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Monday, February 25
Awning Morning
by
George and Anne
on Mon 25 Feb 2008 23:00 GMT
Day 26 – Mon 25 Feb 08
Awning morning !
Lovely weather, bright sun, no wind.
Got out the massive black hold-all type bag that has been in the car since we left. Also found the big bag full of poles – oh my god – they all look the same ! Actually, what we must confess here is that, because we are awning honeymooners as well as caravan honeymooners, we did actually have a bit of a trial run with the awning poles in our hallway before we left so we knew which was which !
Followed the instructions (numbered 1 to 8) but got stuck on number one – pull the awning through the rail ! For the uninitiated there is a rail/groove along the sides and top of the caravan – the awning has a thick piping along its edge – this has to be pulled through the channel of the rail. All went well until it got to a join in the rail – turned out that this was full of big lumps of sealant which had to be gouged out with a screwdriver bit by bit. There are two such joints so it took the best part of an hour to clear them both. Anyway, all went pretty well after this and after a couple of hours the awning was up and looking pretty good for a first attempt.
What can I say, it is enormous – the full length of the caravan, that’s 19ft and 2.5m deep. Part of this will be the bedroom for our visitors. Spent the rest of the day emptying the car, moving stuff into the awning and giving the car a good brush out.
George’s back not so good after the exertions of the awning erection so will need to take things a bit easy for the next day or so. Went to the excellent supermarket on site here for some provisions. Weather forecast good again for tomorrow, 20 degrees. Yippee.
Sunday, February 24
Javea to La Manga
by
George and Anne
on Sun 24 Feb 2008 23:00 GMT
Day 25 – Sun 24 Feb 08
Woke up to light rain this morning. Paid the bill which was €14 per night courtesy of the ACSI discount card. (Villanova Park was paid for by Gold Card Camping Cheques – 11 cheques at £10.30p each paid for 14 nights.)
Packed everything up, said our goodbyes and left the site at 9.45am. Easy journey today - only about three hours driving to Camping La Manga, all motorway - the tolls amounted to €10.30. No problems except it was raining all the way until about the last five miles.
We had tried to book in by email last week but were told they were fully booked so thought we’d just turn up with innocent faces – worth a try, and it worked - we were given a choice of two pitches straight away ! Pitch J51 clearly shown on Google Earth, should be an attachment you can click if it works?
This site is right on the beach at Cala Honda and is huge but doesn’t seem it as all the pitches are separated by hedges. Ours is a brilliant one, quite large, with its own water tap and waste water drainage - and perfect position for the sun (important as we are planning to bite the bullet and get the awning out this time !!) We also have 10amp electricity which is a bonus, we had 8amps at Javea and 6amps at Sitges. It’s not so much of a big deal now as we do not need the fire on so much, or on a very high setting.
Had a walk round and drove off up The Strip for a meal.
 1 Attachments
Saturday, February 23
Last few days in Javea
by
George and Anne
on Sat 23 Feb 2008 15:46 GMT
Days 21-24 Wed 20Feb – Sat 23 Feb 08
See new photos
All going well although the weather has gone off a bit since we arrived here. It seems to be following a general pattern – a bit of rain overnight, a bit cloudy during the morning, then the sun comes out for a warm afternoon. That’ll do.
The really cheap meal we had on our first night here turned out to be more expensive that we thought – the next morning George found he had lost a filling! So off we went to the dentist – George had his filling replaced, while we were there I had my new “tooth” re-glued (don’t ask) as it had come a bit loose, and we came out €110 worse off ! Oh well.
Went off for a ride round, followed signs to a golf course and found the big Marriott Hotel and Golf Resort on the road to Denia. Won’t be playing golf there though as it’s €75 each per round.
Were invited to go out with our new Rotarian friends again – this time for lunch at a Chinese restaurant they had all been to before. Drinks and nibbles at somebody’s awning at 12 noon first then walked to the restaurant. Had the set meal deal – three courses, bottle of wine per couple and liqueurs, all for €7.50 per head and that included the tip ! Walked back, had coffee and cake at someone else’s caravan and got back to ours at about 6.00pm having had a very enjoyable time – they are all lovely people and have made us really welcome. (see photos) Thank you David and Jane, Peter and Margaret, Jack and Edna, Richard and Dorothy, Eddie and Audrey.
Went off in the car to Benidorm, only about forty minutes along the coast road. We’ve never been there before. Weather now lovely - very sunny but still a bit chilly in the shade. Benidorm is huge and full of high rise, many look pretty new. It’s built up around and along two enormous sandy beaches and one smaller (comparatively) one – probably well over five miles in total of wide golden sand. Absolutely gorgeous beaches but wouldn’t like to see them in July or August though.
