2016 Jan Spain

Spain Jan 2016

Tue Jan 19^th

We finished loading the van and went for a breakfast at the Bell before setting off at 12.30. we had a good run and it was cold but bright sunshine all the way, got a bit of a nuisance as it was going lower in the sky. We stopped to make a drink but were still very early arriving at Wyn's in Amesbury. We took Crackers a walk in the nearby field and Carol arrived home with Bailey, when Wyn arrived he brought fish and chips which we ate with them before heading for Portsmouth.

We arrived at the port at 8.15, we were supposed to allow extra time to check in as we had a dog with us but it only took 5 mins, we had to show her passport and check her chip, we'd never done this on the Dover Calais crossing. We gave her a tranquilliser as it was such a long crossing. It was a huge ship, like a cruise ship, the “Mont St Michele”. We found our cabin and it was very nice and had a toilet and shower, the only downside was that it was bunk beds, I offered to toss for top bunk but Rich, being the gentleman that he is said he'd take it. I didnt sleep too badly but Rich said he felt very claustrophobic, we thought we'd be woken with a loud bing bong but they played gentle music to wake us up first.

Milees travelled 184

Wed 20th

We docked at 0545 and when we got back to the van Crackers was fast asleep, as we left the port we had to show our passports to customs and then the Gendarmes who wanted a look inside. It was still pitch black and parked vehicles on the dockside were thick with frost. We went to find the Aire at Oeisteram and got breakfast. Gertie Garmin would not work, couldn't find satellite, Rich started to get anxious so wrote out a route and set we off. After a while I had a fiddle with the Garmin, turned it off and on again and hit it a bit, and it started to work. It was very cold and everything was covered with frost, there was snow lying in some places as well. We managed to bypass Tours with no problems but got a bit lost at Le Mans and ended up driving around the outside of the Grande Prix circuit which we'd done the first time we went that way with Jan & Mike. We stopped for fuel and also for a drink and arrived at the Aire at Lussac-le-Chateaux but there wasn't really space and the services weren't working so we moved on the next one at Moussilon which was very big and quite muddy, the services were out of order here as well but Rich used the toilets for water and emptying ours. We parked up and got tea before an early night. It had been overcast all day and very cold, starting at -2c ending at 5c. We saw quite a few Kestrels and Buzzards, and just below Alencon we saw a huge flock of Lapwings. We also took a route we'd not been on before which was quite pretty, alongside the Vienne river.

Miles travelled 251

Fuel Є43

Thurs 21^st

Didn't sleep too badly, managed to keep warm by wearing thermals under a onsie, bed socks and having 2 quilts on top of duvet! It was pitch black when we woke but we got breakfast and were on the road by 08.30, the sun rose a huge red ball as we set off, it got in our eyes a bit as we carried on though. It was 2c when we woke up, we think we were a bit protected by the trees as when we were driving everywhere was thick with frost, white over. A good, steady drive and as we got below Limoges the frost got less but as we climbed up towards Brive Le Gaillarde looking down into the valley it was like being on an aircraft a carpet of cloud below us, and for a good few miles then we were in and out of low cloud. When we were almost at Cahors Gertie took us over a mountain on a very narrow, twisting road with sheer drops one side and cliffs the other, fantastic scenery but scary, very few small villages looking as if they were from another time. We arrived at Arcambal at 12.25 a very small place that seemed to be a school, a cafe (closed) a Mairie and a sports field. It was lovely and sunny and we sat out for the afternoon relaxing after taking a stroll round.

Miles travelled 168

Fuel E41

Fri 22^nd

A very cold night, -1c when we woke but we'd kept warm enough. We set off at 08.30 as the sun was rising and getting in our eyes again, everywhere was still very frosty. It was a long, tiring journey going through lots of small towns which meant lots of roundabouts and traffic lights, Toulouse was awful, miles of dirty industrial places and enclosures with 1000s of vehicles, we went a bit wrong but managed to get past it. It clouded over but seemed to be getting warmer, as we approached the border, below Narbonne we started to see prostitutes by the road and also almond trees in blosom. We arrived at Le Boulou aire at 2.40, it was 21c but grey and overcast, the mountains behind were covered with low cloud. Rich took Crackers a walk and it started tp rain, it barely wet the ground though.

Mies travelled 223

Fuel E43

Sat 23^rd

A much warmer night, the Aire got very full. We set off at 0815 the sun rose very hazy but it shone all the way and it got very hot. It was an awful road and not a nice journey especially round Barcelona, we even tried to get on the toll road but it spat us off! We eventually managed to get past Barcelona and after that the road was better. We started to see olive and orange groves and much more greenery, lots of fields of veg and salad stuff.

We arrived at Alcossebre at 2.50, it was lovely and warm, no breeze and bright sun. We got pitched then went for a very welcome shower before getting some fresh produce from the supermarket for our tea. The old chap who opened the site, in the 70s we think, was still sitting in the supermarket, he must be heading for 100, he was a famous acrobat who made his fortune by taking bets on daredevil stunts, he did a handstand on the Empire State Building or something like that, must try to find out.

Miles travelled 272

Fuel E37

Total miles 1098

Total Fuel E151.50

Sun 24^th

A nice morning, 10c and clear skies, it soon warmed up to about 16 and was very pleasant, no wind. We spent most of the day setting up camp and we are very pleased with the new awning, its a good size and fits nicely onto the kitchen tent. I took Crackers for a short walk on the beach and read for a while. We had steak and chips for tea and thoroughly enjoyed it, it soon cooled down when the sun set. Another early night!

Mon 25^th

Slept a bit better and woke to an overcast but mild morning. We went to the rally chalet for welcome drinks, we were the only two there but got to know Noreen and Ray. When the meeting finished we went to play boules which we quite enjoyed then took Crackers for a walk along the beach, we saw either a dolphin or seal chasing a shoal of fish which were leaping out of the water right up to the water's edge.

It had been a lovely sunny afternoon.

Tue 26th

Overcast this morning but still mild and calm.  We did some washing then after lunch walked to San Antonia where we went to a café last time we were here, we were very disappointed to find it closed, but enjoyed the walk.  I went for a swim then sat and read for a while before tea. After tea I did a bit of crochet and took Crackers on the beach, it was chilly but the light over the sea was lovely. It was overcast most of the day but the sun did break through in the afternoon.

Wed 27^th

Another mild morning and the sun soon broke through. We walked into town,which is 2 miles, then went on as far as the harbour. There were one or two cafés open along the front but in the harbour area only one was open, it was like a ghost town. We stopped at the one that was open and had a nice meal then walked back through the town, they seemed to be digging up every other road. We were pleased to find that the Chinese restaurant was open.

Back at the site with very sore feet and knees, we went for a swim and jacuzzi. It had been another sunny, warm day. I'd had an upset tummy.

Thurs 28^th

Another nice morning. I went to line dancing, only beginner dances and Val who led us isn't a teacher but she did very well so quite an enjoyable hour. After lunch I went to a craft session, Rich went to play boules but no-one else was about so went and walked on the beach. Tummy still playing up in morning but settled down, decided to buy water in case it is that.

Fri 29^th

Overcast this morning and a bit cooler. I went to Aqua Aerobics, no real leader just women who had done it telling us exercises but it was a bit of fun and meeting people again.

We went to the rally meal at the Benimar Restaurant, we had a lift with Clive a nice chap, a widower who is travelling on his own. It was a really good meal, soup, salad, which was nearly a whole lettuce each, chicken or pork with rossti and ice cream or mousse, good value at Є13. The staff were very friendly and efficient, just as they had finished serving the power went out.  It was 3.30 before we got back, a quiet afternoon reading.

