After breakfast we unloaded the bikes and set off to explore the local area. We found a track down to the beach, which runs alongside the camp and has a lake on its other side. But unfortunately just before you got to the beach it was flooded, so we had to backtrack. We then found a route that takes you round to the other side of lake and then through some woods. This is a great route and we stopped and had a walk along the beach collecting some shells for Sarah. There were a few people out walking or fishing but on the whole it was very quiet.
We came across some really lovely houses set in there own grounds and with landscaped garden etc, then further along we cycled past a very nice looking golf course which had a very exclusive looking housing estate set in it. I had the feeling you’d need a lot of money to buy a house here!
After lunch outside, we sat enjoying the sun before Sarah started her packing. She’s off home tomorrow and Matthews coming here for a week. We decided to go for a hire car which they dropped off yesterday as they were busy today, as it will make things easier than trying to catch buses etc at 6am! Really looking forward to seeing Matt but it will seem strange without Sarah.
Monday 21 February 2011
Sunday 20th February 2011
Nice sunny day so we went for a walk and bought some large prawns for lunch. Whilst we were sitting outside having lunch Emma called to say she was engaged! Nick and her were in Bristol for the weekend and he proposed on the suspension bridge. We were really excited and couldn’t be happier to have Nick as a son in law, he’s already considered part of the family anyway! Although some may question his mental health for wanting to join us, there said it before one of you jokers did! It seemed strange not being home to see them, so we consoled ourselves with texts and a bottle of bubbly, can’t wait to see them at Easter.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EMMA & NICK!
CONGRATULATIONS TO EMMA & NICK!
Saturday 19th February 2011
All had a lie in after a late night and then after breakfast Lynn and walked into town in the sunshine. We found an electric two ring hob we can use outdoors on a table and so bought some sardines from the fish market to give it a try. Unfortunately we need another adapter as the one we bought in France doesn’t work here, so we had to cook the fish indoors. They were very tasty and only cost 2 euros for half a kilo, so really good all round! During the afternoon it became overcast so we did a few jobs around the van and then Sarah and I walked up to the bar for the wifi.
Friday 18th February 2011
Woke up to a sunny morning, especially for Sarah, as it’s her birthday! As her main present is at home waiting for her, we’d done her a jokey “Lucky dip” which we made last all day, mean I know!
After breakfast we went for a walk along the beach front and sat in the sun. Had a nose in one or two shops and Sarah bought a very summery bracelet. At the end of the promenade is a small harbour and fish market selling all sorts of freshly caught fish etc. A few motorhomes were wild camping nearby, but I’m not sure I’d want to sleep there! We returned to the camp for lunch and birthday cake with candles, how to embarrass a nineteen year old!
In the evening we went to a local restaurant which is run by a French woman and had really good reviews on trip adviser. They collect you and take you home again in a mini bus free of charge! The reviews were spot on, we were welcomed at the door and shown to our table like regulars. When she discovered it was Sarah’s 19th she said to Sarah “You must have Champagne”! Thanks I thought, then she said we should all have Champagne, followed by those magic words “On the house”. Oh well how we could refuse! The meal was great, beautiful presentation and wonderful flavours. Sarah and I had crepes for desert and mine had Grand Marnier lit in a small pan at the table, before being poured over the crepe, very good! A really good find, just as well it’s not our local as we’d all weigh 18 stone and I’d be broke!
Happy birthday Sarah.
After breakfast we went for a walk along the beach front and sat in the sun. Had a nose in one or two shops and Sarah bought a very summery bracelet. At the end of the promenade is a small harbour and fish market selling all sorts of freshly caught fish etc. A few motorhomes were wild camping nearby, but I’m not sure I’d want to sleep there! We returned to the camp for lunch and birthday cake with candles, how to embarrass a nineteen year old!
In the evening we went to a local restaurant which is run by a French woman and had really good reviews on trip adviser. They collect you and take you home again in a mini bus free of charge! The reviews were spot on, we were welcomed at the door and shown to our table like regulars. When she discovered it was Sarah’s 19th she said to Sarah “You must have Champagne”! Thanks I thought, then she said we should all have Champagne, followed by those magic words “On the house”. Oh well how we could refuse! The meal was great, beautiful presentation and wonderful flavours. Sarah and I had crepes for desert and mine had Grand Marnier lit in a small pan at the table, before being poured over the crepe, very good! A really good find, just as well it’s not our local as we’d all weigh 18 stone and I’d be broke!
Happy birthday Sarah.
