Bill & Shirl's Incredible Adventure

Day 810 – Euro Mini-Tour – 20 May 12

 

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

Hi Clo,

 

Well, we remain at home waiting for the off. It continues to rain just about every day. We go to the ‘van quite regularly to prep it for Germany. It’s amazing just how many jobs there are to do. Moving stuff in and out and re-packing to take account of the missing top-box (which we sold on ebay). I reckon we’ve reduced the weight by a good 100kgs and maybe more. We renewed mum’s driving license, it needed a new photo and was due to expire. Mine is still at DVLA after a month! I really don’t know what they do. Their communication is pathetic. Just try to get through by phone – it’s all but impossible and keeps cutting off. Same with the HMRC. They have given me the wrong tax code – for 2 years – and trying to get it changed is extremely difficult. Bet they’d be quick enough if I owed them money! However, I think we’ve done all of the necessary admin and will renew Smartie’s road tax and SORN the Mondeo on our return.

 

Mum went off to York for a ‘girls weekend’ and had a good time (wore her tongue out probably, but I got a peaceful weekend watching footie, snooker and IPL cricket. Heard from Paul and Jackie who are enjoying Italy.

Roma 

                                    Paestum

                    Holy JC Blood, Batman……

 

Well, the Euro continues to nose-dive which is great news for us. It means we have 10%+ to spend whilst we are in Europe – which is about £1600 over the ten months away. Bloody good news. Hurrah for duff Euro economies!

 

The weather is starting to pick up and it bodes well for the visit to Lee Valley and then into Holland for 18th May. We will stay at 13 campsites in 41 days on our mini-tour. Should be interesting. Hopefully, we’ll meet up with Heleen and JW in Holland, go to visit our old RAF station at Laarbruch, see Alun and Anne-Marie in Luxembourg, maybe hitch up with the Bollenbergs in Germany and see Biff and Erica in Metz. Phew…should be very busy in between all the touristing!

 

 Got my ADAC card today after joining the German version of the AA. It’s basically to support Smartie, but we are both covered, for ANY vehicle – including the ‘van, for a whole year, anywhere in Europe, for €79. Bargain. And it covers us for repatriation if we get sick – so we save £400 on travel/health insurance. A VERY good deal. We’ve sorted out the Taxman – just one more return this year and I’ll be back to normal. DVLA are playing silly buggers – but that’s to be expected. Did you know that their advertised turn round time for responses is 6 WEEKS!!!!!! Appalling. Hopefully, they will have reacted by July on our return from Europe.

 

We bought 2 sets of lawn bowls off ebaY and are ready to play when we get to Cabopino – which is now the centre of attraction re the Madeleine McCann saga. Sadly, I suspect it’s just another false lead. We are putting the final touches to our preps for leaving on Tuesday.

 

Getting the house and garden sorted for 6 weeks absence. I’m hoping Dirk will come round and cut the grass at least once. The weather has picked up and we have got the cars washed and garden sorted. The end of a perfect week, with Blackburn and Bolton going down – Owen ‘Judas’ Coyle getting his just desserts – and to make things better Man Utd lost the Premiership to City. Makes up for Burnley’s crap season.

 

Euro Mini Tour Day 1

 

Finally got away in the ‘van on 15th May and headed for Lee Valley to stay at the campsite and visit Chloe for her birthday. It’s a nice, friendly and compact site and suits us for a few nights before catching the ferry from Dover. The midweek rate of £19.30 is reasonable for a site so close to Central London. They have been sold out for the Olympics for ages. We are going into town tomorrow to have lunch with Clo for her birthday. The weather is picking up somewhat but I’m not relying on anything decent for the next 6 weeks. 

 

Had a really nice evening with the Tanswells, who always make us welcome. Chloe seems settled across the road with her boyfriend, Chris. Carole and I took Chloe into Central London for lunch at El Pirata in Mayfair. It’s our favourite Tapas Bar and we had an extremely pleasant meal. Happy Birthday Clo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Euro Mini Tour Day 4

 

Set off from Lee Valley on Friday morning at 0500! The bus ride back from Walthamstow was a dick dance. Only every third bus goes all the way to the campsite, so it took 2 changes and 90 minutes to get back. Beware!

 

Got to Dover by 0700 and caught the 0800 ferry. Good idea, as it was 168 miles to the campsite near Eindhoven, which we didn’t reach until 1300. The roads were relatively quiet, except round Antwerp, but we found the site OK. €17 per night ACSI, and very nice indeed. Clean, tidy, quiet with loads of facilities for the many Dutch tenters on site, including its own beach and swimming lake. We got a nice large hardstanding with a parking slot for Smartie – and it’s flat! It also looks good for the weather as 3 weeks of very hot sun are predicted for 25th May onwards. Let’s hope so.

 

 

Euro Mini-Tour Day 5 and 6.

 

We are off to Hardenberg to meet up with JW and Heleen today and look forward to catching up. Straightforward motorway trip of just under 3 hours. The roads around Eindhoven are a joy. Makes Belgian roads look even worse – if that’s possible. Literally, as you cross the border into Holland it’s like going from a bone-shaker to floating on air. The campsite t’Veld is a family oriented site with many groups in large tents. We are the only English in sight but have arrived on a holiday weekend – so no ACSI! And the rate is around €30+ per night! Beware Dutch holidays. However, the children are very polite and don’t scream all day like Spanish and Italian kids.

 

 

J-W and Heleen turned up around 3pm and we spent a very pleasant afternoon reminiscing about Cervia, where we met in July 10. They are a very busy young couple who manage full-time jobs with being professional ballroom dancers. We also met Heleen’s parents again, who had also turned up in Cervia.

