Bill & Shirl's Incredible Adventure

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

Day 638 – Cabopino – 30 Nov 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.

Hi Clo,

Settled into life at Cabopino and enjoying the sunshine. Paul and Jacquie arrived on Friday and have accompanied Shirl to  Pilates, Yoga and Petanca. Paella Sunday today and I’m going to follow a Rick Stein fish version on the BBQ.   Just for us. All of the long termers are now arriving as well.

We have sorted our trailer issue. Because our pitch was truncated by the picket fence and a corner occupied by a useless brick built dog kennel thing, we couldn’t fit the trailer in. But by mum chatting up the Swedish lady next door and her asking the Dutch couple across the road who live in a static, we have parked it in the driveway of an unoccupied hut. Hopefully, t’management won’t stick their noses in. I can’t see that it matters as cars from caravan owners are parked willy-nilly everywhere.

Going off to Cabopino this morning to check out Carole Boyfields’ pad for her visit in January. Got some nice piccies of her apartment. Looks great.

Just got quote for pitch. Cash price: €13.06 per night (£11.56) which is a DROP from last year (€13.87). Includes electricity at 6 amps and car.

New long term neighbours and the lady almost had a thrombo when we lit our BBQ. She came running out, shouting in German that BBQs with charcoal were verboten!  Of course, we checked and she was quite right, so that’s the end of barbies for this trip. BBQ will be consigned to the bin. Suppose we were fortunate last year not to be caught out as we had BBQs all the time. Oops!

So the van now STINKS of fish cos I had to cook the paella on the cooker. Currently burning a joss stick to kill the pong!

A week of campsite entertainment with Clo arriving on Thursday. First thunderstorm today caused a minor flood but we were prepared and all is dry-ish! Paul and Jackie’s awning had a strut failure during the storm. Too much water pooling. Looks pricey. Hopefully, they can get it fixed.

Weather back to normal but I had a terrible night with my knee. Acute and chronic gout. It’s the size of a football – or feels like it – and bloomin’ painful. Luckily the Spanish sell the drugs I need which only come on prescription back home. So no doctor.

Went to camp quiz with P and J and came 3^rd out of 13. Not bad really. Weather still good but not good for Chloe’s visit. Oh well.

Clo arrives! Weather good. Hurrah!  Ryanair 25 mins early and we got into Cabopino for a Tapas or 5 and ended up in bed by 1230. We tried to be quiet.

Cloudy as we set off to Puerto Banus by bus in our shorts at 0930 and the locals were giving us funny looks, but we had the last laugh as the sun came out at 1100 and we had a glorious hot day. Walked from PB to Marbella, had lunch on the beach, sat and watched dates fall on Chloe’s head, visited various tapas bars and got home by 2130. A good day had by all. Gout much better – all but cured. Off meds and will take it easy for a week.

 

Off to Fuengirola on Saturday. Hasn’t started raining yet but we’re taking a brolly.

Oh dear…..the heavens opened……Wet Wet Wet.  Stranded in Sportsbar watching Burnley lose again. Robbed by crap ref and crap finishing.

Chloe going home today, Sunday, so we’ll have lunch in Cabopino and then I’ll run her to the airport. Poor girl – got 2 good days and 2 appalling days but never mind it was great to see her and our tapas crawl in Marbella was excellent. Bye Clo, see you in May.

Sun’s back out again and the weather looks great for at least a fortnight. We’ll dry out the wag and erect the Safari room on Thursday. Paul is trying to get his awning fixed and I think we’ve found a niche in the market. There are NO camping supply shops within 30 kms of Cabopino at least. I cannot understand why, because there are enough campsites to keep one going. Weird!

Detached Pauls awning after some effort as the sealant was extremely sticky. However, getting to the supplier and fitting it ourselves was no problem. A rivet gun did the trick in a few minutes. Paul replaced the sealant and it’s back to normal. €600 though, so keeping the awning at a slant is a lesson worth learning.

Games afternoon organized by P and J with Steve /Edna/Stephen/Olivia. Mum won everything whilst pretending not to know the rules. Erica and Biff have arrive safely in the UK and they should be in Spain in a fortnight. Look forward to it …should arrive about the same time as Pat and Maria.

Bill put up two sides of the safari room and it’s real cosy, we even managed to eat out in the evening about 7.30pm.   Usually far too chilly at this time so we are usually inside the wag.  Might seriously think about the final safari side as we had a slight invasion of tiny slugs crawling up the inside of the walls – ugh!  And then I managed to tread on a rather large juicy one in the dark, I’ll be having nightmares.

