La Florida to Barcelona

The Return Journey -12 Sept 2012

Day 1 La Florida to Valencia

We left our bungalow at about lunch time, had a 3 hour drive to Valencia, when we arrived dropped mum off at her hotel then carried on to the site Camping Coll vert. We spent the evening round the site which was very noisy.

 

 

Day 2 Valencia

Today we all caught the bus from the camp site into Valencia centre when we arrived we took a big bus tour which showed us round the city, one part was the old town and one part was the very modern part of the city. We had lunch in a little Spanish cafe vino tinto and small sandwiches, Later we had Valencian Paella which is a tradition in this part of Spain then back to the site.

 

 

Day 3 Valencia

We went back in to Valencia today and had a tour round the cathedral, walking round we saw two Goya paintings. My mum and me climbed to the top of the tower which was 206 steps to the top. The view from the top was incredible. We had Wok to Walk for Tea.

 

 

Day 4 Valencia to Barcelona

We set off for Barcelona at about 10.00am it was a 5 hour drive before we reached Mataro a little town just outside Barcelona where we were staying, again we dropped mum off at her hotel before heading to the site Camping Barcelona, spent the evening round the site overlooking the med.

 

 

Day 5 Barcelona

Today we had an early start 8.45am !!!! We caught the train in to the centre of Barcelona to Plaza de Catalunya, Here we bought our big bus tour tickets. Before we went on the tour we had a coffee in a little place on La Rambla. The tours of Barcelona are amazing with lots to see throughout the city. After we had finished the tours we had our evening meal on La Rambla watching the world go by before heading back to the Site.

 

 

Day 6 Barcelona

Went to see the Sagrada Familia  which is Gaudi`s Dream, this church is still under construction and has been for 100 years. This building is breath taking. Then back to the campsite for a BBQ on my mums last night.

 

 

Day 7 Barcelona

Saw my mum off at the airport today then back to the site  to do the washing and getting ready to move in to France.

 

 

Seville to La Florida

Day 77 Seville to the Olive groves

We left the site for a 2 hour drive up into the olive groves between Seville and Granada. We arrived at the Aire and decided to stop for a couple of hours, We went for a walk in to the village but as it was siesta everywhere was closed apart from a little bar so we stopped for a coffee, we also noticed a tapas menu so we decided to try a couple, we took a guess at what we were ordering as there was not a menu in English so we ordered”  Gambas pil pil” (Prawns in garlic oil) and “Patatas Bravas con Chorizo” (Potatoes with Chorizo sausage) each tapas was 1 euro. Then back to the van we decided to drive to Venta del Peral Aire which was another 2 hours, As we set off we drove through miles and miles of Olive groves up and down very bendy roads.When we arrived at the Aire we had to change the gas bottle however there was an issue with the new gas and we were not sure if it was the bottle or the regulator, luckily Derek managed to secure it for the night.

 

 

 

Day 78 Venta del Peral to Puntas del Calnegre

We set off back to Puntas del Calnegre  which was the beach we came across 3 weeks ago when we left the bungalow. When we arrived the beach was empty, Again we had to secure the regulator on the gas bottle as it seemed to be worse. After about an hour of messing about with it we managed to sort it out. Another Campervan joined us from Finland. Just the two of us stayed the night. About 7.00pm Derek lit the BBQ and we sat on the beach until the sun went down. We were going to stay for 2 nights.

 

 

Day 79 Puntas Del Negre to Home

The gas decided to play up again so we decided to just drive back to the bungalow and get it sorted when we got back home..This is where part one of 2 muppets in a motorhome stops until the 12^th September when we start the tour back.

 

 

Caldes de Monchique to Seville

Day 71  Caldes de Monchique to Orbitur Quartiera Camp Site

Left the picturesque Aire at about 11.ooam for a 1 hour drive to the campsite at Quartiera. The site was a large peaceful site so we found a level pitch and set up camp. Opposite our pitch were a lovely couple camping called Michael and Sharon.

Day 72 Orbitur Quartiera Camp site

Today we cycled to the beach which was about 10 mins from the site. Spent a couple of hours on the beach then cycled down the sea front to a beach side cafe for a cold drink then back to the camp site to watch England play Sweden.

