First Days in Spain
Delicious Confit of Duck from Lidl.
Monday 2 December 2013
Spain
We tried, we really did try, to find a parking in Biarritz but nothing was right for us so we settled on doing a bit of LIDL shopping but even that had a height barrier. However we parked next door and stocked up. We bought another large can of Confit of Duck for Xmas.
The Aire at the northern end of town was near a surfing beach but was very sloping. Definite need for ramps so we set off for Spain.
The road was busier than any other we’ve encountered. Although there was no border as such the traffic was held up for a good 30 minutes as round a corner was a heavily armed group of Police stopping various cars. Luckily we were allowed on our way. We were not sure if they were French or Spanish.
Our attempt to find an Aire at Hondarribia was thwarted by several street closures so we took the first, and quite confusing, motorway west towards San Sebastian. Just like parts of France, the direction signs were quite confusing. But they were not half as confusing as the parking meter at the San Sebastian Aire. It was worth a photo but not a stop.
The next possible place along the coast was at Zumaia; a pleasant little town with a surfing beach. From the Aire, in an industrial area, it is only 5 minutes walk to the town, past the shipyards. We arrived at 16-00 and everywhere was closed. Is this our first taste of the siesta?
Later our riverside path was full of joggers. Are they practising for the next Olympics. Don’t they know that Yorkshire will be competing and they are wasting their time?
Spain
We tried, we really did try, to find a parking in Biarritz but nothing was right for us so we settled on doing a bit of LIDL shopping but even that had a height barrier. However we parked next door and stocked up. We bought another large can of Confit of Duck for Xmas.
The Aire at the northern end of town was near a surfing beach but was very sloping. Definite need for ramps so we set off for Spain.
The road was busier than any other we’ve encountered. Although there was no border as such the traffic was held up for a good 30 minutes as round a corner was a heavily armed group of Police stopping various cars. Luckily we were allowed on our way. We were not sure if they were French or Spanish.
Our attempt to find an Aire at Hondarribia was thwarted by several street closures so we took the first, and quite confusing, motorway west towards San Sebastian. Just like parts of France, the direction signs were quite confusing. But they were not half as confusing as the parking meter at the San Sebastian Aire. It was worth a photo but not a stop.
The next possible place along the coast was at Zumaia; a pleasant little town with a surfing beach. From the Aire, in an industrial area, it is only 5 minutes walk to the town, past the shipyards. We arrived at 16-00 and everywhere was closed. Is this our first taste of the siesta?
Later our riverside path was full of joggers. Are they practising for the next Olympics. Don’t they know that Yorkshire will be competing and they are wasting their time?
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
Tuesday 3 December 2013
Guggenheim to you
Ian was getting bored with Spain today, even though the weather cheered up after a bitterly cold night. Our first plan was to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao but after one hour of gridlock and no parking we abandoned the idea. One car park was only 25% full but that was for the museum staff only.
Jane took us up a very steep and very narrow road to a hilltop where there was said to be another Aire... it was closed. But we did stop for lunch and admired the view over Bilbao.
One of the motorhome forums suggested an Aire in San Sebastian. In reality it was a back street next to the dustbin lorry garages. We moved on again.
On our way we passed the Altamira museum where they have a replica of the cave with the oldest paintings. But what we really need is a campsite with wifi. Instead we found a large seafront car park in Comillas. That was it. Enough is enough.
In this part of Spain they have gone mad with their EU money and built motorways wherever possible. At one time we were on an 8-lane dual carriageway, next to a 6-lane toll road, next to a very decent looking highway. It really is quite confusing. One gets the impression the Spanish planned their motorway system by dropping a plate of spaghetti onto a map.
Our plan is to head for the Portugal coast, get warm and find a campsite with wifi.
Guggenheim to you
Ian was getting bored with Spain today, even though the weather cheered up after a bitterly cold night. Our first plan was to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao but after one hour of gridlock and no parking we abandoned the idea. One car park was only 25% full but that was for the museum staff only.
Jane took us up a very steep and very narrow road to a hilltop where there was said to be another Aire... it was closed. But we did stop for lunch and admired the view over Bilbao.
One of the motorhome forums suggested an Aire in San Sebastian. In reality it was a back street next to the dustbin lorry garages. We moved on again.
On our way we passed the Altamira museum where they have a replica of the cave with the oldest paintings. But what we really need is a campsite with wifi. Instead we found a large seafront car park in Comillas. That was it. Enough is enough.
In this part of Spain they have gone mad with their EU money and built motorways wherever possible. At one time we were on an 8-lane dual carriageway, next to a 6-lane toll road, next to a very decent looking highway. It really is quite confusing. One gets the impression the Spanish planned their motorway system by dropping a plate of spaghetti onto a map.