 

The weather has really turned hot! 29 deg C and thunderstorms threaten in the mugginess. We might be lucky. Our pitch is on grass and most of the other campers have gone, so I hope we don’t get stuck in the mud. Off to Laarbruch tomorrow for 4 nights to check out the old RAF haunts. Went for a 10 mile cycle ride around the Dutch countryside and finished off with a splendid Dutch Pancake – Ham and Asparagus.

 

 

 

 

 

Right, that’s all for now. I’ll post this and catch up again when we are settled on the Mosel.

 

Take care

 

Love

 

M and D xxxx

Day 790 – Home, Spring, Rain – 30 Apr 12

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

For piccies see www.eastmidlandsdea.co.uk

 

Hi Clo,

Settled back into routine at the house and getting all the jobs done. 1-5 Doctors, dentist, passport renewal, ‘van MOT, servicing and repairs, insurance, breakdown cover, road tax, driving licence updates, ebaY, haircuts, ISA’s, gardening, shopping etc, etc. It all takes time and we’ve been relatively lucky with the weather, although today, 4 April, it has been very cold. Mums catching up with all her phone calls – making arrangements to meet up for annual chats.

 

                                      Welby for a rest…. thanks to Carol & Jim

 

It’s lucky that Helen sent us a load of mail last year otherwise we would be swamped. As it is we’ve got about 50 various camping club magazines to go through. I’m going to cancel them from next year – except MMM, which is the most useful. We are going to visit the Morrissesses in Last of the Summer Wine country on 12 Apr for a long weekend. Should be fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul & Max                                                                                                The Herberts

 

 

Took the ‘van to Camper UK in Lincoln for MOT, Premium Service and Habitation check. We also needed several other jobs doing, so I had contacted them well in advance. Excellent reception and a technician came out to the ‘van whilst I explained all of the jobs that needed doing – mainly correcting poor work by SMC in Newark. Communication from reception during the week was first class and they kept me informed of progress and cost implications. The jobs were done ahead of time and we picked up the ‘van on schedule after 3 ½ days. All work done to our complete satisfaction and although they quoted certain rates for servicing, they only charged for actual time taken. All round excellent service from Camper UK. Can’t fault it and will be going back with no hesitation.

In fact, it’s booked in for 1 August for MOT so that we can change the annual cycle. It means we can stay in Europe till the end of June next year – so perhaps you can visit when it’s SUNNY!!!!!

 

Drove up to Holmfirth, ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ town, to visit the Morrisesses. They were all looking well and Paul has been busy with the new ‘buy to let’ house in the next village, getting it renovated. Max is working hard in Leeds and the boys are now well settled back into school after their year away.

                                Shirl at Norah Batty’s

We had a great weekend, royally fed and watered and enjoyed a night out at the Holmfirth Picturedrome watching ‘Smokie’ live in concert and yes, they sang ‘Alice!’ We had a ten-pin bowling session in which Max, Jack and Bill thrashed the others. All in all, a very enjoyable break and great to see them again. It’ll be July 2013 before we can get together again. Thanks guys.

 

                                        Smokie at the Picturdrome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 Easter Egg Smashing by Ben

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also managed to get to the Go Outdoors branch in Huddersfield and get a few things for the ‘van. Not least some good value toilet chemicals and a CADAC Gas BBQ, now that we can’t charcoal cook at Cabopino. Fair value and got 5 metres of pipe so we can BBQ outside the awning if necessary. Paul had his discount card, so we got 10% off as well.

 

 

Rain has set in at home and it’s quite cold, so it’s quite depressing looking at the Marbella weather – 28 deg C and full sun. Only 4 weeks till we set off to Germany. Just hanging around the house now, waiting for the Peterborough Show. Although we’ve done most of our shopping now, we still need a few things and it will nice to see Sue Funster again. Hope it’s not too wet on that grass! Had a good night at Helens with the girls and their husbands. Spanish Night with Paella and Tapas. Didn’t get to bed till 3am.

 

 At Helen & David’s, with Lorna, Jo, Des & Brian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A taste of Spain

                                          The Morning After!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  eek

Went out to the ‘van today (24th) and gave it a good wash and polish ready for Friday. It’s RAINING again. Probably won’t be going to Peterborough as a quagmire awaits us and I don’t see the point of getting the ‘van bogged down in mud. It’s all very well relying on a tractor to get you out but there are thousands of wags at the show. We’ll wait and see what Sue reports when she arrives tomorrow.

 

Well, the bloody British weather triumphs again. Will not be going to P’boro – too risky in the mud. Will take Smartie on Saturday for a look round. God, I’m beginning to hate this country. So glad that Camper UK fixed the Heki – the ‘van would have been ruined in this rain.

 Arranged full year European breakdown cover with German company ADAC. €79 for both of us in ANY vehicle – which includes the Motorhome. The policy also gives us some good medical benefits – like repatriation if ill – so I will save £350+ on a now unnecessary travel policy from NFu. Good deal. We used them in Germany in the eighties. Well, we did drive Smartie the 1 hour trip down to Peterboro despite the light-ish rain and picked up the last of the shopping we needed for the ‘van, a Moroccan mat, some Kelim runners and a few other odds and ends. Didn’t see Sue as it was too muddy.

 

It’s really RAINING today (29th) – I really pity the hardened motorhomers who braved the mud – getting out of the fields will be a bit tricky. Really glad we didn’t risk it – a very good decision. Apart from the mud – it’s no fun camping in the rain.

   The Mud…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     

 

 

Well, the sun’s out – AT LAST – and it’s an emergency BBQ tonight!

That’s all for now – pre Germany report on the 14th May.

Take care – see you on the 15th

 Love M and D

xxx

Day 760 – Home – 31 Mar 12

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

 30 years since we started the job of getting the Falklands back.