It rained overnight, but looking through the heki this morning it looks promising for a walk along the beach and a plate of calamares and a glass of vino at lunch time. That had to be postponed until Sunday as P and J suggested a trip for tapas in Marbella. So we had Patatas Brava, chocolate gin trifle!  and a glass of cava at 4pm at our place, caught the bus and did 3 great little tapas bars including Chloe’s favourite – Estrecha. At the last one a chap just got out his guitar and started playing Flamenco. Excellent. Another late night ended in Brian’s Bar in Cabopino.

 

 

Was going to have a quiet night in and give the liver a well earned rest. But then Eve and John invited us to an early Christmas bash. A good night in their excellent accommodations.  Might get our walk along the beach today. Nice long walk in brilliant sunshine with Calamares as a reward.

Had to rest up before going to watch the footie with Paul.  Assembled my new invention for supporting the awning struts. See photo.

It will enable instant awning retraction in high winds. Stole the idea from John Day.

Darts last night – it’s a good laugh. Needless to say I was on the losing side (it’s Carole here) and I watched dad’s team triumph yet again. Must up the back-hander next week on the choosing of the teams!!

 

Bussed it to Fuengirola market, first time this visit.  As usual a fairly brisk walk around the stalls, but dad was on a mission for Velcro (or as the Spanish say ‘belcro) to finalise his 3^rd invention to support the awning doorway. Pity he can’t patent all these good ideas! Strolled around the old town and thought it would be a jolly good idea to have a Saturday tapas evening this weekend!  Well, it does make a change from a Friday.  Back in time for a sit in the sun and getting ready for the quiz night. Oh, it’s all go here!

Well, time to post blog.

Hope you enjoy your bridesmaid dresses!!!!

All for now

Take care

Love

M and D

xxx

Day 619 – Cabopino – 11-11-11 – Remembrance.

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,

Left Benicasim after what seemed a very quick 31 days. We had a great time catching up with old travelling pals and are now ensconced in Cabopino once again.

We arrived via Camping Marjal in Guardamar, near Alicante and very nice it is too. Clean, large pitches with all facilities. Close-ish to shops and loads going on. A gym and swimming pool for Carole and an outside pool for when it’s warmer. Might come back for a longer stay as it’s ACSI with free Wi-Fi. Need to book though as we got the very LAST pitch of 212.

Quiet night in as local restaurants too far to walk. Carole gone to Piliates this morning and we will walk to  local bodega for lunch. Blew out on tapas and vino from the giant barrels on display. Brought back 8 litres for next week.

Up early and transit to Roquetas was unremarkable except for the lack of traffic on the AP7/A7. It was ghostly. And only €16 for 180 miles. Bargain. Roquetas is the same old tired campsite but handy for a nitestop. We’ve nabbed 2 pitches so we don’t have to unhook Smartie. Always thinking!!

Sold Carole’s bike to a local campsite worker. Great. Now on to Cabopino!

Straightforward journey except for having to use the new stretch of the A7 which takes you west of the airport and keeps you off the N340. It was empty! Added 5 mins to the journey, but well worth it. Weather good here and we have our old pitch and the same Swedish neighbours. Carole has already been to Pilates and Petanca.

Pitch has a new wooden picket fence which  takes ½ metre off and our trailer doesn’t fit! So we are having to do a bit of lateral thinking to squeeze it in. We’ve decided not to put up the Safari Room until early December or when the weather breaks. Could be longer as it’s pretty well set fair until the end of the month. Woo-hoo!

Went into Cabopino for some Tapas on our first night and went into a little bar which we spotted last year. Then to Alberts Restaurant and Bar. Very Victorian Gothic décor. Strange but interesting. Had a glass of wine – €4-55!  Think I’ll stick to the beach!

Sorted out the pitch for the next 3 weeks. As it’s going to be sunny into December, we’ll leave putting up the Safari room till it gets too cool to sit out late afternoon or early morning. Awaiting the arrival of Paul and Jacqui who sailed into Santander on the 8^th and should be here today! Phew! Talk about sun seekers.

Shirl is enjoying the swimming pool and we await Chloe’s visit on Thursday and hope the wx forecast is accurate as it should be very good. Hurrah! Hpe we win the special 11-11-11 lottery today!

All for now

RAF Ensign’s up for a day or two,

Lest we forget.

Love

M and D

xxx

Day 613 – Benicasim – 5 Nov 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.

