar 4th
Mild this morning 15c but overcast, first job was to get vet's number of stewards which I did but had trouble getting through, advised to ask at reception which I did and she was most helpful explaining that the message was that they were away till Easter, she then found another vet in Adra, a small town about 20 miles along the coast. We found it with little trouble and managed to park. The vet was very nice and helpful, he had to sedate Crackers to be able to shave her and clean the wound, it was more than twice the size we thought as there was more infection under her fur, we felt really guilty for not taking her sooner, he said it should be healed in a week or ten days and explained very thoroughly how to deal with it cleaning it and putting cream on it but not covering it at all, and to go back for a check Fri or Mon. The assistant vet, who spoke better English, when he saw our address said, " I know Shrewsbury, I've been there", we were amazed as a lot of British people don't know it, even more amazing he knew Wales and had worked as a vet in the abattoir just down the road from Caron's for 3 years, talk about a small world!
As we set off back it started to rain, we took Crackers back to van gave her her tablets and settled her in he bed then went to the shop in the village for something for tea. In the afternoon David, the steward, came round to see how we'd got on at the vets. It didn't stop raining all afternoon, David said they had not had good weather this year. Had pork from local butchers for tea, it was lovely, watched a DVD before bed, Crackers' sore looked better already.
Tue Mr 5th
Rain overnight and wet this morning, quite mild. Crackers had got her collar off in the night and licked her side sore again. We sorted her out, washing wound and giving tablets then Rich took her a walk and I went to buy Internet time and we all got wet walking back as it started raining quite heavily. Sat in van till after lunch when it stopped raining and we went for a walk along to the beach and up the rambla, it was very pleasant. The sun came out and we sat out for a short while till it got windy.
In the evening we went to the quiz night which was enjoyable but when we got back to the van we found that Crackers had got her collar off again and her side was red raw again, we went through the cleaning and creaming again and had to let her sleep on the bed.
It rained heavily all night and didn't stop until midday. I put mac and wellies on and walked Crackers before we treated her sore. I did a bit of cleaning, still waiting to do some washing but it wouldn't get dry. We went to get some fuel then to Nico's for tapas, we enjoyed it, had a couple of drinks and 4 or 5 plates of food, there were four other English people off the site who asked us to join them so we chatted to them for a while after we'd eaten; when we asked for our bill it was only €10, we think it must be a mistake but will go again and check. We were very pleased that Crackers had not managed to get her collar off while we were away and seems to be healing nicely. Sat outside for a short while then had a snooze and watched a film.
Thurs Mar 7th
More rain overnight and all morning, we decided to do some washing and put it in the tumble dryer as we were running out of things, it didn't dry properly so I hung all the clothes in the bathroom and we put the fan heater in with them, the towels I had to leave and hope to hang them out tomorrow. We went to village shop for bread and milk then had lunch after which I went to line dancing, it was very basic but I enjoyed it. The rain stopped but very strong winds got up rocking the van and making the awning creak, the sea was brown all along the coast in a great swathe with mud that had run off the hills. We got so worried about the awning that we decided to try and wind it in, with the wind so strong this would be difficult, luckily a couple of chaps saw me hanging onto it and came to give us a hand.
Fri Mar 8th
Woke up to a bit of sunshine and no rain, a bit cloudy but otherwise very nice, I got all the towels hung on the line. We drove to Almunecar and walked round the market, we seemed to remember that it had fruit and veg but there were none today, there were a lot of clothing stalls with quite nice clothes, as ell as the tatty, everything a euro stalls, lots of leather as well. We called at a Lidl on the way back. I had some lunch then we took Crackers for a walk, there was a very strong wind again but still sunny and dry we ended up at Nico's for a drink.
Sat Mar 9th
More showers overnight and on the morning, I went to the bar and sent and received a couple of emails. We walked to Nico's at about 12.30 for tapas, it was very good, a bit more comprehensive than the other day, it was still showery and very blustery. A quiet afternoon then i went to rally tent to look at the scrap heap challenge while Rich took Crackers for a walk up the rambla and I went to meet them, she had had a good run off the lead as she is so much better, although it had tried to rain on and off all day and there was a strong wind it was still quite warm. We watched a film in the evening.
