Jan 2013 Portugal & Spain

Jan 2013 Portugal & Spain

Mon Jan21st
Fuel £57.40
As the weather had been so bad with more snow forecast we decided it would not be wise to set off at midnight as the estate roads were still covered with snow and it would be too difficult to get out of the drive in the dark. We finished loading and went into town for fresh food and euros then when we got back Rich moved the van down the street , hitched the trailer and loaded the car, I was still getting stuff on board and had to walk down the street with it! When we came to drive away it took a few minutes of slipping and sliding before we managed it. We got as far as the roundabout and Rich realised he'd forgotten Gertie so we had to turn round and go back, I walked as we didn't want to risk getting stuck, once off the estate the roads were ok.
We set off at 2.30and got to Dover at 7.30, the snow got less as we got down country but it also got greyer, there had been a bit of sun in the midlands, the roads were very dirty.
We managed to get on the 8.15sailing, it was very quiet, only half a dozen people in the lounge, we took a snack with us and bought a hot drink.
There was snow on the ground at Calais, we made our way to Auchan and filled up then parked by the supermarket where we spent the night.
Miles travelled 256
Fuel €68

Tue Jan 22nd
We woke very early and were on the road by 0730, it was still dark and very cold, 2c. It was an awful, boring drive, even when it got light the landscape was monochrome with lying snow and bare, black trees it was also foggy and it looked like a dirty blanket hanging over the land.
We arrived at La Maillery sur Seine at 1100, got a hot drink and lunch and then had a rest. Rich has not been feeling too well today. There was a shower of snow with a biting wind so we were better off inside anyway.
Later we walked along the river and into town, we called at the Gendarmerieto ask if we were ok staying on the car park as the Aire was very muddy, they said ok. We had tea and an early night.
Miles travelled 168

Wed Jan 23rd
Quite a good nights sleep felt a bit more human this morning, after we packed up I went to the boulangerie for something for lunch and we set off at 0920, it was quite foggy but a bit milder 4c. We called for fuel then seemed to get a bit lost - navigator error! and also we think Gertie has Altzeimers she doesn't seem to be working at all right. We finally got on the right route and after Alencon there was no more snow on the ground but a lot of standing water in the fields. I had a phone call from Emm worried to death because I hadn't texted her, it had been such a hard, cold couple of days I just didn't think. Although it was still a very winters landscape there was a bit more colour than yesterday, being able to see the fields, the skies were very grey still and the last twenty miles or so it was foggy again, a very long, tiring day.
When we got to the Aire at St Maure de Touraine we found that the showers were not working, shame, but at least we had electric hook up. Rich was mending the jockey wheel and had Crackers out when she saw a cat and took off, luckily the cat got through a fence and she bounced off it! I lit the oven and then noticed an awful smell, I had left Richie's apron in it and it was on fire, the fumes were awful but I managed to throw it out with tongs and throw some water on it, disaster averted but very smelly van, had to leave doors open for a while, not the best of days but at least it was a bit milder 5c.
Miles travelled 241
Fuel €47.50
Site fee €9

Thurs Jan 24th
About 2 degrees this morning and very grey, emptied waste and away by 0850. Lots of road works but not a bad trip, passing Bordeaux the worst part, lots of traffic, the sky brightened and although still grey you could glimpse the sun at times. Saw quite a few buzzards and kestrels. Gertie was useless again but we did discover that the wrong co- ordinate s had been entered so that wouldn't help. Arrived at the Aire behind Super U in Parentis en Born at 2pm and discovered that the water dispenser was not working. We walked into the town, pretty little place but everywhere shut, got a bottle of water from the Super U. Then tea and bed, it was a very cold night.
Miles travelled 240
Fuel €69

Fri Jan 25th
A very cold night with a bright moon, I woke at 6am and it was 0degrees out and 5 in so I put the fire on, the skies were clear but there was fog, the sun was coming through the fog and at times was very bright, it made a beautiful scene with the diffused light on frost whitened trees. We got fuel at the Super U the set off, quite a good journey to start with although there was quite a bit of fog around, but when we got to
Bayonne it was awful, whether Gertie was wrong or the road numbers were we got in a right mess and ended up going through Biarritz and area on all sorts of back roads , the road numbers did not seem to tally at all with our map,it took ages and after a couple of false starts we decided to get on the toll road and to hell with it. All went well for a while then there was an awful noise and the engine started to make whining noises, rich thought it was the turbo gone so decided to carry on quietly and get off the motorway, which was one with flyovers and tunnels, we managed to make it to Haro and the camp site and as I was looking out the insurance details Rich had a look,in the engine and it was a pipe that had come off and he was able to fix it. We booked in to the site and managed to pitch without unhooking the trailer, the site had only opened today which made us have a look at the other ones we're using only to find that Salamanca is not open yet, we managed to find an alternative but will have to see about Merida. Got tea and had a lovely hot shower. It started to rain as we settled down but it was 8degrees so a bit milder. A couple of families seemed to arrive to open up their vans, there was a bit of activity during the evening.
Miles travelled 210
Fuel €52
Toll €11.7
Site fees €16