 Hi Clo,

Firstly, to my eternal shame…I have not cleaned the van since Aug 20th at Alan & Mary’s. Smartie has had the odd wash but Dakota has been neglected!  First sunny day at Cabopino & I’ll put that right.

Raining today, but set fair after it clears. Read about the poor, unfortunate couple in Benidorm, swept away by a flash-flood. What bad luck and not their fault by the sound of it. There but for the grace of God go us!

Off to find the golf course today. Might try a round since we’ve got the clubs. Depends on the cost and length of course. Drove up there, 15 mins, and the municipal course seems OK. 9 holes for €18 and is flat, much like a UK coastal links course. Should be quiet on Wednesday, We also went up to the Club Mediterranee Golf course and wondered why it was so busy. Loads of cars, no parking, catering trucks and police. Then we checked on google and found it was the final round of the Castello Masters with local favourite Sergio Garcia about to tee off on his final round, 8 shots in the lead. We scarpered PDQ.

 

Shirl and her dancing partner, Ted the magnificent!

Drove to Castellon market on Monday. Very quiet, people-wise, and stalls full of cheap clothing, tatty jewellery and second hand shoes. Won’t be going again. Then a short hop to Wok King for our annual feed-up. €8.25 for all you can eat – Chinese, European, Japanese, salads, fish and sweets galore. Boy, some people can eat! They must save it up for weeks! It’s great value.

Rained during the night. Thunderstorms generated a small river down the site road at 2am, but all gone by the morning. Luckily the awning was out temporarily and Carole’s washing stayed dry.

Had another campsite Paella and I got a few tips from our friend David who turns out a fine example of the art. Excellent.

Bought 2 new bicycles today at Carrefour in Castellon. Bussed in and cycled 10 miles back. €129 each including a basket, dynamo lights and stand. Sold my bike already for €50 – so it’s a bargain. See piccie. 26” wheels but OK as 28” was gi-normous. It also solves the problem of buying bikes in the UK and getting them from the shop to the Dakota. Also, I didn’t have to assemble anything – so no divorce!

Pat and Maria crossed the channel today and we should see them on Saturday. More rain today and we spent the night putting out/ pulling in the awning in between the Benicasim wind and showers. Should be the last rain for a while. Still warm though, and people who stay here over Christmas say it stays warmish – but not as warm as Marbella!

 We got up in the middle of the night, oh sorry my mistake, it seemed that way but it was 7.00am, to get ready for our coach trip to Morella.   Off we set over the hills inland to our first port of call, Sant Mateu, passing the new Castellon airport, which has been ready for well over a year but still hasn’t opened.   There’s seems to be very comprehensive road system around it, but still no sign of any activity.   It looks very surreal and spooky as everything is in place – runways, landing lights, traffic tower, terminals but – deserted!  Lots of local building works – hotels, apartments – have been built in the surrounding areas on the prospect of this new airport, but as it’s taken so long to open investors have become bankrupt on a promise that yet hasn’t happened.

Anyway, our arrival at Sant Mateu we were welcomed by an announcement over the town’s tannoy system. I think this just might illustrate the fact that they don’t get that many tourists, and our local guide was certainly excited about showing us around especially the Archpriestal Church which is situated just off the main square.  Sant Mateu was of great political importance in the 13-15th century, positioned as a crossroads to many important cities.   Its’ main trade was in wool and it celebrates a visit from the famous Papa Luna. The tour was fairly intensive as poor Kiko (our campsite organiser) had arranged a 40 mins tour not taking into account time for translation from Spanish to English, so after 1 hour our attention span was lagging. Bill’s interest had faded after 30 seconds.

It was then onward to Morella, along some very steep and windy roads offering amazing views across the craggy countryside.  Morella stands out impressively against the horizon at an altitude of 984 m and is an historic walled town with terraced houses topped by the ruins of an ancient castle.  We entered the town through a very impressive stoned gateway and spent time strolling around the cobbled streets enjoying the atmosphere, views and visiting the basilica with it’s incredible ‘golden’ ornate alter.  That was one of those ‘wow’ moments, which completely takes you by surprise.  Following all this culture business we had a very good value for money 5-course lunch, with wine, of course, and then we slowly returned to our coach for our homeward journey.   All in all we had a good day out!  Thank you Kiko.

A quietish day until ‘THEY’ arrived. Pat and Maria drove in about 5pm after a 3 day race from Dublin via Cherbourg and Barcelona to pick up the van. Maria successfully drove the new VW Tuareg from Barcelona so now the sky’s the limit.

