April 4th 2012.

I thought I might start this blog by going through the planning process.
This one began yesterday (April 3rd 2012) by checking ferry prices. Portsmouth - Santander direct via Brittany Ferries or travelling with LD linesE via Portsmouth - Le Havre and St.Nazaire - Gijon.
Whilst the latter saved money (just under £1,000) the difference was so marginal, (£1068), it made as much sense to go for the first. Now beginning the camping sites planning.

The first campsite booked was at Tordesillas, where we have stayed before. We know it is a nice site and convenient for the town where we will probably take a trip to Valladolid. I wrote to them in Spanish, but a bit disappointedly received a reply in English!

Thursday April 5th 2012

Next, after a bit of searching, we are going to Caceres in Extramadura, near the Portuguese border.

And finally I am currently looking at a campsite in Portugal called Alentejo (also the name of the province). Gets rave reviews.

After this I may await the return of the Thompsons who are around the Seville area at the moment and ought to have a few tips for us, they are following a similar route.

Thanks Alec and Margaret for all your ideas and discussions.

We have decided on a site in a place called Armacao de Pera on the Algarve Coast which looks interesting and the camping is not far from the town.

Also looked at a couple of other places, one at Manilva and another at Torre Del Mar, which also looks good! Both have public transport within reach.

Wednesday June 26th

Away at 4.50 am plenty of light

Starting mileage 14913
First stop @ Northampton
15,019

Final finish mileage 15,143
Total Mileage Sheffield - Portsmouth 230

Starting money £5916.00
300
300
200
200
Friday July 6th £4916.

Thursday July 12th 2012

£4516.00

Ship sailed bang on time at 11.00 am and seemed to be full to the brim with cars and freight.

We had a good walk round - three restaurants: one upmarket at around £30.00 for three courses; one middle market around a £5.00 for pizza; and a marché as they call it, serving sandwiches and drinks.

Spent the evening watching Spain and Portugal 4-3 to Spain after penalties.

THURSDAY JUNE 28th 2012

Woke up around 7.00 am to the sound of Helen going whale watching. (When they tell you that you can see whales and dolphins on the voyage what they don't mention is that on this leg it is about 7.00 am as one crosses the Continental Shelf).

Anyway I got up around 8.00 am and walked to the stern to see a large school of dolphins following the ship!!

Had a full English breakfast to sustain us through the day.

We missed the pilot (who jumps off the pilot boat with a big leap!)

Arrival in Santander is on time but despite promises of warm weather, it is grey and misty, which it has been on all the voyage really. Though not cold.

The arrival in Santander seems right in the middle of town. However the new route from harbour to motorway was much better than we had before and well signposted.

Driving into the hills was very very foggy and the fog must be normal because there were loads of warning signs.

However we eventually broke out of the fog and our first stop was also used by at least two other motor homes from our ferry including a couple who stopped to walk their dog and watch the tennis. Also the fuel was well-priced even though I hadn't realised at the time.

Arrived at Tordesillas without any worthwhile happening except that there were three conveniently placed picnic table signposted stops although only one seemed to have toilets.

Mileage to Tordesillas 15,319=196 miles from Santander.

FRIDAY JUNE 29th 2012

It seems we have forgotten the bag with all the electrical gear in. I can get by but Helen needed a recharger for the MacBook.

So we caught the bus to Vallodolid and found the Mac shop, but a change of specification meant we weren't sure whether the thing we were buying was a precise fit. So we came came back to Tordesillas to fetch the MacBook and check. Fortunately it did!

Bought some groceries at Eroski for evening meal. (Also some wine).

Saturday June 30th

Went into Tordesillas for a wander this morning and to buy a couple of essentials.

Started at the tourist office where found out we had missed a concert last night.

Wandered up to the sports pavilion where there was this huge display of radio controlled model lorries and the Spanish people from the campsite opposite us were part of it.

Went into Alimerka for some supplies and found a ferreteria who naturally had everything we needed to hand. In fact I am sure there is one ferreteria owner who goes around from store to store and is there whenever I go in. (Grey-haired bloke around fifty-five).

Great excitement. As we were sat having lunch a pair of hoopoes appeared and seemed to stay for ages! I managed a few piccies of them too.

Turned cloudy and cool. Helen went for a swim. Went for a walk around the campsite and found the dog-washing sink. Undoubtedly this campsite has everything! Spoke to a couple who were in Caceres recently; the temperature has been very high and apparently people just went to the swimming pool and stayed in there.

