tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136261069444995902024-03-13T02:10:20.786-07:00Liberty BlueIndiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-35664652207818813822015-05-31T08:19:00.001-07:002015-05-31T08:21:26.074-07:002014 bits and bobsWell I'm writing this in Stockholm (1502 miles from home), but I realised I never finished off our last trip to Spain. I'm unable to see where I got up to, but we had a great time at Pantin and then a campsite at Benquerencia where we watched some of the World Cup matches and cycled to Cathedral Beach .... Here we saw more tourists than we had the whole trip!<br />
We drive up to Taramundi to see the blacksmiths and finished off back at the Elephant Park where we had a meal out in the small village and watched more football!<br />
<br />
Statistics for the trip<br />
<br />
52 Free Aires<br />
16 Pay Aires €61 Average €3.81<br />
27 campsites €304 Average €14.09 used the ACSI card for most nights<br />
95 nights total €441.30 approx £353.04<br />
<br />
Also, because everyone always asks about the van and the mpg .... More maths geek stuff<br />
<br />
2635 miles. 389.27 litres €502.42 £400<br />
<br />
30.79 miles per gallon<br />
9.18L per 100km<br />
10.9 km per Litre<br />
<br />
Food and other stuff can vary, we don't eat out too much, but meals out vary from €8 - €25 and beer €1 a pint at the cheapest bar. We bought lots of Port at €5 a bottle and wine for around €3-€5.<br />
<br />
Once home - Tim hurt his back and so our trip to Scotland was postponed and we headed for Anglesey instead. We had a month away in superb weather, saw friends and family. Visited Malham Cove and used a few Brit Stops.<br />
<br />
So Summer in the UK was one of the hottest on record, apart from the week we went to Bedruthan Steps when we caught the tail end of a hurricane.<br />
<br />
For some reason I can't put any photos in here ... Which is going to lead to a boring blog post and not much hope for the Sweden/Finland/Norway trip.<br />
<br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadIndiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-67916728738696029622014-06-05T02:00:00.001-07:002014-06-05T02:00:56.318-07:00A Guada to Muxia, SpainWe arrived in Spain on May 22nd and unfortunately rain showers were forecast for the next 10 days :o( <br />Fortunately the sun came out between the showers and the temperature was like a good Cornish summer! We had lunch at A Guarda and followed the coast as much as we could to an ACSI campsite at Cagnas. The site was on very steep terraces and there wasn't much room, especially as we arrived at the same time as a Belgian motorhome, nice location above a beach and it would be a great spot to canoe out to the Islas Cies in calmer weather.<br />The first peninsular above Vigo was more urbanised than we'd expected, but as we traveled further north the coastline became more rugged and remote. This coastline is composed of 4 large Rias or inlets, with pine covered mountains between each, much as we imagine Norway to be (next year???)<br />We stopped off at Combarro for a few hours as it was very picturesque, with very old tiny houses and Hórreo, grain stores, raised on stilts to prevent rats.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/35.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_35.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then drove out to O Grove and across the bridge to the luxury resort island of La Toja or A Toxa. Here is a beautiful church covered in scallop shells. We had eyed up a campsite on the way past at Portonovo, and finding nowhere better we went back to it.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/36.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_36.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The views from the site were magnificent .....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/37.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_37.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />...... And so was the company! 4 of us managed to make this mess .... Though now being an hour forward from UK time, but still being at 9.25 degrees West, the sun is not setting until about 22.15 and it is light until way after 11 ... That's my excuse as to why we sat up chatting 'till 2ish.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/38.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_38.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Spring flowers along the coast are amazing, I particularly liked the structure of this yellow Giant Fennel. We stayed 2 nights at the Aire at Boiro, €6 per night, and met some fellow VW campers with a few "dits" to tell. Unfortunately we were unaware of the football and party on on the Friday night, but the location right across from a beach was worth it .... Though it certainly wasn't beach weather while we were there!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/39.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_39.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had been recommended an ACSI campsite, A Vouga, at Muros / Louro and we weren't disappointed. The view out to sea was stunning, even in the mist, rain and sun! Ideally located so that you can walk or cycle either way into the towns or the beach at San Francisco. We cycled out around the headland to the lighthouse and the sun shone while we had our lunch, sat on a rock, looking out over an amazing beach.<br />Unfortunately drizzle set in for the next day and so we cycled to Muros for some tapas or 'pinchos', as recommended by our neighbours...who Tim says to say, had a lovely camper van! Don't listen Libby, we love you!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/40.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_40.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After 4 days on the campsite we moved on to a lovely wild camping spot at Finisterre. It was such a lovely view and protected from the wind that we stayed 2 nights. This is a great place for people watching as it is the end of one of the trails that pilgrims follow to Santiago De Compostela. Though I can understand people who have walked hundreds of miles to this place, burning their boots and clothes, I find it a bit unsightly. Probably doesn't fit in with the pilgrim image either, that they are defacing this beauty spot. Though the final straw was when we saw a coach load of tourists walk 100 yards and then burn their socks and pay €3 for a scallop shell.