Our plan is to head for the Portugal coast, get warm and find a campsite with wifi.
Judit helps Gaudi with a sketch.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Manholes
Another cold and overcast morning. We left the lovely little town of Comillas, turned east for a few kilometers to pick up the highway south towards Leon. The countryside is very rugged and quite beautiful as the sun was shining through holes in the cloud. But the next valley found us driving in thick fog. The journey was one long climb until we arrived a gigantic plateau in brilliant sunshine.
Spain has really been on a spending spree. Our motorway was almost empty, making one wonder if it was really needed. We went for miles without another vehicle in sight.
There were frequent signs for services, but they were only what might be available in the small villages we passed. But once we turned off the southerly motorway for a westerly one we saw a real service station. They even had wifi and we managed to shoot off a few emails. From the great plain we could see signs of Leon by the cloud of dirty haze hanging over it. However when we arrived at the city it turned out to be quite a nice place and not polluted at all. We found the Aire with no problem at all and parked alongside another 8 motorhomes.
The first job was to get some cash and luckily straight opposite was Leon Plaza, a new shopping centre. Judit’s intention was to find the cathedral which has 1,800 square meters of stained glass. After passing several lesser churches we were there only to find it closed for siesta no doubt. It was no alone as almost every other place in town was closed.
At the Aire we found a local who told us that the WC dump was under a giant manhole on the pavement next to the busy main road. He also told us it would be easier to wait for "noche" and dump it down a car park drain.
On our way back to Bessy we did find Antoni Gaudi sitting on a park bench sketching a building... well a statue at least.
Finally a bit of supermarket shopping where you can get a feel of what the local eat. Fish seems high on the list; probably from the North Sea.
Manholes
Another cold and overcast morning. We left the lovely little town of Comillas, turned east for a few kilometers to pick up the highway south towards Leon. The countryside is very rugged and quite beautiful as the sun was shining through holes in the cloud. But the next valley found us driving in thick fog. The journey was one long climb until we arrived a gigantic plateau in brilliant sunshine.
Spain has really been on a spending spree. Our motorway was almost empty, making one wonder if it was really needed. We went for miles without another vehicle in sight.
There were frequent signs for services, but they were only what might be available in the small villages we passed. But once we turned off the southerly motorway for a westerly one we saw a real service station. They even had wifi and we managed to shoot off a few emails. From the great plain we could see signs of Leon by the cloud of dirty haze hanging over it. However when we arrived at the city it turned out to be quite a nice place and not polluted at all. We found the Aire with no problem at all and parked alongside another 8 motorhomes.
The first job was to get some cash and luckily straight opposite was Leon Plaza, a new shopping centre. Judit’s intention was to find the cathedral which has 1,800 square meters of stained glass. After passing several lesser churches we were there only to find it closed for siesta no doubt. It was no alone as almost every other place in town was closed.
At the Aire we found a local who told us that the WC dump was under a giant manhole on the pavement next to the busy main road. He also told us it would be easier to wait for "noche" and dump it down a car park drain.
On our way back to Bessy we did find Antoni Gaudi sitting on a park bench sketching a building... well a statue at least.
Finally a bit of supermarket shopping where you can get a feel of what the local eat. Fish seems high on the list; probably from the North Sea.
Entrance to Astorga Cathedral.
Thursday 5 December 2013
Parking fine
We did not dump anything in Leon car park as it was brighter than daylight at midnight. In the morning we woke to another freezing morning. 0°C outside with frost on the windows and only 3°C inside.
The first few kilometers to Astorga were in beautiful sunshine and then we hit fog again. Luckily Astorga has a rough and ready Aire next to the bullring where we could finally dump legally.
We drove into the town and parked in a quiet back street a short distance from the cathedral.
Even as non-churchy sort of folk we were very, very impressed with the building. Very ornate indeed. The interior was just as ornate and, strangely, it had a wooden floor.
Following the cathedral we visited the cathedral museum which was much larger than we expected and well worth a visit. It contains a lot of original art, Bishops’ vestments, crowns plus enough silver and gold to assist Spain in clearing its debts.
Just one hundred meters away is the Bishop’s Palace built by Gaudi. To an artist it is wonderful but Ian was reminded of Walt Disney. The Bishop declined to live in the place and now it is a museum of contemporary art.
Lunchtime at last and we passed a local cafe where we ate Bravos Patates. Basically a big heap of braised potato with a creamy paprika sauce. Along with a cola and a coffee we paid €13.
Back at Bessy we found we had a parking ticket (and an envelope) which had an alarming price of €90 on it.