Sunday JULY 1st

Woke up to a broken chair. Fixed. This camping seems very popular with people for a night or two only, though there are some who stay longer. We move further south tomorrow.

Went for a wander into Tordesillas where the bars in the central square were busy. Found out a bit more about the 'Farols' remembering the word for lighthouse is 'Faro'. The parade - never did find the date - of decorated lanterns derives from the old nightwatchmen who went around the town with lanterns.

The bars in the town were gearing up for the big game but also for a lunchtime. They lay out extra tapas on the bar and you go in and choose. Certainly there seemed to be a lot of movement around the bars.

Had lunch where we ate before. It was good and excellent value for money.

Back to the campsite, where we had a siesta and a swim, except I didn't.

Then spent the evening with John and Jenny, who had reserved a table under the TV, on order to watch the final of the European Championships, a great move. Loads of excited and noisy Spaniards, who let's face it hammered Italy with a sublime display.

Monday July 2nd 2012

Decided to move on to Caceres. Got up and got moving after saying goodbye.

Start mileage 15319

Lovely warm day and moving south is marked with some ready made stork's nests appearing at the side of the road. They are at different heights and have a fake stork to encouraging nesting. There are also loads on electricity pylons where they also nest. And just about anywhere tall enough as far as I can see!

Stopped at Area Ambroz (15441) for a bocadillo and a diesel refill.

Came into Caceres and found a Carrefour to do some shopping; gin, tonic, that sort of thing. But we had to find a drink link first since the machine at the store wasn't working.

Found the campsite after one small deviation. It is a bit strange having your own private washroom to each site. Not very busy. Meal at the campsite restaurant which was very good but expensive.

Arrival mileage 15,518

Watched the TV for the arrival of the Spanish Football Team in Madrid with enormous crowds.

Hard to sleep because of the heat and the hum of a electricity sub-station! Ear plugs helped.

Tuesday July 3rd 2012

Went by bus into Caceres, unfortunately missing one by a few seconds. Had a very good guide from the bus who took us to the edge of the old town. Went around the site which was very quiet.

We went into the Museum of Caceres which had some interesting stuff including some fine art. The place is famous for its 'Aljibe' which is a huge underground water storage centre.

Helen was also intrigued by the exhibition of local traditional costumes which included two full-sized paisley shawls including a copy of great great granny Fyfe's which hangs on our stairs. In Spanish the 'panuelo de cien colores'.

Came back to the campsite by bus for a siesta and then down to the bar where we were hoping to talk to Margaret via the web but for some reason we could't connect Helen's computer with the Internet.

The local bats deserve a mention. Last night as dusk fell over the campsite and the swimming pool, the competition for the flying insects was: house martins; swifts; swallows and two types of bats, small bats and bigger bats.

Wednesday July 4th

Leaving Caceres 10.00 am 15,518.

Arrive Parquecampismo Campeferias 4.45 pm mileage 15,791= 273 miles

but of course you do gain an hour because the clocks move backwards - Portugal is on the same time zone as the UK.

The journey was interesting.

Passed through an area in Spain that was noted for its birds and we saw loads of buzzards and storks. A change in agricultural landscape as we came down to Merida, valley of the Guadiana, much more fertile and a bigger variety in the fields. Grapes, other fruit, flowers, and maize.

Filled up at Badajoz €1.32 a litre which was just as well because in Portugal diesel is around €1.43(!!)

There were very few vehicles on the road and of course you can understand why when the toll road charge for approx 150 miles was a hefty €29.50

There were virtually no lorries and to be fair very few other vehicles on the road.
We stopped at a Portuguese service station that seemed to be staffed by just two people, one doing the petrol side and a young lady doing everything else.

Noticed a lot of little egrets in the fields with the animals.

Once we turned off the main road however things changed rapidly. Ran alongside a new road and you could see why that was being built!

Eventually got to Vila Nova de Milfontes
and Parquecampismo Campiferias. Pleasant enough place and decent slightly sloping pitch but with everything nearby.

Weather cooler than Caceres around 25 degrees at a guess but clear blue skies. Clearly mainly a holiday resort with blocks of flats with windows and edges in nice colours.

Took a walk into the town and down to the river mouth where there seems to be nice beaches and cafes and restaurants. We were arriving just as those on the beach were packing up to go home.