Carole and I went to a local bar to try and watch Burnley beat Blackpool but no dice. P and M turned up and we planned to get back for 9pm. But just as we were leaving, Finbar and Susan appeared and after much vino collapse it was 1am before I poured your mother into bed! Lucky we had the extra hour!

Finbarr and Susan

Lunch at Sue and Bill’s today to welcome P and M back into the fold. Then a Halloween party on Monday night. Thank heavens we are leaving next Sunday. I need a bloody holiday!

 

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

Mum’s gone on a 9 mile hike through the mountains around Benicasim today with a crowd of fellow loonies! I’m in bed. My leg is still seriously dodgy and I would have just held them up. Bingo and BBQ tonight. Oh what a life we lead!

 

Guess what? Shirl won at Bingo – €19 – woo-hoo! & she swam in the sea on NOV 1!!!!

Mysterious Happening1

Explain this then, readers.  Pat and Maria left Sitges to put their van into storage for a couple of weeks in Barcelona whilst they returned to Eire. When they picked it up again and travelled to Benicasim, they parked up and not unnaturally had a cup of tea, Maria went to the cupboard and one of the tea mugs was full of water up to one inch from the brim.

How did this happen? No leak in the van.  Maria had covered the cups with a towel to stop them clinking, and the towel was dry. Nothing else in the cupboard was wet. To get the cup into the cupboard it had to be tilted, so it was not possible to store with water already in it. Anyway, who would put a cup full of water away after washing-up? Not feasible. Condensation? No, not possible to that extent and only one cup was affected.

So, what’s your explanation? Did the storage people concoct an elaborate joke? Why would they?

Spooky……..

Coming to the end of our month at Benicasim. Getting the chains on the bikes tightened and one more visit to the market. The weather is warm but drizzly. But saying that, it looks good for Marbella in November for your visit.

BBQ at P and M’s on Friday and then packing up. The campsite is getting emptier as more vans head south for the sun or north to go home. There are a few vans we might see at Cabopino – P and M, Biff and Erica, Rose and Paul, Paul and Jackie and maybe John and Maggie in the New Year. Also, Carole’s friend Carol from Grantham is visiting in Feb, plus Chloe next month. Might even see the Morrissesses. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Bill and Sue!!!!  Not forgetting Alan & Mary, Mad Brian & Julie, & Mad Pauline & Brian. Should be busy……..my poor liver!

Farewell John and Maggie – we’ll miss your company…….Cabopino???????

Had some nice tapas at Gambrinus for lunch on Bill and Sue. I think they enjoyed their first taste of authentic tapas.

Shirl won at Bingo – again!!!!  €35. Woo-hoo!

P and M’s tonight for farewell BBQ….oh dear!

Au revoir Bill & Sue – hopefully our paths will cross again soon…

Packing up today. Got the new bikes on the back OK and we’ll take the unsold bike to Cabopino. It’s a bargain at €40 – hopefully it’ll sell.

Camping Marjal at Guardamar for 2 nights, then Roquetas near Almeria and onto Cabopino for Wednesday. Weather looks great for the rest of November, looking forward to your visit on 17^th.

All for now

Love

M and D

Xxx

Pat and Bill went out one day in Sitges!

Day 600 – Benicasim – 23 Oct 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.

For piccies see www.eastmidlandsdea.co.uk

 

Hi Clo,

Paella Sunday looms. Going to try a different method. Once I add the rice – DON’T TOUCH IT!!!

I will have Sue to supervise my procedures.

Well, it sort of worked, but I’m not happy with the par-boiled long grain rice that Maite from Barcelona used. Think I’ll stick to paella rice. Good night had by all as Richard and Terri, Maggie, Sue and Bill joined us and we got to bed quite late as the Germans next door started slamming their windows shut at 1030pm. We weren’t being loud – well Bill was!

Lost in Translation

Terri and Richard are from Cardiff and have a strong Welsh twang. So when Terri asked for a Coke, as a dutiful host I sprang to the fridge and produced an ice cold diet Coke with glass.

‘No,’ she laughed. ‘a coke’.

‘Well, that’s what you’ve got’, I replied, somewhat puzzled.

‘No, a COKE’, she repeats, ‘to support the windscreen wipers!’

‘Oh, you mean a CORK’ , I realised, to everyone’s huge amusement.

Well, you try to spot the difference after a bottle of vino collapso!

Shirl and Maggie cycled 12 miles return today to Marina D’Or, a huge hotel and entertainment complex along the coast. Rather them than me. It’s a scorcher again. Shops were shut – oh dearie me!