Sat Jan 26th
Good night's sleep, the first time we'd not been freezing it was 8 degrees, there had been some rain overnight. We set off at 0910 and before long the sun was shining in a clear blue sky. It was a much better trip than yesterday, good roads and almost empty, we made really good time, as we passed the place that we had been stopped by the police last year, just outside Salamanca, they had got someone else pulled over, just beyond Valladolid we were so warm we took our jumpers off, then just before Salamanca we saw the first storks, we also saw quite a few kites and an eagle. We were heading for Salamanca but made such good time that we decided to carry on to Placencia, we arrived at 2.30in bright sun, it was 17degrees, we parked and then sat in the sun for a while, took the dog a short walk then got tea and an early night, we hope to make Albufeira tomorrow.
Miles travelled 297
Fuel €70
Site fees €16

Sun Jan 27th
Up very early and set off at 08.20 just as it was getting light, it was quite a misty morning but the roads were empty. As we approached Merida we decided to go through
Badajoz instead of Seville as we were a bit worried about the toll road which no one seems to know how to pay forint was not a bad road and we went through Elvas where there was a fantastic viaduct. We saw mimosa and almond trees in blossom and lots of cork oaks. We also passed an area where there was marble quarries and cutting yards. We passed through a few areas of fog as well, later we were in olive and vine country, everywhere was very wet with fields full of standing water and rivers flowing, there were a lot of cattle and sheep in fields, also w saw shepherds with flocks on the road verges. Bypassing Evora we went along
cobbled streets, the roads were very mixed some new and good some old and full of pot holes, there were a lot of road works and numerous new bridges under construction with no apparent destination. As we entered the Algarve it started to rain, a light mizzly rain which continued till we got to Albufeira, we arrived at 3pm, which was 2pm Portuguese time, found a pitch and parked the van then took the car to wash it before tea and an early night. The rain did stop and it was quite warm.
Miles travelled 326 Total miles 1738
Fuel €80.50
€77
= €157.50 Total fuel €464
Plus. £57.40

Mon Jan 28th
A lovely, sunny day, we washed and cleaned the van, then pitched and finished setting up, put up the kitchen tent and wind breaks, haven't brought the flooring so it is a bit muddy, will try to get something at Chinese shop. Once work finished we had showers and sat for a while before tea, after tea we took Crackers a short walk outside camp, she has been very good today but was a bit silly on her walk, all strange for her I suppose.

Tue Jan 29th
Another cold night, down to about 4c with a heavy dew, once the sun came up it warmed up.
We drove into town and found that the car park were now charging, we walked aroind and found that the restaurant we liked is still open then went on down to the beach, we let
Crackers off the lead and she was ok until another dog kept pestering her, she warned him nicely but he wouldn't listen, then she spotted a little girl and tried to make a fuss of her but frightened her, her mum was fine about it but we felt awful, there were lots of dogs around, many strays but she was good with them on the whole. We then went to find the hotel that Marg & Bri are coming to, it was a long trek up loads of steps and through lots of back streets but when we got there it was actually quite close to the beach tunnel. We had a drink then set off back, again taking the scenic route and ending up back at the hotel! We passed a little cafe that had specials for €4.90, it looked nice so we decided to stop, it was a very good meal, came to €15.80 with drinks, the waiter was very taken with Crackers, he brought her some water and took photos of her. Unfortunately I had a bit of a tummy upset but we went to Lidl looking for rubber mats for the pitch but there were none, had to rush back to site for loo! We sat in sun for a while then went up to Chinese warehouse, we got a small tarpaulin for the floor of pitch, called for some oranges on way back then sat in sun till it cooled off.

Wed Jan 30th
Cold again overnight and another heavy dew, I felt sick and didn't want any breakfast, just sat quiet for a while until it passed. Had a very quiet day, stayed on site and sat in sun, 17degrees, went up to restaurant and got code for wifi, got on line up there but when we tried to set up the booster in the van couldn't get it to work, very disappointing. Played cards and watched a film.

Thurs Jan 31st
Another chilly night but once the sun came up it was nice again. Spent the morning trying to get the wifi booster to work with no luck, did a bit of cleaning and popped to the Chinese shop for another tarpaulin for the floor, drove into,town to see if we could drive and park nearer to Marg's hotel. Had lunch and sat in sun for a while, nice and hot, then played boules in the afternoon, after tea played cards before bed.

Fri Feb1st
Another really nice day, I went to a card making session in the morning then after lunch we went to the Algarve Shopping centre to the supermarket to stock up on fresh food, had some nice pork chops for tea.
In the evening I went to line dancing, Rich walked me up then went back and watched a film, it was enjoyable and still quite mild when I walked back down at 9.30
.
Sat Feb 2nd
Milder this ,morning, not so much dew 12c but a cool breeze. We did a load of washing and it dried nicely. In the afternoon I took lap top up to terrace to see if I could get wifi but the laptop is not working, it was a bit funny before we left home. It was breezy all day with strong gusts of wind now and again.
In the evening we went to the variety show, various people off the site and the stewards doing turns some very good and funny, it was a good evening, most enjoyable, about 10.30 when it ended, the stars were very bright and it was cold walking down.

Sun Feb 3rd
Another sunny day, the wind had died down but it was a bit cooler than yesterday, we washed sheets and towels. We went to Sunday lunch in the club room, sat with our next door neighbours, Babs & Steve, and the couple from over the road, Sylvia & Mike, good company and a good meal. Did a bit of sewing in the afternoon but to got a bit too col to sit out, took dog a walk then had a bit of tea and watched a film.