Saturday 19 February 2011
Wednesday 16th February 2011
After a stormy night (I slept through it!) we woke up to thunder and lightning. It broke after breakfast and we then had a long deliberation about changing pitches! Eventually we decided to try the one opposite which looked fairly level but not so much sun. It also meant I’d have to reverse out when we leave, which will be OK if the pitch behind is empty but slightly more difficult if it’s occupied. Still I’ve had a look at the small beginnings of a hedge in front of the van and if push comes to shove I can drive over it and straight onto the road!
After lunch it stopped raining so we went for a walk into town. Very nice promenade for walking or cycling, lots of cafés open and small restaurants. Found a supermarket close to the camp as the one on site has very little to choose from, no fruit or veg etc. Lynn found hairdressers who could do her hair then and there, so went in to get a trim! I’d offered to do it with the trimmers which Lynn was up for but Sarah said over her dead body!
We had a walk along the promenade, did a little shopping before returning to the van for the usual coffee and cake, just as the heavens opened. Everyone had said how much cheaper Portugal was compared with Spain, but so far it seems the same or more expensive? We have found a 5lt box wine for just over 5euros which is not bad and by the second glass is tasting quite good!
Having Tapas for supper tonight, my chicken wings are in the fridge marinating, Lynn’s cooking her potato mix and Sarah is doing Chorizo sausages in red wine. All served up with French bread and more glasses of red wine, we’re getting too used to this lifestyle!
After lunch it stopped raining so we went for a walk into town. Very nice promenade for walking or cycling, lots of cafés open and small restaurants. Found a supermarket close to the camp as the one on site has very little to choose from, no fruit or veg etc. Lynn found hairdressers who could do her hair then and there, so went in to get a trim! I’d offered to do it with the trimmers which Lynn was up for but Sarah said over her dead body!
We had a walk along the promenade, did a little shopping before returning to the van for the usual coffee and cake, just as the heavens opened. Everyone had said how much cheaper Portugal was compared with Spain, but so far it seems the same or more expensive? We have found a 5lt box wine for just over 5euros which is not bad and by the second glass is tasting quite good!
Having Tapas for supper tonight, my chicken wings are in the fridge marinating, Lynn’s cooking her potato mix and Sarah is doing Chorizo sausages in red wine. All served up with French bread and more glasses of red wine, we’re getting too used to this lifestyle!
Tuesday 15th February 2011
None of us managed much sleep last night as we were hit by a bad storm, this morning it was still tipping it down and very stormy skies. We would have got drenched just walking to the bus stop! The weather forecast is not great for the next few days, so very reluctantly we decided it wasn’t worth waiting it out, time to move on. We quickly packed up and joined the queue of people all having the same thoughts and leaving. The site was fairly expensive and wasn’t set up for winter camping as much as the others we’ve stayed on.
We set off in the rain and due to some excellent work by the navigator we easily found our way out of Sevilla and onto the toll road towards Portugal. The traffic around the port area was very heavy but as we drove further away it soon became quite and with good roads we made really good progress. We stopped for a quick lunch at a services just a few miles from the boarder and planned our route, firstly to try and get some LPG and secondly to the campsite. By now the rain had stopped and as we crossed the border into Portugal the sun came out to welcome us. There were no border checkpoints to go through, we just crossed the river bridge from one country to another.
The scenery was rolling hills with some pretty villages dotted around. Not sure if it was our imagination or not but it definitely seemed windier! Found the services we were looking for and the LPG pump was at the end of one of the pump islands along with the usual diesel and petrol. Nervously we identified the attachment needed, which turned out to be the Italian one we used outside Barcelona and began to fill the tanks. Nothing happened at first but after a few seconds the pump started to show we were filling the gas bottles. When this system works it’s as easy as filling your car with petrol, it’s just the lack of petrol pumps in Spain and the variety of attachments’ that are a bit of a pain! Still Portugal has more places to top up and the two tanks should easily last a couple of months.
Having filled up with LPG and diesel both of which were more expensive than Spain, we set of to find the campsite. Following the books directions we easily found Quarteira but not the camp, so we ended up driving through the town and down some fairly narrow streets. The satnav was useless, not recognising the road name and GPS coordinates put us miles away, so we decided to try and drive along the coast road. This wasn’t too bad as it was a nice wide road, dual carriageway at times, just lots of pedestrian crossing as you had hotels one side and the beach the other, still the town looked like it had plenty to nose around! As we were leaving the town Lynn and Sarah spotted the campsite entrance on our right, so we joined the queue to get in. Having booked in and paid upfront for a week we set off in search of a pitch. They don’t allocate you one here you just choose any available one you like. Sounds easy but the site was fairly busy and most of the pitches are very sloping and sandy, not a great combination for us! Having driven round the site checking out a few pitches but discarding them for a variety of reasons Sarah found one near the start but due to the one way system we hadn’t been down that road. It certainly had the sun but was very sloping, even with ramps under the front wheels. Still we’re here and can now relax, all very tired after a day’s travelling and not much sleep. We’ll give the pitch a go tonight and see how we get on.