Meal in campsite restaurant was simple, good and half/two thirds of the price in Spain, and a lot less than it would have been in England. Small jug of wine.

The campsite is virtually all Portuguese people and also all caravans or tents. However these can be quite elaborate structures with large frame tent or caravan and lots of additional bits and pieces: a gazebo; cooking tent; umbrellas and so on. A number of the caravans have large covers and don't seem to have been used for long periods.

Thursday July 5th

Helen did some washing today and we had a look around the indoor market which is by the campsite gate.

There is a huge variety of fish of varying sizes and loads of fresh fruit and vegetables. It seemed to be very busy. There is a shop selling bread from a wood-fired oven, and we bought some of that.

After lunch we walked towards the signposted porto de pesca and a kind lady gave us a lift for part of the way. About 1.5k at a guess.

Beautiful little port with not a lot of people. A long steep walk down to the harbour which we didn't do, but had a beer in the restaurant and walked back.

Went for a trip on the tourist train which took us to a part of the town (in fairness what seemed to be the biggest part of town!) which we hadn't seen up to that point.

Managed to connect to the Internet in an Internet cafe. This was not as easy as first thought, but eventually the problems were sorted by the simple expedient of - yes you've guessed it - switching it on and off.

Had a splendid meal at the fish restaurant next door to the campsite, helped along by the waiter who spoke excellent English.

We tried to order the Portuguese fish stew but he didn't have the right sort of fish in the right quantities. (As if we would have known!). So we ordered the crab/rice dish. Apparently there are generally enough crabs and lobsters because they keep them in tanks in the back, as we later saw.

What was also interesting was that a number of customers came in and chose the fish they wanted from a selection presented to them.

We were issued with plastic bibs a bit like Rosa might have been, but it turned out to be a sensible move, as it really was quite messy.

The bill with wine and a salad starter came to €40.00 with tip, and was excellent value.

Went back to the campsite bar for a night cap. One large whisky (at least a double) and a similar brandy = €2.60, i.e. €1.30 a shot!

Friday July 6th 2012

When we were on tourist train we had spotted the tourist office, and called I there. It has free computer use though only fifteen minutes at a time! And we went for a stroll along the main street spotting what looked like a reasonable eating place.

In the afternoon we went down to the beach where Helen went for a swim and I sat in a bar taking pictures of her. The lack of people swimming convinced me that that the water (after all it is a combination of the Atlantic and a river) might be cold and so it proved. "Colder than Whitby!"

Caught the little train back and found we get a discount by showing our camping cards.

Went back into town to the restaurant we spotted earlier. Excellent stuff, I had a monkfish kebab which was superb (espeta) and Helen had espada which caused some confusion, although the 'espada' is not the swordfish as we understand it but a totally different 'sword-shaped' fish. Either way it came from the refrigerated tank at the front of the restaurant and it was lovely. Accompaniments were boiled potatoes and vegetables. It seems that meat comes with chips and fish with potatoes.

Back for a nightcap.

Saturday July 7th

Went to the tourist office for a quick computer use and to find out the state of Sheffield where it seems the new flood defences have worked, saving the city from the worst of the floods again.

And then down into the older part of town where there was free wifi in a small cafe. On to the quayside and along the shore at low tide. There is a ferry across the river and even trips up the Mira are advertised, but not well-advertised and it seems impossible to find out either when the boat goes across the river, or when the trips take place.

We chatted to some Portuguese people this morning at the campsite. It is clear there is not a lot money about. The usual empty shops and property are one sign and the lady we were talking to says that this camping would normally have a lot more visitors at this time of year. It's a story we have heard before. Another sign is that less public money seems to be spent on things like keeping the streets clean, litter bins empty and so on.

As we watch and try and translate the news headlines on the TV there seems to be a lot of corruption and scandal on every bulletin. Bit like the UK really!

However food and drink seem to be remarkable value for money so we musn't grumble too much!

Went out towards the town via a back street or two and came across a restaurant that looked OK. As we were deciding and indeed carried on walking a little old lady started telling us how good it was! (In fairness that's what we thought she was saying).

The portions were enormous. Huge. Afterwards we noticed that a lot of the customers were having one meal between two. Which seemed a bit cheapskate since we are talking about meals costing €8.00 each!

Sunday 8th July.