Mon Feb 4th
Another cool start to the day but it soon warmed up. We went on the rally walk, it was a couple of hours and there were quite a few people and 4 or5 dogs, Crackers was very good on the whole, just one little snap at another little terrier who lunged at her but we walked with them after and she was fine, walk ended at cafe where we had a drink and toastie. When we got back to van we had message from Marg to say they had arrived so we went to meet them at their hotel, we had a walk round town stopping for lunch in the square, quite a nasty incident with a stray dog coming at Crackers. We came back to the van for a cuppa as Marg & Bri didn't want to do much but it was too early for bed, then we took them back down. We went to the quiz night, sat with Babs & Steve, Sylvia & Mike and Margaret & Brian (another pair) Didn't win but a bit of fun.

Tue Feb 5th
I slept very badly so woke up tired, quite a mild night and morning, 9c. We left Crackers in the van, after Rich had taken her for a run, and picked M & B up at 10.30, we went to the market and had a good wander round it was very warm, the market seemed a bit more organised with tarpaulins over most of the stalls, bought some strawberries and raspberries. We then went on to Aldi and Iceland looking for dog treats, had a coffee then back to pick Crackers up. We drove to Gale where there is a nice, quiet beach and had a good walk along with Crackers enjoying the freedom, this is the area M & B had stayed in June. We had a drink at the cafe and back to van where wee left Crackers and went into town for a meal, went to O Veliera where we'd been before, it was very nice. Back to van for an early night.

Wed Feb 6th
Mild again this morning but a really cold wind. We picked M & B up and drove to Faro, we were going to check out the bird watching boat trip for another day but as we got there it was just about to leave so we decided to go, it was a bit disappointing for us as the guide did not give quite as much information s last time we went and the tide was higher so there were not so many birds to be seen, we did see heron, egret, spoonbill, whimbrel, oystercatcher, cormorants, gulls, sanderling and dunlin. The guide seemed a bit distracted and when we got to the island he explained that we were unable to land as one engine had gone so we had to go straight back to Faro, we were a bit put out because the beach full of shells was one of the highlights, still safety first. A speed boat pulled alongside us as we approached the jetty and changed drivers, the new chap seemed to do something to the engine and it started again.

We asked for a partial refund as we hadn't been able to land, the guide had to ring his boss but eventually he agreed but we had to wait for the speedboat to come back as the man with the money was on it, we got half our money back, which was £12.50 each so worth waiting, the other passengers seemed pleased that we had asked although one couple left without waiting; they could not apologise enough for the trouble. We walked into the old town and found a restaurant where the waiter, a very nice young man, said we could take the dog in if we hid her under the table, we had a bowl of soup which was very nice and were entertained by the waiter who had a very good sense of humour, after the meal he bought us a special drink, tasted like pure alcohol, he said it would wake the dead and I 'm sure it would. Crackers had been very good she just lay down and slept on the boat and was good in the restaurant as well. We drove back and called at the supermarket for some chops and I cooked a meal, Rich ran M & B back while I cleared up.

Thurs Feb 7th
This morning there was a computer help session on the terrace so I went and Derek, the man doing the helping, got me on line in seconds, I knew it was just a matter of knowing which buttons to press! He was unable to do anything with the lap top though but I didn't mind as at least the iPad was ok and I was able to publish blog and send a couple of emails. Had a snack then we walked into town, trying to buy some poop scoop bags as we've run out, no luck, Rich got some brandy and a small bottle of Mateus Rose for Marg. we sat in the sun for a while then they rang and Rich fetched them and I got a meal of fish and chips, sat and nattered for a while then Rich took them back to the hotel, it had been sunny again but a cool wind.

Fri Feb 8th
We fetched M&B and went to the shopping centre, got some groceries at Aldi then found a pet shop where I was able to get some poop scoop bags. We went to the food hall and had a coffee, had a quick look round shops, I got a new purse and Marg got a bag. We went back to the site and sat on the terrace with a drink, it was out of the wind and very hot, Marg & I had a walk round and back to van for cup of tea. We walked into town for a meal, we went to the cafe where we'd had a nice lunch at last week, the waiter was charming and very helpful in suggesting meals, when we'd ordered it took quite a while to come and was very disappointing, Rich & Bri had steak and couldn't eat it, I had monk fish and don't think it was cooked and couldn't eat it, we told him it wasn't very good and he gave us a bag to take steak for dog! It came to €82 so all in all not a good experience, rich and I walked back to site.

Sat Feb 9th
Up early and picked M&B up at 9am and drove to El Roccio, a very long drive which took us about 3hours, we had a coffee in a cafe and a walk round, there were a lot of people about and quite a few horses, the lake was low and there were quite a few birds on the water, ducks and waders. Crackers was very good, in the car and in the town. We then drove to Heulva to the Chinese Buffet and had a very good meal, a much better experience than last night and a lot cheaper. We tried to find the replica ships, Pinta, Nina and Santa Maria, that Columbus had sailed in in 1492 but the area was closed off and we couldn't get to them so we set off back, a long, tiring journey made worse by the sun setting low in the sky directly in front of us for most of the way making visibility very bad.

Sun Feb 10th
A bit cooler and cloudy this morning, we did a few chores and then Rich fetched M&B and we went for Sunday lunch, we met Babs & Steve, from next door van, and Margaret & Brian, from a few vans away and sat with them for lunch, after lunch, and a few bottles of wine, Steve & Brian went to watch rugby while the rest of us sat and played a few games, it got quite cool so we sat in our van. Later Rich took M&B back to their hotel and we watched a film, it started to rain about 9pm.