We set off in the rain and due to some excellent work by the navigator we easily found our way out of Sevilla and onto the toll road towards Portugal. The traffic around the port area was very heavy but as we drove further away it soon became quite and with good roads we made really good progress. We stopped for a quick lunch at a services just a few miles from the boarder and planned our route, firstly to try and get some LPG and secondly to the campsite. By now the rain had stopped and as we crossed the border into Portugal the sun came out to welcome us. There were no border checkpoints to go through, we just crossed the river bridge from one country to another.
The scenery was rolling hills with some pretty villages dotted around. Not sure if it was our imagination or not but it definitely seemed windier! Found the services we were looking for and the LPG pump was at the end of one of the pump islands along with the usual diesel and petrol. Nervously we identified the attachment needed, which turned out to be the Italian one we used outside Barcelona and began to fill the tanks. Nothing happened at first but after a few seconds the pump started to show we were filling the gas bottles. When this system works it’s as easy as filling your car with petrol, it’s just the lack of petrol pumps in Spain and the variety of attachments’ that are a bit of a pain! Still Portugal has more places to top up and the two tanks should easily last a couple of months.
Having filled up with LPG and diesel both of which were more expensive than Spain, we set of to find the campsite. Following the books directions we easily found Quarteira but not the camp, so we ended up driving through the town and down some fairly narrow streets. The satnav was useless, not recognising the road name and GPS coordinates put us miles away, so we decided to try and drive along the coast road. This wasn’t too bad as it was a nice wide road, dual carriageway at times, just lots of pedestrian crossing as you had hotels one side and the beach the other, still the town looked like it had plenty to nose around! As we were leaving the town Lynn and Sarah spotted the campsite entrance on our right, so we joined the queue to get in. Having booked in and paid upfront for a week we set off in search of a pitch. They don’t allocate you one here you just choose any available one you like. Sounds easy but the site was fairly busy and most of the pitches are very sloping and sandy, not a great combination for us! Having driven round the site checking out a few pitches but discarding them for a variety of reasons Sarah found one near the start but due to the one way system we hadn’t been down that road. It certainly had the sun but was very sloping, even with ramps under the front wheels. Still we’re here and can now relax, all very tired after a day’s travelling and not much sleep. We’ll give the pitch a go tonight and see how we get on.
Monday 14th February 2011
Woke up to a nice morning, finished packing things away and said our goodbyes to Paul, Tracey, Iain & Anne as well as Travis their Gordon setter. Swopped email addresses with Paul and Tracey so we can let them know of any good places in Portugal as they are following on in a couple of weeks.
Had a good run up to Jerez, countryside still fairly flat for Spanish standards and the roads very good. In desperate need of LPG so that was first on the agenda. Didn’t see the road number we were looking for as our exit off the toll road (hadn’t had to pay so far?), and soon realised we had gone too far. Came off and stopped at a petrol station for some Diesel, where we met an English guy who knew the area and could at least tell us where we were. From that we quickly found our way back to the correct junction and came off, from there we recognised the roads etc from googlemap and easily found the repsol depot down a small lane. Feeling very chuffed with ourselves we pulled up to the gas pump and an attendant came over to fill us up. He checked our system and fitted an attachment before beginning to fill the tanks, but nothing happened it wouldn’t take any! He scratched his head tried again but no luck. He showed us that the pump and attachment were working but it wasn’t with our system. I tried one of our attachments but still no luck! The gas seemed to be getting from the nozzle through the attachment but not through the inlet valve on our system? Nothing we could do there so we left. We have been told Spain have adopted a European attachment which no one else uses yet! So it could be that.