 

 

                                                Port Stanley Airfield – 14 June 1982

Hi Clo, 

Set off from Cabopino (17^th) after bidding farewell to our fellow campers and made the uneventful trip to Cordoba. Only 3 hours with a stop. Saw one Osborne Bull and arrived at El Brillante by lunchtime.

                                                El Brillante – Cordoba

 

Never was a campsite less aptly named! What a shite-hole! Tiny pitches on rubble and €37.50 per night – the most we’ve ever paid! It’s a complete rip off. Less than a dozen camper vans and most of them are whirr-clunkers. No-one stays for more than a night as Cordoba is a one day visit! The up side is that it is only a 20 minute stroll to the main sites.

Did the main sites around Cordoba, including the Alcazar and the cathedral within the mosque – called the Mezquita. Very imposing with 850 marble pillars supporting the roof, but some look distinctly worse for wear. The Mosque, although full of Arabic inscriptions and art, is dark and dingy but as you go into the cathedral the light strikes you and it’s very impressive. The Jewish quarter is full of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, but not tacky. Well worth the visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 Cordoba

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travelled on to Toledo (19^th) and spotted several more Bulls and a few Tio Pepes. Long drive but easy on the Autovia with no tolls. The countryside is flat with few towns, but quite a bit of industry. However, there are millions of acres of olive trees with vines appearing at Valdepenas. Also, a lot of crocus fields for saffron. Well into Don Quixote country now with windmills appearing all over the place.

 

 

Toledo is very striking. We drove round it a few times trying to find the campsite without going through the town. Camping El Greco is also very expensive at €35 per night – why do they charge Motorhomers for towed cars? And it’s all but deserted!

                                      Toledo

                                                                  El Greco, Toledo

 

 

 

 

 

Carole has gone into the town for a walk whilst I fester. Snow showers expected at Salamanca on Wednesday! Eek…but it’s -7 degrees C at Almeria on the coast, so we’ve moved to the right place as it’s been very warm.

 

Bussed into Toledo (no 72  €1.40) after a chilly night – but not as chilly as Almeria on the coast. -7 deg C and 8 inches of snow. Paul and Jackie said it rained heavily at Cabopino last night – so if we had gone the same way home as last year – we’d be in the deep doo-doo.

However, we are in sunny Toledo and have spent the day looking around the Cathedral and other Don Quijote associated touristy stuff. The cathedral is the twin brother of Burgos! Saw loads of really fine art – El Greco, Titian, van Dyke, Velazquez, Reubens, Carravaggio et al. Better than Florence and also climbed the bell tower – all for €10. Finished with a good value Menu del Dia at €11 including wine.

 

Set off for Salamanca tomorrow – snow permitting and hopefully the campsite will be better than this. Our shower block has now closed, swimming pool shut, restaurant shut, and no wi-fi after 4pm. They know that it’s a one visit town – so rip off the campers – just like Cordoba.

Just discovered that someone drove over our power cable and pulled out the power socket in the ‘van. Mainly because the nearest power cable is over 25 metres away and the cable lays in the path of several pitches. Expensive stop-over – but at least we aren’t drowning at Marjal, near Torrevieja…another good reason for not going on the Motorhome Fun Rally.

 

Started raining at 1115pm and didn’t stop for 6 hours. Not heavy, but enough to come through the Heki again. Damn SMC for not fixing it properly last year! It’s caused us a lot of grief. Anyway, got up early to sleet and 1 deg C. Set off early and Toledo was snowbound. Getting out was a bit of a nightmare, as a combination of roadworks and Satnav issues got us in a pickle, but we were saved by a great bit of map reading by Shirl, who saved the day.

 

Transit was long, but un-noteworthy. Extremadura is mildly boring. Sun came out and then disappeared as we approached Salamanca. Peter Kaye drizzle accompanied us to the campsite but has now dried out. Excellent welcome from staff in hotel attached. Free Wi-Fi, €16 ACSI all in and special menu in hotel restaurant! Also, bus goes straight into town. Shirl has gone out investigating whilst I catch up on internet. Might be ordering a new Air Suspension Kit for the ‘van. About £700 but probably worth it.  NB…£1100 – so postponed until next year.

Touristing in Salamanca tomorrow when it should be mild but sunny. Site is filling up, mainly with a rally in from Albufiera in Portugal en route to Santander.

 

 

                                             Lots of Stork’s nests in this area

 

Salamanca 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bus into Salamanca after a freezing night – down to minus 5 deg C. But ‘van warm and toastie. Kept hot water heater and space heater on all night. No apparent damage and not too cold in bed. €1.20 into town centre where we did the sights and rode the Noddy Train (€4). Too late for the Cathedrals as they shut at 1pm!!! As did most of Salamanca. It’s a very formal town but has virtually no modern buildings in the centre. A bit like a mini-Madrid with a nice Plaza Mayor.  Saw our 17^th OSBORNE BULL today. Just approaching Salamanca.

Sunbathed back at camp and ran into some old acquaintances from Bonterra Park who are also heading home. In fact most people we meet now seem to be heading for our ferry on Monday.

Another cold night before setting off for Burgos. Nice motorway run with little traffic once again. Signposting to Burgos Campsite needs sorting as roads are closed and if we hadn’t been before we’d have got lost. Luckily, Shirl spotted a sign on the other side of the road and we made it OK. Got the same pitch here and it’s 22 deg C outside. Phew!! Birthday Tapas Lunch for me tomorrow! Hurrah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Back in Burgos

 

 

 

Bussed into Burgos and spent day Tapas-ing and vino-ing. Had extremely dodgy tripe tapas in one place. Not pleasant.

Went through 10000 miles on the journey this week and 30000 miles on the ‘van. That’s 11600 since we’ve had her. Onwards to Santander tomorrow and onto Portsmouth and visit Alan and Mary for a couple of days, getting Smartie MOT’d. Should be home by Thursday, all things being equal.