Mon Feb 11th
Richie's birthday, rain overnight and when we woke up and quite cool. We walked into town so that Rich could enjoy a birthday drink, we didn't take Crackers as it was too cold to eat outside anywhere, there was a very cold wind but it was behind us and it kept trying to rain. We met M&B and were going to go to the restaurant we'd used before, O Viera, but called for a drink first at another one, A Travessa, as we went in another customer said we should eat there as it was very good, we recognised the waitress who had been at O Viera other years and she told us she had left there as she'd not been treated very well, we always thought she was the boss as she did most work, we decided to eat there and were glad we did as it was very good food and good value. It was very cold and still trying to rain so we thought we'd get the bus back but must've missed one as the next was haLf an hour's wait so we decided to walk, it was really cold with a strong wind and we were glad to get back to the van. We sat and read and dozed for the rest of the afternoon, in the evening we went to the quiz night and we won! Rich took M&B back to the hotel, there was a wedding reception on in the bar and there was very loud, thumping music playing for ages.

Tue Feb 12th
A bit milder this morning but clouds soon blew up with a cool wind. I went to have a quick look at the pancake race then we went to pick M&B up, we'd arranged to meet Babs and Steve and Margaret and Brian at a small restaurant they recommended, we found it and were early so went to get fuel in the car first. It was a nice, local cafe with tourist menu for €7.50, it was very good value, only came to €64 for eight of us, best value yet. We went back and parked by the hotel then had a stroll to the harbour, it was bright and sunny at times and the sun was nice out of the wind but there was a cold wind again. R & I went back to the van as Crackers had been on her own. We borrowed a DVD off Babs and she asked us round for a drink at 7.30 so we watched the film and then went round, Margaret & Brian were there as well and we had a few drinks and nattered then played a game of Balut played with 5 dice, which Babs had tried to show us on Sunday, an enjoyable evening.

Wed Feb 13th
Milder this morning and no wind, we said goodbye to Babs & Steve who were moving to Turiscampo then went to pick M&B up at 10.00.
We drove to Loule, parked and had a walk round, we went into the big market hall which had fresh fruit and veg, meat and fish, I bought some chicken and some fish, scabbard fish which we had had in Madeira, hope it's as nice as we remember. We had a drink sitting in the sun outside the market which was quite a spectacular building looking almost Moorish, it was lovely with no wind, we walked to the historic old part where there was a museum in the remains of a castle and a small but beautiful church. We then drove up to Alte, a small town in the hills, it was very pretty and peaceful, they had had a carnival the day before and there was a lot of rubbish left about, we also saw some of the carnival floats parked up. We had a drink and a cake in a little cafe sitting on a sunny terrace overlooking the town, very picturesque. We drove back to the site and sat in the sun for the rest of the afternoon, it was lovely and hot, then I got a meal, curry, and we sat for a while before taking M&B back to their hotel at about 7pm and saying goodbye as they leave in the morning
.
Thurs Feb 14th
Mild again this morning with no wind. We did the washing and had a tidy up then played boules in the afternoon, it was a lovely hot day. We had the scabbard fish for tea and it was very nice.

Fri Feb 15th
Another lovely, sunny day, we took Crackers on to Gale beach for about an hour and she was very good and seemed to enjoy herself, we called to look at another beach but it was very rocky. Back to the site and a lazy afternoon in the sun.

In the evening I went to line dancing which I enjoyed, it was quite mild walking back down at 10pm, stars shining brightly and a quarter moon.

Sat Feb 16th
Grey skies this morning but not too cold. We met Margaret & Brian and went for lunch at the little cafe, we were the only customers for a while, the meal was very good again and very reasonable. We called at Lidl for a couple of things on the way back then took them to the Chinese shop as Margaret wanted some sewing thread. A lazy afternoon, having drunk wine at lunch, reading and dozing, in the evening we watched a film.

Sun Feb 18th
Overcast this morning with a bit of drizzle, changed the sheets but didn't wash the dirty ones, will wait for a better day. A quiet morning then Sunday lunch, we sat with Margaret & Brian, Kath & Graham, after lunch we walked down towards town then back for a rest. In the evening we went for a drink to Margaret & Brian's van, it had rained very heavily and were almost paddling, we had a good chat a a laugh over a game of triominoes, back home after 11 when the skies had cleared and rain stopped
.
Mon Feb 19th
Grey again this morning so decided against washing. Took the dog to Gale beach, there was a heavy surf and quite a few surfers out. We missed to find the shopping centre from that end so ended up back in Albufeira, dropped dog off and then went to shopping centre. About 3pm when we got back so short rest then tea and a shower. Went to quiz, we were a small table, 8 of us, but we did win one round.

Tue Feb 19th
Not quite so grey this morning and a bit of sunshine. Want to the market, this week there were stalls selling birds of all sorts, chickens, geese, quail, cockerels, parrots, budgies and some very frightened looking baby rabbits, a bit upsetting. we then went to the Chinese shop, just got a couple of things, then after lunch played boules. While I was cooking tea a jar fell out of the cupboard and knocked the pan of boiling veg of the stove, Crackers was in the kitchen and got splashed with boiling water and maybe hit with the pan as well, she was very frightened and quite traumatised, I got some on my leg but not too bad, the poor dog was so upset and wouldn't come inside, we had to carry her in then she wouldn't move just sat where we'd put her looking very cowed. We sat down to watch a film and she was still very nervy so I gave her one of her travel pills and she went to sleep.