Your mothers cycling toe injury is getting better thanks to Nurse Jackie – Ted’s friend from the IOW. She’s been out for a week sampling the delights of Benicasim.

Settled down into Bonterra life. Days pass quickly and we’ve only got 2 weeks left. Boules, BBQs and biking mainly. Spend a lot less money in this lifestyle. No petrol or touristing.

Off to Castellon this afternoon to pick up John from the railway station. It’ll give Smartie a run out.

Written to SMC in Newark re some servicing issues on the wag and Smartie. We’ll see if the problem is resolved. I hope it is as their initial customer service was exceptional but it has dropped at the last service.

Aaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhhh!   RAIN!

The Peter Kay type, drizzle that gets you wet right through. That’s the record gone – 52 sunny warm days – although it is 18 degs C today but cold for Shirl.

Said goodbye to Peter and Jennifer and their Autotrail as they trek south. Said hello to Ted and Irene, Jennifer’s sister who arrived in their Autotrail yesterday.

We heard that Almafra Campsite in Benidorm had gone bust and was closed – soon to be re-opened by another company – Orange Grove?  Anyone heard any different?  However, Almafra is answering their e-mails). It’s probably another campsite rumour based on hearsay.

Late night in Friday after Tapas at our place. Your mother became the dancing queen once more – obviously her toe is better. Oktober Fest for the German community today and oompah music is currently floating over the site.

Subscribed to Skype phone calls today. Unlimited calls from the computer to any landline for £3.90 per month. It will be useful when we get back as our BT line has now gone.

Hopefully, a quiet evening tonight and a very quiet Sunday.

Fat Chance!

All for now

Love

M and D

xxx

Day 592 – Benicasim – 15 Oct 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.

 

 Hi Clo,

Yes, it’s that time again – STATISTICS UPDATE………

In the meantime…..I thought we had come to Benicasim for a rest!!!!!  Social life here is great.

And we got a mention on last Fridays, (7 Oct) Simon Mayo Drivetime on Radio 2 when we were transitting from Sitges to Benicasim. World Famous now!

Walked into town last night for a live Jazz/Blues Street concert. Excellent evening with Ted, Maggie and John after Happy Hour at Vic’s whilst the girls watched Strictly. ODG! I also got stung by a wasp.

Today a cycle ride to Oropesa – about 5 miles each way.

Well, STATS:

592 days on the road since 3/3/10.    81% of days sunny and fine.

Currently 47 sunny/hot days in a row.

We’ve been on 93 buses, visited 83 markets and 30 Cathedrals.

Also visited 27 of the 42 English counties and 4 Welsh ones.

Been on 82 campsites in 11 countries.  Seen 15 of the Spanish Osborne Bulls.

Currently eating ‘out’ 17% of the time. About once per week.

Spending €431 per week.

310 days in the wag in 2010/11 at £12.83 campsite fees per night – a drop of 16% on last year.

Best Campsite Europe : Bonterra Park, Benicasim.

Best Campsite UK : Clitheroe C and CC

Worst Campsite: Camping Wijnstock, Imperia, Italy.

Average Distance Driven between Campsites:  101 miles

Average Leg Time:  2 hours 35 mins

Average speed travelled:  39.31 mph

Average Fuel cost:  £1.21 per litre

Average MPG:   22.24   towing

Péage Kms France:  1503 at  14 c per km

Péage Kms Spain:     397 at  9 c per km.

8851 miles travelled in the van

Using Smart Car 42% of days

Saved us £1600 after expenses.

1525 miles in Smartie this year.

And finally, we’ve had 10 punctures and 6 stings.

Benicasim continues to be warm and most days are spent on the beach.

Done the market and went to Teds birthday party on Wednesday. Hair colouring day today whilst most people have all gone to Valencia for the day.

Nothing to report except that a cloud has appeared overhead. Still warm though.

Decided not to go to Marjal near Torrevieja in March on the way home for the MHF meet. We’ll go inland via Toledo and Salamanca and check out Wellingtons legacy. I must admit that I got a bit fed up wading through hundreds of random chatty posts each time I wanted to check progress on the meet. I’m afraid that we don’t have super-fast broadband and internet access is intermittent when on campsites. So that was the deciding factor in the end.

Had a great night out with Bill and Sue at the camp restaurant with live music. Met Peter Rodriguez of Southampton and Chelsea fame. Nice chap.

All for now

Speak soon

Love

M and D

xxx

 

Day 584 – Benicasim – 7 Oct 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.