Had a long walk on our last day here – down to the port, very picturesque with various rows of pavement cafes by the water – then right along into the old town, a maze of very narrow streets surrounding the large old church. Lots of work going on with the pavements and roads round the edge of the old town which will be lovely when finished. Weather now glorious – bright sun, no wind, very warm. Came back and sat outside the caravan all afternoon.
Off to La Manga tomorrow, we’re told the site is full but we’ll try and get in anyway. Could be fun. Let you know.
See new photos
Tuesday, February 19
First day in Javea
by
George and Anne
on Tue 19 Feb 2008 21:37 GMT
Day 20 – Tues 19 Feb 08
Bit cloudy this morning but no more rain. Went off for a walk round the site and then into town, going through a dried up river bed on the way. Came back for some lunch, sun out now, so sat outside for an hour then went off for a drive round.
Were invited to another Rotarian’s caravan for drinks this evening – in the end there were twelve of us! We were made very welcome and had a great time. The group, all members of IFCR, International Fellowship of Caravanning Rotarians, come out here every year at this time – sounds like a good idea to us !
We are here until Sunday when we move on south to La Manga and then Almeria.
Monday, February 18
On to Javea
by
George and Anne
on Mon 18 Feb 2008 23:33 GMT
Day 19 – Mon 18 Feb 08
10.00am - Had a bit of a moving out party – tried to manoeuvre the caravan by hand into the right position to get round the four inch high kerb on one side of the pitch and the tree on the other ! Within minutes four men appeared, as if from nowhere, asking if we needed any help – all from surrounding caravans, two German one Dutch one Brit – so the job was done. Hitched up, said our goodbyes and off we went.
Journey started off well – but after about an hour it started to rain. After that we had torrential rain for much of the time. Good news though – the price of diesel is less in Spain, €1.1 per litre. The route took us past thousands upon thousands (literally) of orange trees – row after row after row – in all stages of growth from bare fields ready for planting to mature acres laden with fruit. This was the scenery for most of the way to the Costa Blanca – amazing.
We are still cautiously keeping on toll roads - €33 approx for this leg.
Arrived at the Javea site at around 4.00pm. Found out we were not expected (despite the two emails we had sent) but eventually were put on a large pitch near one of the toilet/shower blocks ! Very convenient, but not particularly private. Never mind, we’re only here for six days.
1491 miles driven so far.
Everyone seems to be English – not always good ! George went off to find the Rotarian contingent and found out from one of them a few eating places to try. Settled into the caravan and paid for six days internet wi-fi, €3.60, rather different from Villanova Park which was €3 per day ! Also, we can pick it up in our caravan so no more carrying the laptop to the bar or internet café – brilliant.
Showered and changed, then went out for what must be the best value for money decent meal we’ve ever had. Three course meal for €8 (about six choices for starter, main and desert) and that included – (wait for it Cathy…...) a bottle of wine each –result !! The food was fine, we ended up drinking one bottle of wine and bringing the other one home with us. Also, because we’d had the set meal we were given vouchers for a free full cooked breakfast each or a free main meal each ! Bargain. Only bad thing so far is the weather – raining at the moment as we go to bed.
Sunday, February 17
Still in Sitges
by
George and Anne
on Sun 17 Feb 2008 18:07 GMT
Days 15-18 Thur 4-Sun 17 Feb 08
Last few days on this site – had a lovely afternoon in the gym and pool area, exercise machines, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi - almost had the place to ourselves.
Played golf on the par 3 course again on Valentine’s day and had a lovely evening meal in the restaurant here, finished off with bubbly and chocolates back in the caravan – keeping up with traditions, unlike most of the other nationalities here who didn’t seem to be aware of it.
Had another day in Barcelona, managed to get off the train at Sants Station and set off for the Placa d’Espania. Found ourselves in the chaos of a huge clear-up – the aftermath of a massive international mobile phone exhibition. Spoilt the look of the Ave Maria Christina somewhat. Walked up the hill of Montjuic to the Museum of National Art and then spent a few hours touring round the Olympic Games ’92 venues – athletics stadium, olympic pool etc. Sadly the Palace Sant Jordi was not open.
Walked right back into city centre and saw the outside of Gaudi’s house – decided that €16 each was a silly price to see the inside, not to mention the hour long queue! Running out of time so jumped into a taxi to visit the Museum of Music, over near the very impressive National Theatre of Catalunya. This is a wonderful exhibition, beautifully staged with interactive sound and about five different videos showing in various areas – the staff were lovely and changed all the overlay text on the films to English just for us ! Very much worth the visit – we must have been in there over two hours – brilliant value at €4 each.