We mostly wombled around today but managed a boat ride along the river, towards the mouth, rather than up river which you might have expected.

Went back to 'O Pescadors' the fish restaurant next to the campsite for our last meal. Managed the fish stew which had four sorts of fish: monkfish; skate; conger eel; and a Portuguese name which we never learnt properly. The other ingredients were potatoes, onions and pimentos.

Monday July 9th 2012

Drove to Armacao de Pera on the Algarve. We managed to pick up a slow moving lorry, though to be honest we couldn't have gone much faster.

Found the camping without much trouble. Bit dry and sandy and had a problem getting level. Another place that seems run-down. Not enough customers = lack of investment = fewer customers I guess.

Went to the campsite restaurant for a meal which was great! Helen's kebab came on a stand, hanging upright and was quite big. I had ordered the bacalhau which came as a sort of cake foo yung and with a salad and was superb! And there is no doubt eating out is low cost here!

Tuesday July 10th 2012

I wished I had found out the hot water system before having a cold shower! Better late than never I suppose.

Walked into town a different and possibly better way. Seemed shorter and led us into the commercial area where the market and post office were.

Did a bit of essential shopping. Wine, bananas, that sort of thing. Spent the afternoon by the pool.

And great excitement this evening, we spoke to Rosa indeed both her parents as well! Via the wonders of Skype of course. Things seem to be going well in Mirfield, and apparently Janet has an interview at the Hepworth Gallery at Wakefield.

Went up to the campsite bar/restaurant and exchanged meals from the night before. Service was very slow because there were a lot more people there. And there were a lot more people there because there was an entertainer! Who was called 'Pasadinhas' although there was only one of him, and played a synthesiser with loads of inbuilt rhythms attached.

And he had brought his own fan club - four and later six, dancers in ballroom style who were extremely well-practiced in various rhythms and danced just about every dance. Others from the camping did join in and some dances seemed especially well-known and had loads of participants.

Wednesday July 11th 2012

Spent the day at the Farmer's Market which takes place in the streets around the normal market and was virtually all fruit and veg. We also looked for somewhere to eat and settled on old restaurant - in this context old = 1969, where we had an absolutely splendid meal, excellent service and in a packed place with queues outside.

Thursday July 12th 2012

Starting mileage at Armacao 15870.

Bought a book of Portuguese campsites and decided to leave the coast and go to a place called Castro Verde, about an hour and a half north of the coast. There is a municipal campsite which looks interesting.

First of all stopped at the Algarve Meadowhall just along the road from where we were and bought some essential supplies, toilet rolls, tonic water, that sort of stuff.

The camping is a small immaculate place on a slight slope. Not a lot of people around, and a blogger who stayed here described it as having the charisma of a car park. About right. But it has some advantages.

It has immaculate hot showers which are like standing under Niagara and the rest of the facilities are just as good. Good recycling facilities. Loads of books and a couple of free computers to play on in the a/c reception with a big swimming pool across the road.

Took a walk around town and there are a few restaurants so we will get to eat!

Friday July 13th

Started at the tourist office where we established a taxi to the bird watching centre will not be very expensive.

Walked down to the mill at the bottom of town, which was open but no-one in. It is also next to a large open area, the sort of space which in a Spanish town would be for the feria but as well as that apparently is also used for a monthly market. The pitches are huge!

Went to the church (Basilica) which is a huge place with some nice gardens surrounding it and a view of the Alentejo steppes. I suspect we have seen most of the town now, although we have missed the Lamp Museum.

Helen went for a swim whilst I sat in the pool bar with a beer. (€2.50 for 1/2 litre of ice-cold Super Bock!)

The complex of camping, football area, and municipal pools looks like a result of a big EC Grant, but the municipality do look to have made good use of the money!

It's been in the low 30's today at a guess, although that might be us getting used to the heat! Either way, with a pleasant breeze, occasionally a strong breeze even not too bad at all, and I do feel sorry for those back home suffering under what seems to be an exceptionally poor summer.

Saturday July14th 2012

Bit of a disaster today! We got up early in order to take a taxi to the bird-watching centre.

No taxis. Clearly we should have booked. One eventually came but wouldn't take us! Fortunately we had a plan B which was to go as part of our journey on Sunday. Except as we found out later, it isn't open Sundays. Scrub bird-watching.