                                 30000 miles on the clock….

 

No snags into Santander where we caught the Cap Finistere to Pompey. Not as nice a boat as the Pont Aven – it hasn’t got the same eating options – unless of course you are a truck driver!

 

                                                      Cap Finistere at Santander…not as nice as Pont Aven….

 

Got to Alan and Mary’s about 4pm and drove Smartie to its MOT where it passed with flying colours. Phew. Good garage at Thakeham. Very helpful and reliable. Also had 9 holes in the bright sunshine with Alan at his club in W Chiltington.

                                                                                          Portsmouth….

Now there’s going to be a fuel tanker driver’s strike. No wonder we all bugger of to Spain.

Straightforward trip home except for a couple of minor incidents. Bill, in his utter idleness, couldn’t be bothered to return his golf clubs to the top box and lock it. As a result, after 5 minutes on the road the top box flew open and cars were flashing and honking at us to stop. We pulled half into a Happy Eater and closed it properly. Lucky escape and some deft reversing required.

Also, the new SatNav saved us. Usually we go via the Dartford Crossing, but this time she insisted on going clockwise via Heathrow, although there was some traffic delay. However, it was lucky we did as the M20/M25 at Dartford were rammed and an accident at J29 closed it all day. We sailed round clockwise and got fuel easily enough.

Got to Welby to see Jim and Carole who looked very well. Quickly transferred gear to Smartie and were home by 2pm. Lots of mail, but basically the Rabbit Hutch was just as we left it – with no dust either! Thanks Helen! Even the internet works better this year.

Got the mail sorted and found £45 worth of Tesco vouchers. Did a bit of shopping, mowed the lawn and had a BBQ. Nice to be home.

Hopefully, we’ll see you and Chris next Saturday.

All for now

Love

M and D

Xxx

 

Day 745 – Cabopino – 16 Mar 12

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

Hi Clo,

Well, we’ve only got a day left in Cabopino this year and are busy packing up the ‘wag for the long journey home, via Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca, Burgos, Santander and W Sussex!

Our last 3 weeks here kicked off with a free BBQ and party put on by the campsite. Excellent afternoon preceded by a Pentanca tournament in which we reached the quarter finals. Not bad, but congrats to Steve and Edna who were worthy winners.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Then a couple of Friday Happy Hours to bid farewell to Peter, Jimmy and Pat and Maria, who all leave this week.  See you in October and safe journeys.

 

It’s holiday weekend in Spain – 25/26 Feb – and the campsite is officially FULL. Even a sign on the gate.

 

Saw some Processionary Caterpillars on site this weekend. Nasty creatures which can do you a serious injury. They can kill dogs with their toxic hairs. The Dutch couple across the road have 6 nests above their ‘van and these caterpillars have been invading their pitch for 3 weeks. The danger is that Motorhomers bring them home by mistake when they drop onto the top of vans!

 

Been doing all the usual stuff, Quiz – 2^nd again!, a trip into Fuengirola and last night we had Pat and Maria round for a farewell dinner. They are off on 1 March, storing the ‘van and car in Barcelona whilst they go back to Dublin. Then they will spend the summer in Le Lavandou. Safe travels.

Drove up to the Mijas Hippodromo for the Mijas Cup Race Meeting. Big crowds for the big race of the season. We did OK getting 4 winners out of 5 but Paul and Jackie were the big winners – getting the victor in the Mijas Cup. Also, Steve and Edna won the sweep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weather is getting really hot now. 28 deg C yesterday and not getting dark until 7.30pm. Really nice for sitting out. Shame we are going home but the wx inland is also very good till the end of March. Hurrah!

 

Off to beach for lunch today with Brian and Carole who are leaving tomorrow. Very nice to have met you and hope you enjoyed the trip. See you next year???? (watch out for those drains, Brian!). Excellent lunch – thanks B and C – great way to end your stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd again in the quiz….that damned Hugh!!!!

John and Audrey from Sitges pitched up today and are on our old spot. Nice to see them, and had a good chinwag to catch up. They aren’t staying long.

Packing up this week, taking it slowly, doing a bit each day. Packing everything in is quite tricky. The 60 litres of vino collapso doesn’t help!

3^rd in our last quiz. Now we will have to come back to claim our title!

Got the book published on Kindle and sales are progressing! Next year by this we’ll all be millionaires!

Friday night in Fuengirola…..oooh dear!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had a great darts day at P and J’s. Scones and snorkers enjoyed by all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now doing the rounds of last drinks………but I must be sober by Saturday when we head for Cordoba. How long before our pitch is taken? Already had Germans sniffing around!

Good night at John and Eve’s playing cards, Cranium and eating a modern fondue. Good laugh!

Tonight at Carole and Jims for more of the same, before which we’ll say farewell to our neighbours with a glass of fizz!

Out to lunch at the Mijas WOK ..yum yum. Hope it’s open!  ( PS   It was rubbish – not half as nice as WOK KING in Castellon. Very limited choice of food and Shirl got a dickie tum!)

 

Final packing now and farewells to all.

 

Set off at 10 am tomorrow and will try to Skype somewhere down the road before Santander.

Take care

Love

M and D

xxxx

 

                        ROLL ON OCTOBER 25th

 

 

 

 

 

Day 730 – 1 Mar 12 – Picture Gallery

As we enter our 4th year in the Dakota, it’s once more time to feature

the Rogues Gallery.

A few snaps of some of the fantastic people we have met en-route.

It’s their company which makes the travelling so worthwhile…

Cheers everybody ..look forward to seeing you soon…. 

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And last but not least – Chloe…..

                                                                         Thats all folks….see you on the road.