After much discussion in Spanglish a man took us to the parking ticket machine. After much button pressing we paid today’s fine of €3 and got another ticket out of the machine. This ticket along with the parking fine papers went into a small envelope which was posted into a small slot in the machine. If it had been in English as well as Spanish we would be very impressed with the system.
Our onward journey south was through flat scrub and savannah, much like Tsavo East in Kenya. Except for the fog of course.
At Nogarejas we found our first bad bit of road in the whole trip. Not potholed but very lumpy. We followed a motorway west until we came to Pueblo de Sanabria where there is a massive castle on a hill and a road south to Braganca in Portugal.
This road was very beautiful; full of twists and turns and dramatic mountains.
Finally we parked up at the car park just below the castle.
Parking fine
We did not dump anything in Leon car park as it was brighter than daylight at midnight. In the morning we woke to another freezing morning. 0°C outside with frost on the windows and only 3°C inside.
The first few kilometers to Astorga were in beautiful sunshine and then we hit fog again. Luckily Astorga has a rough and ready Aire next to the bullring where we could finally dump legally.
We drove into the town and parked in a quiet back street a short distance from the cathedral.
Even as non-churchy sort of folk we were very, very impressed with the building. Very ornate indeed. The interior was just as ornate and, strangely, it had a wooden floor.
Following the cathedral we visited the cathedral museum which was much larger than we expected and well worth a visit. It contains a lot of original art, Bishops’ vestments, crowns plus enough silver and gold to assist Spain in clearing its debts.
Just one hundred meters away is the Bishop’s Palace built by Gaudi. To an artist it is wonderful but Ian was reminded of Walt Disney. The Bishop declined to live in the place and now it is a museum of contemporary art.
Lunchtime at last and we passed a local cafe where we ate Bravos Patates. Basically a big heap of braised potato with a creamy paprika sauce. Along with a cola and a coffee we paid €13.
Back at Bessy we found we had a parking ticket (and an envelope) which had an alarming price of €90 on it.
After much discussion in Spanglish a man took us to the parking ticket machine. After much button pressing we paid today’s fine of €3 and got another ticket out of the machine. This ticket along with the parking fine papers went into a small envelope which was posted into a small slot in the machine. If it had been in English as well as Spanish we would be very impressed with the system.
Our onward journey south was through flat scrub and savannah, much like Tsavo East in Kenya. Except for the fog of course.
At Nogarejas we found our first bad bit of road in the whole trip. Not potholed but very lumpy. We followed a motorway west until we came to Pueblo de Sanabria where there is a massive castle on a hill and a road south to Braganca in Portugal.
This road was very beautiful; full of twists and turns and dramatic mountains.
Finally we parked up at the car park just below the castle.
Bikers in Wllsom Camp. Sorry, I forgot your names.
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Spain again
Once again, the plan was to follow the coast. This time in Spain. Luckily the Portuguese motorway to Spain was toll free and we had a great ride over the border with no formalities at all.
Naturally we had to turn off the motorway to get to the coast but the road was excellent and the scenery pleasant with pine trees either side for mile after mile. We saw one camp but it was closed and then another at Huelva that had no internet at all. Some time later on the long straight road we spied a parking area in the “Nature” park at Pino Centenario del Parador de Mazagon and stopped for lunch. Lovely sunshine and a pleasant spot. Maybe it would be possible to use this as a Night Stop.
Later yet another campsite was closed and finally we found one at Matalascanas that was totally abandoned. But after driving about a kilometer down a very rough dirt track we did meet two Norwegian paragliders who were waiting for the right wind to fly along the beach.
Naturally we had a good natter before turning round and topping up with expensive diesel before taking the road to Sevilla.
We hit the motorway we’d started on before we got to Sevilla. We saw evidence that Spain has gone mad on motorways. Certainly the south western corner is like one massive spaghetti junction with exits all over the place. Naturally we took a wrong one and had to find our way via an industrial estate.
Our intended campsite was closed but the one nearby at Dos Hermanas was open. It’s called Willsom Camping. The plots are a bit on the short side and we had to do a lot of wiggling before we could get in.
The wifi was around reception and varied in quality throughout the evening. We were lucky to meet a couple of English Bikers from London and they told us that we should not miss Sevilla.
Spain again
Once again, the plan was to follow the coast. This time in Spain. Luckily the Portuguese motorway to Spain was toll free and we had a great ride over the border with no formalities at all.
Naturally we had to turn off the motorway to get to the coast but the road was excellent and the scenery pleasant with pine trees either side for mile after mile. We saw one camp but it was closed and then another at Huelva that had no internet at all. Some time later on the long straight road we spied a parking area in the “Nature” park at Pino Centenario del Parador de Mazagon and stopped for lunch. Lovely sunshine and a pleasant spot. Maybe it would be possible to use this as a Night Stop.