Wandered around town. Went to do some shopping at the local Co-op in the town centre to find the place on the brink of closing down, with piles of empty shelves. Partly I am sure due to the presence of a small Intermarché on the south side of town and a similar Ecomarche on the northern edge.

Which brings me to comment on the crisis in Portugal. The signs of a depression are everywhere.

The campsite which in many ways is superb, is virtually empty. There are (Sunday) as I write, three occupied caravans, two occupied motorhomes, and about three tents. Remember the campsite at Armacao de Pera for all the local tourists on the Algarve was much the same.

The restaurant we were in last night (Don Afonso) had three couples all night and I suspect lunchtime trade was little better. The other restaurant we ate in On Friday night (Castro) seemed a bit better but not much. Everywhere else was shut down.

Little municipal type jobs, like grass cutting seem to be neglected.

I bet this was a thriving market town once, and the market area which is enormous might be thriving but I doubt it.

I suppose this has never been a really prosperous area, although there are some nice houses and prosperous looking new build. The sports facilities would be the envy of a similar sized town in the UK I would reckon. These are EC funded of course.

The sad thing is I doubt there is much of a way out at the moment because the infrastructure is dying.

Sunday July 15th 2012

Moved on, a short hop down the motorway down to the town of Monte Gordo. The municipal camp site does not get a very high rating and it is hardly surprising. Advantages: close to town. Disadvantages: too numerous to mention, but the biggest one is that electricity is obtained from boxes strung high up on pylons and has to then be conveyed to your placement at a height of three metres. And, yes, they loan you a ladder!

The truth is that the local council seem to have the place up for sale and therefore there seems to be little investment. Shame, 'cos it is ideally placed.

However, out of every cloud. Scratched my arm and popped into a British bar for a bit of antiseptic. Got chatting to the lady owner who recommended a couple of Portuguese restaurants.

We managed to find them and chose one calle 'O Tapas'. Great place and judging by the pictures of CR7 all over the walls the owner is a football fan!

I ordered the prawn kebab, and Helen the sword fish, along with the usual bread and olives. Both came fairly quickly much faster than normal, along with chips and salad. Mine was a dozen huge prawns, Helen's swordfish steak covered the plate.

As we watched the other tables I asked the head waiter what the white/pink drink was that people seemed to be getting. We were presented with a couple! They were a sort of lemon granizado, a sorbet if you like and very tasty.

I managed to show the owner the picture of me holding the European Cup and mentioned that I supported the team that Jimmy Hagan played for.

We got two tubo-sized glasses of almond liquer presented to us! 'On the house' as the young waiteress told us.

Anyway we asked for the bill. €23.00!
For the bread and olives, two main meals, 1/2 a litre of wine, the granizados and the almond liqueurs. Bargain!

Then walking home we bumped into an all female Portuguese folk group! Whom we followed to hear. Interestingly they were just as well organised as other folk groups we have known. But they were loads of fun with accordion, guitars, ukuleles etc and two tambourine players who danced and banged the tambourines at the same time.

Great end to a couple of weeks in Portugal.

Monday July 16th 2012

And back into Spain. Arrived at Pinar San Jose at Canos de Meca.

This campsite was recommended by Alec and Margaret and is just the opposite to the chaos of Monte Gordo. Clearly marked pitches, each with an electricity station and water between two; nice restaurant and bar; loads of shade; swimming pool with bar (!!); recycling; beautiful showers; water bowser spraying to keep the dust down etc.....

The sea/beach is about a kilometre walk through beachside second homes and the odd bar. That takes you to two or three bars and the Atlantic with some glorious beaches and of course the lighthouse at Cape Trafalgar.

It is a sort of camping paradise with one disadvantage - the wind. This area is known for its wind, I reckon it's a constant 40 mph at the moment with some bigger gusts although the lady at reception promises it will fall later in the week. The wind is the major reason why this area has never suffered the development of (say) the Costa del Sol.

Tuesday July 17th 2012

Day of consolidation! Got up lateish and did nothing much all day. Found out about getting to Cadiz.

Had a menu at the campsite restaurant which was very good, especially Helen's fried fish.

Had a siesta and then went to the pool where there was an aquarobics class going on. Helen joined in, I gracefully declined.

Wednesday July 18th 2012

The day trip to Cadiz. It seemed like the bus would never come, although there was a local lady waiting for it. It came eventually and as you might expect goes all around the houses on the coast.