Sat 30^th

A nice, sunny morning, cool to start. I went to a water colour painting class which I enjoyed, I even managed to produce a reasonable picture. After a bit of lunch we played boules then it was time for tea, then a walk on the beach. A busy day, and nice and sunny though a cool breeze sprang up towards evening.

Sun 31^st

Another nice, still day. We walked into town calling for coffee on the way to the Chinese shop, I bought some paints and brushes for next art class. We sat on the front for a while just enjoying the sun and the view, the town was busier today, lots of locals seemed to be about, there were no more shops open though. We went back to the café where we'd had coffee and had their menu of the day Є11, we had bread and crisps, a bottle of beer and a bottle of water then a salad, 1^st course was paella Valencia which was chicken, then pork with a cheese sauce, the sauce was nice but pork a bit tough, we also had a bottle of wine. When we came to pay they charged us Є22 and we took the water and wine away with us, very good value but not the best meal ever.

Back at site we had a quiet afternoon.

Quite a few new units arrived today and one set up behind us and they are deputy stewards, they've got a little dog

and when they left the van he barked until they came back.

Mon Feb 1^st

Warmer this morning 13c when we got up. Had a good clean through the van then a shower and Jan, a lady on the site came and cut my hair. Sat in the sun (hot) for a while then after lunch went to pay boules but there was no one else there so we had a nice long walk on the beach and a quiet afternoon, well it would have been quiet but for the dog next door getting stressed.

Tue Feb 2^nd

Another lovely morning, we did a load of washing and washed the dog,  then sunbathed for a while, a bit later we went for a swim, I did something I thought I'd never do again, swam under water, I even had a couple of dives. We told Ray, the steward, about the barking dog, he'd come round to warn us that processional caterpillars are about. While we were getting tea the deputy steward came round with her dog and sort of apologised but said he was fine, not stressed at all, she said they were trying to organise duties so he wouldn’t be left too long.

Wed Feb 3^rd

A fine morning again but a bit breezy. Stayed round the van I did a bit of craft but the dog next door was left again so a bit annoying. After lunch I went to craft class and tried to do some macramé, not very successfully. Rich took Crackers a walk while I was there. It was lovely and hot but quite windy.

Thurs Feb 4^th

A bit cooler this morning with a cold wind, the sea was quite rough. I did line dancing, Val took it again, and then we went for the rally meal at a Pensionistas club, it was very good value and we had a lift with Val and her husband and sat with a nice group of people. Back at about 3.30 for a lazy evening.

Fri Feb 5^th

Sunny but really cool this morning. We decided to email the club and see if we can move from here earlier than planned because of the dog next door. We went to tell Noreen and Ray and they understood but the deputy stewards had told them it was all sorted.

We walked into town and it got very hot, we stopped for a drink and had a snack, we had some tapas but it was frozen stuff, not genuine but okay. We met up with Jim & Ann off the site. As we walked back we saw some processional caterpillars, it started to get cold again.

Sat Feb 6^th

Cool again but turned sunny and warm. I went to a painting class again then after lunch we played boules.

Ray came and told Rich that the situation with deputy stewards and dog was being sorted, just give it a day or so.

Sun Feb 7th

It was very windy in the night and there was a light shower of rain but it was very mild when we got up. We washed the bedding and it was a lovely drying day, sunny and breezy. We sat in the sun for a while then after lunch walked on the beach and then on the roads behind the site, a very pleasant walk with lots of almond trees in blossom, the wind got up quite a bit though, beneath the pine trees there were lots of squashed caterpillars. Back at van finished the golly I'd been making and read for a while. A milder day altogether just very breezy with some fierce gusts.

We heard nothing from the dog next door and it seems like there was always one of them there at all times.

Mon Feb 8^th

Cooler this morning 8c, but the wind had dropped, it got hot quite quickly. Did a bit of craft in the morning and after lunch we walked along the beach and back down the road, very difficult walking on the beach as it is very stony, sometimes there is a stretch of sand when the tide is out but not for long today, it was a nice walk though and hot. Back for a sit down and a bit more craft. Pauline, the deputy steward, called and asked were we okay with the situation now.

Tue Feb 9^th

Overcast this morning and quite chilly. I went up to the chalet to see if there was anything happening today and Val came and said did we want to go to Torroblanca to the market with them, we jumped at the chance. The market was not very big, just one long street in the town, and it was not the usual noisy, bustling market, but it was interesting and nice to have some company and get off site, we got some veg. Back on site a quiet afternoon crafting. The sun did not appear till about 5.30 and there was a strong, warm wind off the sea.

Wed Feb 10^th

Clearer skies this morning and milder but breezy. Throughout the day it was very windy which although a warm wind was very blustery. Had a quiet day crocheting and reading. Took Crackers on the beach after lunch but it was so blustery it was no fun, also all the sand was covered up. I had a swim and jacuzzi and a bit more reading.

Thurs Feb 11^th

A bit of a shower overnight but quite mild this morning. I went to a keep fit session and line dancing.

We walked into town to the Chinese restaurant for a meal for Richie's birthday, it was mild but the sea was very rough. The meal was very nice, as good as we remembered and very good value for Є20. We went to have a look in the Chinese shop but it was closed so we set off back. As we set off it started spitting to rain which gradually increased to a torrential downpour with thunder and lightening. We sheltered under the trees during the worst of it but it didn’t keep it all off so we decided to duck under the board walk but that was even wetter so we went back to the trees and as soon as it let up a bit carried on, the roads were like rivers and the paths sodden, we ended up paddling most of the time. As we got nearly back to the site it stopped raining and the sun came out, the storm went off over the sea. We were soaked to the skin and had to take everything off, I was glad I'd put decent clothes on – not.

A quite afternoon recovering.

Fri Feb 12^th

a bit overcast this morning, sat in and crocheted. Played boules in the afternoon. Not a bad day warmed up a bit but no sun.

Sat Feb 13^th

We walked into town as there was supposed to be a parade of animals at 11 o’clock, we couldn’t find anything going on so we had a coffee on the front then went round the Chinese shops. There was going to be a children’s parade at 4 o’clock so we went for a Chines meal, lovely again. Then we sat on a bench watching the sea for about an hour before going for another drink. 

 As we sat at the café Val & Brian joined us they’d walked in to see the parade. There were lots of children dressed up and a couple of groups on stilts, all youngsters, lots of loud music, we watched them set off then set off back to the site.

Felt bad about leaving Crackers for so long but thought it would be too crowded and noisy for her, as it happens it would have been fine. Took her on the beach when we got back. A very mild evening.

 



Sun Feb 14^th

Mild this morning and sunny, sat out for a while sunbathing then got ready to go out to lunch. We went on a coach to Peirros, a huge restaurant on the main road, originally a lorry stop I think. The meal was excellent and so much of it, salad, meats and bread on the table to start then the waiter came and translated the menu for us, the starters were the size of a meal, I had lasagne Rich had mussels, then the main meals, I had sea bass Rich had steak in sauce which he said was a bit tough, there was as much wine as you wanted.

 We left at 12.15 and got back at 4.30, a lot of locals came and went while we were there, it was a very popular place and very good value, we paid Є20 each including coach and tip, it started raining while we were in there and it was quite cool as we got back to van. Dozed over book for rest of afternoon.