 

Hi Clo,

Firstly, a couple of little items. After 500+ days on the road actually travelling, the real heroine of this trip is the Autotrail Dakota (touch wood). She has sailed around Europe for 2 ½ years now and has hardly missed a beat. Brilliant wag!

Secondly, we have been debating the perennial problem of where to spend every July and August. In 2010 it was in Cervia and Pisa and we were lucky. No real problem with the sweet little darlings on their hols. This year we were touristing in the UK and N France – so again, no serious issues.

We are in Serignan Plage near Beziers at present and have been talking about 2012. Even now, 26 September, the children are running around the bars, screaming and shouting at 10pm. By any standard of parenting a 2 year old really should be in bed by then. Surely, adults are permitted a couple of child free hours to enjoy a drink at the end of the day. Anyway, clearly we are not, so the problem is where to go in July-August. Anywhere in Europe near a beach and there will be families and the associated hubbub – and campsites charge 3 to 4 times the price for the privilege. We don’t begrudge people their annual holidays but we don’t want the disturbance. Strictly OUR PROBLEM – not theirs.

So we have done a bit of lateral thinking and decided to alter our annual schedule. Instead of MOT/Servicing in April, we will change to early July. This means we will spend the school holidays at home in the UK or Northern Europe. We will return to UK in late June and return to Spain via Santander in early September. Lots of benefits. We avoid school holidays. We can also return later from Spain in good weather and can do Europe on the way home instead of the way out. We can also travel the UK selectively in July-August if we choose – or even pop over to Ireland in good weather – or maybe Scandinavia,  All we have to do is get extra MOTs in early July so the annual cycle is altered from April. Road Tax is not an issue. Also, travelling costs are reduced. Good decision all round. I reckon we’ll save around €1200 in extra site fees!!!

We will still be able to do Holland/Lux/Moselle and the Rhine in 2012 but will leave Bavaria this year. Lucky we missed out on the Autotrail trip in the end. I said everything works out for the best. Hopefully, we’ll meet up with the Bollenbergs on the Moselle.

Le Serignan Plage

Arrived after a 5 hour trip along the Péage into bright warm sunshine. Efficient and friendly welcome invited us to choose a pitch by bicycle – it’s a big site – and it’s a goodun’. Extra large, near the beach and facilities which are new and first class. Thanks Paul and Jacquie for the recommendation.

We took a nice stroll along the beach yesterday morning.  Beautiful sandy, wide beach and you can walk out quite a long way before you are in an appropriate depth for a swim.   I have just about found my way around the campsite on my bike, as dad mentioned it’s huge. There are all the usual amenities – bakery, supermarket, newsagents etc, a good fun size pool and their ‘piece de resistance’ – the spa.  This is a haven of tranquillity with various thermal baths providing therapy massage, whirlpools and even a musical swimming pool. We spent the afternoon just lazing – sorry everyone out there who is just experiencing the first flush of autumn weather! Bill has got to wear speedos in the spa as no shorts are allowed. I hate them but had to buy a pair. I always feel as if my left goolie is hanging out. Most disconcerting. Perhaps I should go during the naturists session. Might be easier. (obviously this is Bill speaking and not me!)

Dad has booked himself for two massage sessions and I am going to join the cycle club and complete a 20 km outing in the local area.   Should I survive I will report accordingly.

I had my 2 massages – very good indeed it helped with the legs as they are getting number and weaker as time passes. Mum did the bike ride and returned after a visit to the Canal Du Midi. Ate in these 2 last nights after tiring days lounging in the spa! Off to Empuriabrava tomorrow for 3 nights. Serignan Plage is an excellent out of season campsite and extraordinary value for money at ACSI rates. Only minor downside is no adjacent town – so you are confined to barracks. However, we may well return.

Short trip to the Roses area of Spain. Hurrah, welcome back A7 – old friend. Still very hot and reached Camping Intl Amberes in Empuriabrava around 1pm. It closes in 3 weeks so is running down, like many places this far North in Spain. Gets cold here in winter but we managed to get a large pitch as there are so many to choose from. Expensive at €23 for what it offers. It’s another one of those ‘ACSI Inspected Sites’ that don’t do ACSI rates. Bit of a con really even though it sort of makes it clear in the book.

Large pitch, pool and 200m from the beach. Lots of German and Dutch. Cycled into Empuriabrava last night and it’s like little Hamburg. The bar staff even greet you in German!  It’s a purpose built resort with a marina but it has a clinical Disney designed feel. All a bit anti-septic really. Some of the houses on the edge of the complex are very crammed. Not cheap either! On the other hand Roses, 5kms away, is very pleasant. Drove in for an early morning coffee and it’s got a nice feel to it. If we return to this area we would stay at a site in Roses.