Set off for Seville and again had a good journey, toll road was only 6 euros (the guy charged us the car rate, good man!) and we made good progress. Easily found the campsite as we recognised the junctions and buildings from google map, despite the removal of a road bridge where we would have crossed, and being replaced with a roundabout. The campsite has small pitches so we spent some time trying to find one we could get to and fit on. In the end we decided to try one of the first ones and park Bella at an angle across the pitch. As we walked back to get the van a caravan was parked outside reception, blocking everything, then a motorhome pulled in as well. I got Bella from where we had parked her and pulled in behind the caravan. It then became obvious all three of us wanted the first pitches on the left. The caravan pulled up to them only to find Sarah standing in the middle, she confirmed that we were going into that one and gave them the “Don’t mess with me I’m from Essex!” look. It worked and they begrudgingly pulled forward. The other motorhome had followed us in and was waiting for us to fail to get into the pitch! He admitted to Lynn he didn’t think we would get onto the pitch, but we did somehow, much to our relief!
After a quick lunch we walked to a Carrefour and bought a few bits for dinner and located the bus stop for tomorrow’s trip into Seville. It looks nice and historical and I’ve found a suggested walk around the old part so I’m looking forward to it! Promised the girls a meal out so they’re happy as well!
Set off for Seville and again had a good journey, toll road was only 6 euros (the guy charged us the car rate, good man!) and we made good progress. Easily found the campsite as we recognised the junctions and buildings from google map, despite the removal of a road bridge where we would have crossed, and being replaced with a roundabout. The campsite has small pitches so we spent some time trying to find one we could get to and fit on. In the end we decided to try one of the first ones and park Bella at an angle across the pitch. As we walked back to get the van a caravan was parked outside reception, blocking everything, then a motorhome pulled in as well. I got Bella from where we had parked her and pulled in behind the caravan. It then became obvious all three of us wanted the first pitches on the left. The caravan pulled up to them only to find Sarah standing in the middle, she confirmed that we were going into that one and gave them the “Don’t mess with me I’m from Essex!” look. It worked and they begrudgingly pulled forward. The other motorhome had followed us in and was waiting for us to fail to get into the pitch! He admitted to Lynn he didn’t think we would get onto the pitch, but we did somehow, much to our relief!
After a quick lunch we walked to a Carrefour and bought a few bits for dinner and located the bus stop for tomorrow’s trip into Seville. It looks nice and historical and I’ve found a suggested walk around the old part so I’m looking forward to it! Promised the girls a meal out so they’re happy as well!
Sunday 13 February 2011
Sunday 13th February 2011
Grey morning with the promise of rain! Popped up to the camp shop and bought a few things as we’re leaving tomorrow, hopefully to buy some LPG as we’re almost out and then to head for Sevilla. Emptied the waste and filled with fresh water etc while Lynn used the last of her washing tokens.
After lunch Lynn and I spent some time planning our route and looking on Google map for the locations we want to reach. Lucky we did, as the suggested route to the campsite has a 90 degree turn into a very narrow lane, between two high walls. So we’ve found a much easier route, we hope! The rain came , off and on, so we decided against the planned walk to the beach. The weather forecast is not great for the next few days but we can’t moan considering the great weather we have had.
Hoping to Skype the guys later to catch up with the gossip etc.
After lunch Lynn and I spent some time planning our route and looking on Google map for the locations we want to reach. Lucky we did, as the suggested route to the campsite has a 90 degree turn into a very narrow lane, between two high walls. So we’ve found a much easier route, we hope! The rain came , off and on, so we decided against the planned walk to the beach. The weather forecast is not great for the next few days but we can’t moan considering the great weather we have had.
Hoping to Skype the guys later to catch up with the gossip etc.
Saturday 12th February 2011
Spent the morning doing a few jobs and sitting in the sun. Around 3pm we headed up to the bar with Paul and Tracey from next door and spent the next 4 hours watching rugby, eating tapas and drinking. Not a bad way to spend a few hours, especially as England won so well! The few English in the bar were joined later by a handful of Scots, who gave us some stick until Wales scored so quickly, they were very quiet after that!
Afterwards we returned to Bella where we quickly whipped up some homemade tapas, which we took next door and spent the rest of the evening with Paul and Tracey. This is their first long trip way in a motorhome as well, so we had loads to chat about. It was a really nice social evening.
Afterwards we returned to Bella where we quickly whipped up some homemade tapas, which we took next door and spent the rest of the evening with Paul and Tracey. This is their first long trip way in a motorhome as well, so we had loads to chat about. It was a really nice social evening.
Friday 11th February 2011
Set off on the bikes to have a look around the natural park. Cycled down to Canos de Meca again but took the road towards Barbate which leads you to the main park entrance. But as you leave Canos you encounter a very long, steep winding hill, it must be at least a mile long and very steep! Needless to say we ended up walking a lot of it! Sarah adopted a novel idea of cycling slowly until a car came up behind and then trying to get a push from the car!