Mon Feb 15^th

Very windy in the night and cooler this morning. I woke with a sore throat and a bit chesty. We did the washing and it was sunny and windy so it dried very

well. Sat in the awning and crocheted and read most of the day as it was too windy to sit out. Went a short walk after lunch. Felt a bit rough all day.

Tue Feb 16^th

A bad night strong winds and felt quite poorly, coughing etc, Rich also didn't feel well.

Cool this morning and still windy. Read and dozed all morning and sat outside and read as it got hotter in the afternoon. Rich took Crackers a walk.

Wed Feb 17^th

A quieter night and I woke feeling a bit better. Cold first thing but warmed up later. A quiet morning sitting in the sun then a craft session in the afternoon, I managed to finish my macramé owl.

Thurs Feb 18^th

Felt quite a bit better this morning, a very cool morning. Went to line dancing but Val had to leave to take their car to the garage and as there were only 3 or 4 of us we abandoned it. There was a stray dog that the staff had caught and tied up but it chewed through the rope, Pauline re tied it but don’t know what happened after. I took Crackers a short walk on beach, very blustery.

We went to rally meal at RP's, had a lift down. We sat with a friendly crowd, a couple of whom we'd met at Vilanova, the meal was not wonderful but enjoyed the company. Another lazy afternoon in van, too cold to sit out.

Fri Feb 19^th

Another cold but sunny morning. Soon got quite warm so after a bit of a tidy up sat in the sun for a while. Played boules in the afternoon.

Sat Feb 20^th

Cold again this morning 5c, but clear. I went to art session again and finished my 2^nd picture,m which wasn’t as bad as expected. Then we walked into town to the Chinese restaurant, we had to go in the annex as we'd taken Crackers with us, two children were doing their homework in there. It was a bit disconcerting to see the waitress who looked like she had either been beaten or in an accident, her face was covered in bruises, swollen black eyes etc, she carried on as if nothing was amiss, the young man was not there today but an older man, it's awful to see something like that and not know the story, the mind runs amok. Rich helped things no end by knocking a full glass of red wine over everything! We were on two tables that weren’t the same hight, had to have new tablecloths, new bottle of wine etc. and the man took my fleece off to wash. Despite all it was a very nice meal again, it was quite cool as we walked back, especially with a wet fleece! A lazy evening.

Sun Feb 21^st

Another cold, clear morning which soon warmed up. We started to pack up, taking down the kitchen tent. Val & Brian called to say goodbye, they thought we were leaving today, when they realised we weren't offered to take us out with them, which was very nice of them. After lunch we took a walk on the beach, there was an area of exposed sand again making it easier walking, obviously to do with tides/moon? Spent ages looking at the different pebbles again, they are so varied, different colours, some with holes in, some that look like they have been etched, it is a fascinating beach, there are also large chunks of “conglomerates” old river bed pebbles in chunks of what looks like concrete, would love to find out more.

We went to say goodbye to Noreen and Ray, took them a bottle of wine because of the trouble we'd caused them.

It went cloudy and cold again late afternoon.

Mon 22^nd

A bit milder this morning. We finished packing up bought a few things from the shop and set off at 11.00. we managed to get a bit lost because of a new road but arrived at 11.45. Very pleasant, English receptionist took us to our pitch, nice big pitches with water, sink and drainage, all very open and sunny.

We set up most of our stuff but Rich was feeling so rough left some. I took Crackers a short walk, very similar beach but difficult to access as it is on a lower level. After a rest we went to the site restaurant and had a very nice, reasonable priced meal. It seemed quite a bit warmer than Alcossebre.

Miles travelled 34

Tue 23^rd

Mild this morning, very little breeze, Rich felt a bit better. I've been bitten by something and have a very swollen eye, cheek and forehead. We finished setting up and had a bit of a clean through then after lunch had a nice walk along the beach, quite similar to Alcossebre with lots of pebbles and shingle in the most unusual colours and formation, some with holes in. The sea was calm and a lovely turquoise. We walked back along the “promenade” which looks like it was built with the expectation of a resort which never happened.

Wed 24^th

Mild again this morning, Rich was feeling quite a bit better so we walked into town. It was a lot shorter than Alcossebre and a paved walkway, about half an hour. We called at a Chinese shop then found the town centre and the market. The street market was mostly clothes but outside the Municipal Market Hall there was fruit and veg, meat and fish inside the market hall. We got some veg and as we were leaving we met Jim, Ann & Mandy from the rally at Alcossebre.

 We set off back intending to find a café but took some back streets, in one area we saw a dog training class on a piece of waste ground, we ended up on a country lane and outside the town limits, almost back at site. Once we got back we decided to go to the bar for a drink, there was entertainment on. We had a very pleasant afternoon, enjoying the music ad a drink, a young lad with a keyboard and very nice voice playing music from 50s, 60s etc. We had a snack so didn’t want any tea. Sat in the sun for an hour or so.

Thurs 25^th

Mild again, overcast at first but it soon cleared. We did some washing this morning, very useful to have water and drain on our pitch, the washing dried very quickly it was so breezy. We went to the office and booked a rental car for Mon for two weeks. Є179.23, about £140.

Although it was breezy out of the wind it was very hot, had an hour or so sunbathing then went for a walk on the beach.

Fri 26^th

Overcast this morning and the breeze cool. We walked into town and as we left the site the almond trees were in full flower, the air was full of their scent and the sound of hundreds of bees amongst the blossoms.

We had a look round the marina and fishing harbour, very quiet but a few cafés open, there were women mending nets by the side of the harbour. We called for a coffee before heading back, the wind was getting cooler, coming from a different direction. A quiet afternoon, found it too cool to sit out for long because of the cool breeze. Rich felt poorly again and went to bed very early.

Sat 27^th

Quite a lot of rain overnight and overcast morning, thank goodness Rich felt better. It was a very cold day with showers and strong, cold winds. Stayed in all day, Rich took Crackers for a couple of short walks, I did some crocheting and did a bit of embroidery.

In the evening we went for chicken & Chips at the bar, all the sides were rolled down and heaters on so it was quite cosy. A good job as it was very cold and windy still.

Sun 28^th

Still cool this morning but not as cold as last night, rain overnight. We walked into town, the wind was pretty chilly. We'd seen a road being closed and wanted to see what was going on, it was a race that was more or less over when we got there. Back to site and still too cool to sit out but sunny. Rich took Crackers a walk on the beach and I sewed.

Mon 29^th

What a night, we were woken about 3am by ferocious winds, the van was rocking and the awning was flapping and making a dreadful noise and we didn't get much sleep after then, Crackers was upset so had to come on my bed.

It was still very windy when we got up so we decided to take down the awning, we were worried it would tear, we saw one on the site that had blown down. It was not an easy task with the strong winds but we managed and just put everything in the kitchen tent and hoped for the best.

We got a taxi and went to collect a hire car, a Fiat 500. We called at Mercadonna and Lidl to stock up a bit. Back on site it was still so windy we just stayed in for the rest of the day. Not a very pleasant day the howling wind got on your nerves hour after hour shaking the van.

Tue Mar 1^st

The wind finally dropped in the early hours but we still didn't have a very good night. The wind was still quite strong but nowhere near as ferocious as yesterday and the sun was out.