Day 722 – Cabopino – 22 Feb 12

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

 

                          Sunset over Cabopino courtesy of Pat

 

Hi Clo,

Yes, Paul and Jackie are back…….oh my poor liver! Great to see you again.

                                                                                                      At El Rocio…..

A rather raucous Happy Hour on Friday 3^rd. Hour! That’s a joke. Didn’t get rid of them all till 10pm – 5 hours!! Sorry neighbours.

 

 

 

What a windy night – no not me!   Got more than 40kts in gusts and had to re-tighten the awning in a couple of places. Luckily my Velcro awning invention did the trick. Prevented any damage.

 

Also an earthquake in Alicante today. 3.5. Wonder if Biff and Erica felt it.

Drove into Benalmadena to have lunch with Dougie and Elizabeth Graham who are staying for 7 weeks at the Sunset Beach Club. It was good to see them again. They have brought their motorhome and it is parked outside the hotel with dozens of others, who are wild camping for free on the municipal car park. Nice location. Nicer hotel!

 

 

 

 With Dougie & Elizabeth

 in Benalmadena

Went to Benalmadena Marina which is very nice indeed. Shops and restaurants galore. It’s possible to catch a ferry to and from Fuengirola (€13.50 return). We might try it on Tuesday or Sunday. They’ve also got an Icebar at the Marina.

 

 

Won the quiz AGAIN, but there were 5 of us and it went to a tiebreaker. On a hat trick now!

Paul and Max and the boys arrive on Saturday night and we’ll be going for a cheapo Chinese in the harbour on Sunday lunchtime. Also going to a Valentine’s do at La Despensa on Saturday night with P and M and P and J. Should be a laugh!

 

More strong winds last night.

Thrashed Paul at Clag last night. He must start practising!!!!

Off to Olivia and Stephens this afternoon, Friday 10^th, which starts a week of intense activity.

Excellent tapas and snacks with the guys but far too much vino collapso! Finished up at P and J’s playing cards and eating chocolate pie until midnight. Oh dear.

Then Pat got locked out of his van when he mislaid his key…needed a svelte Jackie to rescue him….

Had severe attack of urticarial on Saturday but recovered by evening for Valentine’s at La Despensa. ( But I think I’m finally cured ).Nice meal and Shirl had a good dance.

Morrisesses arrived on Sunday and it was great to catch up. Had a Chinese in Cabopino with Carole and Brian, followed by a walk on the beach, where we found another careless wild-camper stuck in the sand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cabopino Harbour ..Max

 

                                                                   Jack on the sand

Had a serious electric failure this morning. Power went off and electrician came and found the circuit breaker boxes blackened with burning. It had blown our 15amp fuse. Might have been nasty! Shirl had been getting minor electric shocks off the taps and cooker the night before!

Drove into Fuengirola and caught the ferry to Benalmadena with the Morrisesses. (€13 for adults return and kids €6) Nice boat ride and the Marina is worth a visit.

    Paul..the good scout!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fuengirola & Los Boliches in the background.

 

Followed by a mass invasion of the Schnelli at La Cortija. 20 of us took over the restaurant and had a thoroughly noisy night out. Good value and close enough to walk too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like father , like son…..no, the boy is faking it!!!!!!

 

 

Rained on Wednesday and Friday!!! Heki still leaking so it will have to be fixed properly next month.

Cards and footie tonight with the Morrisesses – hoping for a Burnley win at Reading. Fat chance!

Farewell Paul, Max, Ben and Jack. Great to see you for this holiday week. Paul, you will have to brush up on the Petanca! See you in April.

 

Then to Funny Beach near Marbella on Sunday with Brian and Carole to visit the craft market. Worth a visit and then walked into Marbella for a tapa or 3.

 

     Funny beach with Carole & Brian

 

 

 

 

 

 

Played golf at Cabopino – €40 including a cart for 18 very long holes. Pat, Jim,Paul & especially me, all struggled round and it took 5 hours or more. It’s too long a course really for non-regular and unfit golfers like me!  I think the La Noria 9-hole is preferable. Cabopino is very picturesque but a bit too hilly. Definitely couldn’t walk round! Also saw a Upapa/Hoopoe bird on the course.

 

 

                                                  Upapa or Hoopoe bird feeding on the golf course….

 

Quiz night again when we go for the hat-trick. No joy – only second but a great effort from the two Caroles.

Well, all for now. The next blog will be just before we set off for Santander via Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca and Burgos – weather permitting!

Take care,

Love

M and D

Xxxxx

Just call me Worf……Q’apla!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 700 – Cabopino – 31 Jan 12

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

For piccies see www.eastmidlandsdea.co.uk

 

Hi Clo,

 

Second again in the quiz! Must do better!

 

Discovered what’s causing my urticaria! Dairy products – maybe. Although I think it’s also preservatives in food. Stopped eating them and they cleared up. Goats milk/cheese OK. Problem solved hopefully – unfortunately, mozzarella IS dairy so pizzas are out for a while. You’d be surprised how many products have dairy extracts or traces!

 

Shirl went on a walk from Marbella to Cabopino yesterday, along the beach – 8 miles. There was a group of 12 hardy strollers who ended up at Andy’s bar for a well-earned vino! Good effort!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Hour on Friday. A good one!

 

 

 Then to Malaga on Sunday to visit the Picasso Museum and then lunch on the beach. Nice day out – a bit of culture for a change.

                                                      The Fat Tree, Malaga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s getting worse – only 4th in the quiz this week!

 

Sorting out vehicle servicing today, 25th. SMC in Newark have been very disappointing with regard to customer service. I don’t know what’s gone wrong but they have lost me as a customer for the Motorhome and 2 cars. About £2k+ per annum. Their loss.