Day 73 Orbitur Quarteira Camp site

Had a day round the van today, Michael and Sharon left today for there flights back home they were flying back from Lisbon so had a 3 hour drive. Before they left they gave us what provisions they had left and 2 little beach chairs which we were very grateful for as we could carry them on our bikes to the beach. So we said good bye and off they went.

Day 74 Orbitur Quarteira Camp site to Castro Marim

Left the camp site and had a steady drive to Castro Marim, Tried to go the scenic route through Olhau and Tavira which i thought would be along the coast but it turned out the road did not run along the coast. When we arrived at the Aire we went for a meal at a lovely little Portugese  restaurant called La Tasca Medievel. We had seen this place when we first arrived in Portugal and noticed Piri Piri chicken on the menu so thats what we both had to eat. Absolutely fab meal and plenty of drinks too. The bar area was also buzzing as Portugal were playing Holland, and they won !!!!!. total cost for a great meal beers, wine, coffee & water €25.10

Day 75 Castro Marim to Seville

We headed east today back in to Spain as we were on our way to Seville, the home of Tapas and Flamenco. We arrived at the site camping villasom early afternoon and set up camp, this was a good opportunity to do the washing. We went for a swim as the temperature here was 35 degrees, the hottest we had since we hit the road back in april. At 6.00pm we caught the bus in to the old town as we wanted to have Tapas and Fino (Spanish sherry). We walked round to the cathedral and past lots of old buildings typically Spanish. We ate in a lovely little tapas bar then caught the bus back to the camp site.

Day 76 Seville.

Had a lazy day today round the site and did a lot of research about our trip to Australia.

La Linea de Conception to Caldes Monchique Portugal

Day 66 9/6 La Linea de Conception Wild Camping

Left the wild camping spot overlooking Gibralter after spending the morning on the beach at La Linea de Conception. Heading for Camping Roche Site, Lovely site had a lazy afternoon round the van.

Day 67 10/6  Camping Roche to camping giralda

Had breakfast and decided to head as near to the border of Portugal as we could get which was about a 3 hour drive. However on the way a red engine light came on the dash board so we drove slowly to the site as the van was juddering. While we were driving along i was looking for the nearest Fiat dealer to our surprise there was one in Isla Cristina which is where we were heading, so we limped along and Derek nursed the van slowly to the site, unfortunately it was Sunday so we had to stay 2 nights. We took the bikes off the van and cycled to the garage so we could find it easily the next day.

Day 68 Camping Giralda – Isla Cristina.

Derek got up early and cycled to the garage to try and get an appointment . He made an appointment for 10.30am, so we got the van packed up and off we went leaving chairs and table on the pitch as we were coming back. To our surprise there was nothing major wrong with the engine just a blocked fuel injector which the mechanic cleaned for us within an hour we were back on the campsite and it had only cost us 15 euros (phew).

Day 69 Camping Giralda to Castro Marim Portugal

Left Camping Giralda at about 11 ish after getting packed up and washing the van for the first time since leaving the UK. Only 30 mins to the next Aire in Portugal, We crossed the border with no problem not even passport control. When we arrived at the Aire Castro Marim we had to put our clocks back so we were now on UK time. We went for a walk round as there was a medieval Castle which was not far and only 1 euro to go in.

Day 70 Castro Marim to Caldas de Monchique

We left the Aire for a 2 hour drive west to Caldas de Monchique on the way we stopped off at Praia de Oura near Albufiera to meet up with Rose and Sylvia. We had our lunch at there apartment overlooking a lovely beach we stayed chatting for about 2 hours then set off to find the Aire. When we arrived it was breathtaking the views were stunning this was a rural location but a lovely well maintained Aire with everything you need including Electric, Wifi, Pool, Washing Machines, Showers, Toilets and all for 12.50 Euros .During  the night it was really  windy i thought the camper was going to blow away.

Benidorm to Camping Roche

Day 50 24/5 Armanello Camp site Benidorm Sunny

Went for a walk in to Benidorm went to the bank and got some provisions, got a light bulb for the light outside then went back to the site. There was a pool game on at the bar man competition had a few drinks in the afternoon then back to the van for a curry, Sat out in the evening, Pat invited us to her caravan for a few drinks.