 

Had to fix the towbar electrics connector again today. Still sticks! Will drive to the camping shop at St Pere Pescador tomorrow to try and get a stronger version. Might get some new chairs as well. Ours are well used and have exceeded their intended life span. Each leg is like a pastry cutter as they have lost their rubber protection.   With hindsight we now know what to look for.

The pool here is marvellous; it is a full length Olympic sized infinity pool, so relaxing and the same walking depth throughout.   An afternoon here just swimming or sitting on the surrounding grass is really pleasant and a lot safer than sea swimming where we saw some nasty looking jellyfish washed up on the beach.  I know, just call me a wimp!

We are setting off to Sitges to see Pat and Maria again on Saturday, if we can get Smartie off the pitch over the deep guttering along the pitch roads here. Devil of a job getting it up. But I’ve found 2 bits of wood to use as a bridge – if that doesn’t work I’ll have to get the campers next door to help.

However, most importantly, we went into our first Spanish Lidl and they still have the 55c per litre vino. New branding but the same. Also found our first Chinese Sh*t-Shop in Roses and as usual found loads of good stuff including a new low wattage kettle. Some things never change – Welcome to Spain!

Got the new chairs and some other stuff in the Camping Shop in St Pere, near Amphora Campsite. Good deal and Carole now lounges in comfort. Nice friendly Dutch neighbours who are returning north next week with most of the transients. Not many heading south. I think this is as far south as a lot of Germans/Dutch get. ( not true actually as many have reached Benicasim)

Packed up and away early using the 2 boards to bridge the pitch-side rain gutter which worked a treat. Sped down the AP7 until 30 kms from Barcelona when we hit traffic and the Sat Nav Traffic Warner said there was a 12 minute holdup. 65 minutes! later after 4kms in a queue we passed a wrecked car transporter which was wrapped around a bridge with firemen chopping it up. The queue coming the other way was 13 kms! And throughout the crawl the Sat Nav Traffic Warner went off and only came back on 10 miles South of Barcelona! However, this was the first real traffic jam we’ve suffered in 2 ½ years – so we can’t complain.

Reached El Garrofer at Sitges and pitched in a special Motorhome area for about 20 wags. Most of this camp and the one next door is made up of semi-permanent caravans and awnings used by local Spanish families at weekends and holidays.  Not a problem though as the camp has all facilities and a good atmosphere. ACSI as well. It’s only a 10 minute cycle ride to Sitges where we met up with Elizabeth and Dougie for lunch before they set off back to Scotland. We should see them in Cabopino in January.  Later that evening Pat and Maria arrived after a 660km marathon from Le Lavandou. Good effort!

It’s like a graveyard this morning as all of the weekenders have gone home. Just us Motorhomers left. Bit sad really but peaceful.

Went into Sitges for a swim with P and M and are now sunning ourselves whilst being attacked by hordes of flies. They really are persistent. We are staying until Thursday now before setting off to Bonterra Park.

 

Have broken the good weather record which was held by Cervia last year. It’s now 39 days and counting. Had an excellent late lunch of moules and frites yesterday lunchtime with P and M and the friendly couple on the next pitch, Angela and John (and Doug the dog) who are from Jersey. Now prepping for the departure.

John decided that he needed to improve his satellite reception and applied a bit of lateral thinking. The Mk1 version not so good!  Mk2 a little better. We are planning to interest Alan Sugar in a Mk4!

Pleasant last day just chilling while Carole swam off Sitges beach. Had a last supper with P and M before they flew back to Eire to buy a car and drive back to Benicasim by the end of October. Phew! Rather them than me.

Straightforward AP7 trip to Bonterra Park where we have the same pitch as last year and somehow it seems bigger. No awning this year! And it’s hotto!  30 degs ++++

Greeted warmly by the old crowd, John, Maggie, Ted and Vic. Shirl’s gone looking for Sue and Bill and is then off to the beach. It’s very busy – glad we booked.

Excellent supper with Bill and Sue tonight and we caught up on all the gossip.

All for now

Speak soon

Love

M and D

xxx

PS: We are the Benicasim Jonahs! Within 12 hours of arriving the Benicasim Winds started. Luckily we had the awning in.