Eventually we made it and recovered our breath in the park entrance. We then set off through the park to see the watch tower, which was a little disappointing and then the view point which was worth the effort!
Once we had got back on the main track it was rough but downhill, much to everyone relief! It was surprising that despite being out of breath from the trek there the girls still managed to scream and laugh their way down as they bounced over the rocks and avoided the numerous pot holes!
Having learned our lesson last time we decided not to try and find our way home through the park but stuck to the road! We returned to the van about 5.30pm, exhausted but pleased with ourselves and the views we had seen, a great way to spend the afternoon.
Eventually we made it and recovered our breath in the park entrance. We then set off through the park to see the watch tower, which was a little disappointing and then the view point which was worth the effort!
Once we had got back on the main track it was rough but downhill, much to everyone relief! It was surprising that despite being out of breath from the trek there the girls still managed to scream and laugh their way down as they bounced over the rocks and avoided the numerous pot holes!
Thursday 10th February 2011
This afternoon we were invited to a birthday party for one of the neighbours a couple of pitches along from us, at least two thirds of the camp must have been there! Lots to drink and eat, the birthday girl’s husband cooked a bbq and did a joint of beef, which was excellent, very very tasty! Spent the afternoon chatting mostly to our closest neighbours who both turned out to be retired from my line of work. One retired from Glasgow about ten years ago and has lived with his wife in France ever since and Paul from West Mercia last year like me. Didn’t talk any job other than how nice it was to be able to retire early! Got quite cold when the sun disappeared behind the trees around 5pm, so everyone headed home to their vans to warm up.
Sunday 6th February 2011
Had a late breakfast and did some chores around the van. The couple next door (very fit looking!) made us feel a little guilty as they had been up and about a while. She’d been out for a run, cleaned the van and done all her ironing, even offered to do some for us if we had any! I explained we didn’t do much ironing as Lynn has perfected the art of washing, drying and folding the clothes so they don’t need it! Well that’s what she’s told me!
We’ve noticed there are younger “campers” here, some in their early thirties and not your beach bum drop out type. Maybe taking a year out?
Had a late lunch in the onsite restaurant, three courses for 9 euros! As the restaurant is open to the public, over half its customers were Spanish, which gave it a good atmosphere. We had a nice salad for starters, Lynn and I had fish which was really good and Sarah a burger and chips. For desert we thought we were getting a chocolate brownie but ended up with a very sweet cold custard desert with a rich tea biscuit in the middle! Oh well two out of three isn’t bad! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon sitting in the sun.
We’ve noticed there are younger “campers” here, some in their early thirties and not your beach bum drop out type. Maybe taking a year out?
Had a late lunch in the onsite restaurant, three courses for 9 euros! As the restaurant is open to the public, over half its customers were Spanish, which gave it a good atmosphere. We had a nice salad for starters, Lynn and I had fish which was really good and Sarah a burger and chips. For desert we thought we were getting a chocolate brownie but ended up with a very sweet cold custard desert with a rich tea biscuit in the middle! Oh well two out of three isn’t bad! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon sitting in the sun.
Saturday 12 February 2011
Saturday 5th February 2011
Got the bikes out and went for a cycle along the coast road which is very quiet during the week and still fairly quiet at the weekend. Cycled down the lane towards the lighthouse which was busy with cars and vans filled with surfer “dudes” and their boards etc. Next to a large bar some local hippy looking boys and girls were setting up stalls covered with tie dye (I’m told) clothes and a dreadlocked couple had set up a stall selling jewellery outside by the road. The beach was already busy and the road was filling up with cars etc. We continued into the nearby village of Canos de Meca, which had a great secluded beach and holiday homes right on the water front.
It was fairly quiet, a few Spanish families around, but lots of hotels, hostels etc about all closed up. I can imagine it's packed during the summer. At the end is access to a natural park, which is huge. We sat on the cliffs overlooking the ocean and had our lunch, brilliant spot!
As the park has walking and cycling trails across it, we decided to use them to get back to our campsite in Zahora. We started off fine along a rough road through the woods but after a while you guessed it, the trails became very sandy tracks and we got lost. Nothing new there I hear the kids say! We eventually found our way out, but not before having to slip under fences etc with the bikes! One thing I like here is no matter where you find yourself you are always near a bar! We came out along a track past a large house (built in the shape of a ship!) and onto the main road right opposite a bar, we took it as a sign so popped in for some refreshments!
