2017 Sept. Kenya

Thurs 14th

Taxi came 12pm and we arrived at Heathrow about 3.15

Checked in very easily and found a seat overlooking the planes, as it happened it was right by the gate we needed.

We were late taking of but it was a good flight though very tiring and uncomfortable.

When we landed at just after 5am (3our time), we cleared customs quickly but Bry was not there and we were hassled by men offering us taxis, we were glad when he turned up. It seemed to be the same temperature as home.

 

We got to Bry's place around noon after a hair raising journey with mental traffic on bad roads

 

Surprised to find him in a small gated area with 24hr guards.

We went through the outskirts of Nairobi and the amount of traffic was horrendous everyone pushing in. There seemed to be a lot of rubble alongside the roads and a lot of people walking. As we got into the countryside the roadsides were scrub and small holdings with ramshackle stalls set up on the roadsides, and cows, goats and sheep grazing, sometimes hobbled and sometimes with a shepherd. There were quite a lot of people working the land in primitive ways. 

We stopped at a " resort" for a drink and snack and were amazed to see a tree full of weaver birds and their nests. Bry had to make a call and whilst waiting we were shown around the resort, there was a cabin  and apartments and gardens along side a small river with mango, papaya and banana trees.o

When we got to Bry's he had to go to work so we had a rest.

In the evening we went to a restaurant, le Rustique, it was very nice and the food was wonderful.

Sat 16th

We went to a supermarket, it was in a small mall with security on the gate. Then we went to Bry's base where he showed us where he worked and a bit about what he was doing. There were a lot of weaver birds and nests around.

We then went out into the countryside on very bumpy unpaved roads. The ground was very red and lots of acacia scrub, very sharp prickly trees. We were lucky and saw quite a few birds and animals including - zebra, giraffe, dik dik, elephants, monkeys, baboons, Impala, starling, hamerkop.

Then we went to Trout Tree restaurant which is built in a huge fig tree and has a trout farm. There are monkeys running round trying to steal food, and getting away with it. There was a man trying to run them off, there are also colobus monkeys which are large black and white with beautiful tails, they seemed to encourage those. The man who was scaring the others took me to see the colobus with a week old baby which was tiny and pure white.. 

Sun 17th

Bry took us to his camp and gave us a tour explaining exactly what is going on there

We then went to Fairmont Holtel, Mount Kenya Safari Resort. It was a beautiful place, quite colonial looking. We ad a wonderful all you can eat buffet, made pigs of ourselves! After we went round their animal orphan compound. This was very interesting but it started raining and there was a cold wind, and we got quite cold. Back for a very early night for early start tomorrow. 

 

Mon 18th

Up at 5 and away by 6. We arrived at the conservancy just before 7. We didn't leave til gone 6 and what a day.

It is a vast area of scrub and short trees, mainly acaia, Bry knew where to go along the tracks which were very rough but we saw an amazing variety of animals. Lots of Zebra, Thompson's Gazelle, Impala, Warthog, Cape Buffalo. The most exciting were the Giraffe and Elephants, it was just amazing to see them in natural habitat. There were also Rhinos, fearsome looking close up.

 

We stopped for lunch at a cafe within the area and a warden took us to see Baraka, the only Black Rhino, he is blind and the guide called him and we were able to feed him.

More driving round in the afternoon looking for lions which unfortunately we didn't see. There were lots of birds as well, very colourful small ones and a Heron, a Secretary bird and large raptor.

When we got back, very tired, we had a quick shower and went for a meal at a restaurant, again guards on the gate, the food was superb again. 

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre (360 km2) not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Central Kenya's Laikipia County. It is situated on the equator west of Nanyuki, between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism and complementary enterprises for re-investment in conservation and community development.

Tue 19th

Bry went to work today so we had a quiet day, sat in the sun for a very short while then sat in the shade til it rained. I managed to finish my bag for WI comp.

Wed 20th

Bry went in to work and was back for us to leave at 09.30. A two hour drive to Samburu Intrepids game reserve. We drove over very different terrain, over mountains, the Rift Valley Mountain Range. There were a lot of grain fields and a few small settlements, people had cultivated the roadside verges using them for their own crops, sometimes gleaned from the fields of large farms, potatoes and corn, we saw the patches being worked by hand and also ploughed with oxen. We passed through one town that had a large, busy market then another, Isiolo, that Bry said could be quite volatile with a large Muslim population and gang culture and said not to take photos, it was the most modern looking town we'd seen.

We arrived at the reserve and drove round for a while, the area was quite desert like but there were different terrains, whiteish ground, red sand and brush, spiked acacia trees, palms[the only palm trees to have branches] and taller flat topped trees, lots of rocks of various sorts depending on which area, a river runs through it and it is surrounded by mountains. It was like riding over a ploughed field. It was hot and very windy with dust storms, we were soon covered in sand.

We saw Dik Dik, Water Buck, Elephant and four crocs thrashing about eating a gazelle.

We went to the hotel and had lunch before booking in, the food was excellent with a 7 course menu. We then met "James", his nickname, as his own name is unpronounceable, a Samburu Warrior and guide, a friend of Bry's. He looked splendid in his very colourful traditional clothing.

   Leritiritnkwenyimailiapaloroki AKA James

 

We then set off with James driving, we saw Vultures, Hooded and African White in trees, Dik Dik, Golden Breasted Starling, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk Antelope ( Giraffe Knecked), Elephant, Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Wunderdekin Guinea Fowl, Ground Squirrel, Warthog. I mentioned how green the trees were and James said that they were called the Tooth Brush Tree because that was what they were used for, no animal would eat the leaves which is why they stayed green. James had word that a Leopard had been sighted and we raced to the site, there were quite a few safari vehicles clustered round the tree and we managed to get a space and were able to see the Leopard eating an Impala up the tree.

All the vehicles were considerate and made sure that everyone had a good view. We watched for over half an hour watching. We drove back to the hotel and watched James give a presentation about Samburu culture. This was very interesting,he told us about how their people moved down from the north and settled but separated into three tribes Samburu, Masai and another, the third one died out the Masai moved South and the Samburu settled in that area. He explained how the boys between 7 and 14 watched the animals, cows, goats etc, the animals are the tribe's wealth. At 14 they are circumcised and become warriors and wear the headress, necklace and colourful costume. At 28 they can marry and become elders helping make local decisions, they can have more than one wife. The married women have to build the hut, which are easily dissembled as they are nomadic.

After this we had dinner and off to bed. In the restaurant there was a monkey chaser  in Samburu dress with a catapult.

Thurs 21st

Wake up call at 05.30 with a drink, met James at 06.15 and sset off on another drive. The sunrise was beautiful. This morning we saw White Bellied go away bird, Elephants, Crocodile, and then a pair of Lions, Bry spotted these and we were able to sit about 6ft from them and watch for ages, a really moving experience, they were magnificent and they lay relaxing in the sun the female washing herself just like a domestic cat, they eventually got up and strolled off, obviously a mating pair. We then saw Elephants, Impala, Giraffes, a Goshawk, a Bat Eared Eagle, Ostrich, a Somali Ostrich with Blue neck and legs. We then heard that a Cheetah had been spotted and we saw it carrying a Dik Dik to a bush and settling down to eat it, we watched for ages, I looked at the scenery!