Wed Feb 20th
Clear skies this morning so we did the washing, after we'd done it we went into town and had a drink on Fisherman's Beach, and had a look in shops, I had to buy a new mirror as I'd dropped mine this morning frightening the dog again! the town was a lot busier than we've seen it before, quite a few people on the beach and more shops open, we think it's half term. Back for a late lunch then I went for a line dance session, we cannot have the room on Friday so there will not be the usual session so Lyn asked any dancers with more experience if they wanted to have a go at some more advanced dances, there were only four of us but I enjoyed it. Rich peeled veg for tea while I was gone and I shall try not to throw them about today.

Thurs Feb 21st
Rain overnight but 14c when we woke. Quiet morning but it stopped raining for long enough to play boules in the afternoon but the game was cut short when it started raining again.
Watched a DVD after tea.

Fri Feb 22nd
Heavy rain overnight again and very blustery, it was not cold but very wet underfoot. I went to a card making class which I enjoyed and we decided to go to the shopping centre for lunch, had seen a cafe with nice looking meals and wanted to try it. It was so windy we decided to wind the awning in as it was flapping so much. We went to the cafe and were a bit disappointed as the meals we fancied were not on the menu today, rich had wanted to try broad beans Algarve style but he had pig's trotters instead! We went to Aldi then to Sports Direct where I got a sun visor, we called at Chinese shop as I wanted some string to crochet a net for oranges which everyone seems to be making, I think I got the wrong string as it didn't turn out quite right, will check with someone tomorrow. Rain and wind on and off all day.
Crackers seems to have really learned our routine as depending on our movements she seems to know if she's coming with us or not and if not she just pops into her bed good as gold, same at night when it's bed time in she goes, she's a very clever little dog. She's got quite a nasty sore where she got scalded but it doesn't seem to bother her.

Sat Feb 23rd
More rain overnight but clear skies in the morning, very breezy. Pitch very wet underfoot again. We noticed a site van delivering pallets so I went to see if we could have a couple but were told there were non left, we had always assumed that they were just left about and you picked one up if you were lucky, but found out that you had to ask at reception for them. While we were having lunch Kevin, who had had them delivered came to say that he only wanted two so we could have the other two and as Rich was going to fetch them with his sack truck Kevin was fetching them down in his car, very nice of him. We pulled up the sodden, muddy tarpaulins and put the pallets down trying to clean up a bit as we went, we hope we will be a bit dryer for our last week, hopefully it won't rain much more, there is still a muddy puddle in the kitchen tent though. It was still very windy but inside the wind breaks it was quite nice and we got the chairs out and sat in the sun for the first time this week.
In the evening we went to a Chinese Buffet in the mini bus which was very nice.

Sun Feb 24th
Clear skies again this morning but still breezy, we did sit out of the wind and it was very nice. We went to Sunday lunch, sat with Kath & Graham, from Leicester, who we'd been in quiz team with, also Carol & Murray who arrived last week and joined our team, also on our table were a couple from Pontesbury so we had quite a chat with them. The Carefree photographer was there and recognised Rich from last year. We walked the dog down towards town then sat and read, I had a chat with Lyn, who's husband was taken ill, he is getting better but they are unsure about driving home next week, I was asking about the crocheted orange nets as the one I've started looks hideous. Watched a DVD before bed.

Mon Feb 25th
Very cold again this morning,4c, but clear blue sky. We went on the rally walk which was pleasant, ending at the cafe for toasties. We then went to the shopping centre for some groceries and sat in the sun for a while, it was nice out of the wind. In the evening we went to the quiz, a different team this week, some new people and Kevin ( who have us the pallets) and his wife and Diane, Tony taking the quiz this week as Bob away, it was very slow. There was a brilliant full moon in a clear sky as we walked back.

Tue Feb 26th
Very cold again this morning, in fact there was a frost, but clear skies. When Rich took Crackers for her walk she chased a cat, we ignored her for the rest of the morning and she was very subdued even when we spoke to her again, didn't want to sit with us in the evening either. We did some washing and it was a lovely drying day, though the breeze was quite cool in the awning out of it it was very hot so we sat out until lunch time. In the afternoon we played boules, my team with only 2 players won the cup. It was a hot afternoon. After tea we watched a video.

Wed Feb 27th
Frost again overnight but a clear morning. After breakfast we took Crackers to Gale beach, it was beautiful, warm and very little wind, there was quite heavy surf and a few surfers out in it. We went to Il Cappuccino for lunch, it was very busy but good value again 7.50€ each for three courses with a half litre of wine each, back at the van we sat in sun for a while but it soon cooled off and we went in, I slept most of the afternoon, there were a couple of light showers. Watched a DVD.

Thurs Feb 28th
In the night I heard Crackers licking at her sore and when I got up and looked she had made a terrible mess of it, all I could do was get some germolene and a bandage to tie round her, I put curry powder on the bandage to try to put her off licking, I gave her one of her travel tranquillisers and in the end I let her sleep on my bed because in the cage she can get into corners and get in position to lick.
Slight frost again this morning and a bit overcast. When we looked at Crackers the sore looked awful so we put more ointment on it which she tried to lick off, we made her a " garment" out of one of my trouser legs to cover it up, it looked very silly and not very comfy but at least she couldn't get at it. We went to she shopping centre and got a collar from the pet shop and some burn ointment from the pharmacy. The clouds were building up so we emptied the kitchen tent and put all the stuff away. In the afternoon we played boules and it was very cold. Watched a DVD after tea.