Later yet another campsite was closed and finally we found one at Matalascanas that was totally abandoned. But after driving about a kilometer down a very rough dirt track we did meet two Norwegian paragliders who were waiting for the right wind to fly along the beach.
Naturally we had a good natter before turning round and topping up with expensive diesel before taking the road to Sevilla.
We hit the motorway we’d started on before we got to Sevilla. We saw evidence that Spain has gone mad on motorways. Certainly the south western corner is like one massive spaghetti junction with exits all over the place. Naturally we took a wrong one and had to find our way via an industrial estate.
Our intended campsite was closed but the one nearby at Dos Hermanas was open. It’s called Willsom Camping. The plots are a bit on the short side and we had to do a lot of wiggling before we could get in.
The wifi was around reception and varied in quality throughout the evening. We were lucky to meet a couple of English Bikers from London and they told us that we should not miss Sevilla.
Plaza de Espana in Sevilla.
Thursday 19 December 2013
Seville
Not far from the camp is a bus stop for the M132 bus which we took into Seville. It stops in the right place, just behind the Plaza de Espana. Quite a magnificent building built in a semi circle out of brick, many of which are glazed. It was designed and built for the Spanish-American exhibition in 1929 along with several other countrie’s pavilions. On the lower wall there are ceramic crests of all the Spanish provinces with scenes of famous Spanish military achievements. We did not find scenes of the Armada or of Drake who “Singed the King of Spain’s Beard” in Cadiz.
In the town we stopped for a tapas, but somehow found ourselves eating the day’s menu, which was some sort of rice in gravy with a boiled egg, after that came a spanish omlette of some sort. Not fantastic but adequate.
Seville
Not far from the camp is a bus stop for the M132 bus which we took into Seville. It stops in the right place, just behind the Plaza de Espana. Quite a magnificent building built in a semi circle out of brick, many of which are glazed. It was designed and built for the Spanish-American exhibition in 1929 along with several other countrie’s pavilions. On the lower wall there are ceramic crests of all the Spanish provinces with scenes of famous Spanish military achievements. We did not find scenes of the Armada or of Drake who “Singed the King of Spain’s Beard” in Cadiz.
In the town we stopped for a tapas, but somehow found ourselves eating the day’s menu, which was some sort of rice in gravy with a boiled egg, after that came a spanish omlette of some sort. Not fantastic but adequate.
Kristabel Colon's tomb, which is not here at all!
Probably the highlight of Seville was a visit to the cathedral. Building started in 1402. It is said to be the largest Gothic cathedral in existence and who are we to doubt that. The height to the vaulting is 56 meters (184 feet) and there are chapels for every saint you can imagine and some you’ve never heard of. It also contains the tomb of a guy called Kristobel Colon. For some reason we call him Christopher Columbus. According to historians his bones actually reside in the Dominican Republic!
In one corner is Giralda’s Tower which is the remaining minaret of the mosque, ascended by a series of ramps to a height of 93 meters (305 feet) and provides splendid views over Seville. Or it would have done if the rain had not been lashing down, as it did all day long.
In one corner is Giralda’s Tower which is the remaining minaret of the mosque, ascended by a series of ramps to a height of 93 meters (305 feet) and provides splendid views over Seville. Or it would have done if the rain had not been lashing down, as it did all day long.
How Spain wastes our money.
After the cathedral we found ourselves in the Barrio de Santa Cruz which is apparently the old Jewish quarter. Then we meandered through streets narrow and narrower to the old centre. Be warned, it is a maze and not too exciting in pouring rain.
We eventually hit a modern landmark, the Metropol Parasol. See the photo and you will understand how Spain got into debt by each city and region trying to outdo the others with “creative” structure which are commonly called cultural centres or exhibition centres.
A nice guy in a bar gave us directions to the river which we followed until we arrived at the bull ring.
We eventually hit a modern landmark, the Metropol Parasol. See the photo and you will understand how Spain got into debt by each city and region trying to outdo the others with “creative” structure which are commonly called cultural centres or exhibition centres.
A nice guy in a bar gave us directions to the river which we followed until we arrived at the bull ring.
The Bull Ring at Sevilla.
Never having been in a bull ring we went to get out of the rain. Once inside the rain stopped. It is quite a magnificent building (the only oval shaped in Spain) and must surely have a tremendous atmosphere when they are killing six bulls per event. The three matadors per event are certainly talented and very brave. The museum had lots of memorabilia to the ones that died in the ring.
Just along the river is the Golden Tower. Some say that the gold from the Americas was stored here but others say it has been a prison, a chapel and a gunpowder store.