The train was still free – we now know it’s because they are working on the infrastructure and there have been delays, not that we noticed any. Bargain.
Went into Villanova town centre on the bus to visit the Saturday market – much bigger that the one here with all the usual goods on offer, all set up round the indoor fish market. George managed to find a barber willing to tackle his hair – after first going in a ladies salon and being turned away ! – so he’s all neat and tidy on top but still has the beard.
Spent our last afternoon sorting out the car and caravan ready for tomorrow’s journey to Javea where we will meet up with some caravanning Rotarians.
See more photos
Wednesday, February 13
Enjoying Sitges
by
George and Anne
on Wed 13 Feb 2008 17:29 GMT
Days 7 - 14 Wed 6th – Wed 13th Feb
Settling in for a while now – getting up not too early, tidying, shopping, walking, emailing etc in the mornings, sitting out in the sun in the afternoons.
Went up the road to the local golf course. 18 holes, all par 3 (that means very short for the non-golfers among you). Very well kept, lovely greens, nice club house – we had great fun – playing in shorts for the first time this year.
Had a day in Barcelona- got the bus from outside the site into Villanova town station and then got the train to Barcelona – or so we thought! After about 45 mins on the train the surrounding countryside was getting more and more rural. The more rural it got the more we thought we’d dropped a bit of a clanger – and how - we had overshot Barcelona and were on our way to Girona! Got off at the next stop and got the next train back (20 mins ride!) Never mind we’ve got all day and for some reason the return train tickets to Barcelona are free.
Visited some old haunts there - Sagrada Familia (the unfinished Holy Family Church) still didn’t look and any more finished that the last time we saw it but is still very impressive. We walked for miles, George made the mistake of ordering large beers in La Ramblas – turned out to be enormous and €10 each -see photos – the waiter obviously thought we meant large price ! No problems on the train back !
Went to a local market 5 mins walk from here, usual assortment of vegetables, meats, cheese, clothes etc but not wet fish which we wanted.
Had an afternoon in Sitges town centre wandering around the narrow streets of the lovely old town. Looked in estate agents window, property very expensive here – seafront flat two beds €800,000. We’ll stick with the caravan then…
Dragged George to a free water aerobics class in the indoor pool here. Had to sign the register and put your age – we were the youngest by about twenty years but it was great fun – even had to wear a silly hat – see photo. Over 40 people there in all, and the best part was you could stay in and use the pool jacuzzi, steam room etc afterwards. George started chatting to a golfing man in the changing rooms – turns out that his welsh wife who is here with him used to play off +3 (that’s very, very good for the uninitiated). He plays off 9 and they play all the courses for free because she used to play for Great Britain and knows all the pro’s and he was head greenkeeper at Carmarthen. Apparently she goes up to the local driving range here every day – there’s dedication for you.
Thank you for the emails, nice to know you haven’t forgotten about us …yet.
Here until Monday then it’s off to Javea.
Tuesday, February 5
Sitges - First Day
by
George and Anne
on Tue 05 Feb 2008 00:36 GMT
Day 6 – Tue 5 Feb 08
Well – what a site! It’s absolutely huge but doesn’t really seem it. Pitches are all divided by hedges and mostly shaded by trees. The are quite a few people about but also lots of empty pitches. The bar and restaurant last night were almost deserted – lovely.
The shower and toilet block is brilliant – very big and absolutely spotless. Found the laundry area this morning (aptly named the buggedera ) and did my first load of washing of the trip - the drying of it was very tiring – see photo. If you like you can take in a load of washing, give it to the nice lady through the serving hatch, and she’ll wash and dry it for you for 7€ - rather lazy but also a bargain in my book!
Went online in the café this morning and sat out in the sun this afternoon.
Went into Sitges town this evening to see the carnival – one of the most famous in Spain so good timing. Parked the car, walked along the seafront, then went and found a lovely Italian restaurant. The owners and staff were very welcoming and we felt like part of the family by the time we left – they all assembled for a photograph – see photos !
Then the carnival began just up the road from where we’d eaten – amazing sight, lots of beautiful people, beautiful costumes and loud music, went past us for two hours and it still hadn’t finished – see photos. Apparently it goes round the route twice and is still going strong at 3.00am – too late for us oldies !
We are settled here for two weeks before moving on to Javea – it’s a struggle !
Monday, February 4
Day 5 - Toulouse to Barcelona
by
George and Anne
on Mon 04 Feb 2008 23:12 GMT
Day 5 – Mon 4 Feb 08
Very heavy rain and wind in the night, had a bit of a lay in and left the site in sunshine at around 9.30. Had about 20 mins on the ring road round Toulouse and joined the motorway to Barcelona at 10.00am.