Day 51 25/5 Benidorm to La Florida Sunny

Packed up the van and said  goodbye to all the friends we made who live on the site then left about 11ish, Last drive towing the Harley as we had planned to stay at the bungalow for a week and leave the Harley and trailer there.

Day 52 to 58

Had a lovely week at the bungalow met up with Alan and Avril on Tues and they came to see us and we went to there place, After we went for a Chinese at Asia Chic and after to The Abbey for a few drinks. Then on Thurs Had a BBQ at our place with Rachel, Kersh, Mavis ,Arthur ,Jenny and Thomas.

Day 59 2/6 La Florida to Puntas du Calnegre sunny

Packed up camper and set off to an Aire south of Cartagena. It took us  an hour and a half to drive to the Aire but when we arrived it was closed until 15 September so luckily there was another Aire about 2 mile down the road. However that was also closed. The next Aire was 2 hour drive away, so we carried on following the road which took us to the sea front a little village called Puntas du calnegre and to our surprise there were lots of motorhomes wild camping and fishing so we decided to join them and parked up in a lovely spot right next to the beach .In the evening we went for a walk in to the village and found a few tapas bars on the beach so we went in and had 4 Tapas with drinks 10.70euros. Tables and chairs on the beach with candles lit . it was a romantic unplanned evening listening to the waves lapping up on the shore. We have started to get a lot more insects i.e Beasties.

Day 60 3/6 Puntas du Calnegre to Venta del Peral Aire.

Sat having breakfast on the beach watching people having a dip in the sea and just taking in the whole place , at 12.00 we left the beach and headed for an Aire at Venta del Peral, which was half way to Granada where we were heading to .Driving had now become far more easier without towing the Harley  we could get anywhere. The Aire was just off the motorway which was ok for a stopover. Here we got free wifi which Derek used to book tickets for the Alhambra at Granada for Tuesday night.

Day 61 4/6 Venta del Peral Aire to Reina Isabel Camping Granada.

Left the Aire at 10ish for a 2 hour drive to Granada, As we drove down the motorway the mountains of the Sierra Nevada came in to view what a stunning area, we could also see snow on the mountain tops too .How annoying is it when you get a fly in your camper? I was ready for it so i set up my fly catching trap,   Set up camp decided to have a BBQ for tea so went for a walk to get some meat , then back to the site, when we got back there was one dead fly stuck to the fly catcher, you would have thought i had won the lottery hahahaha then off  for a swim.

Day 62 5/6 Reina Isabel  Camping Granada

Caught the bus from the camp site to Granada then up to La Alhambra. Went to get the tickets which we had already pre booked. The Alhambra was amazing as we entered the grounds we went to the general life area which we were told to go first, then we walked to the Alcazas area had a coffee and Moorish biscuits in the cafe at Parador Hotel garden with stunning views. We had booked to to in to the Nazaries Palace at 7.00pm.We were not disappointed lots of detail and Arabic writing. Booked flights to Australia.

Day 63 6/6 Reina Isabel Camping Granada to Cabopino Camping Marbella

Had a steady drive down to the coast from Granada. Set up camp and relaxed round the site for the rest of the day.

Day 64 7/6 Cabopino Camping Marbella..

After lunch we caught the bus from the site to Marbella then on to Puerto Banus. Sat by the marina having coffee and looking at the large boats and Fancy cars and watching the world go by. Then got the bus back to the site.

Day 65 8/6 Cabopino Camping Marbella to Wild Camping at Linea de conception (Gibralter)

Left the campsite pretty early en route for Gibralter where there was a wild camping spot just at the foot of the rock. When we arrived we got our passports out and walked across the boarder in to Gibralter. When we walked in it was strange to see British Police, Red telephone boxes, Marks and Spencer, we went for a coffee on our way to catch the cable car up to the top of the Rock. When we got to the top we could see for miles even the coast of Morrocco and a few apes too. We stayed  for a short while then got the cable car back to the bottom. Went back to the van had a little nap then decided to get the bicycles off and cycle back to Gibralter so Derek could watch the opening ceremony for the Euro 2012 championships. However a carpark attendant asked us to move our camper round the corner to park on a stadium with another 60 or so campers, so we packed up moved and then cycled back to Gibralter.