If you look at a map of Cadiz you can see the old town is on what looks like an island. The bus station is at the beginning of the island which makes it very convenient. Fare from Canos to Cadiz a reasonable €5.80.

We took a quick look at the sightseeing bus, but it just goes around the edge really, not much for €15.00 each.

Guide Helen led us through the maze of streets aided by blue and yellow lines drawn on the pavement. Can be confusing when you realise the same ones are used for parking.

Came across the market which had fish stalls right down the length of the central aisle. Some huge langoustines and prawns at one stall, great slabs of tuna and swordfish at another.

We reached the Tavira Tower for the "Camera Obscura" and there is a video show halfway up that was very informative, and as you might imagine a tremendous view from the top.

The show itself was done in a very amusing way by a young lad in excellent English and Spanish and was very informative. Recommended. Then we went (eventually) to a tapas bar for lunch.

Then onto the Museo of Cadiz, which was a bit disappointing: Roman archaeology and artifacts in the ground floor; Belles Artes on the next floor and the ethnographic stuff we really wanted to see on the top floor and shut!

Walked back to the sea wall on the north side and back along to the bus station.

Had our evening meal at a very crowded 'venta' just down the road. Once again the trend-setting Eyre family got there just as a rush began and by 11.00 they were queuing outside.

One story from the meal. They switched the air-conditioning on full blast at one point and at first it seemed a huge storm had blown up suddenly it was that powerful!

Hot night.

Thursday July 19th 2012

Booked until Monday morning. It really is good here and there are some nice touches: they collect the pine needles all the time; water the plots; spray the dusty roadways a few times a day. And thanks to the English visitors who come in winter, an enormous collection of books to go at!

Sandwich lunch and then, late afternoon - great event I went into the pool! Casting our collective minds back over the last few summers, or indeed any other time when I might have had a whole body wet experience, we reckon it must have been Hungary in 2004.

And we cooked in the van!

Friday July 20th 2012

Canos de Meca Camping Pinar San José

I have made reference to this superb place on odd occasions throughout the blog, so a slightly longer description.

The place is set in a pine wood which supplies almost a canopy of shade, and is in the shape of a long upside down U with the restaurant, supermarket and reception at the bottom and the swimming pool in the middle.

The camping bits are on the outside and inside, roadway between. At each end of the pool four (total) toilet blocks which are spotless. Constant hot water for washing up as well as showers, some big solar panels.

For each two plots there is a 'station' with electricity, tap, two hosepipe taps, tv plugs etc. For parking the vehicle concrete slabs, rest of pitch grassy sand, which they do water once very three days or so. They also come around collecting pine needles for disposal, and I reckon whoever has that job has one for life!

One of the services offered which I have never seen before is fridge freezer for hire for the tent people. These are delivered and plugged in by staff who drive around in golf buggies.

The pool is 33 metres x 20 metres grassed down one side only with a bar on the other side. Plenty of sun beds alongside with strict instructions that if you leave the pool, you loose the bed.

The hot temperature is eased by a cooling breeze now the Levante has died down, which makes the temperature spot on and lovely and hot without being barmy!

We went out for a meal last night. Suffice it to say we won't be going back there. Helen's dish, basically ham egg and chips had the weirdest presentation: a large bowl; chips on the bottom; covered by two eggs; covered by slices of jamon serrano. Rubbish.

Saturday July 21st 2012

Walked to Canos de Meca in the coolish of the morning. About 2 kilometres! Just another collection of hotels, hostals, cafes etc. caught the bus back.

An afternoon of a couple of beers and a relax. And for the third day on the trot, I have been swimming!

Sunday July 22nd 2012

Helen went for a swim and as usual I did the chores. I have commented on the quality of the fittings at Pinar San José and the chemical toilet disposal is no different. So good in fact is it, the 'hole' exactly fits a Thetford chemical toilet cap, which I watched disappear.

Went for a swim. Four consecutive days! Unheard of!

Got ready for a swift off!

Monday July 23rd 2012

Left Canos de Meca 16219 and went to Conil DLF where I am pleased to say they had the appropriate bit.

The drive along the N340 took us through the biggest wind farm we have ever seen near Tarifa.

Stopped at a Mirador where we could see the high mountains of Africa which was quite exciting really! Drivers around Algeciras take no prisoners. Filled up with low cost diesel €1.35. I mention that to show that the price in Spain has rocketed upwards since we arrived.