 

 

 

We were very privileged because to see the Leopard, Lions and Cheetah carrying prey is quite unusual. James was pleased.

 

We went back for breakfast, another big meal, then spent a couple of hours by the pool, swimming and sunbathing then went for a light lunch before another drive out with James.

This afternoon we saw, Hornbill, Northern White Shrike, Grevey's Zebra, Oryx, Jackel and Okudu, amongst the usual.

We went back for Jame's presentation, tonight about the Samburu special five, 

1 Beisa Oryx

2 Gerenuk

3 Somali Ostrich

4 Grevey's Zebra

5 Retiulated Giraffe

There are 3 types of Giraffe, Reticulated, Rotheschild and Masai, the Rotheschild is presumed to be a cross breed between the other two. Again a very interesting presentation.

Dinner and bed.

Fri 22ndAnother early start but today Bry drove. We saw, Black Back Jackel, Bat Eared Fox, Ground Squirrel, Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Gerunek, Dik Dik, Ostrich, Gran Gazelle, Zebra, Roller, Marshall Eagle, crocs, Water Buck, about two dozen circling Vultures, the just as we were leaving Rich spotted four lions which we watched for a while lying in the shade out of the hot sun. Driving this morning we so a few whirlwinds in the dust,it was quite breezy again.

 

 

 

 

Back at Bry's he had to go to work, we did some washing and looked at photos.

Sat 23rd

Bry went to work and we had a lazy day, sat outside most of the day. In the evening James arrived to come with us tomorrow. Bry did a BBQ.

Sun 24th

We were all up early and got away by around 8am. It was a long drive through busy towns and villages and there were some appalling roads.

 

 

 

We arrived at Aberdare Park and drove slowly through looking for wildlife. Within this park is Tree Tops resort where the Queen was staying when she acceded to the throne. It is very different terrane very green, hilly and wooded in  fact we reached 3021m above sea level at the highest point.

We saw Water Buffalo and then a very dark, hairy Warthog which James later found out was a Giant Forest Hog, we saw Water Buck, Baboons and anOgre Buzzard, the region was very forested, not over tall trees but quite jungle like, we saw a type of mistletoe in some of the trees.

We drove on and the terrine changed and was full of bamboo and then eventually came out above the tree line, more or less, and arrived at Chania Waterfall. We walked down quite a hazardous path to the bottom and it was amazing. James, who lives in the desert region of Samburu, was absolutely gobsmacked, just like us when we saw the lions, he just couldn't believe his eyes and was all for going into the pool til he discovered how cold it was.

We carried on and saw a couple of Bush Buck, the animals were a lot more skittish than at the other places we'd been. We then stopped at Queen's Cave and Maguru Waterfall, another dodgy climb down to another stunning sight, there is a cave hollowed out behind the waterfall. As we left there we spotted some elephants on the opposite hill side, quite a way away, they had exceptionally long tusks.

Karuru Waterfall was the next stop, we didn't climb far down but looked from the top where we could see another fall as well which we then went to that viewing platform and looked over to the fall and down into the valley, another amazing sight.

As we carried on going down the other side the terrane changed again, we saw Busg Buck, Impala, Zebra, Suni and Warthog.  

Coming out of the park at around 5pm a short stretch of the road was lined with Cala Lilies, the area had lots of small plots being farmed with maize, greens etc. This road was atrocious, by far the worst one we'd been on, we were shaken about all over the place. We then drove on a main road with very heavy traffic for a blessedly short while, the driving was insane.

We arrived at last at the Rift Valley Lodge, another Heritage Hotel. We booked in and James went to sort out his accomodation with the staff. The lodge was right on the top of the ridge looking out over the Great Rift Valley, a very nice room which was roomier than Samburu with a sitting area and fireplace and Windows all round taking in the view, there was a balcony as well. We had been told that Daniel was giving a talk on birds so after a short rest went to find him. He wasn't about but James went to look and he eventually turned up and set up his equipment and put his talk on just for us! It was very interesting. We then had our meal, buffet style and very nice, shame we couldn't try more things but there was so much variety.

Mon 25th

Up early, a lovely buffet style breakfast, again too much to try. We saw a bird come to the next table and drink out of a juice glass. We met James and were away by about 08.40.  We drove to Lake Naivasha, we drove through the town of Naivasha which seems a bit more Westernised than others with a shopping mall having been built and more building going on with 3 or 4 stories.

At the lake Bry booked us a boat trip and of we went. This was another magical experience on this huge lake that is fresh water and 1890 m above sea level. The driver was very interesting and showed us  a large colony of White Fronted Cormorants, they were so busy nesting and feeding young, flying in and out all the time making a dreadful racket. We saw a Water Buck and Maribou Stork then he took us to the Hippos which were fantastic, a large group with youngsters, then he took us to see the bachelor who lunged at us and we made a quick get away. 

 We watched a Pied Kingfisher hovering and diving then saw quite a few pairs of Fish Eagles, the driver threw a fish and one of the Eagles flew down and grabbed it out of the water, very impressive.  He then drove us to Crescent Island where there were lots of grazing animals, Zebra, Wildebeast, Impala etc. He told us that "Out of Africa" and " Born Free" had been filmed on the island, the animals had been taken there for filming and after they had finished the predators, lions etc, had been relocated and now they just populated the island in peace, it was a lovely scenic area. We went to the end of the island and saw a big Water Buck, Pelican and Stork Spoon Bills. Another new experience for James who was thrilled again.

After the lake back through the Aberdares, facing the awful road again.

We saw Sykes Monkeys, Bush Buck then four armed men, they stopped us and I was a bit worried, one of them seemed to be fingering his gun! James and Bry spoke to them and they let us carry on, seemed to wanted us to look for their colleagues and tell them where they were, they were rangers not army as I'd thought.

As we made our way through the the park we saw Suni and Bush Buck and Crested Mouse Bird, some Sykes Monkeys a couple of Baboons then a tree full of Colobus Monkeys. We came upon a small herd of Water Buffalo three of them were wallowing, the others lying round or grazing. Then as we went on a small bridge for a better look a couple of Coypu appeared eating then swimming off.

Another long drive back and called at Kongonis for a meal before going home for an early night.

Tue 26th

Bry had to go to work, we got up, had breakfast and said goodbye to James who had thoroughly enjoyed his trips with us.

We sat outside for most of the day, mostly in the shade as it was very hot. In the evening we went for a meal at Soames restaurant.

We'd 27th

Bry had to go to work again, I got packed and booked in and we sat outside. Bry came home lunchtime to take us to a souvenir shop and while we were out we had lunch. We had an early night and got up at 02.30 to go to the airport.

Thurs 28th

Got to the airport in good time and flight was on time, we got to Heathrow early but had to wait for a landing slot. Taxi waiting and  were home by 8pm.

We had a fantastic holiday, Bry had so much organised for us and we saw so many animals it was amazing. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenya is very different to our eyes, main impression is of dusty roads with people walking everywhere wearing bright colours, women with loads on their heads and babies strapped to their backs with shawls.. Each village seems to have groups of men on boda boda which is what they call motorbikes, they have sheds to congregate in, most bikes are very overloaded with anything up to 4 people riding them or heavily laden with anything from hay, firewood, water containers etc, we even saw a goat being carried on one. Even push bikes are heavily loaded.