Fri Mar1st
Slight frost again this morning. We took down the kitchen tent and windbreaks, finished packing and Rich hooked the trailer up. We went into town for lunch to A Travessa, it was ok. A quiet afternoon in the van, the wind was too cool to sit out without wind breaks. In the evening I went to line dancing, which I enjoyed as usual, the wind had dropped and it was a bit milder.

Sat Mar 2nd
Grey and overcast this morning, after breakfast we finished loading then loaded car and away by 09.30. Very windy and the Portuguese roads awful. Past Seville up in the mointains we stopped for fuel and just after saw hundreds of kites soaring of what must have been a tip, there were mile upon mile of olive groves marching into the distance, there wa snow on the mountain tops, it was very windy all day. We arrived at La Sierrecilla site at Humilladero at 3.05, but it was 4.05 Spanish time, it was very cold and very windy. Booked in got tea and an early night.
Miles travelled 239
Fuel €71
Site fee €16

Sun Mar 3rd
The wind died down in the night and it was a bit milder, we set off at 09.30 and had quite a good run, dramatic scenery, rugged hills with fertile valleys, sun shining down in shafts through stormy clouds and snow on high, distant mountain tops. Arrived at Castillo de Banos at 11.15, Marion & David, the stewards very welcoming and helpful in getting us pitched. It was milder here and sunny but quite cloudy, the sea was a lovely turquoise and pounding on the shingle. Set up, had a shower, tea and a short walk.
Miles travelled 113

Mon Mar 4th
Mild this morning 15c but overcast, first job was to get vet's number of stewards which I did but had trouble getting through, advised to ask at reception which I did and she was most helpful explaining that the message was that they were away till Easter, she then found another vet in Adra, a small town about 20 miles along the coast. We found it with little trouble and managed to park. The vet was very nice and helpful, he had to sedate Crackers to be able to shave her and clean the wound, it was more than twice the size we thought as there was more infection under her fur, we felt really guilty for not taking her sooner, he said it should be healed in a week or ten days and explained very thoroughly how to deal with it cleaning it and putting cream on it but not covering it at all, and to go back for a check Fri or Mon. The assistant vet, who spoke better English, when he saw our address said, " I know Shrewsbury, I've been there", we were amazed as a lot of British people don't know it, even more amazing he knew Wales and had worked as a vet in the abattoir just down the road from Caron's for 3 years, talk about a small world!
As we set off back it started to rain, we took Crackers back to van gave her her tablets and settled her in he bed then went to the shop in the village for something for tea. In the afternoon David, the steward, came round to see how we'd got on at the vets. It didn't stop raining all afternoon, David said they had not had good weather this year. Had pork from local butchers for tea, it was lovely, watched a DVD before bed, Crackers' sore looked better already.

Tue Mr 5th
Rain overnight and wet this morning, quite mild. Crackers had got her collar off in the night and licked her side sore again. We sorted her out, washing wound and giving tablets then Rich took her a walk and I went to buy Internet time and we all got wet walking back as it started raining quite heavily. Sat in van till after lunch when it stopped raining and we went for a walk along to the beach and up the rambla, it was very pleasant. The sun came out and we sat out for a short while till it got windy.
In the evening we went to the quiz night which was enjoyable but when we got back to the van we found that Crackers had got her collar off again and her side was red raw again, we went through the cleaning and creaming again and had to let her sleep on the bed.

Wed Mar 6th
It rained heavily all night and didn't stop until midday. I put mac and wellies on and walked Crackers before we treated her sore. I did a bit of cleaning, still waiting to do some washing but it wouldn't get dry. We went to get some fuel then to Nico's for tapas, we enjoyed it, had a couple of drinks and 4 or 5 plates of food, there were four other English people off the site who asked us to join them so we chatted to them for a while after we'd eaten; when we asked for our bill it was only €10, we think it must be a mistake but will go again and check. We were very pleased that Crackers had not managed to get her collar off while we were away and seems to be healing nicely. Sat outside for a short while then had a snooze and watched a film.

 

Thurs Mar 7th
More rain overnight and all morning, we decided to do some washing and put it in the tumble dryer as we were running out of things, it didn't dry properly so I hung all the clothes in the bathroom and we put the fan heater in with them, the towels I had to leave and hope to hang them out tomorrow. We went to village shop for bread and milk then had lunch after which I went to line dancing, it was very basic but I enjoyed it. The rain stopped but very strong winds got up rocking the van and making the awning creak, the sea was brown all along the coast in a great swathe with mud that had run off the hills. We got so worried about the awning that we decided to try and wind it in, with the wind so strong this would be difficult, luckily a couple of chaps saw me hanging onto it and came to give us a hand.

Fri Mar 8th
Woke up to a bit of sunshine and no rain, a bit cloudy but otherwise very nice, I got all the towels hung on the line. We drove to Almunecar and walked round the market, we seemed to remember that it had fruit and veg but there were none today, there were a lot of clothing stalls with quite nice clothes, as ell as the tatty, everything a euro stalls, lots of leather as well. We called at a Lidl on the way back. I had some lunch then we took Crackers for a walk, there was a very strong wind again but still sunny and dry we ended up at Nico's for a drink.