The toll road around Marbella/Malaga is expensive, but did undoubtedly save a load of hassle, and thus judged to be worth it!

Took a few wrong turnings looking for the campsite but found it eventually. Two star and but the difference is noticeable, especially bloody dogs!

But Helen says the pool is good and the camping is right on the beach!

Something we had not come across before but were to come across again at Bolnuevo is the "shaded" parcela. There is a tall aluminium structure which defines the parcela which has a green shade over it.

Needless to say this is nowhere good enough for the locals who put there own elaborate shadings up!!

Tuesday July 24th 2012

We went to Almuñécar today. The home town looks much the same and we went to the bar where I went most evenings. Nice to be remembered! Unfortunately the buses were not especially convenient so we had to. Came back before we really wanted. Had a menu del dia and my fish was superb.

Walked along the Paseo Maritim which what everyone else does at this time in the evening. Went to a posh bar with loads of gins and some brilliant tapas. My espeto of gambas were threaded on an asparagus spear. Not sure how you do that!

Wednesday July 25th 2012

Split up today as Helen went shopping, and I came across a barber, so got a haircut and beard trim.

Then it rained. Drops only but enough to drive me into a bar.

In the evening we went along to a bar we had seen the night before. It stocked a large selection of gin. 47 different sorts to be precise - including three from Wales, Brecon Gin if you must know.

Went on for a all snackeroonie and then slowly back to the camping where it was errr .... noisy because of the Feria.

Thursday July 26th 2012

Left Torre Del Mar starting mileage 16403.

Went to the Centro Commercial at the edge of town for breakfast. As far as we could see it wasn't open. At 10.00 am! Anyway we couldn't hang about so moved on. Went on the motorway as far as Taramay where it stops. The next miles were along the old N340 and dreadful moving at the rate of the slowest vehicle of course. But once we got on the motorway near La Rabita it was easy going, and the Cartagena 'pay' section was empty.

Arrived Camping Playa de Mazarron in Bolnuevo and it is a lovely place.

Went out for a meal and found a friendly place that did a sort of tapas menu which was unusual and really good with clams, a salad and then an excellent seafood paella.

Very hot though, made it hard to sleep.

Friday July 27th 2012

Went to see about catching a bus to the port. They are approximately every hour, though not reliable. The reason for this is that (and I promise I am not making this up) the driver likes to let people off where they want to be and he stops for people not at a stop. Makes for erratic timetabling.

Went into Puerto de Mazarron and had an excellent meal. Here the menu del dia starts with a salad (and also has a salad as one of the choices).

Went for a swim again! Two days on the trot! That's a total of six times on this holiday (so far!).

We went into the playroom area of the restaurant (used more in winter I guess) and watched the opening ceremony of the games up to the entry of China.

Saturday July 28th 2012

Got off reasonably easily as the Spanish holidaymakers flocked in! Phew, 'cos it looked as if it was going to get hectic. They alter the make up of each plot and the people next to us we're busy erecting a garden fence as we left .

It was an easy journey to San Javier and we found the house with a fair bit of ease and parked KSE no problem, just by the house. Roger's neighbour Mick showed us around and we went for lunch, siesta, and then a swim in the warm sheltered pool at the back.

Also met Denise and Dave who are next door-but-one neighbours (but a second home) and go home next week, and a couple who were staying with them, and we all went off for a meal.

And then on to the San Javier Jazz Fesival. We left as the main act was getting warmed up and had done a few. That was just after 1.00 am (!!)

Sunday July 29th 2012.

Quite morning, and we went seeking a place for lunch without success!!

Had a bit of tapas in what seemed to be the only open place in town! Walked back.

Had a siesta and went for a swim. Four days on the trot now! That's a total of nine days this holiday. In fairness the water in the pool here is warm. Warmer than the other pools.

Stayed in last night and Helen cooked a conglomeration of food we had left. And delicious it was too!

Watched the telly! Rachel Adlington's bronze medal! Even the news seems all
Olympics.

Monday July 30th 2012

Went to Mercadona and shopped a bit! We also took a short drive around to keep/get KSE cool (!!)

I went to the bar along the road, Dakota. Had a beer and read about Spain losing out on the gold medal they were expected to win at football.

In the evening went to next-door-but-one for a paella evening with the neighbours. The paella was cooked in an electric paella pan with superb results. Must have!