The roads were unbelievable, a lot of unpaved ones which are like a ploughed field, the tarmacked ones have speed bumps of gigantic proportions at regular intervals.

Being n the equator the days and nights are the same length, so it's light around 6am and dark 6 pm.

On the Aberdares I was surprised to see daisies growing and quite a few recognisable wild flowers, also many I didn't know.

2017 May Cornwall

Cornwall May 2017

Thurs May 4th

We set off at 0805, it was warm and dry. An easy journey with not to many hold ups.

We arrived at The Meadows camp site at 2pm.  We had a warm welcome from the owners. We got the awning up in about an hour and a half. It was hot and sunny. We drove the the Polgooth pub for a meal and when we got back sat outside with a drink for a while, it was still nice and warm, before an early night.

Fri May5th

The sun didn't last, it was cool and windy this morning.

We decided to walk to Mevagissy, it was very cool and blustery and further than we though, 6 1/2 miles there and back.  The route took us through a wood, up a steep hill, there were lots of specimen trees, monkey puzzle, Palm etc as it must have been part of an old estate.  We carried on under the road through a tunnel and cried on climbing, we then went down the hill meeting a land rover mending electric wires.  There were lots of wild flowers in the hedge banks, bluebells, campion, stitch wort, gorse, broom, Hawthorne blossom, one campion we saw had flowers of two different colours, very unusual. We eventually reached Mevagissy and when we got to the harbour the wind nearly took us off our feet, waves were pounding on the harbour wall and being flung over it. We found a chip shop that we could take the dog in and had lovely cod and chips.

We set off on the return journey, almost giving in and taking the bus. Rich had bought some walking poles which he found most useful, my foot was very painful but for some reason got a bit better and allowed me to walk okay. The sun came out and it got quite warm for a while.

Back to site we sat in the awning where it was nice and warm.

A group of youngsters had turned up on the next pitch.o

Sat May 6th

It started to rain in the night and rained on and off all day. We stayed in except for a short walk and a quick trip to Asda for. some lard.

Sun May 7th

A better morning but chilly and overcast. We walked along the river and through the woods to Pentewan, just under 3 1/2 miles there and back.

We had a drink and snack at a café and the sun had come out so it was nice enough to sit outside. Lots of people about also lots of dogs, Crackers was quite well behaved. Sat in the sun for a while in the evening as it was very calm and warm.

Mon May 8th

A cool, clear morning. We drove to Newquay but didn't have change for car park so we went on to Perranporth, I thought we'd been there before but realised we hadn't, it was familiar because of the TV programme about lifeguards.  We called at Co-Op for some change then walked through the small town and on to the vast beach. We got fish and chips to eat in the car as dogs not allowed in café.  Called at Aldi then back to site for a nice sit in the sun.

As evening comes on all the tent campers sit outside with fire pits, the site loans/rents them and sells wood, there is a lovely smell of woodsmoke in the evening air.

Tue May 9th

Quite overcast and cool this morning.  We drove down to Penzance and visited the  Geevor tin mine. This was very interesting, we had a guided tour with a lot of information, I didn't realise quite how much there was to tin mining, lots of processes separating the various minerals and qualities of tin out, it closed in 1985 and our guide was an ex miner. The mine was in the area that our ancestors lived.

While we were on the tour it became quite sunny.

We drove to Portleven and had a snack and a walk round the harbour, a very pretty place.

We'd May 10th

Another lovely sunny day. Rich dropped me in St Austell and I found a couple of fabric shops, got a few bits.

Quiet afternoon enjoying the sunshine.

Thurs May 11th

Some rain overnight and an overcast morning. We drove to Mevagissy meaning to get the ferry to Fowey but it wasn't running.

We drove around for a while looking for Carnmogas and ended up in St Ewe and had a meal in the pub which was very nice.

Still damp and drizzly so a quiet afternoon, short walk in the woods.  

Fri May 12th

Rain overnight and overcast. We decided to go to the Eden Project as it was under cover.

Very shocked by the price £27.50 with no concessions.

It was very interesting a bit more in the rainforest, there was a rope walk and viewing platform right at the top, I went but Rich didn't. The outside gardens were very bare, quite disappointing. It started to rain quite heavily as we left and rained for the res of the afternoon. We took the dog a walk when it eased a bit.

Sat May 13th

Bright and sunny this morning but breezy with some cloud.

We drove to Cornish Market World which we remembered from years ago, it was undergoing a big refurbishment.

We went to Charlestown but didn't park as it was expensive, drove on up narrow lanes to Porthpean.  We parked and walked down to the small beach, dogs weren't allowed on but we had a short walk along part of the coastal trail.

It was a sunny afternoon but too breezy to sit out, rain in the evening.

Sun May 14th

Overcast and raining in the morning. Quick trip to Aldi.

I made soup from veg. we'd got left.

The afternoon was sunny but breezy we sat out for most of it. Took a walk along the river.

Mon May 15th

Rain overnight and this morning.

I went to Asda and Rich went to caravan place and picked me up. We then drove to Fowey, it was raining most of the time with quite a heavy mist.

We parked and got a bus into the town, the car park was high up above the town,  there were very narrow hilly streets. An interesting town but to chilly to linger for long. We found a dog friendly café but the food was not very good, cold toasted sandwiches, cheese unmelted, I couldn’t finish mine.

Back to site, it rained for most of the afternoon.

Tue May 16th

Rained again overnight and damp and misty this morning.

We went to The Crown at St Ewe for lunch, otherwise stayed in out of the weather

Wed May 16th

Rain overnight and raining this morning.

We had to get the awning down very wet. After we'd finished packing up we went to The Crown at St Ewe for another lovely lunch, then a lazy afternoon and an early night.  Around 6pm the sun came out and it was a lovely evening

Thurs May 18th

A lovely, sunny morning.  We got away by 0850, and had an uneventful journey arriving home at about 2.30.

256 miles

 

The Meadows is a lovely site, with a wild flower meadow where people with tents can camp, wheelbarrows are provided for tenters to carry their gear across to their tents. and plenty of sizeable pitches. Wifi available by the office, sometimes in the van but very weak.   The facilities are good, the showers are small bathrooms and the water scalding hot.

Spain 2017

Tue Jan 10th

We were a bit behind with packing the van as I had been poorly for a couple of days, a really nasty chesty cold, but we were more or less ready to go when Rich was checking the lights and the indicator wouldn't work. He tried new bulbs but that didn't help so we had to call Ash to have a look at it, he had to empty all the packing that we had done under the seats and still couldn't find the problem, he realised it must be in the car so they had to unpack all the car as well, it's lucky it was dry.

We finally got away about 3pm, an uneventful journey arriving in Portsmouth about7.

We boarded about 10 and sailed on time at 10.45. We got a meal then went to our cabin and straight to bed.

Wed 11th

Woken about 4.30 so got up and went for a bit of breakfast. I slept better than the last few nights and felt a bit better, still coughing  a lot though.