We drove to town and called at the Chinese shop for a couple of things then drove on to Peniscola. We stopped alongside the beach, a lovely,long sandy beach, and took Crackers for a walk along it for a while. Then we drove up to the castle and had a walk up to the top along narrow, cobbled streets, we stopped for a drink at a little café and it was out of the wind and really hot. We've decided that Crakcers does not really like travelling, she was very reluctant to get in the car, she seems to enjoy herself once out and about though, especially sandy beaches. 

 We went back to the car and back to site for a quiet afternoon sitting in the sun, which was very hot again if you were out of the wind. There was a lady on her own who had been struggling for what seemed like hours to put up an awning so Rich went to help her.

Wed Mar 2^nd

Mild againa and son turned hot. We put the awning up again and I changed the beds and had a bit of a clean. Sat in the sun for a while then went for lunch at the bar. There were flamenco dancers performing today, a mother and daughter, they were very good. 

 We all had free cava as one of the daughters had given birth to a baby boy last night. A lazy afternoon in the sun. The wind started to get up a bit in the evening, fingers crossed.

Thurs Mar 3^rd

A Calmer night and mild morning, sunny but breezy. We went to Benicassim market, it was nowhere near as busy as previous years, I got a scarf and some fruit. We drove to Alcossebre and sat by the sea and ate our sandwiches,

we called at the Tropicana supermarket for a couple of things then we tried to get to the castle on the hilltop above Alcala de Xivert but could not find a road so went back to site, took Crackers a walk on beach, we hadn't taken her with us, sunbathed for an hour or so.

Fri Mar 4^th

Mild and calm this morning. We did some washing then drove up the coast, we thought we may find a sandy beach. We drove down back roads out of the site, one or two led to the sea but stony beaches again, there were some very nice houses scattered through the farm land, we watched a fishing boat pulling his nets in, he didn't seem to have much luck.

  We went to Vinaros and drove to the beach there but didn’t get out.

We carried on and came to a little town called Les Cases, there was a sandy beach but dogs weren’t allowed so we walked along the promenade a bit then went back and had a coffee, it was a very pretty town with fishing boats and yachts in the harbour/marina. There were quite a few restaurants which seemed quite pricey, we walked up the main street but there was very little there so we carried on.

 The next place we came to was Sant Carles de la Rapita, we drove to the beach and there were lovely sandy stretches, they'd been raked over, but again no dogs allowed. We sat on some steps and had a bag of crisps, poor Crackers was sick, looked really sorry for herself, doesnt really enjoy car travel. We walked along the prom for a short way it seemed to be very well kept with benches situated at various places. We drove back to the site and had a quiet afternoon, I was doing some embroidery and Rich threw Crackers toy she chased after it but was tangled round the table Rich's glass of beer went everywhere! I shrieked and poor Crackers who was just brightening up got all upset again. Luckily it didn't go on my work, just on the instructions and a couple of skeins of thread, could have been a lot worse.

Sat Mar 5^th

Woken by almighty bangs, guess they're fireworks. Sunny but cool breeze again. We went to Aldi for a few things then found a big Chinese shop and I had a look round Carrefour.

After lunch we walked into town, it was quite a bit busier than previously. We were looking for a Chinese restaurant we found a Japanese one. Called for a drink in marina then back to site, read for rest of afternoon.

Sun Mar 6^th

Very cool this morning, sunny but breezy. We went for a Chinese meal, recommended by staff here,  then sat and read for rest of day.

Mon Mar 7^th

Cool and overcast this morning, rain forecast so we decided to stay indoors. I had a good session with my laptop, trying to familiarise myself with it. After lunch it cleared up and the sun came out so we took Crackers to the sandy beach at the far end of Benicarlo, where Peniscola begins, had a nice walk. Back to van and I did some embroidery.

Tue Mar 8^th

Chilly again and cloudy. Today we went to Morella, a hilltop town with a castle. It is about 42 miles from Benicarlo, the second half of the journey is on very twisting mountain road, as we got higher up we could see patches of snow lying on the fields and ditches. We parked and walked through the imposing gate, El Cid is reputed to have rebuilt the castle in 1084. We stopped for a coffee then walked through the very interesting street with pillared buildings, we walked up to the convent then went looking for the entrance to the castle, after three circuits of the town I went to the tourist info who told me the entrance was through the convent, Rich had suggested this but I couldn’t remember it as being there from last time. We made our way back and through the entrance 2.50 Euro each. We set of up the path and soon started climbing, we got to the place Harry and I had reached last time before we turned back because of heavy rain and carried on. It was a lot further up very sloping ground, we had a look in the Governor’s Palace, which was a vast cave from prehistoric times and rounding a corner were faced with 94 steps, almost vertical. Rich went a bit wobbly and decided to turn back but we realised we were almost at the top so he made it. A plateau at the top had been the main square, there was a well in the centre and building around it. It was exceptionally windy and cold but the skies were clear with bright sunshine giving us fantastic views, there were half a dozen choughs calling & flying in and out of the rock crevices, we also saw an eagle soaring above. We made our way back down and found a café for a meal before setting off back to the site arriving about 3.30.

Wed Mar 9^th

Grey and overcast today, there was going to be a BBQ at the bar but it has been cancelled because of a forecast of high winds.

We stayed in all day, sewing etc.

Thurs Mar 10^th

Very windy in the night for a while, a bit better in the morning, sunny and breezy.

We went for a drive and went to the Delta de Ebre. This was a national park, we drove down narrow back roads and there was mile upon mile of ploughed and tilled fields with rich looking soil, it didn't look at all like the Spain we are used to, there were many drainage ditches, all well cared for or being worked on, every now and then we would see clouds of dust where tractors were working the land, small farms were dotted about the landscape, many seemed deserted. We followed signs to Eucalyptus beach and it was a vast open space with coarse sand, very flat and very windy. We carried on and went through a couple of towns and ended up at a place called Riumar, there was a caravan site which was open and looked very well cared for. We parked by the side of the river and had our sandwiches. As we sat there martins were swooping around and we saw two pleasure boats going down the river giving a commentary. We drove back through the miles of farmland again, there were a lot of gum trees, at one point a whole avenue of them, also a couple of quite fancy, new looking bridges, a lot of the roads were new and they were being worked on, still some very rough old tracks though.

Fri Mar 11^th

Weather a bit calmer this morning. We drove onto town to have a look at the Fallas, they are huge, fantastic, colourful creations made for the festival and then burned on the last night. We walked into the old town which we'd not been to before, some nice old buildings and a long avenue of plane trees. I found a hairdresser and got my hair cut, very short as usual, it should last til we get home!

When we got back to site we went to the BBQ at the bar, the food was not as good as they do in the kitchen. They did calcotada which is large spring onions burnt on the fire and served in newspaper on a roof tile, very tasty but messy to eat. It was a pleasant afternoon and our new neighbours sat with us.

Read and dozed for what was left of the aftrnoon, a bit too breezy to sit out.

Sat Mar 12^th

Calm and clear this morning but still a bit chilly.

We drove to Vinaros and had a walk round the old town and along the sea front, a very pretty town, all the modern shops seem to be in the pedestrian area of the old town, there was a lovely promenade. We had a coffee at a harbour-side cafe before driving to Aldi to stock up on groceries.

After a bit of oflunch we drove as far as the outskirts of town then walked to the main square to watch the “Mascleta”, this was a gathering of the various Fallas, the girls were dressed in the most fantastic crinoline gowns, made of rich brocade with luxurious silver lace, their hair was all done in the same style with plaits wound round and glittering combs topping it off. There appeared to be some sort of judging going on, we weren’t sure, but after a while they were all herded back from the centre of the square and the fireworks began, it was more like a bombardment! The noise was tremendous and it shook the ground. The crowds disappeared very quickly and as we made our way back to the car there were lots of families, all the children, some only 4 or 5, seemed to have boxes of firecrackers which they delighted in setting off.