Brilliant flat open road, lovely countryside. Car towing really well today – seems much easier than yesterday – due to the lack of wind we think, or perhaps we’ve got a following one !
Joined the A9 and headed due south towards Perpignan at 11.30 – comparatively boring road. Stopped for coffee and sandwich at “Aire Le Village Catalan” – the last services before Spain just past Perpignan – at 12.20.
Passed our 1000 miles mark just before the Spanish border. No passports needed at the border, we were just waved through at both points. Weather has changed a bit and is now cloudy, but the motorway is much quieter. Passed through some torrential rain, back out into the sun and 16 degrees – that’s better – but quite windy now.
Reached the part of the motorway skirting Barcelona (we were heading for Sitges on the far side) and were suddenly surrounded by lorries of every shape, size and speed. Anne was driving at this point and mentioned that George had had the easiest part of the day – again !
We followed our directions to the Villanova Park caravan site and arrived with no problems. Were lead to our pitch by a lovely young man who pointed to the space – and promptly disappeared. We soon found out why ……. not a very big area, difficult to approach round the corner, with a tree at one end ! Oh dear… tried to tow the caravan round the very tight corner and would have managed it if not for the two foot high wall on one side and a three inch high kerb on the other. A German couple across the way took pity on us and offered to help – brill. We unhitched the car and, between the four of us, we manhandled the caravan into position.
This site is massive – 1200 pitches. Sanitary blocks are excellent – new and spotless with red hot water – lovely. Set up the caravan, hot shower, San Miguels (the real stuff, not like at Weston Golf Club) in the bar , quick meal, explore more tomorrow.
Sunday, February 3
Day 4 - Poitiers to Toulouse
by
George and Anne
on Sun 03 Feb 2008 23:09 GMT
Day 4 – Sun 3 Feb 08
Good job we packed the de-icer ! - defrosted the car and left the site at 8.00am. Set off to Toulouse in a beautiful sunrise. Our joy was short lived however as TomTom decided to send us on a different route to the one we wanted without us realising. The cross-country route was very pretty and passed through some lovely places – St Martin Lars, Confolens - ended up losing about an hour by the time we were back on track.
Didn’t cross the river Vienne at Limoges until nearly 11.00am then met up with the motorway and followed lots of long scenic sweeping curves including the Dordogne Viaduct. Our Alhambra is towing very well - we were taking it steady with the cruise control set on 55mph which was fine apart from when the automatic gear box had to be coaxed away from screaming up some of the long inclines in second !
On the way we very excited to hit 11.5 degrees, our highest so far, after the minus 3 degrees of yesterday. Hopefully this will be a continuing trend as we head south.
Arrived at our Toulouse camp site Le Rupe with some brilliantly flukey navigation skills by George. If they hadn’t been right we would have been in deep doodah towing a caravan in the middle of the City. The site is very basic but fine for an overnight stay. Went up the road for a meal.
Good night.
Saturday, February 2
Day 3 - Boulogne to Poitiers
by
George and Anne
on Sat 02 Feb 2008 23:06 GMT
Day 3 – Sat 2 Feb 08
Left the site at 5.40am and got stuck into our longest days driving. Super conditions – dawn at about 8.00am and nothing else on the road for a while. Got to our first motorway toll booths (still in the darkness) and managed to choose an unmanned kiosk – the only way was back ……… testing our new reversing skills. At the next one the ticket blew away before we could get out of the car and grab it out of the machine so Anne picked up what looked like a new one off the ground – that’ll do. And it did – no problem !
We thought the price of diesel would be cheaper than at home, and it is – but not by much. We paid €1.25 today (mind you, unleaded is €1.42).
Got to the Rouen area – what’s that white stuff at the side of the road ? Yes – snow! Temperature dropped to minus 3 degrees – what next we thought. However, as we got further south, the snow disappeared and our spirits rose with the temperature.
Lovely countryside all day, including crossing the Loire at Tours, stopped at a brand new “Aire” for coffee and snack.
After a lot of shared driving we arrived at Le Futurist caravan site just north of Poitiers. The site overlooks Futurescope (a massive futuristic theme park we think) and has very modern facilities and red hot showers – brill.
Early night tonight to catch up on some sleep.
Friday, February 1
Day 2 - Recovery
by
George and Anne
on Fri 01 Feb 2008 23:02 GMT
Day 2 – Fri 1 Feb 08
Howling wind in the trees above us all night. Just the same when we woke up which made us think twice about travelling at all today, so we stayed put.
Spent the day recovering – sorting out the caravan – buying a few provisions etc.
Wind dropped in the afternoon so plan to leave early tomorrow.
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