It was pitch black when we drove off and the first thing we looked for was fuel, we stopped to let Crackers stretch her legs then filled up then carried on. It was dark and raining and the traffic heading into Caen was very heavy, not pleasant driving. As daylight came it got a bit easier, we pulled over to have a hot drink and some breakfast then carried on. It drizzled most of the day once or twice the sun thought about coming through but never quite made it, we got past Le Mans and Tours with no trouble.

We arrived at the site,Le Futureiste, near Poitiers at 2pm. Managed to pitch without unhitching, set up  , got tea and an early night, it had stopped raining. Although I was feeling better Rich was starting with a sore throat. It has been around 10c.

Miles travelled 229

Fuel €80

Thurs 12th

Not a very good nights sleep and up early in pitch dark, we had breakfast and set off at 0800, it quickly got light and although very misty it was not raining. We stopped for fuel and then a sandwich, not a bad trip, it brightened up briefly but then we had some drizzly rain. We arrived at the site In Toulouse, La Rupe, at 3pm, managed to park without unhitching, had tea and an early night. It has been 13c I was still feeling quite rough and dozed quite a bit of the journey. Rich didn't seem to be developing a cold yet.

Miles travelled 263

Fuel €81

Site fees €17.50


Fri 13th

A slightly better night's sleep with some rain overnight. A brighter morning, high clouds and a bit of blue, not the uniform grey, low clouds of the last two days.

We set off at 08.45 and it was very slow getting through Toulouse. A bit further down there was a road closure which we had to circumnavigate. Gertie took us on a " short cut" along back roads which was very slow and winding. It was the shortest run today but was very slow going. There was bright sunshine but a very cold wind.

When we arrived at the site at Capmany it was bitterly cold and we had a few nasty showers, we had trouble with the electric tripping. The shower block was not very nice and bitterly cold. We just tried to keep warm for the rest of the day.

Miles travelled 161

Fuel € 75


Sat 14th

Slept a bit better, the van heating on low kept us warm enough. We woke to bright skies and very cold winds. The electric tripped first thing again.

I made some soup and then we walked into the town, quite a curious place, everyone friendly though. We sat and had a hot drink and got a baguette, it was bright and sunny but there was a very cold wind, we were glad to get back and eat our soup. A quiet afternoon, electric went of a couple of times. Tea and an early night.


Sun 15th

A very windy night, up and away by 0810. A relatively easy trip, good road and little traffic, the last section was quite hard going very winding. Once we'd got a bit further south it was very sunny and hot in the car.

Arrived at Alegria del Mar at 2pm

We were greeted by Lisa who said that we don't have to change pitch for the last few days as they've had a cancellation which is quite nice news.

Had a meal in café and early night.

Mon 16th

A bright, sunny but breezy morning. Rich set up the awning while I had a sort out inside. A quiet afternoon as I felt quite rough still. Watched a film in the evening.

Tue 17^th

A good night's sleep again and felt a bit better.

We drove to Aldi and Chinese shop to get a few things but otherwise had a very quiet day, sunny and warm but breezy.

Wed 18^th

Another good night and woke feeling better again, very cold this morning but still clear blue sky.

I prepared a slow cooker meal and we walked almost into town, the wind was bitterly cold. The beach which last year had been all pebbles was sandy and the surf was very strong.

It was quite pleasant sitting in the awning in the afternoon for a while.

Thurs 19^th

My 75^th birthday!

Overcast and cold this morning, bitter wind.

We drove to Alcossebre to the Chinese Restaurant and had a very nice meal, we were the only customers.

Whilst we were in the restaurant it started to rain. We drove back in the rain and then it got heavier and didn’t stop for the rest of the day.

Feeling a lot better but still coughing a bit.

Another very stormy night heavy surf pounding. When Rich took Crackers out he said the sea had been higher than ever and he'd seen a car stuck on the corner which he was helping to move when the police turned up so he left them to it.

Had a quiet morning and after lunch walked along the coast, the police had got tape across stopping cars and there was a digger there doing some clearing up. The whole road was littered with debris, whole trees, sand pebbles, some sleepers out of a wall had been tossed around and solid concrete benches thrown across the road. The waves were still coming up over the road with great ferocity. We walked as far as the ramble which was full of water with cormorants and gulls sitting on it.

Late afternoon the sun came out very briefly.

After tea we went to the bar for an hour or so, Harry wanted to let them know his electric problem was sorted, the socket had been reverse polarity,

Mon23rd

A quieter night, still a lot of rain but hear the surf pounding. It was a bit brighter and the clouds were starting to break up when we got up.

David and Rachel came over to visit Harry & Loraine, we all went to the cafe for lunch then walked along the front. There had been quite a bit of clearing up done with piles of sand and gravel pushed back onto the beach and the benches all righted, it was still an awful mess though. The water in the rambla had gone down and we were able to walk across.

A quiet afternoon, I had an ocular migraine, so just sat quietly.

Harry & Loraine came round for a game of cards.

Tue 24^th

More rain again overnight but clouds breaking up in the morning. We did our washing and the machine was playing up, the spin dryer didn’t want to work but we managed, did a bit of washing for Loraine as well. There was a very cold wind but it was quite sunny. The washing dried quite well.

Popped to Aldi for some bread and the Chinese then a quiet afternoon.

We did tea for Harry & Loraine then had a game of cards.

Wed 25^th

Another bright but chilly day. We went into Benicarlo and had a look round the market, got a bit of food. In the afternoon Loraine and I did a bit of sewing and after tea we went to theirs for a game of triominoes. It had been warm out of the wind but cold otherwise.

Thurs 26^th

Another bright,chilly morning. Had a quiet day on site, sat in sun a bit and did a bit of sewing. Told reception wifi wasn’t very good and they reset it for me. Clouded over in the evening. Cards before bed.

Fri 27th

More rain overnight and an overcast morning, sunny and quite qarm in the afternoon.

Quiet day on site did a bit of sewing, and had a game in the evening.

Sat 28^th

Rain again and thunder and lightening over night but dry in the morning. Sunny and breezy most of the day. Another quiet day on site, cards in evening.

Sun 29^th

Cold and overcast this morning, we went to the supermarket but they were all shut. We carried on to Vinaros and had a drive round, on the way back we stopped at a small beach and let Crackers have a run, there was a chap trying to surf he left a little dog running round on the beach.

We went back to the van for a drink then drove into Benicarlo, there was an artichoke festival going on. It was very interesting, stalls selling all sorts of food all including artichoke, there were some very colourful and imaginative displays. We found out that you bought a plate and a ticket and then could purchase which food and drink you liked, we tried a few different things. While we were standing eating in the street the sun was really hot.

Back to the van for a quiet afternoon sewing. It was warm enough to sit out for a while.

 

Sun 29^th

coming back to harbour at Benicarlo.Cold and overcast this morning, we went to the supermarket but they were all shut. We carried on to Vinaros and had a drive round, one,.the way back we stopped at a small beach and let Crackers have a run, there was a chap trying to surf he left a little dog running round on the beach.

We went back to the van for a drink then drove into Benicarlo, there was an artichoke festival going on. It was very interesting, stalls selling all sorts of food all including artichoke, there were some very colourful and imaginative displays. We found out that you bought a plate and a ticket and then could purchase which food and drink you liked, we tried a few different things. While we were standing eatng in the street the sun was really hot.