Sat Mar 9th
More showers overnight and on the morning, I went to the bar and sent and received a couple of emails. We walked to Nico's at about 12.30 for tapas, it was very good, a bit more comprehensive than the other day, it was still showery and very blustery. A quiet afternoon then i went to rally tent to look at the scrap heap challenge while Rich took Crackers for a walk up the rambla and I went to meet them, she had had a good run off the lead as she is so much better, although it had tried to rain on and off all day and there was a strong wind it was still quite warm. We watched a film in the evening.

Sun Mar 10th
Dry this morning and some sunshine but still breezy. We walked into La Mamola, about 2km, felt a few spots of rain and saw a rainbow, we also saw about ten Ibex on the hillside, clinging on to almost vertical slopes and sending showers of rocks down. We got some cash out of a cash machine and had a drink in a cafe before walking back. After lunch we played "silly games", Aunt Sally, Horseshoes etc, it was a bit of fun and it stayed dry although towards the end it got very cool with the wind. Watched a DVD.

Mon Mar 11th
Took Crackers to vets, on the way went to Carrefours for a few groceries and some cakes for vets. Vet very pleased with her. Went back to van, got a bit of lunch then drove to Nerja looking for the aqueduct we'd seen, drove round but never found it, just a glimpse off the road, it was lovely and sunny but very windy, as we approached Nerja there were light showers. We called for some fruit from a roadside stall on the way back. An hour or so rest then got ready to go for rally meal in restaurant. The meal was not very good but sat with some nice people, from Stoke but living in Wales, Gill & Colin.

Tue Mar 12th
This morning we took a drive round and into the mountains, the Western Alpujarras, David, the steward gave us a. Print out of a route. It was quite sunny and was a vey interesting drive through small towns and villages scattered over the mountains, the roads were very twisty, zig zagging round the mountainside with sheer drops on one side. As we set off we saw a large herd of goats beeping shepherded up a rambla, they were many shades of brown and being led by a man and three dogs.

 

 We climbed higher and higher with spectacular views, the cafe we were going to stop at was closed so we carried on. Most of the road across the top part of the drive seemed to be collapsing, there were land slips from the mountainside with diversions for quite a few miles, at one point there were workmen cleaning up one vey recent slip from the carriageway.

 The rocks on the mountainside e so many different types and colours, red, yellow, grey, black and all shades between, from sandstone to clay and shale. We stopped at Lanjaron for lunch at a small restaurant and had a good lunch with a drink for €20. When we came out the rain had started and low cloud set in and by the time we were off the mountains heading for Motril it was raining heavily and visibility was bad. A quiet afternoon and in the evening we went to the quiz which our team won.

Wed Mar 13th
Blue skies with some cloud this morning but very windy, it was very windy in the night as well. We were just going to walk onto the village shop when a neighbour, Terry, stopped to chat and he said he wanted to change a gas cylinder and someone had told him he could in the village so we said we'd take him in the car as we were going anyway. We couldn't find any in Castillo or La Mamola so we saw a lorry with gas on and asked him but he didn't know where we coils get the type he wanted, Rich took the wrong lane and we ended up on the main road heading for Motril and it was quite a while before we could turn round, as we got back to Castillo I spotted a gas compound but we couldn't see how to get to it, we ended up driving round all the greenhouses on the rambla but they did get some. Back to site and it was time to go for tapas to Nico's, there were six of us walked together, Gill & Colin and Sue & Malc. There was another table of six from the site as well, we had super tapas then walked back and it was time for boules, then we went to the shop for some meat, had tea and watched a DVD.

Thurs Mar 14th
Woke to a beautiful morning, clear blue skies and no wind, in fact I woke in the night and couldn't get back to sleep it was so quiet without the wind and the waves making a lot of noise. We did some washing and then took a cup of tea and sat by the sea with Gill & Colin, chatting and watching the water. We had lunch then I went to line dancing. For tea we had a steak from the local shop and it was delicious. In the evening we went for a drink with Gill & Colin to the bar in the village, with each drink they brought a plate of tapas, lovely clear sky with a new moon and stars shining but quite cold.

Fri Mar 15th
Another nice morning and quiet night, went to supermarket in Castello de Ferras and called for a coffee at El Lance on way back. It was such a nice day we just lazed in the sun.

Sat Mar 16th
Overcast this morning and a bit cooler, 13c, the sea had been quieter overnight and there was no wind. We took Crackers to the vet who said it would take just a few more days and. Could stop giving her the antibiotics now. Back to site and we got the van packed ready for going tomorrow. Had a bit of lunch then took the dog a walk up the rambla as we returned it started to rain, we called to say goodbye to the stewards then had a quiet afternoon in as it was raining. We went to Nico's with Gill & Colin, decided to take the car as it was still raining, had a meal then went to their van for a drink and natter.

We enjoyed the rally at Castillo, Marion & David are very good stewards and were assisted by Carol & Bob. The site has been much improved, new drainage, water and waste drain on every pitch, reliable electricity and the trees have been lopped to make pitches easier to access. We met a nice group of people as well, everyone very friendly and we enjoyed the activities we joined, the weather was a disappointment with a lot of wind and rain, the sea was very rough most of the time but we did have some sunny days.