It was fairly quiet, a few Spanish families around, but lots of hotels, hostels etc about all closed up. I can imagine it's packed during the summer. At the end is access to a natural park, which is huge. We sat on the cliffs overlooking the ocean and had our lunch, brilliant spot!
As the park has walking and cycling trails across it, we decided to use them to get back to our campsite in Zahora. We started off fine along a rough road through the woods but after a while you guessed it, the trails became very sandy tracks and we got lost. Nothing new there I hear the kids say! We eventually found our way out, but not before having to slip under fences etc with the bikes! One thing I like here is no matter where you find yourself you are always near a bar! We came out along a track past a large house (built in the shape of a ship!) and onto the main road right opposite a bar, we took it as a sign so popped in for some refreshments!
Friday 4th February 2011
Lovely sunny day, slightly chilly in the van to start with as we’re in the shade, but in the sun it was nice and warm. After breakfast we bought some fresh rolls from the onsite supermarket (cheaper than the public one in Cabopino) and made a picnic lunch, then set of to the beach. Its only just over a kilometre, through a small village opposite our camp and your there. Great sandy beach and waves rolling in, with no one else about!
We set up camp and made ourselves comfortable, Sarah adopted the serious sunbathing pose! Spent the day watching the waves, the odd walker or horseback rider coming along the beach and later on when the waves were bigger some local lads surfing. I have to admit they were good and incredibly brave as the water was freezing! Lynn managed a paddle and I thought she was “loco” as the locals say! Can’t believe this is early Feb!
Sunday 6 February 2011
Thursday 3rd February 2011
Sunny but windy morning, up earlier as we want to leave at 10am. Finished the packing, said our goodbyes and with a little manoeuvring managed to get out of the pitch and away. Nice and easy straightforward journey past Gibraltar to the next campsite on the coast by Trafalgar, site of Nelsons famous victory. Did you know to preserve his body on the journey back to England they kept it in a barrel of brandy! No neither did Lynn and Sarah, or the other interesting facts I told them!
On the way to our campsite we passed Tarifa, which is one of the major crossings to Morocco, which we could see in the distance. We didn’t go through the town, but the beaches after it looked great and there were lots of Wind & Kite surfing schools along the beach road, as well as hostels. Most looked closed for the winter but I bet it’s very popular in the summer. We passed a really nice looking campsite on the beach side of the road with cycle paths from it, so we turned round (eventually) and went in. They had a pitch, but wanted 31 euros a night! We declined and left.
Arrived at our planned site, Camping Pinar San Jose, a Cat 1 and just over half the price of the other one! Really friendly receptionist who gave us loads of maps and info about the area. Nice grassy pitch overlooking the woods of a natural park, slightly in the shade but with hard standing to park on. Water, waste, electric and TV point on the pitch. As it was such a lovely afternoon after lunch we walked down to the beach which is fabulous and along to the lighthouse at Trafalgar point. It was around 5.30pm when we left the beach and it was still warm and sunny. Having walked further than intended, we stopped off at a small local bar for a quick much needed drink!
On the way to our campsite we passed Tarifa, which is one of the major crossings to Morocco, which we could see in the distance. We didn’t go through the town, but the beaches after it looked great and there were lots of Wind & Kite surfing schools along the beach road, as well as hostels. Most looked closed for the winter but I bet it’s very popular in the summer. We passed a really nice looking campsite on the beach side of the road with cycle paths from it, so we turned round (eventually) and went in. They had a pitch, but wanted 31 euros a night! We declined and left.
Arrived at our planned site, Camping Pinar San Jose, a Cat 1 and just over half the price of the other one! Really friendly receptionist who gave us loads of maps and info about the area. Nice grassy pitch overlooking the woods of a natural park, slightly in the shade but with hard standing to park on. Water, waste, electric and TV point on the pitch. As it was such a lovely afternoon after lunch we walked down to the beach which is fabulous and along to the lighthouse at Trafalgar point. It was around 5.30pm when we left the beach and it was still warm and sunny. Having walked further than intended, we stopped off at a small local bar for a quick much needed drink!
Wednesday 2nd February 2011
Spent the day sorting out the van for leaving, emptying some things, filling others, sitting in the sun, it’s a hard life! As we had the hire car we used it to go shopping and stock up on meals and more wine. I’m worried in case Portugal doesn’t do as much wine so am stocking up, well if they do we’ll just have to try there’s to!