Back to the van for a quiet afternoon sewing. It was warm enough to sit out for a while.

Mon 30^th

Overcast this morning Harry & Loraine went to Tropicana to see David & Rachel.

We went to Aldi for a few things.

At lunchtime we went to the cafe for lunch and they were barbecuing calcots, large spring onions that are burned on the barbecue, very tasty.

Sat out a bit in the afternoon then took the dog a walk. We saw at least a dozen fishing boats heading into harbour.

Tue 31^st

A very heavy,wet mist this morning which took a long time to clear, it was quite mild though.

Went to shops with H & L then after lunch did some sewing. The sun broke through at tea time. Cards before bed.

Wed Feb 1^st

Overcast this morning. We went into town to the market and had a bit of a wander round.

Back to site and after lunch we sewed and th rmrn walked the dog.

It was quite a sunny afternoon but still the cool breeze.

A game before bed.

Thurs Feb 2^nd

A bit misty and damp this morning but quite mild. It rained for a couple of hours midday but was not cold a quiet day I did some embroidery.

David & Rachel came and we had lunch in the cafe with them.

The rain cleared late afternoon so Rich & I had a walk on the beach. Game of cards before bed.

Fri Feb 3^rd

Quite a cloudy morning. We did some washing and I cleaned the van. A very strong wind came up and dried the sheets very quickly.

After lunch we did a bit of shopping and took the dog for a walk. The afternoon was quite sunny and a bit warmer. Game before bed.

Sat Feb 4^th

it was a bit warmer and sunny today. Harry & Loraine went shopping in the morning and we sat outside in the sun. Walked on the beach in the afternoon. Cards before bed.

Sun Feb 5^th

Thought it was going to be nice again but had quite a heavy squall, stayed in and sewed. The afternoon was bright and sunny but very strong winds, awnings taking a hammering. Walk on the beach after lunch.

Harry cooked tea for us which was very nice.

Mon Feb 6^th

What a night!!! hardly any sleep, very strong winds all night,reports varied between 20 and 50 mph, the van was rocking and the awning flapping all night, we were worried we may lose it, one couple on site did. We were having a cup of tea at 0530, I read until daylight.

Went to Lidl for some shopping then a quiet afternoon, it was hot enough to sit in sun for a while.

Rich and I went for a meal in the café then an early night, it was quite blowey again and we hope for a quieter night.

Tue Feb 7^th

A mild morning, lovely sunrise. We had a drive out, we called at Les Cases d',Alcanar, a very pretty fishing port with lovely whitewashed houses and palm lined promenade. We had a drink and a walk around then drove on to the Delta De L'Ebra. A very flat area of reclaimed land with dykes and sluices controlling the water. We went there last year and watched tractors working and kicking up clouds of dust, today the fields had not been worked and were either very muddy or standing in water. We are a month earlier than last year and it has been very wet, we’ve heard that supermarkets at home are rationing lettuce because of Spain's poor harvest and we can quite see why. We stopped at various pools and lakes and there were thousands of birds. We saw Heron, in their dozens, Egrets, Cormorants, Plover, Gulls, Flamingos and Storks, hundreds and hundreds of them, it was amazing to see. There were some small thatched cottages along the dyke edges called Barracas

 

We stopped by the sea where there was miles of sand and let the dog have a good run. It was a beautiful, hot sunny morning.

In the afternoon we sat in the sun for a while. Harry decided to take his awning down as more wind is forecast and he didn't want another worrying night, a couple of other people did the same.

Wed Feb 8^th

The wind got very fierce in the night again and was blowing very strong when we got up, Rich decided it would be best to take our awning down as there were more very strong winds forecast – gusts of up to 50mph. We got it down without too much trouble, a couple of neighbours came to help and held it down while Rich finished.

We went to the Chinese shop to get a new kettle as ours wasn't working.

At lunch time we went to the café for paella and sangria and a flamenco show, it was very good, I didn’t have paella. The wind was still very strong and the canvas sides and roof of the café were billowing noisily all the time.

A quite afternoon then a game of cards before bed. The wind hadn’t stopped all day.

Thurs Feb 9^th

A calm clear morning, the wind dropped sometime in the night thank goodness.

We drove to Benicassim, it was a lovely drive, the countryside was quite green and the almond blossom was coming out, so pretty in various shade of pink.

We went to the market in Benicassim which was very quite, a lot less stalls and none of the crowds there used to be at the markets.

We then went to Bonterra Park and had fish and chips in their restaurant and a look around the site.

We carried on to Alcossebre and found the cafe we used to go to , San Antonio, open again so we called for a coffee, it was different people running it and it seemd to have been tidied up a bit and more work going on.

Called at Tropicana for the supermarket which was closed so back to site.

It had been a lovely, sunny day, with just a coolish breeze.

Game before bed.

Fri Feb 10^th

Overcast and chilly this morning. We went to Vinaros to find a patchwork shop I'd found online. We had trouble driving round the one way system but eventually managd to park and found it in the old town, it was shut down! Went into art shop next door and they told us where another one was. We had a drink in a square by the market, it was quite sunny. Loraine and I went to find shop whilst the men had a look in the market. When we found the shop it was great, loads of fabric and embroidery thread, I managed to get a couple of colours almost a match for ones I'm running out of. Called at supermarket.

After lunch the men put up the awnings again.

Sat Feb 11^th

Richie's birthday. Overcast and cool.

We drove to Alcossebre and called at the supermarket on Tropicana for a few things. Then we went to the Chinese restaurant, we had a lovely meal, the service was a bit slow at the end as they got very busy. The waitress had a nasty black eye, last year when we were there she was very bruised, wonder what's going on?

Quiet afternoon reading and dozing, then a game of cards before bed.

Sun Feb 12^th

Very overcast and quite damp first thing. We did some washing which dried okay, the sun came out for a while and there was a breeze. Harry and I tried a bit of painting, Rich went on beach with metal detector but Crackers didn't like it! Game before bed.

Mon Feb 13^th

More rain overnight and in the morning all the vehicles were covered with sandy streaks.

Stayed in all morning but around midday the sun came out and it was quite hot for a while, everyone was out washing their units. We all went for a walk on the beach but it had clouded over again and it was quite windy, the sea was very grey and angry with heavy surf rolling in.

We sewed in the afternoon and the men had a game of boules.

Cards before bed, raining again but not cold.

Tue Feb 14^th

We went to Benicarlo to see if Harry could get his warfarin test at a pharmacy, he could but at a cost of €200, he was given the address of a clinic to try.

We went on to Peniscola, it was hard going for Harry and Loraine as it is so hilly but we managed to walk around a bit, we found the café\brewery we'd been to last year but it was closed. We looked for a café but everywhere was closed, there was a lot of work going on in a lot of the shops and cafés, getting ready for the season. It had been nice and sunny but as we approached Peniscola a heavy mist descended and it cooled off.

We found a café by the port and sat outside where it was sunny. As we sat there a couple of trawlers came in, one towing the other, they tied up right in front of where we were sitting. 