Back to the bus and the 30 minute ride back to camp.
Just along the river is the Golden Tower. Some say that the gold from the Americas was stored here but others say it has been a prison, a chapel and a gunpowder store.
Back to the bus and the 30 minute ride back to camp.
To publicise its sherry, the wine company Osborne Group erected large images of bulls.
Friday 20 December 2013
Cadiz is full
The road to Cadiz was very pleasant over rolling hills and gentle curves. We even saw our first Bull silhouette on a hill. When we got to Cadiz we were in motorway spaghetti again but soon found ourselves on the main street. Packed solid with parked cars. At the far northern end of the road was a small car park for about 20 cars and that was full. Goodbye Cadiz.
We started our old plan again of following the coast. Around the town of Fuente del Gallo we found five campsites of which only two were open. La Rosaleda wanted too much and charged for wifi and the other was Camping Roche. We went there. It is an exceedingly well appointed camp. Everything is top quality. They even have a motorhome pressure-washing point. Top quality stuff all round. But it is in a flat area with little shade surrounded by a wall. Outside is a featureless flat forest about 3 miles from the coast and that is it. We felt that we were in Stalag Luft something-or-other. A nice place to sit and sunbathe and that is about all we could imagine.
Cadiz is full
The road to Cadiz was very pleasant over rolling hills and gentle curves. We even saw our first Bull silhouette on a hill. When we got to Cadiz we were in motorway spaghetti again but soon found ourselves on the main street. Packed solid with parked cars. At the far northern end of the road was a small car park for about 20 cars and that was full. Goodbye Cadiz.
We started our old plan again of following the coast. Around the town of Fuente del Gallo we found five campsites of which only two were open. La Rosaleda wanted too much and charged for wifi and the other was Camping Roche. We went there. It is an exceedingly well appointed camp. Everything is top quality. They even have a motorhome pressure-washing point. Top quality stuff all round. But it is in a flat area with little shade surrounded by a wall. Outside is a featureless flat forest about 3 miles from the coast and that is it. We felt that we were in Stalag Luft something-or-other. A nice place to sit and sunbathe and that is about all we could imagine.
Africa across the Straights of Gibraltar.
Saturday 21 December 2013
The Rock
Keep moving. We headed for Gibraltar but stopped for a cuppa at one of the few viewing points on the road north of Tarifa. There we had a wonderful view of the Straights of Gibraltar and the mountains of Africa about 15 kilometers away.
Soon we were in Tarifa which is the most southern point of Europe. People who go there display a bull on the side of their motorhomes. We attempted but Ian gave up the battle once again as the southernmost streets were very steep and very narrow... and no parking. Maybe a donkey badge would be more appropriate.
The Rock
Keep moving. We headed for Gibraltar but stopped for a cuppa at one of the few viewing points on the road north of Tarifa. There we had a wonderful view of the Straights of Gibraltar and the mountains of Africa about 15 kilometers away.
Soon we were in Tarifa which is the most southern point of Europe. People who go there display a bull on the side of their motorhomes. We attempted but Ian gave up the battle once again as the southernmost streets were very steep and very narrow... and no parking. Maybe a donkey badge would be more appropriate.
Top of the Rock with Spain in the background.
We had heard of the troubles that Gibraltar has with the Spanish authorities. It hit home when we were about to turn off a roundabout in La Linea de la Concepcion when we saw the massive queue of cars. We turned round and found some parking on the roadside with two other motorhomes. We paid €2.50 for a few hours (until it became free for the weekend) and walked in to Gib. The Rock looks superb and very grand indeed and well worth having since 1704.
After showing our passports to a very British looking Bobby we took a bus across the airport runway into the centre. It was a wise decision to park outside. The area is less than 7 square kilometers (3 square miles) and yet is home to 30,000 people.
Walking along the main street was a wonderful reminder of home with easily recognizable shops such as BHS and Marks and Sparks. Our target was the cable car and that took us to the Top of the Rock where we had wonderful views all round. The Barbary Apes are easy to spot because they are everywhere and some were quite intimidating. In fact while in the queue to descend one sprang from one railing to another via Ian’s shoulders.
Although very British there is a strange mixture of languages. A TV may be playing in Spanish while nearby radio is playing in English while some locals are conversing in what must be a local dialect. So we bought some fish and chips with mushy peas at Roy’s Chip Shop... what a great reminder of home.
We then walked the whole way back. It’s quite strange to walk across a live runway.
Roy of the Chippy had told us of a camp nearby and we found it quite easily and stopped for the night.
After showing our passports to a very British looking Bobby we took a bus across the airport runway into the centre. It was a wise decision to park outside. The area is less than 7 square kilometers (3 square miles) and yet is home to 30,000 people.