Sun Mar 13^th

A cold night and clear morning. It warmed up quite nicely and I sat outside for a while. Our neighbours, Carol & Jack were passing by at a loose end so we offered them a coffee and sat chatting for an hour or so, Jack offered to fetch us back when we return the hire car tomorrow, which we gratefully accepted. We took a drive out to car hire place as Rich wanted to make sure that the roads were not blocked giving us hold ups, but the route was clear, a lot of streets In town are closed because of the Fallas on the junctions. After lunch we drove into town and went to watch the celebrations again, the fireworks were even more spectacular if anything. We had a look round a small hand crafts fair on the way back to the car. A quiet afternoon, except for a walk on the beach, cool breeze again.

Mon Mar 14^th

It rained most of the night and was raining heavily when we got up. Crackers looked out of the window, saw it raining and decided she didn’t want to go out.

We took the hire car back, there was a lot of water on the roads, as we entered the car hire site we had to go under a low bridge, the road under it was full of water. We had a bit of a struggle with the fuel, we had to leave it full, it was a new automated payment system where you had to state how much you wanted before you pumped, we didn't know so put “full”, it appeared to take 99euro and give us change, must check it.

Jack from next door had followed us and took us back to site, it was still raining so we put the heater on and stayed in reading and sewing.

I'd cooked a chicken yesterday so decided to boil the carcass and make soup, I did it in the Remoska which seemed to work well; as Rich was mashing it up it slipped and we had boiling soup all over the place! Rich had a couple of scalds and it was all over the cooker and floor.

We then realised that the windows were leaking and Richie's bed was wet, stripped it off and tried to dry it out. When it stopped raining for a while Rich went and put some sealant on the outside which seems to have worked.

Not the best day of the holiday.

Tue Mar 15

Heavy thunder and still raining nearly all night. It had eased off a bit after breakfast. Jack & Carol next door asked to move pitch because their awning was like a paddling pool. Rich helped them move stuff over. Another couple were moving also. Sat indoors and read then went round to office for a French stick and to order paella for tomorrow. After lunch it cleared up and the sun was out in a blue sky again. We went a walk along the beach then I did some sewing but the sun was so nice I sat out for about an hour.

Wed Mar 16^th

Low cloud and chilly wind this morning. We did the washing and got quite cold doing it. I sewed for an hour or so then we went to the bar for paella, Jack & Carol joined us. Because of the weather all the sides were down on the terrace and it was a very low key affair, not like other weeks, there were very few there and there was no bringing in the huge dish it was brought out on plates. It was okay, I enjoyed the rice and Rich enjoyed the seafood. We said we'd play boules after the meal but it was so cold we decided not to.

The washing was more or less dry so I got that in and then had a quiet afternoon reading and rying to keep warm in the van.

Thurs Mar 17^th

Clear skies but cold, nice when the sun came up. Explosions til the early hours. We walked into town to Consum supermarket and got a few things, walking back the wind was very cold again and it was clouding up. It was quite nice at the van and we sat out for a while when the sun was out but it clouded up again and went cool We went to the bar for a late lunch Rich had the menu of the day, Pig's Cheek, he really enjoyed it, I had fish. We enquired about the possibility of staying a bit longer as we like it so much here but as it is Easter next week we would have had to move to one of the smaller pitches, as it would have been a bit difficult trying to contact Salata and explain the situation we decided against it, shame.

A lazy afternoon reading in the van.

A motorhome pulled in next to us with loads of children on board.

Fri Mar 18^th

Rain overnight, light shower, music and explosions all night again. Overcast again and quite cool, heavy cloud didn’t lift for most of the day. The family on the next pitch was a couple and 6 children, 5 girls and a boy, three of the girls looked like triplets, I thought they may belong to one of the religious sects as the girls all had long hair and wore long skirts, they were running round with bare feet on the very sharp gravel.

We took the kitchen tent down and did a bit of packing up. We then walked into town, I wanted to post a card to Loraine and get some cash. It was quite a pleasant walk, overcast but still, it was a pleasure not to have the cold wind. We stopped and watched swallows diving over the pool then went on to find the post box and bank. In the streets there were children letting off fireworks again, Crackers was very good as long as she could walk between us. Back to site and it was starting to feel a bit damp in the air. The almond trees have lost nearly all their blossom and are in leaf now but you can still smell them as you walk by. Quiet afternoon reading and sewing.

Sat Mar 19^th

Some rain overnight and lots of firewoks and music til the early hours. It was a bit milder this morning, 11c. It didn't get much better all day, grey skies, in the afternoon the sun did break through but a cold wind sprung up. Stayed in sewing, after cleaning the fridge.

Sun Mar 20^th

An awful night , rain, fireworks and thunder, didn't get much sleep. Warmer in the morning and sunny. We took the awning down and packed up as much as we could. We then walked into town and were surprised at how clean everywhere was, there were still youngsters letting off fire crackers, after burning the Fallas we expected to see scorched earth but everything seemed quite clean. Back to site and sunbathed for quite a while, Rich watched Grande Prix. We went for a meal at the bar and had an early night. It had been a lovely, sunny day after an horrendous night.

Rich had put the battery on charge yesterday as the van wouldn't start, he was worried that the charger was not working but there were offers of help from neighbours, luckily it started when he tried it.

We were sorry to leave this site, it was peaceful and the owners were English and very friendly, their daughters had more or less grown up in Spain and were married to locals, they were truly bi-lingual. There were quite a few Brits on site, touring and owners of chalets. The beach, although very stony and difficult to walk on was handy and great for mooching and although no shells loads of interesting stones. There were quite a lot of small birds, Warblers?, and Whoopoes in a garden adjoining the site.

Mon Mar 21^st

A quiet, peaceful night, a bit overcast but mild. We were away by 0845 and luckily the van started okay. A relatively uneventful trip but we were a bit confused by Gertie Garmin, didn’t know where she was taking us so overrode her a few times. As we passed the Delta D'Ebre we noticed how green it was looking but also how much water was standing in the fields. We called for fuel and got another totally automatic place which only gave the option of various amounts, Є20, Є100 etc., we had to leave it as we wanted to fill up, called at the next service station.

We noticed cherry blossom coming out and poppies by the roadside, I saw Broom and Japonica in flower, also some deciduous trees were starting to come into leaf. As we left the mountainside town of Vallirana there were half a dozen armed police blocking the road, obviously looking for someone, they let us go by!

We arrived at Salata at 3pm, checked in and found our pitch, the sun was really hot so we sat outside until tea time after a short walk round the site. We went to the café as we'd been promised a free drink, it was half a glass of cava, a small can of beer was Є2 and the service was poor, one girl on her own, we went to look in the shop but it was closed because the same girl should be there. Not very good first impression. Rich felling poorly so an early night.

As dusk fell I saw an almost full moon and Jupiter in the clear sky.

Miles travelled 259

Fuel Є45

Tue Mar 22^nd

A bright, sunny morning, quite cool. After breakfast we put up the awning and kitchen tent. It was overcast but not too cold and when the sun came out it was nice. After lunch we sat outside, Rich was not feeling too well. It definitely felt warmer here even though it was a bit overcast.

Wed Mar 23^rd

A clear, milder morning but very windy, Rich feeling better this morning.