 We had a meal then back to the car and drove to St Margarita Del Pulpis, a small town Harry fancied looking at, we drove through it following a sign for a castle but the road petered out, we were driving past abandoned terraces with ancient carob trees planted, we saw some miniature daffodils, really tiny, growing wild. We drove a bit out the other side of the town through more almond and carob trees then went back to look at the church, this was huge and impressive but not pretty. There was a café\bar in the square and we went in for a drink, there ware about a dozen men playing cards, very noisily.

 

Back to site and a quiet afternoon and evening.

Wed 15^th Feb

Harry took Loraine and I into Benicarlo, he was looking for a clinic but couldn’t find it. He dropped us in town and we found a hairdressers where I got a hair cut, by a chap who looked more like a labourer than a hairdresser but it was a good cut anyway.

We had a walk round and went to the Post Office and a café then met Harry again. He had managed to get his test done and the results were not very good.

Quiet afternoon, we had a drink in the barf and a walk round the site. It had been an overcast day but quite warm. In the evening Rich and I had a meal at the bar.

Thurs 16^th Feb.

Harry took Loraine and I into Vinaros as we wanted to go to the material shop again, managed to get some fabric and threads. As we drove in we saw the local prostitute being spoken to by the police but when we drove back she was still there.

Back on site Rich had gone for a walk so I thought id go and see if I could find him, I walked to the outskirts of town and didn't see him so came back, he wasn't far behind me, said he'd seen me but too far behind to shout. It was lovely and sunny so sat in the sun for a while. It was cool and damp early and late. Game before bed.

Fri 17^th Feb.

We had a drive out to see the airport that had been built but we thought wasn’t used but there was obviously some traffic as there were cars parked and it seemed to be open, there was a very weird statue on the approach road.

We carried on and stopped in a small town, La Pobla Tornesa, and had a drink at a roadside café sitting by the weirdest, ugliest tree with horrible gnarled roots about 4 ft above ground, while we were sitting in it's shade a bird pooped on me!. We carried on to Vilafame a hilltop, walled, medieval town, it was an amazing place, narrow cobbled streets with very steep gradients, we managed to squeeze our way into a small square and out the other side but it was very difficult to find anywhere to stop so we took a few photos and left.

                                                  This is the street we drove down

We came back by a different route through miles and miles of countryside covered in almond trees in full blossom, there were lots of olive trees as well, it seemed to us to be a more cultivated and prosperous area, everything seemed tidier and the houses less decrepit. We passed through a few small towns which also looked neater.  We stopped at one, Mas de Barberanians, for a while where there was a huge rock suspended on the hillside, 22million years old.

It was a lovely sunny day so we sat in the sun in the afternoon and had a meal at the bar in the evening.

Sat 18^th Feb.

A bright, clear morning with a very heavy dew, everything in the awning was damp.

We went to Carrefour and Chinese shop then did some washing.

In the afternoon sat in the sun for a while then men went for a walk while we sewed.

It had been a lovely, warm, sunny day with just a bit of breeze.

Game of cards before bed.

Sun 19^th Feb.

A damp, cool morning which soon warmed up and became nice and sunny.

A quiet morning on site and after lunch we drove to the harbour area and had a wander round then onto a promenade at the end of the town. Sat outside when we got back, the sun was lovely.

Harry was very upset by some building work behind his pitch, it had been going on for about ten days at all hours, early mornings and late evenings, there was hammering, sawing, grinding, welding and demolishing, also large lorries and cranes it was very very noisy and dusty, he and his neighbour went to office to complain.

Game before bed.

Mon 20^th Feb.

A very cool but bright morning. We decided to have a drive and look for tapas in some local bar. We ended up in a place called Els Valentins, a very small town with a bar along the main road, when we went in we were surprised to find it quite large and set out with nice tables and chairs. We ordered from the counter, just pointing at things, when it came it was very interesting, one dish appeared to be tripe in a sauce the other octopus, there were small fish, olives, meat balls and lovely bread. We all enjoyed it. We carried on and went through a place called La Senia which seemed to have at least a dozen furniture factories/showrooms, some were deserted. We went up into the hills and came across a gorge, there were towering cliffs above but the valley was very green, we stopped by a restaurant and it was situated by a beautiful pool and river flowing down the gorge. We carried on and at the top of the winding road there was a dam with a large reservoir, the view was stunning, helped by the glorious sunshine. On the way back down we saw an ibex on the road, it climbed up a steep wall into the trees.

Back to site a sat in the sun for a while and a short walk on the beach. Game before bed.

Tue 21^st Feb.

Harry took Loraine and I into Vinaros to the patchwork shop where we got some fabric. Sat in the sun for a while then the men played boules and we cut out some patches. It was a lovely, sunny day. Game before bed.

Wed 22^rd Feb.

Another cold night and sunny morning but a bit more overcast.

We went into Peniscola and had a look round another camp site then went to find the local brewery where we got some beer.

Back to site for paella and flamenco dancing which was very good. Cuppa and natter in the afternoon and a quiet evening.

Thurs 23^th Feb.

Overcast this morning and it didn't clear all day although some hazy sun came through for a while in the afternoon and it was quite warm.

We drove into town and had a look round a couple of shops and Lidl while Rich took Crackers on the beach, I bought a set of plastic drawers and when I got them home they were broken!

In the afternoon the men played boules and we sewed. Cards before bed.

Fri 24^th Feb'

Rained most of the night and a very wet morning. We stayed in but after lunch it cleared up so we went for a drive round. At one point we came across a police check and they pulled us in, 6 police wearing sun machine guns, a bit worrying! They pointed out that Harry was not wearing his seat belt and said it was €100 fine but waved us on our way, obviously looking for more important criminals, Harry had taken his coat off and must have forgotten to put his belt back on. We saw another couple of police cars at the next roundabout.

We drove through miles of very tidy olive groves and at one point went down a small track into a valley with just a few houses and terraced fields.
 

We ended up in a small hillside town with very narrow streets but couldn’t find a café so carried on back to site. As we drove back through La Senia we saw great flocks of starlings swooping round. We did a bit of sewing before tea then had a game before bed.

Sat 25^th Feb.

Lovely sunny morning so did some washing. In the afternoon Rich and I walked to the first bar in town had a drink and walked back. A bit of sewing then cards before bed.

Sun 26^th

Another bright, sunny day. In the morning we all went a walk along the beach. Rich and I had Sunday lunch at the bar, which was very nice, and a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Mon 27^{th Feb}

Harry and Loraine went shopping, we stayed and had a lazy morning. In the afternoon men played boules and we sewed, game before bed. A lovely hot day.
The building work started again.

Tue 28^th Feb.

Quite overcast today. We went into Vinaros, I got a couple more embroidery threads for the kit I'm doing which keeps running out of colours.

We went on to Els Valentins to the bar L'Angel and had tapas again.

The men walked Crackers and we did some more sewing. Game before bed.

Wed 1^st March

A lovely, sunny day. We did some shopping at Lidl then Rich and I went for a meal at the bar, paella and sangria day, there was entertainment, a blues singer that we didn't reckon much to. We sent to the harbour to watch the fishing fleet come in then had a quiet evening.