Walking along the main street was a wonderful reminder of home with easily recognizable shops such as BHS and Marks and Sparks. Our target was the cable car and that took us to the Top of the Rock where we had wonderful views all round. The Barbary Apes are easy to spot because they are everywhere and some were quite intimidating. In fact while in the queue to descend one sprang from one railing to another via Ian’s shoulders.
Although very British there is a strange mixture of languages. A TV may be playing in Spanish while nearby radio is playing in English while some locals are conversing in what must be a local dialect. So we bought some fish and chips with mushy peas at Roy’s Chip Shop... what a great reminder of home.
We then walked the whole way back. It’s quite strange to walk across a live runway.
Roy of the Chippy had told us of a camp nearby and we found it quite easily and stopped for the night.
Spain on the left.
Sunday 22 December 2013
Costa Concrete
Today we hit the Costas. Our drive took us past Marbella and Malaga. The main road is like a barrier between Spain and the Med. It is a high quality dual carriageway with very little opportunity for people to get from one side to the other. We stopped at 2 or 3 campsites to see what the going rate was. Generally around €22 a night and in one case €25 if you wanted wifi. In some places the views are good and you can see the concrete jungles down below. It really is amazing; almost everywhere there are signs and adverts in English. Many of them offering property for sale. Not for us.
Eventually we passed that lot and came to reality in the area of Valle Niza. Much more peaceful. There we spotted a caravan dealership offering overnight parking with electricity for €6.00. We stopped and had a relaxed late afternoon.
Costa Concrete
Today we hit the Costas. Our drive took us past Marbella and Malaga. The main road is like a barrier between Spain and the Med. It is a high quality dual carriageway with very little opportunity for people to get from one side to the other. We stopped at 2 or 3 campsites to see what the going rate was. Generally around €22 a night and in one case €25 if you wanted wifi. In some places the views are good and you can see the concrete jungles down below. It really is amazing; almost everywhere there are signs and adverts in English. Many of them offering property for sale. Not for us.
Eventually we passed that lot and came to reality in the area of Valle Niza. Much more peaceful. There we spotted a caravan dealership offering overnight parking with electricity for €6.00. We stopped and had a relaxed late afternoon.
Mile after mile of polythene.
Monday 23 December 2013
Costa del Polythene
The target today was the car park next to a Marina in Almerimar, suggested by Jeff and Francis. But first we stopped at a couple of campsites just to see what they were like. The first one near Almayate was large and well organised but they wanted €32, yes €32. So we had a walk around for the sake of it. On offer was a gymnastics class and also a series of Spanish lessons, plus Bingo. We moved on.
The second one was El Pino camp and we could not work out how to get there. We could see it and it did not look good, so we moved on again.
We must say that the scenery around this part of the coast is much nicer with mountains and steep cliffs along the coast. Very nice indeed but the motorway stopped near Pueblo del Chirimollo and went through some built up areas. This gave us a chance to find an ATM and a small shop for some butter, real butter. For some reason LIDL does not seem to sell real butter or fresh milk in Spain.
Finally we found Almerimar and the marina. Sadly the place was packed with German motorhomes who had taken all the electricity points so we abandoned the idea and looked for an ACSI site further along the coast.
Once again we must point out that after the dramatic seaside road we are now in the land of polythene “greenhouses”. They are covering so much of the ground it is impossible to see a bare patch of earth. This polythene farming went on for about 40 miles. This is where your tomatoes come from in winter at a guess. There does not seem to be any soil so we assume lots of fertilizer is used.
We found La Garrofa Camp. It is on an old road below the motorway and nestled into a cove. Being an ACSI site we will be paying €16 a night. It’s also underneath an even older road bridge and on the beach. At last a campsite ON THE BEACH.
Costa del Polythene
The target today was the car park next to a Marina in Almerimar, suggested by Jeff and Francis. But first we stopped at a couple of campsites just to see what they were like. The first one near Almayate was large and well organised but they wanted €32, yes €32. So we had a walk around for the sake of it. On offer was a gymnastics class and also a series of Spanish lessons, plus Bingo. We moved on.
The second one was El Pino camp and we could not work out how to get there. We could see it and it did not look good, so we moved on again.
We must say that the scenery around this part of the coast is much nicer with mountains and steep cliffs along the coast. Very nice indeed but the motorway stopped near Pueblo del Chirimollo and went through some built up areas. This gave us a chance to find an ATM and a small shop for some butter, real butter. For some reason LIDL does not seem to sell real butter or fresh milk in Spain.
Finally we found Almerimar and the marina. Sadly the place was packed with German motorhomes who had taken all the electricity points so we abandoned the idea and looked for an ACSI site further along the coast.