We walked to find a supermarket and found 3, looked in the first one which was quite big and well stocked then decided to go on to Lidl where we got a few things, but as it was twice the distance will probably use the other one in future. I called at the office and enquired about car hire and they have a firm that brings and collects them from the site which is good news, we thought we would have to go to Figueres to get one.

After lunch we walked to the beach. Roses Bay is beautiful and the promenade very broad and clean with many very nice looking hotels and apartment blocks. We walked away from the town as the beach said no dogs, at the very far end by a breakwater we let Crackers have a run then we walked the length of the breakwater which was like harbour wall keeping the bay calm, on the other side it was very rough as there was a very strong wind. There were jetties for boats and jet skies and adverts for water activities, boat hire etc. We walked back through back streets and although very windy the sun was hot, we sat and sunbathed for a couple of hours.

Thurs Mar 24^th

A lovely, mild morning, blue, sunny skies. We did the washing, bedding etc and I had a good clean through.

We groomed and bathed Crackers.

After lunch we walked to the nearest supermarket, Eroski, got some fish for tea and a cheap sun lounger.

A lazy afternoon in the sun, and shade, it got very hot.

There had been a couple of big French vans hanging around all day with a trailer which seemed to be giving them trouble, someone came out to them in a car and stayed ages. In the evening Rich asked were they okay and he said no, trouble with trailer and they would have to go home, they were on the way to Morocco.

Fri Mar 25^th Good Friday.

A bit colder and overcast this morning, 7c when we woke. It didn't really clear up but it was quite pleasant to sit outside and read in the morning. After lunch we took Crackers a walk and it clouded over again and got quite cool, a light shower of rain mid afternoon.

A big German van came in with a large trailer and it was interesting to watch them setting up. There were two young men one did all the work while the other sat around drinking beer. He piled loads of stuff out of the van and trailer, set up a large table, with table cloth, 4 chairs sun lounger, collapsible camp cupboard, satellite dish, Chinese lanterns were strung up, you name it they had it, then he put up a Safari Room. Later they got two big motor bikes out of the trailer and they rode off on them in the afternoon, a very strange set up.

The French people were still here.

The site has filled up quite a bit.

Sat Mar 26^th

Cold and clear again this morning but soon warmed up. Sat outside and did some crocheting then after lunch walked to supermarket. Sunbathed for a while but then had to sit in shade as it was very hot.

The site has really filled up and there are very few empty pitches, it is still very quiet though, just a few children riding round on bikes and one young couple with a baby that wouldn't stop crying.

Sun Mar 27^th Easter Sunday

Overcast and cool today, stayed in most of the day sewing etc.

Quite a few people moved off the site, including the French people who had mended their trailer yesterday.

Mon Mar 28^th

Still and mild this morning. We decided to walk into town and see if we could find a vet. We walked along the lovely wide prom which got busier the nearer we got to the town centre. There were lots of people out and we had to keep dodging bikes, skateboards, scooters, joggers etc lots of dogs around also, Crackers was very good and we didn't have one incident with her. We walked the full length of the bay down to the harbour without finding the road we wanted so gave up and as we walked back came across it, we decided it would be too far to walk anyway, 50 mins each way, so we will find another vet. It was a very pleasant walk even with all the people around, things were a bit shabbier towards the harbour and what we assumed was the old town. We called for a snack at a café nearer our end of the bay, there was a shop next to it and I went in and got a pair of cotton trousers.

When we got back to site we popped to Eroski for a few things then had a sit down. One of the German lads came and asked did we have a ping pong ball! They wanted to play. Rich asked them would they like a game of boules and they said yes. An enjoyable couple of hours even though they won both games. Their names are Jorgen and Michael and are cousins. Jorgen is the one who did all the setting up when they came, he seems to sleep in the van while Michael sleeps in the trailer!

Tue Mar 29^th

A cool morning but soon warmed up. We walked through the back streets and onto the prom and back again, it was very pleasant with not so many people about, it was like a good English summer day, sunny with a light breeze. Crackers was very good again. A lazy afternoon sat out for a while but it cooled off.

Wed Mar 30^th

Quite cool again this morning, but again warmed up as the morning went on.

We did some washing, washed all the clothes that had been having “just one more” wearing, it dried beautifully.

Had a short walk to Eroski and a lazy afternoon, the sun was very hot but a wind got up and kept it cool.

Thurs Mar 31^st

Very cloudy this morning, low cloud hiding the hills and a light mizzle in the air. Stayed in and sewed. It cleared up by midday and we went a walk round the back streets , quite lively with shops and cafés, we saw one we would like to visit. Back along the front and sat out for a while. It was nice and warm but still cloud on the mountains. A cool breeze sprang up late afternoon.

We went for a meal at the site café, not a good experience, never been in such a lacklustre place, the service was very half hearted and the girl serving us kept playing with her hair, the food not very good, skinny fries and reconstituted fish. We shall not bother again.

Fri April 1^st

Cool and overcast this morning, stayed in and read. The two German lads left this morning. The site is emptying.

After lunch went a short walk but it was cool and windy so went back and sewed.

Sat April 2^nd

It started raining last night and rained on and off all night, low cloud and mizzly in the morning.

We walked to Carrefour for a few things and discovered a big Chinese store next to it, quite good quality stuff for those type of shop. Rich got some bolts to mend one of the chairs which had broken, I got some yarn and sparkly stick ons.

Stayed in and Rich watched Grand Prix while I sewed and read. It cleared up a bit and got quite warm late afternoon, the clouds lifted off the hills.

We went for a meal at the café we'd seen the other day but it wasn’t open so we went to another one La Rey de la Pampa I think it was called. The staff were welcoming and the place was decorated with lots of mugs and jugs hanging from the ceiling and plates and all sorts on the walls, they all looked very clean. We opted for a paella to share which was tasty, Rich ate most of the “bits”.

Sun April 3^rd

A bit better weather this morning, cloudy and breezy. We went to the market in town, behind the citadel, it was a big market, lots of clothes, bags and shoes, no local produce though. We walked back along the front and we had an early meal as Rich wanted to watch the Grand Prix. A lazy afternoon, it was sunny but a bit too windy to sit out.

Mon Apr 4^th

Another cloudy, breezy morning. I went to reception to see about hiring a car and booked one for tomorrow. I also altered our booking as we have decided to go a couple of days early because we've made a mistake in calculations about the dog, we allowed the 5 days but forgot about the weekend which is when we would need to go to the vet, so we will get up France and find one there. I also complained about the wifi which is very hit and miss, she was very nice about it but not sure that it helped.

We walked to the Chinese shop and were able to let Crackers off the lead down a back lane for a while.

A lazy afternoon reading, Rich sat out but I found it too windy,

Tue April 5^th

Rained most of the night and still raining this morning!

We went to reception to pick up hire car, I had tried to ring to cancel it but couldn’t get through. We decided to have a dive round despite the weather and went to have a look at Empuriabrava which is about 4 miles away and a vast canal network full of yachts etc. Too wet to get out of the car though.

We went to a huge Chinese warehouse and got a few things, I got a top and some sandals. Back to van and found the window was leaking and Richie's bed was wet. Mopped it all up and put fire on to dry stuff out. Did some sewing and after a good while Rich decided stuff was dry enough and moved the fire, Just in time the back was melted against the bedding and could have gone on fire at any time phew!!!! An hour or so later the sun came out and it was hot and humid. We sat out for a while watching people trying to site their caravan, always a good bit of entertainment.