Sun Mar 10th
Dry this morning and some sunshine but still breezy. We walked into La Mamola, about 2km, felt a few spots of rain and saw a rainbow, we also saw about ten Ibex on the hillside, clinging on to almost vertical slopes and sending showers of rocks down. We got some cash out of a cash machine and had a drink in a cafe before walking back. After lunch we played "silly games", Aunt Sally, Horseshoes etc, it was a bit of fun and it stayed dry although towards the end it got very cool with the wind. Watched a DVD.
Mon Mar 11th
Took Crackers to vets, on the way went to Carrefours for a few groceries and some cakes for vets. Vet very pleased with her. Went back to van, got a bit of lunch then drove to Nerja looking for the aqueduct we'd seen, drove round but never found it, just a glimpse off the road, it was lovely and sunny but very windy, as we approached Nerja there were light showers. We called for some fruit from a roadside stall on the way back. An hour or so rest then got ready to go for rally meal in restaurant. The meal was not very good but sat with some nice people, from Stoke but living in Wales, Gill & Colin.
Tue Mar 12th
This morning we took a drive round and into the mountains, the Western Alpujarras, David, the steward gave us a. Print out of a route. It was quite sunny and was a vey interesting drive through small towns and villages scattered over the mountains, the roads were very twisty, zig zagging round the mountainside with sheer drops on one side. As we set off we saw a large herd of goats beeping shepherded up a rambla, they were many shades of brown and being led by a man and three dogs.
We climbed higher and higher with spectacular views, the cafe we were going to stop at was closed so we carried on. Most of the road across the top part of the drive seemed to be collapsing, there were land slips from the mountainside with diversions for quite a few miles, at one point there were workmen cleaning up one vey recent slip from the carriageway.
The rocks on the mountainside e so many different types and colours, red, yellow, grey, black and all shades between, from sandstone to clay and shale. We stopped at Lanjaron for lunch at a small restaurant and had a good lunch with a drink for €20. When we came out the rain had started and low cloud set in and by the time we were off the mountains heading for Motril it was raining heavily and visibility was bad. A quiet afternoon and in the evening we went to the quiz which our team won.
Wed Mar 13th
Blue skies with some cloud this morning but very windy, it was very windy in the night as well. We were just going to walk onto the village shop when a neighbour, Terry, stopped to chat and he said he wanted to change a gas cylinder and someone had told him he could in the village so we said we'd take him in the car as we were going anyway. We couldn't find any in Castillo or La Mamola so we saw a lorry with gas on and asked him but he didn't know where we coils get the type he wanted, Rich took the wrong lane and we ended up on the main road heading for Motril and it was quite a while before we could turn round, as we got back to Castillo I spotted a gas compound but we couldn't see how to get to it, we ended up driving round all the greenhouses on the rambla but they did get some. Back to site and it was time to go for tapas to Nico's, there were six of us walked together, Gill & Colin and Sue & Malc. There was another table of six from the site as well, we had super tapas then walked back and it was time for boules, then we went to the shop for some meat, had tea and watched a DVD.
Thurs Mar 14th
Woke to a beautiful morning, clear blue skies and no wind, in fact I woke in the night and couldn't get back to sleep it was so quiet without the wind and the waves making a lot of noise. We did some washing and then took a cup of tea and sat by the sea with Gill & Colin, chatting and watching the water. We had lunch then I went to line dancing. For tea we had a steak from the local shop and it was delicious. In the evening we went for a drink with Gill & Colin to the bar in the village, with each drink they brought a plate of tapas, lovely clear sky with a new moon and stars shining but quite cold.
Fri Mar 15th
Another nice morning and quiet night, went to supermarket in Castello de Ferras and called for a coffee at El Lance on way back. It was such a nice day we just lazed in the sun.