Once again we must point out that after the dramatic seaside road we are now in the land of polythene “greenhouses”. They are covering so much of the ground it is impossible to see a bare patch of earth. This polythene farming went on for about 40 miles. This is where your tomatoes come from in winter at a guess. There does not seem to be any soil so we assume lots of fertilizer is used.
We found La Garrofa Camp. It is on an old road below the motorway and nestled into a cove. Being an ACSI site we will be paying €16 a night. It’s also underneath an even older road bridge and on the beach. At last a campsite ON THE BEACH.
A selection of Xmas goodies.
24 onwards, December 2013
Christmas
On Christmas Eve the weather was glorious and we managed a short walk here and there around the camp. It looks very good from the old road bridge that crosses the camp.
In the evening Judit made a traditional Hungarian Christmas dinner with some cod we bought earlier. Not salt cod!
We even had internet for 36 hours and then nothing. We have to go to the bar/cafe area and work in there. At least while we had wifi in the motorhome we were able to receive Skype calls from Richard and Gyongyi and Panka, and we called Jo and family.
Our presents were simple but fun. We had both bought a Kindle for each other. Ian got a soap on a very short rope; not even long enough to go round his wrist. Judit received a nice new CREE LED torch for her handbag. It is about 3 inches long and has more power than Ian’s old 3-cell Maglite. In addition we had nice cards from Jo and team with a bonus of a few bob credit for Kindle books. We must not forget the bath juices and the bottle stopper from Pat and Mike. Both very welcome.
On Christmas day we had chicken with the usual trimmings. One was being served in the camp restaurant but we had lots of fresh stuff to consume. For those people who tell you Spain is glorious sunshine, it absolutely poured down and blew a gale all Christmas day... so there.
We’ve decided to wait here until Richard manages to send us our ACSI card for next year. So during our first few days here we’ve done the washing and had walks around the camp area. The Christmas fowl went through various disguise over the next few days, ending up in a curry of course.
Christmas
On Christmas Eve the weather was glorious and we managed a short walk here and there around the camp. It looks very good from the old road bridge that crosses the camp.
In the evening Judit made a traditional Hungarian Christmas dinner with some cod we bought earlier. Not salt cod!
We even had internet for 36 hours and then nothing. We have to go to the bar/cafe area and work in there. At least while we had wifi in the motorhome we were able to receive Skype calls from Richard and Gyongyi and Panka, and we called Jo and family.
Our presents were simple but fun. We had both bought a Kindle for each other. Ian got a soap on a very short rope; not even long enough to go round his wrist. Judit received a nice new CREE LED torch for her handbag. It is about 3 inches long and has more power than Ian’s old 3-cell Maglite. In addition we had nice cards from Jo and team with a bonus of a few bob credit for Kindle books. We must not forget the bath juices and the bottle stopper from Pat and Mike. Both very welcome.
On Christmas day we had chicken with the usual trimmings. One was being served in the camp restaurant but we had lots of fresh stuff to consume. For those people who tell you Spain is glorious sunshine, it absolutely poured down and blew a gale all Christmas day... so there.
We’ve decided to wait here until Richard manages to send us our ACSI card for next year. So during our first few days here we’ve done the washing and had walks around the camp area. The Christmas fowl went through various disguise over the next few days, ending up in a curry of course.
See you, Jimmy!
Rocks
While we’ve been here in La Garrofa we’ve amused ourselves with walks around the area. It’s very rocky, like a desert without the sand, and very interesting. Other outings have been to Almeria where we’ve visited the castle and other sites. It’s quite a nice city.
New Year
There was a party in the bar with drinks and snacks. Near midnight we trooped down to the beach where some one had lit a bonfire. A good time was had by all. Malcolm from the camp wanted us all to wear Jimmy hats... so we did.
While we’ve been here in La Garrofa we’ve amused ourselves with walks around the area. It’s very rocky, like a desert without the sand, and very interesting. Other outings have been to Almeria where we’ve visited the castle and other sites. It’s quite a nice city.
New Year
There was a party in the bar with drinks and snacks. Near midnight we trooped down to the beach where some one had lit a bonfire. A good time was had by all. Malcolm from the camp wanted us all to wear Jimmy hats... so we did.
Snow at the carnival in Almeria.
Carnival
On Sunday 5th January a party of us happy campers took the bus into town to watch the carnival. Strangely it started at 1900. But the floats were good and we even had snow showers down the main street from devices fixed onto the Christmas decorations. That was very impressive.
We’ve not really got into the tapas business yet. At one bar Ian ordered a beer and asked for a tapas which was just a slice of belly pork in a bread roll. Not too exciting.