So we are going to try CamperUK in Lincoln after many good posts on MotorhomeFun. We get an 86 point Premium Service, extensive Habitation Check and MOT for £660 inc VAT! I reckon that’s good. Can only give it go. So it’s booked.

Sorted out the MOT for the Smart dealer – Autochek in Storrington, West Sussex when we stop off at Carole’s brother at the end of March. They fixed Smartie last August at very short notice, so we’ll give them another go.

Ordered parts from Autotrail as well. The hand basin (£111) has lost its gloss so needs replacing. Also, both sets of taps are dodgy so unless we can tighten them up, they will be replaced.

Went with a crowd up to the ‘Sportsman’ bar on Friday for a race night. Chicken in a basket – now that’s a trip down memory lane to the 60’s. Good fun though – lost my shirt as usual.

 Off to the Boot Fair at Mijas Racecourse this morning – just like home. Managed to get about 30 DVDs for €8. Bargain. Downside is that I have to watch more Midsomer Murders……………

Carole and Brian arrived from the UK on 31st and are settling into their apartment in Cabopino Harbour overlooking the sea.

 

 Paul and Jackie are due back today. Be nice to see them again after their adventures in Portugal. Fined €49.88! for a traffic offence. Oo-er!

 

                                              Paul, paying his fine….

 

Finally, after many, many attempts WE WON THE QUIZ!! (With a little help from Linda.)

 Well, all for now, life is getting busier if anything.

 Home next month,

Take care

 Love M and D

 xxx

One fantastic co-incidence. Met the grandson of Tom Bamford, who played for Burnley in the 1914 FA Cup Final when we bear Liverpool 1-0. Incredible!

 

 

Day 685 – Cabopino – 16  Jan 12 

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

 Hi Clo,

 

                                                                                                                 Marbella lights…

 

Well, Christmas and NY have once again come and gone. It’s been very pleasant here at Cabopino – great weather and better company. Cheap as well!  We’ve been saving €10 pw since March, so we had a great lunch at Puerto Banus and an excellent night on NYE – all for free really. With a bit left over for a few extras. Great system. It’s also much, much cheaper to live and shop than the UK in Spain. One doesn’t get sucked in by the commercialism. We buy just what we need and because of the socialising aspects – costs are spread out. We’ve been under budget for 4 weeks now. And no gales to cope with.

 

                                                                                                Carole & Manu……oooo-er!

 

Spawny Leeds … twice this season and the 5^th time we’ve lost in the 95^th min +++. It’s not on!

At least we were in the play-offs for 19 minutes!  It’s a start.

I’ve been suffering with Giant Urticaria – really bad now after about 3 weeks of rumblings. Don’t know what’s causing it but hoping it doesn’t lead to a relapse and more lower body numbness. Have to wait and see. I’m on the serious steroids now. It’s not all fun out here! However, it should be mentioned that the Spanish ‘Pharmacy’ is a wonderful place. If you are able to self-medicate, then they will supply ALL medicines at very reasonable prices with few questions asked. They will also discuss minor medical issues so an expensive or inconvenient visit to the doctor or hospital is not always necessary.

 

                                         Cabopino Sunset from Andy’s Bar – around 1815

 

Went for drink at Andy’s on the beach last night with Geoff and Linda. Lovely sunset yet again, but No. 1 NY resolution down the swanee! Hit a few golf balls at the driving range and looked at the clubhouse for Cabopino Golf. €80 for 2 including a buggy after 1330. Not bad so maybe we’ll try it next week. Geoff and Linda set off for Santander today and should get home on Saturday. Bon Voyage and hopefully we’ll meet up in July. Great to meet you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NY EVE  at Alberts

 

 

 

A bit disappointed with the 3 Kings Parade this year.   Went into Marbella with Steve and Edna and waited a couple of hours for the start of the parade, which was late, of course.   Even the Spanish were looking at their watches so it must have been late.   It only lasted about 1/2 hour and there only seemed to be less than half the number of floats compared with last year  (I suppose cutbacks are another sign of the times!) and they ran out of sweets!   I bet the kids were v fed off about that.   No plastic bags full of sweeties for them.  If that had happened last year the twins would have been well miffed. A great pity really that festivals like this are so badly affected by the Spanish financial problems. A bit like the A7 motorway street lights being turned off because no agency will pay the electricity bills. The reality of the lack of finances is really beginning to bite and affect the general population in a serious way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poor old Pat is looking quite unwell and Maria is taking him to the hospital this morning. Let’s hope it doesn’t require surgery and that he returns to his old self ASAP. Get well soon, Pat.

Well, he came back from hospital after being put on a drip and asked to stay the night…but Pat is not a hospital person so he’s home looking much better. Got some impressive looking pessaries though!!!!!!!  Rather him than me…poor Maria!!!!

 

Sat down in the harbour for a couple of nights at Andy’s Bar with a bottle of wine and a bowl of chips. It’s fantastic to be able to watch the sunset in such lovely, warm conditions in early January when the folks at home are freezing. Can’t ever see us changing this lifestyle. Only a grandchild or ill-health will bring us home. Touch wood!

 

 

Well, it had to end sometime. This morning, after 49 days of unbroken sunshine – it rained for – 3 seconds!!!!!

Then it was a bit cloudy till 5pm when the sun came out again. Anyway, it has given me a chance to get on with the book. I’m up to 300 pages and 100,000 words now. Just 16 chapters to go!