Thurs 2nd March

A lovely sunny day, we drove to Les Cases D'Alcanar, we had a look at a camp site there which seemed quite nice, right by the beach but the pitches were very small and tight. We had a walk round the town and a drink at a café then drove on to the delta. It was a lot drier than last time we went and one or two fields had been worked, though many were just dried, cracked mud still. We did not see as many birds though we did see quite a lot of herons and egrets along the ditches, also a couple of large birds of prey.

We found a café and had some tapas which was very nice. Back to the van and a quiet afternoon in the sun. Game before bed.

Fri 3^rd March

Overcast this morning and quite chilly. We went to Peniscola, had a look round and a drink then back to site. The men walked the dog while we did a bit of sewing. It remained overcast all day and was quite chilly at times.

Cards before bed.

Sat 4th March

A very disturbed night with an horrendous thunder storm almost over head, it rumbled round for ages, Crackers ended up on my bed.

It turned out to be a very sunny day and we did some washing and had a quiet day on site, did a bit of sunbathing, men played boules while we chatted for a while.

Cards before bed.

Sun 5^th March

Another disturbed night, this time it was some awful “music” that went on until about 5am. Seemed to be coming from the beach.

It was a bit overcast, Rich helped Harry take his awning down. It turned nice and sunny so sat in the sun sewing for a while.

After lunch we went to the bar with Harry & Loraine and their neighbours Harry & Carol, had a drink and a natter, they are Tynesiders and had got on well with Harry & Loraine, they told them that their daughter and grandchildren had been murdered by their son-in-law and he was due out on parole, how do you live with something like that? They had two lovely dogs a huge standard poodle and a cockerpoo, a nice couple.

After tea we went and had a natter with Harry & Loraine, we all needed an early night after two disturbed ones.

Mon 6^th March

We saw Harry & Loraine off to Vilanova and the other Harry was taking Carol to the airport, she had to go home as her brother had died.

We decided to go for a drive. We went to Fredes which was 3900 ft above sea level, we drove past the reservoir we'd been to before and just before we got there we saw at least a dozen huge birds, we stopped to look with binoculars and identified them as griffin vultures. We carried on up an increasingly steep and winding road around the mountain, very hairy but spectacular views passing a monastery on one inaccessible peak. The road was so twisting we couldn’t believe that there could be a town up there. 

3900 ft high

 When we finally got there it was not so much a town as a cluster of houses round an ancient church, there was a taverna but it was closed. 

 

 

We went to Restaurant Europa which was just outside the town and had menu of the day, we had beef ribs which were nothing like we'd seen before and very tough, Rich enjoyed his soup though which was full of bones and stuff! Back down the same winding road, we saw trees full of caterpillar nests and lots of them on the ground processing or squashed.

Back on site it was very hot with a hot wind.

Tue 7^th March

A very hot day, after lunch we walked into town along the lanes and stopped for a drink by the harbour. We were given free tapas, croquettes and patatas bravas which was very nice. Sat in sun for a while before an early night.

Wed 8^th March

Quite windy for a while in the night but a nice morning. Rich found a tic on Crackers so I gent to vets and got her a flea collar.

We drove down to Oroposa del Mar, when we got there we realised we had stayed at a camp site there a few years ago, had a quick look at the beach

then drove to Alcossebre, called at Tropicana shop then went for a meal at the Chinese. A nice trip, a lot of the almond trees wed seen in blossom were now in full leaf, quite a few fields being tended to as well. I saw some clouds with rainbow effect in them as we were driving, very unusual and pretty.

  Quiet afternoon.

Thurs March 9^th

A lovely,hot day. We spent the morning breaking camp and packing everything up. A bit of lunch and a sit in the sun for a while then a last walk along the beach before a shower and meal at the bar.

Fri March 10^th

Finished packing, a bit later than hoped but got away by 0950, a nice farewell from Lisa & Daisy.

We went on the Toll road AP7, so it was an uneventful, smooth journey, the tolls came to €31.9 but we must have saved fuel and time. Arrived at Roses at 2pm. We waited at the supermarket for Harry & Loraine then when they arrived booked in, we were given the same pitch as last year, which we wanted.

We set up our awning which took until about 5.30, it was very hot. We got some tea and an early night. It was cold in the night.

Miles travelled 217

Fuel €42

Sat March 11^th

A cold night but a clear morning that turned very hot.

We went to Lidle for some shopping then sat round for most of the day, just took a short walk onto the front. An early night.

Sun March 12^th

There was a shower overnight and it was very cold, overcast in the morning.

We did some washing and after lunch drove into town to find a clinic for Harry to get his blood test, back to site and a quiet afternoon. The washing dried quite well despite there being little sunshine. Game of cards before bed.

Mon March13th

Not as overcast today but a cold wind. We drove around Empuriabrava looking at all the yachts then found a vet and made an appointment for Crackers for the day we leave. We stopped at a pottery shop as Harry was looking for presents. We carried on and drove to the National Park on the cape, very rough twisting roads, got a bit lost ended up at the sea in a dead end.

It was very interesting, lots of wild flowers out and huge bushes of white heather, beautiful views of the bay. It had been bright and sunny but quite a chilly breeze, especially on the top.

Game before bed.

Tue March 14^th

A lovely sunny day. Rich and I walked to the Chinese shop along the lanes, some flowers but not as many as last year, we are a couple of weeks earlier.

In the afternoon it was very hot, had to sit in the shade as I came out in a very

itchy heat rash, covered in huge spots.

Game of cards before bed.

Wed March 15^th

Quite cold this morning but the sun soon warmed up.

We drove over the Cap de Crues again over twisty mountain roads and went to Port de Selva, we had a walk round, it is a very pretty fishing village. We had tapas at the place we'd eaten at last year, it was okay, not wonderful, not as rustic as we'd had before. We headed back and called at Cadaques, another pretty town with connections to Salvador Dali. Had a drink sitting looking over the bay then back to site for a quiet late afternoon and evening.

Thurs March 16^th

Cold first thing but soon got hot. We went to Lidl for some shopping and after lunch Rich and I went to fill up with fuel and get a couple of things from Aldi. We all walked to the front and sat for a while in the sun watching a man sail boarding, he was going back and forward for ages. As we walked back Rich and Loraine stopped to watch some builders and I was cold so walked on Harry caught me up and we went to the local bar thinking the others would catch up, they did eventually and we all had a drink I had gone very cold as there was a breeze and we were out of the sun. Back to van for a warm up and tea. Game before bed.

Fri March 17^th

another very cold morning but again warmed up pretty soon. We drove to Sant Pere Pescador and looked at a couple of caravan sites, L'Amfora and Aquarius. We took a walk on the beach and Crackers was really silly chasing sticks and diving head first into the sand for them, she ended up with mouth, eyes and beard full of sand.  We had been to L'Amfora before, I think the first time we came out. We had tapas in a bar in Sant Pere Pescador which was very nice. Back for a quiet afternoon, cards before bed.

Sat March 18^th

Chilly again this morning. We did some washing in the morning than after lunch drove a few streets away and then walked along the front for a while, we were disappointed to find that the restaurant we'd used last year was closed, in fact very little was open but there were a lot of people about.

Quiet afternoon men played boules and we sewed, quite a cool breeze sprang up. The site got very full. Game before bed.