Dropped the car off at reception and paid the bill for our three weeks stay, note the three weeks. When the guy gave us the total Lynn asked somewhat accusingly, “does that include the discount?” She then explained to me that it seemed a lot for two weeks! We’ve realised how easy it is to lose a day, but a whole week! She’s obviously far too relaxed and having far too much wine!
In the evening we had another great meal in the camp bar/restaurant, they really do excellent pasta dishes and a great way to finish our stay. We’ve really enjoyed our stay here and like the area a lot, much more than we thought we would. If only we did the lottery!
Dropped the car off at reception and paid the bill for our three weeks stay, note the three weeks. When the guy gave us the total Lynn asked somewhat accusingly, “does that include the discount?” She then explained to me that it seemed a lot for two weeks! We’ve realised how easy it is to lose a day, but a whole week! She’s obviously far too relaxed and having far too much wine!
In the evening we had another great meal in the camp bar/restaurant, they really do excellent pasta dishes and a great way to finish our stay. We’ve really enjoyed our stay here and like the area a lot, much more than we thought we would. If only we did the lottery!
Tuesday 1st February 2011
The weather was good, nice and sunny as we set off for Ronda, we were wrapped up for the cold as the city is high in the hills/mountains, not sure when one becomes the other! But it had snow in January! There is only one road up from Marbella to Ronda and it is an hour’s drive along a good but twisting mountain road. It was a spectacular drive. As you leave the coast, you drive past exclusive Golf & Country Clubs dotted amongst the hillside and large detached villas with incredible views. Once you climb above them, you are into the mountains and slowly wind your way up via hairpin bends. You don’t stop climbing for around 45 minutes. The local van and lorry drivers overtake anywhere and don’t hang around! Once you reach the top it becomes a hilly plateau covered in farms. Ronda sits a little way in, on both sides of a deep gorge. The old part on one side and the much larger newer on the other. As you approach the city you pass new housing developments which unusually for Spain are just rows of identical terraced houses, it reminded me of a military base or prison, I can only think it’s to keep the cost down. But it looks awful.
We drove through the new part of the city and fairly easily found the old historic part, including the bullring for which it is famous. Parked the car in an underground carpark (remember those Chris!), as there was no other parking, and set off on foot to explore. First port of call was a café overlooking the square. We sat in the sun (nice in the sun, chilly in the shade) and planned our route. We came to the conclusion that around town the Spanish are much more laidback and forgiving than us. They will wait patiently as the car in front just stops to load or unload passengers, shopping etc, causing an instant tailback! However once they get out of town they either refuse to overtake anything no matter how slow it’s going or will overtake from six cars back just before a blind bend!
Anyway back to Ronda, after coffee we had a walk around and found a small park with incredible views over the valley. We stopped and took some photos, had lunch in the sun admiring the views. The place was spotless and clearly well looked after, as is all the old part of the city. Tourism is clearly a big earner with loads of expensive hotels and restaurants.
After lunch we went to the bullring, which claims to be the oldest and largest working bullring and the one where the modern style of bullfighting began. Bullfighting was the sport of nobles and the rich who fought the bulls from horseback. Ronda is credited with starting the now usual form of bullfighting on foot. This enabled the poor (and slightly mad) to participate. The bullring was originally built by the local Spanish cavalry who closely aligned the high standard of horsemanship required to be a cavalry officer, with the skills required to take part in bullfighting. This bullring is great to tour as you are allowed everywhere. We hired one of the audio guides and set off. It gave you the history and described the various stages of the bullfight. You could follow the footsteps of the matador from the small chapel, into the ring and the journey the poor bull takes, as well as walk around the actual ring itself.
They still operate a riding school as part of the bullring and teach up to international level. We stood in a viewing area of the indoor ménage and you could sense the seriously high standards they would demand here, not quite “Limebrook” hey Em!
Whatever you think of bullfighting and I’m not convinced by some of their rationale for the methods used, this place just oozed history, drama and tension. They still have bullfights here once a year in September, when thousands flock to the town to watch the spectacle, not just of the bullfight but of the processions etc. The Spanish royal family have a royal box and have attended in the past, so you can imagine the clamour for tickets!
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the old town which is wonderful, with alleyways, small courtyards filled with orange trees and incredible views, definitely somewhere to return to!
We drove through the new part of the city and fairly easily found the old historic part, including the bullring for which it is famous. Parked the car in an underground carpark (remember those Chris!), as there was no other parking, and set off on foot to explore. First port of call was a café overlooking the square. We sat in the sun (nice in the sun, chilly in the shade) and planned our route. We came to the conclusion that around town the Spanish are much more laidback and forgiving than us. They will wait patiently as the car in front just stops to load or unload passengers, shopping etc, causing an instant tailback! However once they get out of town they either refuse to overtake anything no matter how slow it’s going or will overtake from six cars back just before a blind bend!