Tuesday July 31st 2012

Went to the Dakota (local bar) for a tapas lunch and down to Los Palacios for a tapas based evening meal. The roast octopus was fantastic but a bit expensive!

Wednesday August 1st 2012

Went on a service bus to (first) San Pedro de Pinatar where the bus station was in the middle of a wasteland so we stayed on and came back to Santiago de La Ribera.

Had a great lunch in the beachside fish restaurant and then just as we came out there was the ferry so we had a trip across the Mar Menor. This was great fun, we had about 20 minutes before the trip back on a slightly smaller boat which he really opened up for a time.

Watched the UK v Uruguay footie around at Dave and Denise's. England won one-nil.

Thursday August 2nd 2012

Market day in San Javier where we bought some stuff. Including a chicken.

Went to a new cafe bar where a four beers and a couple of coffees produced a huge plate of prawns and another of boquerones. Total cost €11.80!!

Went to the pool for the eighth consecutive day in the pool. A new record!

Had the chicken for tea with asparagus and some left over hollandaise from Denise.

And then at around 10.30 pm went to the pool for a late night swim.

Friday August 3rd 2012

Got up and went to Mercadona to do some replacement shopping (replacing the things we had used) and a few things for the journey.

Watched some Olympic stuff, first day in the stadium and Jessica Ennis did so well in her first event. Hope she gets her medal when Wozza and Margaret are there!

Swam for the ninth consecutive time, a new world record. (Beating yesterday!)

Went out in the evening with Dave and Denise to a pizzeria where he does a Menu del Dia in the evening, and excellent value for money it was too. Almost too good. We started with a huge mixed salad, like what we had in Puerto de Mazarron, a really good soup, (Helen had a really good veggie one); we had a really good evening chatting away, few scoops of wine, that sort of thing.

I had a carajillo to finish and along came an espresso and a whole bottle of brandy! I was discreet of course.

There had been a happening in the town square, but by the time we got there it was over! Another new record!

Saturday August 4th 2012

Mileage from San Javier 16677
Set off reasonably early. The trip so far has been good the expensive on the motorway up to Valencia (€23.00) but easy of course.

Stopped at a picnic place just north of Sagunto on the Teruel road, very scruffy and not recommended.

Found the camping which is probably for winter skiing as much as anything for this is clearly a skiing area.

Called in the bar for a beer. One pint and a tubo, €3.20!

However otherwise Camping Vila de Manzanera is a bit of a dump in a fantastic setting. Not especially clean toilets and showers broken on both sides. No-one seemed bothered.

Sunday August 5th.

Mileage 16929

Got up early and on the road. Long straight motorway through the hills (highest point 1230 metres); stopped at the services alongside the road at kilometre 176 called err.....Kilometre 176!

We came over a pass just south of Zaragoza where there was an abrupt change of agriculture, the vines now being a particular feature.

Drive around Zaragoza, not especially hairy but it was Sunday with few people about. And in fairness the A68 Logroño was well signposted.

Lots more wind farms and solar arrays along the Ebro Valley than we have seen before, especially solar panels.

Then fairly close to Haro it began to rain! Really the first we had seen since we landed in Santander on June 27th.

Campsite easily found and not far from the town. Ambitions for an evening meal were thwarted by the dozens of people wandering around from tapas bar to tapas bar. We did the simple thing and joined them.

Started off with a place with an oferta of a glass of wine and a tapa of prawns wrapped up like a spring rolls. Then another two different ones a sort of mushroom and Roquefort cheese tapa and the other a quail egg and bacon on a rosti.

Then we went to another bar for patsy as bravado (enough for four) and a tortilla picante (with chilis in).

Finally into an old bar with sliced aubergine fritter, and a smoked salmon and cream cheese type dish.

Monday August 6th 2012

Helen heard a tour of a bodega within walking distance so we went and booked onto that. Short walk.

Bodega Muga is a modern looking building but with a very traditional take on wine making. Barrels of American and French oak, hand-made on the premises, "don't mention screw tops", etc. followed by wine tasting. Excellent visit. Into town for lunch inn a hotel restaurant upstairs where it was packed and queuing down the stairs.

Quiet evening.

Tuesday August 7th 2012

Mileage 17222

To Bilbao. Made it to the port after a couple of wrong turns, near the end to be boarded, but apparently amongst the first off in the morning.

Great excitement!!! The boat set off and then went back again!