Sun Mar 17th
Woke to a grey morning and rain showers. We had breakfast and got the trailer hitched and away by 0920, Colon & Gill saw us off. We drove towards Granada in heavy rain, after that wee were on roads we'd not travelled before, there was mile upon mile of olive trees, and most small towns seemed to be geared to producing olive oil., it was quite dramatic scenery with the new road cut through various rock formations, eventually we came to cattle country and vines. It was dry and sunny on the mountain top but as we came down the othe side it was raining again. We got to Aranjuez at 3.10, it is a big site, typical Spanish a bit like a shanty town, each pitch having additional awnings, tents, gazebos and tarpaulins flapping, it was very busy with a lot of children playing. We found a pitch, at the quiet end of the site where we didn't need to unhitch the trailer, luckily it was dry and quite mild, we got tea and settled down for an early night

Mon Mar 18th
There was a frost overnight, we were away by 0845,sait was a good run and Madrid was surprisingly easy to bypass, at one point there were quite a few chicken sheds and the sky was full of Eagles soaring round. it was sunny but there was snow on the mountains and snow ploughs were on standby on all the mountain roads, we were 3-400 ft up at the highest point. The terrain was very rough and there were kites and eagles around. As we approached Burgos we had a hail shower. We arrived at Haro at 1.30, it was sunny but cool and breezy.
Miles travelled 240
Fuel €60
Site fee €16

Tue Mar 19th
There was a frost overnight, we were up and away by 0905, ther was quite a lot of traffic on the roads today. It was a greener area than yesterday with lots of vines around Haro. We went on the toll road and got stuck for ages in the booth trying to pay. The whole length of the N10 in France was under repair/reconstruction resulting in a couple of diversions. It was a sunny day we arrived at Parentis en Born at 1.40.
Miles travelled 202
Fuel €78.50
Toll €7.62

Wed Mar 20th
It was a mild and sunny morning and we were away by 0845, there was lots of heavy traffic, lots of lorries, and more road works, we drove through two very heavy rain showers. Gertie got us lost round Chatellerault. We arrived at St Maure de Touraine at 2.10.
Miles travelled 246
Fuel €58

Thurs Mar 21st
It was a grey, cold morning, we were away by 0900, we had trouble finding fuel in Chartres and also got a bit lost round El Beuf, Gertie took us up a narrow mountain road over to La Mailleraye. Arrived at 3.00, it was cold and raining. The car park that we parked in on the way down was full of road works gear but the grass on the Aire was not too wet to park on, there were about half a dozen other vans there. We went to the vet and he saw her within half an hour, while waiting we got some meat from the butchers. We had a meal in the restaurant which was ok but not wonderful.

Fri Mar 22nd
It was aquite pleasant morning so we decided to stay put as we were a day early anyway. We walked along the river for a while but although it was sunny it soon got very cold. I walked into the town and there was a small market in the street then we just sat and watched the barges and boats going up and down the river.

Sat Mar 23rd
We left at 0915 and arrived at Auchan in Calais at 1.00pm, it had been grey and rainy and as we approached Calais there was a snow storm. We filled up with fuel then went to the docks and got on the next ferry. We arrived in Dover at 4.15, 5.15 English time and set off for home arriving at 9.00pm, a very long, tiring day.
Miles travelled 148 - France 256 - England
Fuel €70

Trip to Derby/Cannock Chase Oct 2012




Thurs 18th Oct 2012



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



Miles travelled 73



Fri 19th



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



Sat 20th



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



Miles travelled 37



Sun 21st



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



Mon 22nd



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



Tue 23rd



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

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

A quiet afternoon then tea and Triominoes again.



Wed 24th



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

Miles travelled 38

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

Site fees £48.60

Total miles 148

Fuel £67

France & Germany Aug 2012

Trip to France & Germany August 2012




Tuesday Aug 14th



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

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



Miles travelled 254 + 38

Fuel €70

Site fees €3











Wed Aug 15th



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

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



Miles travelled 127





Thurs Aug 16th



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



Miles travelled 78

Site fees €16.86



Fri Aug 17th



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

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



Miles travelled 105

Fuel €77





Sat Aug 18th



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

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

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



Miles travelled 95

Site fees €4



Sun Aug 19th



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

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

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

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



Miles travelled 75

Site fees €5



Mon Aug 20TH



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

Miles travelled 106

Fuel €58

Site fees €23



Tue Aug 21st



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



Miles travelled 21

Site fee €7











Wed Aug 22nd



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



Miles travelled 58

Site fees €9



Thurs Aug 23rd



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



Miles travelled 66

Site fees €18





Fri Aug 24th



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



Sat Aug 25th



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



Miles travelled 40

Site fee €€ 21.50




Sun 26th Aug



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

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



Miles travelled 29



Mon 27th Aug



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



Miles travelled 78

Fuel €78.55

Site fee €9 (4.50 per night)



Tue 28th Aug



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



Wed 29th Aug



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



Miles travelled 191 (should have been less)

Site fee €15 (should have been less)



Thurs 30st Aug



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

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

Miles travelled 46



Fri 31st Aug



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



Sat 1st Sept



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

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



Sun 2nd Sept



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



Miles travelled 198

Fuel €64.50





Mon 3rd Sept



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



Miles travelled 174

Fuel €73

Total miles 2016 Total fuel £366

Wales Aug 2012

Sun 5th Aug

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

iles
travelled 92 Site fees  £30


Mon Aug 6th

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

Tue Aug 7th

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

Miles travelled 112

Durham July 2012

Wed July 4th 2012

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

Distance travelled 223 miles
Site fees   £80

July 5th



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

July 6th

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

July 7th

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

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

July 8th

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

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

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