It stopped raining in the late afternoon. We went for a meal at the place wed seen a few days ago, La Cassola, it was a very nice meal, menu of the day, but it was more restaurant quality, most enjoyable.

Wed April 6^th

A bit better this morning, at least it wasn’t raining, overcast and windy.

We went to Empuriabrava as we hoped to find a beach for Crackers but no dogs allowed there, we walked along a harbour wall where it was quiet enough to let her off the lead. We called at Lidl for a few things then carried on to St Pere Pescador. We drove through the town and out over a bridge above a quite large river, heading for the beach, we drove through miles of fruit trees and some grain crops and couldn’t see the beach, we'd just decided to give up when we saw a narrow track which we followed and there was the beach, a huge beach with flower strewn dunes. 

 We let Crackers off and she had a whale of a time, she even fetched a stick we threw for her, first time ever. There was a sign to a beach bar which we followed, it was attached to a surf hut at the end of a huge camp site, La Ballena Alegre. 

 We stopped for a drink, it was a very pleasant spot with a lovely view over to Roses. We went back to St Pere Pescador stopping to have a look at Camping Aquarius, which looked very nice right on the beach. Had a walk round the town, very small, stopped for a coffee then back to site. It had turned very hot so we sat out and sunbathed for the rest of the afternoon.

Thurs April 7^th

Cold this morning but clear skies. 8c.

We drove to Cadaques over tortuous mountain roads through stunning scenery. It is a very pretty town around an inlet rather than a bay, a bit reminiscent of Cornwall but on a larger scale. The town didn't look typically Spanish, more South of France Mediterranean looking, Salvador Dali lived there. We walked round the bay and back and stopped for a coffee before heading back to the car.

  We carried on along more twisting mountain roads through a National Park to Cap de Creus a point of land with a lighthouse, there were great vistas with the sea crashing on the rocks and rocky mountainsides with many different types of rocks, at one point there was what looked like a new upmarket development of large houses. 

 When we got out at the lighthouse the wind was so strong you could hardly keep your feet under you. We had a drink and then carried on to La Selva De Mar, another pretty coastal town on an inlet. We had a very nice meal in a terrace café overlooking the bay and watched wind surfers on the rough water. 

 Then back over the same twisting roads enjoying the rugged scenery and views. We saw a few cattle and sheep, some vines and many olive groves on walled, terraced hillsides. There were many wild flowers as well.

It had been a lovely day out with sunshine all day.

Fri April 8^th

Cool again, overcast and windy. We handed the hire car back and after we'd sat for a while decided as the sun was coming through we would do some washing, we did that and I had a clean through and changed the beds. Sat outside and read a bit after lunch then a German chap came over and asked would we like to play boules so we had a couple of games with them, Uwe & Astrid, had a bit of fun with them. The sun was really hot but the wind still very strong.

Sat April 9^th

Our 33^rd Wedding Anniversary. Quite a nice, sunny day with some cloud and the usual breeze.

We walked to Carrefour to give Crackers a run, then sat in the sun for a while.

A very big RV had pitched opposite us and some more family arrived in a car with a dog. They did a bit of unpacking and then all left on bikes leaving the dog tied up outside the van, the first thing it did was try to follow them and get itself tied around the back steadies. Rich went to untangle it and it's legs were all tangled as well, they had left a bowl of food and water and it's bed out but it was just crying and looking for them. Rich untangled it a few times and other people were showing concern so we took it to reception, she couldn't keep it there but said she would have a word with them. We took it back and Rich tied it on a shorter rope, poor thing it wouldn’t' settle.

We then went to the Hotel Coral Platja for a buffet lunch which was nice and not bad value.

Back at site we sat for a while, the people were back with the dog but didn't seem to want it in the van, it seemed to belong to a grown up daughter, they all went off a bit later and took it with them.

Uwe &Astrid came round and we had another couple of games of boules, which they won again! Still we had a laugh with them, a very nice couple.

While we were out a magpie had got in the awning and pinched some nuts, it also got in again later after we'd zipped it up, we took the nuts indoors.

Sun April 10^th

A nice morning, sunny and calm. After getting up late sat outside and did some crocheting. The dog across the road had spent the night in the boot of the car, when they went out they took him with them.

After lunch sat outside again, it was a bit breezy but very pleasant. A very lazy day. The site filled up quite a bit.

Sun April 10^th

A nice morning, sunny and calm. After getting up late sat outside and did some crocheting. The dog across the road had spent the night in the boot of the car, when they went out they took him with them.

After lunch sat outside again, it was a bit breezy but very pleasant. A very lazy day. The site filled up quite a bit.

Mon April 11^th

Another nice morning. We went to find the Post Office, Correos, to post a couple of birthday cards. It was a lovely walk in the sunshine, I had to wait 25 mins just to buy 2 stamps! We then went to see if the train was running today which it was. We booked tickets for the trip up the mountain, When we got there at 3pm the mountain trip was cancelled because of low cloud so we had a trip along the coast, a bit disappointing. First we went down to Santa Margarita which is where we had walked from as it's the area that the camp site is in. It was an interesting trip along the far end of the town and into the National Park, Cap de Creus. Lovely views over the town and the bay. It was very windy and dusty in the park and a very bumpy ride. 

 We stopped at a viewpoint and the driver gave us sangria and biscuits before descending back to town. We could have ridden back to Santa Margarita but had to wait for another train so decided to walk. On the walk back Rich had a nasty fall, a young woman in her car saw him fall and parked and rushed to help, by which time he was on his feet and wanting to get home, but what a kind thing to do. He doesn't know what happened, there was a curb but he didn't seem to trip on that, he had his hands in his pockets so fell awkwardly. Back at the van we had a look and his elbow was a bit of a mess and his ribs were sore. We washed it and dressed it as best we could, luckily I had some fabric I could make a bandage with.

Tue April 12^th

Rich did not have a very good night but felt okay in himself this morning, his elbow very painful and still bleeding. It was a nice, sunny morning.

I went to the Pharmacy and got some big plasters, then we stayed around the van til after lunch when we walked to a big Chinese shop on the main road, mainly to give Crackers a walk.

Sat in the sun rest of afternoon, it was very hot but still quite strong wind.

We went to the Panoramic Restaurant for a meal and who should the waitress be but the woman who had rushed to Richie when he fell, what a coincidence, we were able to thank her properly, Rich had said he'd seen her before, I thought he was hallucinating! A nice meal and I just managed to stagger home after a half carafe of wine, straight to bed and out for the count.

Wed April 13^th

A really nice, sunny, calm day. Stayed round van all day, I put umbrella up for shade and did some embroidery and read a bit, very lazy day. At tea time it cooled down and we had a short shower of rain. We watched sky divers being dropped by a plane.

Thurs April 14^th

Another bright, calm morning. We walked into town looking for the municipal market hall, we eventually found it after lots of wandering through the old town. It was a modern building and not very big, I went in, Rich stayed with Crackers, there were a few meat and fish stalls and a couple of fruit and veg. We made out way back and had a drink on the front, Rich went back while I had a wander through the old town and looked at the shops, I got a nice top. Then I went to the citadel which was very interesting, it is where the town started in Greek and Roman times, I got in free as a pensioner.

Back to site and after a sit down we went to the supermarkets, a chance to let Crackers off the lead in the lanes.

We waited ti 7pm to go to a café over the road that sold Fish & Chips on a Thursday but they weren’t open! We went to Panoramic again and had a nice meal, it was a lovely evening after a very hot day, although a bit windy in the afternoon.