On Sunday 5th January a party of us happy campers took the bus into town to watch the carnival. Strangely it started at 1900. But the floats were good and we even had snow showers down the main street from devices fixed onto the Christmas decorations. That was very impressive.
We’ve not really got into the tapas business yet. At one bar Ian ordered a beer and asked for a tapas which was just a slice of belly pork in a bread roll. Not too exciting.
Surrounded by some wonderful bikes.
Rally
Another highlight was the weekend of 18 and 19 January when about 80 motorbikes and off-road vehicles invaded the camp along with the support vehicles. On Monday they start the Intercontinental rally from Almeria to Dakar in Senegal. We had bikes and support vans everywhere and can hardly get into the motorhome they are parked so close. But it’s all good fun for ex-off-roaders.
Another highlight was the weekend of 18 and 19 January when about 80 motorbikes and off-road vehicles invaded the camp along with the support vehicles. On Monday they start the Intercontinental rally from Almeria to Dakar in Senegal. We had bikes and support vans everywhere and can hardly get into the motorhome they are parked so close. But it’s all good fun for ex-off-roaders.
For Bravo main street.
21 January 2014
Howdy Cowboy
Time for a day out. We unhitched our faithful Bessy and mozied down to the old corral.
Well not quite. Our destination was Fort Bravo near Taberna. Luckily only about a 30 minute drive from camp. It’s in the rocky desert of southern Spain and bears a remarkable resemblance to “cowboy country” in thousands of old Western movies.
Because of this the Spanish film industry has made hundreds of so-called Spaghetti Westerns here. (Why are they not called Chorizo Westerns?).
As part of the set up they have built studios and sets around the small town of Taberna. We went to Fort Bravo and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Fort Bravo is a cowboy town complete with saloon, livery stables (with horses), bank, sheriff’s office, jail, gallows and so on. There is even a section of the town that looks Mexican.
We were met at the entrance by a wagon which took us round the town before hitching up at the saloon for a welcome cup of coffee.
Howdy Cowboy
Time for a day out. We unhitched our faithful Bessy and mozied down to the old corral.
Well not quite. Our destination was Fort Bravo near Taberna. Luckily only about a 30 minute drive from camp. It’s in the rocky desert of southern Spain and bears a remarkable resemblance to “cowboy country” in thousands of old Western movies.
Because of this the Spanish film industry has made hundreds of so-called Spaghetti Westerns here. (Why are they not called Chorizo Westerns?).
As part of the set up they have built studios and sets around the small town of Taberna. We went to Fort Bravo and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Fort Bravo is a cowboy town complete with saloon, livery stables (with horses), bank, sheriff’s office, jail, gallows and so on. There is even a section of the town that looks Mexican.
We were met at the entrance by a wagon which took us round the town before hitching up at the saloon for a welcome cup of coffee.
Hands up 'en git on yer horse!
After the break we walked around the town. The experience was quite surreal because we were the only people there except a few cowboys and horses. Much later when we were about the leave, the wagon came round a corner and we were held up at gunpoint (Colt 45 to be precise) and made to go to the saloon. We sat quietly until 3 cowboys came in, ordered drinks at the bar, complete with sliding shot-glasses. They then sat down to play cards but as can be imagined, two of them cheated and a gunfight ensued.
The event was most exciting because we were not on a stage but at the next table.
On our return to camp we were given another show, this time by dolphins in the bay.
So far it is our best day in Spain.
The event was most exciting because we were not on a stage but at the next table.
On our return to camp we were given another show, this time by dolphins in the bay.
So far it is our best day in Spain.
IMMEDIATE CHANGE OF PLAN
On the 6th of February Ian's daughter contacted us on the UK mobile with shocking news. Ian's best friend, Mike, was seriously ill in Doncaster Infirmary.
We left La Garoffa and drove as fast as we dared towards the UK and only stopped when tiredness was becoming a problem. Sadly on 8 February, as we entered France, we received the bad news that Mike had died.
Once in Yorkshire we tried help his wife, Pat, and their two sons in whatever way we could.
The funeral was, as always, a sad event but the gentleman leading the occasion inserted as many humorous and joyful comments as was possible.
Mike died just two days short of his 72nd birthday. He will not be forgotten.
We left La Garoffa and drove as fast as we dared towards the UK and only stopped when tiredness was becoming a problem. Sadly on 8 February, as we entered France, we received the bad news that Mike had died.
Once in Yorkshire we tried help his wife, Pat, and their two sons in whatever way we could.
The funeral was, as always, a sad event but the gentleman leading the occasion inserted as many humorous and joyful comments as was possible.
Mike died just two days short of his 72nd birthday. He will not be forgotten.