 Off to Fuengirola in Smartie today to get a €5 lunch at the famous KonTiki in Los Boliches, recommended by Bill next door. A bit cloudy but we’re getting ‘van happy! Up late at a music quiz last night – and yes, we were second – AGAIN!  Saw 2 wags parked on the front at Los Boliches

 

 

 

                                                   Another Osborne Bull in Fuengirola

Well, the Kontiki was a great disappointment. Yes it’s €5 but the food was worth about €1.  I had Liver and Onions – what liver? That’s what I say!  This type of restaurant is not the reason we have come to Spain. €10 Menu del Dias in a Spanish run restaurants is the way ahead. It was a mistake to try the touristy English rubbish again – but you live and learn. Thought we’d give it a go. Never again. (unless of course, we’re starving or shedded!)

 

 NB – useful info:

Got a parking ticket in Fuengirola as we didn’t realise that a ticket was required. Negligent really. Anyway, got back to find a €60 fine!!!!!!  However, there was a way out. If, within 24hrs you pay ,,,,,,,€6.55 at the machine, put the receipt in an envelope and place that in the parking machine – you get let off!  Phew….saved ourselves €55 by asking a helpful local waiter.  Lesson learned – getting too casual. Hope it works!!

 

Another week has slipped by and on Sunday we are going into Fuengirola to see some live Trad Jazz with P and M. Then more tapas! It was the New Orleans Jump Band and they were really good. Watched them in the Variety Theatre in Fuengirola which is a really nice old fashioned theatre venue. It was packed – mainly with ex-pats.

However, we’ve got a bit of rain on Monday – it’ll help clean the ‘van. Should be OK again tomorrow. At least the leak in the Heki has gone again.

Brilliant 2-0 win at Middlesboro today, Premiership here we come!!

Well, that’s all for now. Only just over 8 weeks until we set off for Santander.

Take care

Love

M and D

Xxx

PS:  Spotted our first Processionary Caterpillar nests in the fir trees above the ‘vans next door. Hopefully, they won’t hatch before we leave!!

 

                                                                               Yes……………….its SUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 670 – Cabopino – 1  Jan 12

 

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

                     A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SAFE NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR READERS 

 

Hi Clo,

 

You’ll be back from Vegas by now with our Millions – not! Looks like you enjoyed it. And still single!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, Christmas has come and gone….but before Christmas we had a Petanca Round Robin with 5 teams in pairs and I am now the new World Motorhoming Pairs Champion with my partner Stephen.

 

                                                                                                     The Champeens…

 

Then it was a week of Christmassy stuff.  Went for a Schnitzel with the crowd to see off Stephen, Olivia, Edna and Steve who are popping back to the UK for a few days to see family for Christmas..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Schnitzel….

 

 

Looks like you had a great time in Vegas. We watched the wedding live and enjoyed Elvis!  You looked good in your bridesmaid’s outfits.

 

 

                                                                       The Wedding…..

 

We had a street party with Paul and Jackie on their pitch on 23^rd  at noon. About 20 people ate and drank till about 9 pm. We had a Secret Santa and a quiz which Peter the Littlest Hobo won. A good time had by all with Ted entertaining us on his guitar. Think we drank too much Cava! And then a cork stuck so Paul learned the skill of Sabrage. Peter, ‘The Littlest Hobo’ won the quiz…again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                           Paul’s brilliant success….

 

Sabrage

A Champagne bottle holds a considerable amount of pressure. Early bottle designs tended to explode, and the manufacturers kept making them thicker until they could contain the pressure that is caused by the release of carbon dioxide during the fermentation. The inside pressure of a typical Champagne bottle will be around 90 pounds per square inch. The diameter of the opening is 0.7 inches (18 mm), so there is a force of about 35 pounds-force trying to push the cork out of the bottle.

At the opening of the bottle, there is a lip that creates a stress concentration. On the vertical seam of the bottle the glass is not as uniform, which creates a second stress concentration. At the intersection of the seam and the lip, both stress concentrations combine and the strength of the glass is cut by more than fifty percent. The impact of the saber on this weak point creates a crack that rapidly propagates through the glass, fueled by the momentum of the saber and the pressure in the bottle. Once the crack has severed the top from the bottle, the pressure inside the bottle and the transferred momentum from the saber will send the top flying, typically for a distance of 5–10 metres (16–33 ft). You can just use a heavy kitchen knife! We do.

The bottle neck is held at an angle of approximately 20 degrees and the sword is cast down on it. The experienced sommelier (Bill) can open the bottle with little loss of Champagne. However, it is advised to allow a small flow in order to wash away any loose shards of glass that may be adhering to the neck. The first glass poured should also be checked for small glass shards.

 

 

Off into Puerto Banus today for the market, a quiet lunch and a walk back to Marbella. Had a superb and great value lunch on the harbour front and Carole spent her time spotting the trophy wives in their Porsches, Lamborghinis, Loti, Bentleys, Maseratis and the poor people in their Mercs! Walked back along the beach in sunshine to Marbella and caught the bus home!

                                                                                                           The Lambo…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              Marching back to Marbella…..

 

Christmas Morning and looking forward to the day with Pat, Maria, Paul and Jackie. Maria is doing a turkey and Paul is doing some of his famous sweets! They’ve all gone off to Mass in Marbella with Darth Vader! It’s nice to do Christmas in the sun. 

 

 

                                                                                       The pressies…..

 

 

 

 

 Doing the quiz…

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                   Come on you Clarets!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starters here whilst the turkey cooks in our oven as it’s the only one big enough. 3 hours and we should be ready. Meanwhile the quiz gets done and Shirl does a Sabrage into the Swedish van next door! Ooops!

 

 

    The turkey….

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        The cake….. 

 

 

Then over to Pat and Maria’s for a 5 o’clock Christmas Dinner superbly prepared by Maria. Excellent fare and company. Didn’t finish too late and now to lose some weight. And Shirl won the quiz!

 

And now, after a brisk walk to the harbour, Boxing Day (St Stephens’s Day) lunch at P and M’s finishing off all the turkey and ham. Another quiz at Mario’s and 2^nd again! Must do better.