Sat Mar 16th
Overcast this morning and a bit cooler, 13c, the sea had been quieter overnight and there was no wind. We took Crackers to the vet who said it would take just a few more days and. Could stop giving her the antibiotics now. Back to site and we got the van packed ready for going tomorrow. Had a bit of lunch then took the dog a walk up the rambla as we returned it started to rain, we called to say goodbye to the stewards then had a quiet afternoon in as it was raining. We went to Nico's with Gill & Colin, decided to take the car as it was still raining, had a meal then went to their van for a drink and natter.
We enjoyed the rally at Castillo, Marion & David are very good stewards and were assisted by Carol & Bob. The site has been much improved, new drainage, water and waste drain on every pitch, reliable electricity and the trees have been lopped to make pitches easier to access. We met a nice group of people as well, everyone very friendly and we enjoyed the activities we joined, the weather was a disappointment with a lot of wind and rain, the sea was very rough most of the time but we did have some sunny days.
Sun Mar 17th
Woke to a grey morning and rain showers. We had breakfast and got the trailer hitched and away by 0920, Colon & Gill saw us off. We drove towards Granada in heavy rain, after that wee were on roads we'd not travelled before, there was mile upon mile of olive trees, and most small towns seemed to be geared to producing olive oil., it was quite dramatic scenery with the new road cut through various rock formations, eventually we came to cattle country and vines. It was dry and sunny on the mountain top but as we came down the othe side it was raining again. We got to Aranjuez at 3.10, it is a big site, typical Spanish a bit like a shanty town, each pitch having additional awnings, tents, gazebos and tarpaulins flapping, it was very busy with a lot of children playing. We found a pitch, at the quiet end of the site where we didn't need to unhitch the trailer, luckily it was dry and quite mild, we got tea and settled down for an early night
Mon Mar 18th
There was a frost overnight, we were away by 0845,sait was a good run and Madrid was surprisingly easy to bypass, at one point there were quite a few chicken sheds and the sky was full of Eagles soaring round. it was sunny but there was snow on the mountains and snow ploughs were on standby on all the mountain roads, we were 3-400 ft up at the highest point. The terrain was very rough and there were kites and eagles around. As we approached Burgos we had a hail shower. We arrived at Haro at 1.30, it was sunny but cool and breezy.
Miles travelled 240
Fuel €60
Site fee €16
Tue Mar 19th
There was a frost overnight, we were up and away by 0905, ther was quite a lot of traffic on the roads today. It was a greener area than yesterday with lots of vines around Haro. We went on the toll road and got stuck for ages in the booth trying to pay. The whole length of the N10 in France was under repair/reconstruction resulting in a couple of diversions. It was a sunny day we arrived at Parentis en Born at 1.40.
Miles travelled 202
Fuel €78.50
Toll €7.62
Wed Mar 20th
It was a mild and sunny morning and we were away by 0845, there was lots of heavy traffic, lots of lorries, and more road works, we drove through two very heavy rain showers. Gertie got us lost round Chatellerault. We arrived at St Maure de Touraine at 2.10.
Miles travelled 246
Fuel €58
Thurs Mar 21st
It was a grey, cold morning, we were away by 0900, we had trouble finding fuel in Chartres and also got a bit lost round El Beuf, Gertie took us up a narrow mountain road over to La Mailleraye. Arrived at 3.00, it was cold and raining. The car park that we parked in on the way down was full of road works gear but the grass on the Aire was not too wet to park on, there were about half a dozen other vans there. We went to the vet and he saw her within half an hour, while waiting we got some meat from the butchers. We had a meal in the restaurant which was ok but not wonderful.
Fri Mar 22nd
It was aquite pleasant morning so we decided to stay put as we were a day early anyway. We walked along the river for a while but although it was sunny it soon got very cold. I walked into the town and there was a small market in the street then we just sat and watched the barges and boats going up and down the river.
Sat Mar 23rd
We left at 0915 and arrived at Auchan in Calais at 1.00pm, it had been grey and rainy and as we approached Calais there was a snow storm. We filled up with fuel then went to the docks and got on the next ferry. We arrived in Dover at 4.15, 5.15 English time and set off for home arriving at 9.00pm, a very long, tiring day.
Miles travelled 148 - France 256 - England
Fuel €70