Anyway back to Ronda, after coffee we had a walk around and found a small park with incredible views over the valley. We stopped and took some photos, had lunch in the sun admiring the views. The place was spotless and clearly well looked after, as is all the old part of the city. Tourism is clearly a big earner with loads of expensive hotels and restaurants.
After lunch we went to the bullring, which claims to be the oldest and largest working bullring and the one where the modern style of bullfighting began. Bullfighting was the sport of nobles and the rich who fought the bulls from horseback. Ronda is credited with starting the now usual form of bullfighting on foot. This enabled the poor (and slightly mad) to participate. The bullring was originally built by the local Spanish cavalry who closely aligned the high standard of horsemanship required to be a cavalry officer, with the skills required to take part in bullfighting. This bullring is great to tour as you are allowed everywhere. We hired one of the audio guides and set off. It gave you the history and described the various stages of the bullfight. You could follow the footsteps of the matador from the small chapel, into the ring and the journey the poor bull takes, as well as walk around the actual ring itself.
They still operate a riding school as part of the bullring and teach up to international level. We stood in a viewing area of the indoor ménage and you could sense the seriously high standards they would demand here, not quite “Limebrook” hey Em!
Whatever you think of bullfighting and I’m not convinced by some of their rationale for the methods used, this place just oozed history, drama and tension. They still have bullfights here once a year in September, when thousands flock to the town to watch the spectacle, not just of the bullfight but of the processions etc. The Spanish royal family have a royal box and have attended in the past, so you can imagine the clamour for tickets!
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the old town which is wonderful, with alleyways, small courtyards filled with orange trees and incredible views, definitely somewhere to return to!
Friday 4 February 2011
Monday 31st January 2011
After a chilly night (well by our standards) we woke up to blue skies, still not that warm but bright and sunny. So Lynn got some washing on, nearly becoming involved in an international incident. Apparently an English woman wanted to use two washing machines at one time and a German lady was understandably not impressed! She was also angry at people not being back in time to empty their clean washing when the machine had finished. Lynn promised to be back in 35 mins ready to empty it, only to be told crossly “No! 30 minutes it takes 30 minutes! Oops She was duly back in plenty of time, I said she should have replied “YAH VOLL!” But apparently that’s not appropriate, even though it was the least historic suggestion I came up with!
After breakfast and two hours preparation (I’ll pay for that) we drove to Puerto Banus and had a drive around the town and into the hills behind. These are covered in golf courses and very nice estates, really quiet with country lanes and yet only a few minutes from the coast. Fantastic views of the hills in the background (some with snow on) and the coast in the other direction.
Afterwards we parked the car in town and went for a walk round. Had a look around the department store with all the designer names, including a section for kids (designer) clothes! Had lunch sitting in the sun watching the world go by, well the very nice cars! Then a walk around the marina and a look at the Saudi royal family’s third biggest motor yacht, the biggest won’t fit in the marina! Only worth about £50 million but you can charter it, and split the cost between 14 of us, any takers?
Back to the van for homemade Tapas, great flavours, hot spices and lots of noise from the smoke alarms!!!
After breakfast and two hours preparation (I’ll pay for that) we drove to Puerto Banus and had a drive around the town and into the hills behind. These are covered in golf courses and very nice estates, really quiet with country lanes and yet only a few minutes from the coast. Fantastic views of the hills in the background (some with snow on) and the coast in the other direction.
Back to the van for homemade Tapas, great flavours, hot spices and lots of noise from the smoke alarms!!!
Sunday 30th January 2011
After a cloudy start the day turned out sunny, so we spent the morning around the van sitting in the sun. It was Matthews 21st today so we skyped home and wished him “Happy Birthday!” Can’t believe he’s 21, seems only yesterday we were changing his nappy! Sorry mate couldn’t resist!!
In the afternoon we went to a local bar and watched the Man City/Notts County game, which turned out to be a good one with Notts county winning 1-0 for quite a while. We obviously cheered them on, everyone else in the bar (all 3 of them) were Man City supporters!
In the afternoon we went to a local bar and watched the Man City/Notts County game, which turned out to be a good one with Notts county winning 1-0 for quite a while. We obviously cheered them on, everyone else in the bar (all 3 of them) were Man City supporters!
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