Day 572 – Le Lavandou – 25 Sep 11

Hi Clo,

Left Carcassone on Sat 17^th and bade farewell to Paul and Jacqueline who are not going to make it to see Pat and Maria at St Claire. They are heading for a ferry in the North of France in early October and want to take an easy ride via Bordeaux. Great to see them again and hopefully will meet up again in Spain.

Nice to meet Pat & Maria’s old campsite pals, Rob & Mary. Had a very nice last night nosh in Lavandou.

Péage again to Arles and the BienHeureuse site for a night stop. 2 words come to mind – Rack and Ruin! It’s only consolation is that it’s only 1km from the motorway and has a nice pool which is handy as it’s 30 degrees C again. Phew!

Autoroute Toll Report – France

1080 kilometres driven      €144  toll fees at 13 cents per km.   I don’t think that’s bad but you may disagree.

It costs us just over 30 cents per Km on the Autoroute and 39 cents per km off it – so the extra 4 cents for tolls is OK.

I balance the ease of driving, better roads, less stress/traffic and less fuel consumption (trip duration / gear changing) against extra cost.

We’ll take péage most of the time when towing. And it gets much cheaper in Spain.

Anyhoo, arrived in Le Lavandou, near St Tropez, at the St Claire campsite on the recommendation of Pat and Maria who come here a lot. Easy Autoroute drive from Arles although a bit rainy. Site initially looked a bit tight but after warm welcome, directed through 2 double gates to the garden of plenty. Nice large pitch near all facilities – water on pitch – and 100 m from the sea and beach. Excellent lunch catching up with Pat and Maria and then a nice dinner at a beachside restaurant. Penny contacted us from Port Grimaud and Carole has driven over in Smartie for a couple of days to mix with the rich and famous. The famous Mistral has blown for 24 hours but will calm down later and it’s v sunny and set fair for the next month.

 

Final word on the ex-Mistral wind. There was one gust last night which blew one of our loungers clean around the van. How it got around 2 corners I do not know. No damage done but Pat lost a window! And the Swiss bloke across the road had his awning broken.

Breakfast on the beach and a lazy day. Cycled into Lavandou to check it out whilst waiting for Carole to return from St Trop as she now calls it. Cycled with Pat and Maria up to Cavaliere about 5 miles along the coast for lunch. Very pleasant in bright, warm sunshine.

We may well come back here next year. After doing Germany we’ll probably head south and avoid central France. Won’t be going on the Autotrail Rally to Bavaria as they couldn’t cope with us not having a UK address, so we were bounced without so much as a by your leave! Never mind, we’ll sort something else out. Everything works out for the best.

I just saw Diesel at €1.27 (£1.12) – where? In St Tropez…typical, the rich get it all ways!

Mostly, our days here at St Claire are spent on the beach or laziy lunching. A very relaxing week. Going off to Port Grimaud today for a day with Penny and Gordon on their boat/ship/cruiser. Should be good.

Bill and Shirl’s Day on the Boat

We set off in Smartie at 9.30am to meet up with Gordon and Penny in Port Grimaud. It’s a winding road but scenic and very busy as one approaches St Tropez. A ‘deviation’ didn’t help. Anyway, we infiltrated the harbour at Port Grimaud and set of in the ‘China Girl’ at just after 11am. It’s a 67-footer, twin engine and has more carpet than our house! Gordon skilfully manoeuvred out of the very crowded Port Grimaud and into the open sea. Cruising at 25 kts past St Tropez and BB’s statue and into the bay at Pampelonne Beach. We anchored about 200 metres offshore and the bubbly flowed. After 30 minutes a tender from the restaurant onshore pulled up and ferried us to the beach. A superbe beachside lunch followed and before we knew it, 6pm struck! Another ferry back to the boat and we cruised home into the sunset and Port Grimaud, where once again Gordon very expertly re-negotiated the harbour and docked around 7pm. Got home around 8.20pm to find the gates locked and had to enter the site via the exit.

 

All in all a brilliant day and was one of the experiences from our trip we won’t forget. Thanks Penny and Gordon – we hope to return the hospitality next time we meet. Whenever that might be.

Off into Le Lavandou tonight for a farewell meal with Pat and Maria and then on to Serignan Plage near Beziers tomorrow. Then into Spain. Hurrah!

It’s been really pleasant here. The week has zipped by really quickly and we will be considering returning – but only out of July/August as everybody says it’s crazy with holiday makers.

It’s been great seeing Pat and Maria again and we look forward to meeting up on the Road to Cabopino.

All for now

Love

M and D

xxx

Pyro Boy and bro at scout camp.