Fri April 15^th

Another nice sunny day doing not a lot. Sat and crocheted in the morning, took dog a walk along the lanes, crocheted and sunbathed in the afternoon, sun very hot but wind cooling.

Sat April 16^th

Another nice, sunny day, hot but breezy. We walked to the Chinese shop and I got some yarn as we walked down the lane we saw that there was a boules match in the boulodrome, they had been tidying up the last week or so.

In the afternoon Rich watched Grands Prix while I sat outside and did my embroidery. Late afternoon we went to the chicken shop across the road and finally found it open, we had chicken and chips in a basket, one between us and it was very nice. Sat out in the sun a bit more.

Sun April 17^th

Overcast but warm this morning, a light shower. Had a go at sorting photos out, but as it got warmer sat outside with umbrella up for shade, didn’t really want much more sun. I did some embroidery and Rich watched Grande Prix.

The lady next door(Belgium) who looked like she'd had a stroke seemed distressed so we went to see if we could help, couldn’t tell what she was trying to say but her husband seemed to be missing so we helped her, and her dog, into her mobility scooter and she started off to look for him, just as he arrived back, seeming not at all worried.

Went in in the cool and read for a while, then at 7pm went over to the chicken place for chicken and chips, which was lovely again.

Another hot, sunny day, but breezy.

Mon April 18^th

Another warm, sunny day. We did some washing and then walked to Chinese shop and Carrefour. Sat outside sewing for rest of afternoon. The nights are definitely warmer and the evenings very pleasant.

Tue April 19^th

Another lovely day. We walked to Santa Margarida the café Rich wanted to go to was closed so he took the dog back and I walked along the front and bought myself another pair of cotton trousers. Sunbathed for a short while ,then sat in the cool reading and sewing.

In the evening we went for a meal at Panoramic which was very nice, a bit cool walking back though.

Wed April 20^th

Again a nice day, we washed the awning and kitchen tent down outside then walked to Carrefour along the lanes photographing wild flowers which were abundant, new ones every day it seemed. In the afternoon sat in the shade sewing. It was a nice evening so sat outside with a drink after tea for a while.

Thurs April 21^st

Rain overnight and still raining when we got up. We started to empty the kitchen tent and packed a couple of things. I cleaned the fridge and kitchen cupboards out. We went to settle up our bill at reception, £351 + £150 deposit = £500 for almost 5 weeks.

After lunch read and embroidered. It did stop raining brightened up and got quite warm by tea time. We sat out for a while after our meal as it was such a nice evenng.

Fri April 22^nd

Damp this morning but not raining. We packed up and loaded the van which took us til lunchtime as we had to wait for stuff to dry out. After lunch we walked to Carrefour to get some supplies and then sat in the sun, although it was patchy with quite a bit of cloud.

We went to Panoramic for a meal which was very nice as usual, a lovely spot and ideal for people watching, lots of skates, scooters, skateboards etc as well as the lots of bikes, back for an early night.

We enjoyed our time in Roses, the site is well run with decent sized pitches and good roadways, the only drawback we found was the showers where the cubicles were always wet, benches and floor, there were no mops provided and the water often flooded outside the cubicles, the showers had plenty of hot water in heated rooms but there were only 6 for such a large site. The site café was not up to much either, the shop was small but okay.

The site though is a short walk from the sea front where there is a broad promenade into the main town alongside the lovely, sandy beach. Also a short walk away are 2 supermarkets and a Chinese shop, we walked down two lanes where we were able to let Crackers off the lead, these lanes were bordered by grassy banks full of many wild flowers, some familiar others we'd not seen before.

There were quite a lot of small birds in the trees on the site as well as magpies, gulls and pidgeons. The gulls had the most odd cries as they flew over and we realised that they were flying with beaks full of nesting material and squawking with their beaks full.

We also had a large cricket and lizards visiting us.

The site got very busy during April, French school holidays, mostly French, some German and Dutch, very few Brits.

Sat April 23^rd

Up early, I actually didn’t sleep after about 3am as I went to bed so early and straight to sleep – too much wine! I read 'til 6oclock then got a cuppa. I looked out of the windows and the full moon was in the sky to the west and the sun coming up in the east almost opposite each other.

We were away by 0800. A relatively uneventful journey but there was a lot of traffic including what seemed like hundreds of motorhomes, we stopped for lunch for about 15 mins and at least 12 went by, we passed quite a lot of vines coming into leaf. Once into France there seemed to be a roundabout every mile or so making it very slow going. The area of Spain we passed through was very green and pretty. As we drove through France there were lots of wild flowers along the verges many poppies, in one area there were swathes of purple irises, and many trees in blossom, we saw a lot of wisteria, and as we got to Toulouse the centre of the carriageways were full of lilacs of all shades in full bloom. It was windy but sunny most of the day but we had a couple of light showers.

We finally arrived in Arcambal at 3.10pm, in a thunder storm with heavy rain.

Miles travelled 251

Fuel Є36

Sun April 24^th

A bit of rain overnight but the ground had dried by morning. We were away by 0810. A very pretty and green area with dramatic views, not so many wild flowers but still masses of wisteria everywhere, as we got up country the leaves were not so forward on the trees, lots of arable land and some cattle and sheep. We had a good run on motorway but then turned of on a D road, very scenic, at one point there was a pathway running alongside the road which had obviously been an old railway track., at one point along this area we saw a hare running into the undergrowth. The further up we came we saw lots of cowslips or oxslips on the verges. We arrived at the Aire in St Maure De Touraine at 1.55, the same distance as yesterday but better time. We saw the owner and he said he will ring the vet for us in the morning. After tea we had a walk in the woods, full of birdsong, violets, wild strawberry in flower, cowslips and oxslips, also hundreds of mole hills and tunnels.

Miles Travelled 250

Fuel Є56

Site Fee Є

Mon April 25th
Drove to St Maure de Touraine, got there about 2pm.  Walked dog in the woods, lots of violets.
Went into town and parked by the castle, which was near the vet, had a walk round the town and got Crackers seen to.

Miles Travelled 250

Fuel Є56

Site Fee Є

Mon Apr 25th

Away by 0810 and arrived at St Maure de Touraine at 2ish.  We drove into town and parked by the castle and vets, had a walk round the town and had Crackers seen to, had lunch at a roadside cafe, it was very windy. Walked in the woods where there were lots of violets 

Miles travelled 250

Site Fee €10

Fuel €56 

Tue April 26th

Drove to Caen and booked into La Riva Belle, Ouistreham on the Aire part of it.

We went for a walk along the canal, it was lovely and sunny.

Miles travelled 185

Site Fee €20

Wed April 27th

We walked to the town of Ouisterham, it was bright and sunny.  A very pretty town with lots of flower displays and a lovely church with flying buttresses.

Thurs April 28th

Drove to ferry and sailed at 0830.  Arrived Portsmouth and made our way to Dibles Park at Warsash.  Had a walk on the downs nearby in the evening.

Miles travelled 16

Site Fees £20

Fri April 29th

Today we met with Jen & Paul, Shirley & Derek & Jean at a pub called The Turfcutters Arms in East Boldre.  We had a super lunch and a good catch up.  Unfortunately this was the last time we saw Jean as she passed away in July that year.

We set off for home with Shirley & Derek at 2.30 arriving quite late, 8ish.

Miles travelled 178

Fuel  £48.02

Total Miles 2277

Total Fuel  €334 + £110