 

A quiet few days before NYE, saying goodbye to Paul and Jackie as they head off to Portugal for a month. Only about 11 weeks till we set of for the UK again. Blimey, the time goes quick.

 

Also, it’s an ill wind…..Euro Crisis has seen the exchange rate rise to €1.20 to the £.  Makes a BIG difference to us part-time ex-pats.

 

Awaiting NYE and just me and Shirl going to Albert’s in the harbour. Expensive but FREE to us as we have been saving especially. Going for a swim on New Year’s morning, well Maria and I shall be going, I think dad will be taking the photos as evidence and holding the towels!

 

 

She & 20 odd other adventurers

did it on NY Day!!!

Well Done, Shirl!!!

 

 

 

 

Went into Cabopino for a Friday night bevvy and met up with Geoff and Linda who have moved into the slot next to P and M in an Autotrail. Very nice couple, but are only here until 5 Jan – 2 weeks only off for Christmas. We don’t know how lucky we are!

 

Went to Albert’s in Cabopino Harbour with Geoff (Frank Skinner) and Linda. Had an EXCELLENT night and a very good NYE party. Went for a paddle in the Med at 1 am and even got to watch the Hootenanny on TV.

A 1 am dip in the Med!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

Resolutions……lose some weight, chill out a bit more & see Burnley in the Premiership – where they belong……6 wins out of 7.. it could happen…it has before!

All for now,

 

Love

 

M and D

Xxx

 

 

 

Day 654 – Cabopino – 16 Dec 11

Primarily this blog is aimed at keeping our daughter in the UK, Chloe, abreast of our adventures in Europe. Additionally, we hope that other readers will find snippets of info regarding campsites, prices and foreign travel interesting or perhaps just informative.

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

 

Can you see just how enormous all my pressies are???

 

Hi Clo,

1 December and Shirl goes swimming in the Med at Cabopino Harbour joined by other foolhardy souls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Pin bowling at La Canada this afternoon – going in a 4-ship – Smartie and 3 motorbikes! What an escort. Had a good game although we were 2 hours early for opening time. Clearly, Paul was the Bowling Supremo – most probably learnt whilst wasting police time!

 

Paul & Jackie bomb it up the A7! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Friday and Bill and Linda arrived and moved next door followed by a stream of people asking us if we knew where they were parked! Had a freezing Happy Hour – when I say freezing I mean 16 degs C.

 

Saturday saw a trip out to Cala Mijas for a walk round, Christmas Bazaar and Calamares on the beach in the flaming sunshine after a windy old night – no! not me but the weather got gusty and Shirl thought the awning was going to take off – but of course it didn’t as my inventions all did their jobs.

 

 

 

Went to Mijas Racecourse only to find the racing was on Tuesday, so we had to trek out again  when 10 of us enjoyed a sunny day betting on the nags. We had lots of winners as well – especially Steve and Linda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Shirl’s winner…

 

 

Pat and Maria arrived on schedule on Sunday evening and have now settled in for a well -earned rest although Pat flies back for a week next week – so we can give Maria a good time!

A bit of culture……Dali at the free Ralli Museum in Marbella.

 

Weather is holding with about 20-25 degrees C most days and 15 at night, although the gusts last week brought down some trees. If I had to criticise Cabopino it would be regarding the lack of tree maintenance – ergo the falling branches. It’s not good enough, really, but they don’t care. They know it’s the best campsite for 30 miles in either direction so they can afford to be lax. Compared to Benicasim, it’s scruffy and some pitches are diabolical – but the general standard elsewhere is worse. However, as usual, it’s Location – Location – Location!

Our friend Brian is buying a plot with caravan & awning which a Dutch couple have had for years. Not a static. Will rent the pitch but the management at Cabopino want a €12000 transfer fee!!!!! He’s only paying €12500 for the whole thing anyway. Ructions ensue – beware, campers!

Heard from Biff and Erica who are sporting a new grandson. They leave the UK for Santander on the 8^th. Bon Voyage.

Went into Cabopino for a ‘quick’ drink with Maria, Paul and Jackie and only got to bed at 2am! Tapas, footie and crib were to blame.

Heard that Biff and Erica made it to Bonterra Park safely despite an argument with a truck on the boat. Naughty Biff, but at least the wheels stayed on!

 

Quiz of the week and Pizzas at Mario’s and we came second by one point but only because I wrote down the wrong answers! Could have one by 5 or 6 points – so I must try to do the quiz when I’m sober.

 

Had a Preying Mantis in the khazi today and after watching vids on You Tube of one attacking a snake, I got rid of it by poking it with a pointed stick. It crawled off, off the roof and into the bundu. I can have a fearless wee now!

 

 

Gibraltar today – 15^th – on a charabanc. Bit of Englishy Christmas Spirit. Caught the bus at 0935 (€16) from the campsite and arrived at Gib by 1100 to find that the Spanish customs were on strike and the queue to enter went back to Portugal!! However, the driver was brilliant and after dodging down some back roads got us to gate ahead of everyone else.

 

Went on a tour to see the sights, saw St Michael’s caves, the apes, Africa across the Straits and did a bit of shopping. To be frank, it’s not cheap any more in Gib. When you can get a bottle of gin in Lidl for €3.99, it’s not worth the trip. And all the other shops are more expensive than back home. So we bought nothing. Had Fish N Chips for lunch and were back on camp by 1730. Job done for another 10 years.

Here’s a piccy of the aire at Gib.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, all for now,

Enjoy Las Vegas and don’t forget to put that $30 on the Million Dollar machine for me!

Have a great Christmas ……and DON’T GET MARRIED!!!!!

Take care

Love

M and D

xxx

 Cabopino Sunset