Sun March 19^th

Another chilly morning which soon warmed up.

We went to the market which was huge I got a bag and some scarves. It was very hot. Quiet afternoon, the site is very full.

Crackers has been off colour for a few days so we took her flea collar off, think the pesticides may be affecting her and we weren’t sure she had a tick anyway

Watched a film.

Mon March 20^th

Chilly again this morning but soon warmed up.

Harry took Loraine and I to have a look round the shops, there were not many open. We sat and had a drink and some churros. While we were away Rich took Crackers a long walk. Sat out sewed and nattered in the sun.

A couple across the road had a Norwich terrier and it was interesting to see how like it Crackers is.

Cards before bed.

Tue Mar 21^st

Another chilly morning which turned sunny.

We drove to a town down the coast, L'Escala, where there are some Greek and Roman ruins, Empuries. The site was much larger than wed expected and was quite hilly, Harry and Loraine had to give up half way as it was difficult walking, we quickly did the rest then went to join them. There were some spectacular mosaics on the floors of the houses, they had been covered up for the winter and archeologists were in the process of uncovering them. 

 

 

 We'd called for snacks at supermarket and drove to the coast and sat on a bench eating them, we could see right round the bay to Roses.

We called at Aldi on the way back to site. It clouded over and went really cool with a chilly breeze.

Game before bed.

Wed 22^nd March

Chilly and a bit overcast. Harry took Loraine and I into town, we had a wander round the shops again but they were as disappointing as the other day, very few open and either expensive or geared for youngsters. After lunch Rich and I walked Crackers along the lane, the sun came out and it was nice and hot again but clouds started to build up and it cooled off. I suddenly realised that the car insurance had run out and spent ages trying to ring and renew it, stuck on hold with awful hold music. Eventually got through and renewed it and he reminded me that house insurance was also due so paid that as well. Quiet afternoon sewing and a game before bed.

Thurs 23^rd March

Loraine's birthday, quite a bright morning but clouds rolling in over mountains and a few spots of rain.

We went to the Pot Shop as Harry was looking for something which he didnt find, then onto Chinese shop. Loraine and I both got a top from there. Rich walked Crackers back down the lane and I drove to pick them up.

Mid afternoon we drove into town to find a restaurant for Loraine's birthday meal. The one we chose was very nice and we all enjoyed the food, menu of the day for €12.50. Back on site we had a cuppa and cake with them then a quiet evening.

The weather had been mixed with blue skies one minute but storm clouds the next, quite cool except when in full sun then hot. There was some beautiful wisteria in the public square in town, a lovely sweet scent from it.

Fri 24^th March

Very grey skies this morning and it soon started to rain.

Rich and I went to supermarkets for some groceries and after lunch Loraine came round and the men walked the dog. It didn’t stop raining all day. Game before bed.

Sat 25^th March

There was a thunderstorm in the night which gave us a disturbed night, ended up with the dog on my bed again and reading for quite a while til it calmed down, it was very windy with heavy rain as well.

Grey and overcast this morning but the rain stopped and we had some sunshine. Harry and Loraine packed up their van ready to leave tomorrow. After lunch we had a stroll round the site and went to the bar in the next street for a drink. Cards before bed.

Sun 26^th March

A bright, sunny morning everything dried nicely.

Harry & Loraine got away by about 10.15 and we started to pack up. We were done by about midday and then we pooped to Aldi for a few last minute things and had a quiet afternoon in the sun which was lovely and hot. Walked down the lane before tea tehn an early night.

We enjoyed our time in Roses, the site is good with good amenities, the shower heads could do with changing though as they are all clogged up and spray everywhere.

The site was busier than last year we thought with lots of huge,expensive motorhomes and very few caravans.

Mon 27^th March

Up and away by 0930. I felt very sad to be leaving this time, hope we come again.

We took Crackers o the vet, who thought she was beautiful and left there at 10.20.

A very uneventful journey as we used the toll road, at a cost of €34, it did make the journey les stressful and shorter. It was a nice day, sunny and warm, there were signs of spring everywhere .

we stopped for lunch on a lovely rest stop overlooking the Mediterranean but there were caterpillars under the trees. We saw a bank of snowdrops in France.

We arrived at Le Rupe campsite at 2.15 The site is okay for a night, secure with CCTV, the facilities are clean but mixed sex and there is no soap or toilet paper.

Miles travelled 177

Tolls €34

Site fee €17.60

Tue 28^th March

Quite misty this morning. Up and away by 0845. We decided to take the toll road again as it missed out a lot of small towns and slow roads joining them. The toll road took us over the open countryside and hills of the Lot Valley and Dordogne, there were quite a few bridges over the road designated as wildlife corridors. Rich saw a deer and I saw an eagle. Lots of blossom and flowers in bloom, Broom, Gorse, Forsythia cowslips amongst others.

We arrived at Le Futeriste site near Poitiers, at about 3pm, pitched and sat in the sun for a while, it was lovely and hot. We sat out again after tea talking to a Dutch/Canadian man who Rich had helped move his caravan, then took the dog a walk.

Miles Travelled 255

Tolls €20.30

Site Fee €19.88

Wed 29^th March

Away by 0845, a cold morning, 6c, but sunny.

A very tiring trip because we used the old road it was not dual carriageway for long and lots of roundabouts and small towns to negotiate. We tried to get a direct route but Gertie wouldn’t let us so we set her for half way then changed, she hen proceeded to take us along back roads and short cuts so we got in quite a muddle at one point.

Arrived in Caen at about 3pm, having first been to the site that was closed. Harry & Loraine were already there and we sat in the sun for the rest of the afternoon chatting. Early night.

Miles travelled 237

Fuel €68

Site fees €43.30

Thurs 30^th March

A mild night and morning. Rich and I went to supermarket in Ranville then back for lunch. Harry & Loraine went to look at the military cemetery. It was a lovely day so I decided to walk into the village. I had a mooch round the centre park the war cemetery and the church. Lots of new buildings and very neat and pretty. The cemetery was very sobering, over 2000 graves from the assault on Pegasus bridge. The church showed signs of artillery fire, the inside was quite plain and the graves had huge monuments.

Back to site and a quiet afternoon sitting in the sun sewing, while the men played boules.

Rich and Harry moved the vans and hitched up for an early start tomorrow.

The site was okay in a pleasant rural area with reasonable facilities.

Fri 31^st March

A hot night and mild morning. Up at 05.30 to get to the port. When we booked in we were searched by the police. It seemed a long wait to board. We found somewhere to sit and then realised that we had booked reclining seats but Harry & Loraine had not, we didn’t realise we'd booked the same ferry at first. We had quite a relaxing trip on the whole. Arrived in Portsmouth at 1.15 BST.

A very good trip on the whole,the weather was disappointing in the beginning but did improve and we had a few weeks with some sunshine. It was a bit different in the caravan but nice to have the car as we did quite a few interesting trips.

We stayed at Dibles park for a few days meeting family, unfortunately we were unable to meet Jen as I had a nasty upset stomach and was too ill to go out. As it happened it was a good job as we'd made a mistake with our booking thinking we'd booked four nights but had only booked three so we had to pack up quickly and get on the road. Home by mid afternoon.