 

Biscarrosse to benidorm

Day 39 13/5 Mayotte Vacances sunny

After breakfast we went on a bike ride in to Bicarosse which was about 8 mile then back to the site and had a lazy afternoon round the pool went in the jaccuzi. We put the bike back on the trailer ready for leaving the followi ng morning.

Day 40 14/5 Mayotte Vacances to Vieux Boucau les bains Aire Sunny

Took us 2 hours to drive to Vieux Boucau les Bains Aire which was near a lovely lake. Went for a walk and coffee then back to the van to watch Rick Steins Spain.

Day 41 15/5 Vieux Boucau les Bains Aire to Lourdes aire sunny

Set off for the Aire at Lourdes with a lovely drive , when we reached Orthez we had our first glimpses of the Pyrenees, snow was on the tops stunning. When we arrived at Lourdes we went to see the Basilica of the immaculate conception.Collected holy water then watched the 9.00pm Torchlight Marian Procession. Then back to the van as it got cold.

Day 42 16/5 Lourdes to Peyrehorade sunny but cool.

We left Lourdes early en route for the Aire at Peyrehorade to stock up on provisions before crossing the border in to spain.

 Day 43 17/5 Peyrehorade to  Hendaye Aire Sunny

Took us 1 hour to drive to the Aire at Hendaye Plage, when we arrived the aire was more or less full with 15 motorhomes. We had a little rest then went for a walk to the sea front which lead us to a lovely little marina, as we walked along we noticed a water taxi which took you across the bay so we hopped on .when we arrived on the other side of the bay we realised we were not in France anymore but in Spain our camper and all our belongings were in France.

Day 44 18/5 Hendaye to San Sebastian Rain

Left the Aire at Hendaye about 11.00am, five minutes down the road and we were in northern Spain, No border control so we could just drive on. When we arrived at San Sebastian we went looking for gas because we needed to change from the French bottle as it was about to run out. Did not manage to get the gas so  we went for a walk down the sea front. San Sebastian is a big town.

Day 45 19/5 San Sebastian Thunder Storms and Rain

Another day sat in the van watching the rain, we decided enough was enough and rather than go across northern Spain and in to Portugal we would head south to the med coast. In the evening we went to the pub to watch the champions league final.

Day 46 20/5 San Sebastian to Peniscola Aire. Rain

We left San Sebastian and headed south to the med coast just north of Valencia. The drive down took about 8 hours, We went through the Spanish countryside raining most of the way  passing an old Spanish town of Morrella to get there we had an up  hill climb with lots of hairpin bends which is not much fun in a motorhome when towing Harley. Then as they say what goes up must come down !!! So lots of hairpin bends all the way down. Finally we arrived at Peniscola Aire. Went to a small Spanish Restaurant for tea.

Day 47 21/5 Peniscola Aire to Armanello Camp Site Benidorm Sunny

Arrived at the site about lunch time and set up camp. We decided to stay for at least 3 nights. There was a lot of Brits on this site, first time we had seen so many since we left the UK. Opposite our pitch was a couple from Shaw in a little camper called alan and Bren, they had sold up in the UK and were looking for somewhere to live, they had been on the road since Oct 2011. Later in the evening we sat out with them having a few drinks. They were moving on the following day.

Day 48 22/5 Armanello Camp Site Benidorm Sunny.

Today we went for a bike ride in to benidorm town along the promenade and in to the old town too. Lots of people were on the beach. What an eye opener you have never seen so many tattoos and beer bellys in all your life haha. When we got back to camp we went to the Quiz in the bar met Nana and her daughter. While we were doing the pub Quiz Denis our neighbour invited us out for a Chinese meal so after the quiz off we went, there was about 10 of us all together.

Day 49 23/5 Armanello Camp site Benidorm sunny.

Went for another bike ride then sat round the pool till 2.30pm. We had been invited to a birthday party so off we went again, Everyone who went to the party took a plate of something . We took egg mayonnaise buttys, what a good way to have a buffet. Few drinks then back to the van for our 2^nd BBQ.