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/41.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_41.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/42.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_42.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/43.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_43.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The sunset was worth the wait.....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/44.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_44.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />....and the walk the following morning was superb. This is the start of a coastal walk from Finisterre to Malpica, along the Costa da Morte, the "Coast of the Dead", due to the numerous ship wrecks on this rugged coast, not the number of walkers who have died trying. It would be a lovely walk around the majestic headlands, but we will be driving most of it. After a quick diversion to Cee to empty the loo in an Aire at a Repsol garage....which incidentally had the most fabulous petrol station toilet EVER!!!!!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/45.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_45.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The way of St James or Saint Jacque, depending on where you are from is marked with the shell and routes converge from all over Europe on Santiago.... Too far for us to walk and too far from the coast as well, so we are not visiting this time. This part of the pilgrimage trail is at Muxia, a lovely little village on a peninsular, set out into the sea, reminding us a little of St Ives. Tim discovered Empanadas here, as a fresh baked one was set out on the counter just as we were buying our bread. Tim is suffering a pasty deficiency and so these are now a good substitute!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/46.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_46.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/47.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_47.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We drove around the bay and out to the lighthouse at Cabo Vilán where we escaped the wind to look in their art gallery and spent the night on the marina at Cmariñas. This small village is renowned for lace making and wind turbines!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/05/48.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/05/s_48.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Ria de Camariñas is a beautiful, enclosed bay, with sandy beaches, so we have found a lovely campsite at Leis (€10 bargain) and spent a few days relaxing on the beach, where we have been the only ones there......Tim even went in the sea, but I was convinced it wasn't warm enough! We will move on tomorrow, but only 10 miles, back around to the marina for the night, before continuing along the coast.<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-16195413082404289292014-05-29T08:50:00.001-07:002014-05-29T08:50:37.769-07:00Santa Susana to Caminha, PortugalIf we were ever going to see the interior of Portugal, then we had to leave the coast at some point. Lots of people that "don't like the Algarve" spend several months traveling around the Baragems ( reservoirs), most have wild camping spots and obviously lots of water available!<br />We were loured to this one with the promise of hot showers available for free, but it was a lovely spot and had great views. Though the neighbours gave a good impression of Blackpool Tower Ballroom by practicing playing his electronic keyboard organ outside for 4 hours....we went a walk, much more peaceful. Otherwise it was a delightful spot and the start of a 5 day heat wave, next time we would stay here for longer, but not for 2 or 3 months like some of the 'long termers' that inhabited the shore line here.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/261.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_261.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We drove North on the N114, a much better road than the N10 that we followed last year. We passed through moorland not dissimilar to Dartmoor and eventually crossed over the River Tejo.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/262.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_262.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had lunch at the Aire in Vila Nova da Barquinha. It would have been fine for an overnight stop, but not to sit at all day. So we followed the Tejo upstream to the Aire at Constancia via this fantastic castle on an island at Almourol. Unfortunately it was undergoing some restoration and so we couldn't go over to it, but still an impressive sight.<br />We spent half the night on the Aire North of the river at Abrantes....but we didn't realise we had parked outside a disco, we thought it was a cafe! So when the music started at 11pm, we crawled out of bed and drove a couple of miles to the large car park on the south bank. We could still hear the music across the river, but at least we were able to sleep!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/263.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_263.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then North again to Serta and up over some mountainous terrain to Lousa. The Serra da Lousa mountains were very picturesque with a new view around each twist and turn of the road. Some of this area had suffered in the fires a couple of years ago. We could see where some of the fires had reached right upto the isolated houses, but thankfully they looked to have escaped ok.<br />We stayed the night at a campsite at Penalva de Alva on the edge of the Serra Da Estrela. It is possible to drive, walk or cycle up the highest mountain in Portugal from here, but we chose just to chill out with a drink by the river!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/264.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_264.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then followed the scenic N17 towards Guarda and realised we were nearly at Almeida, the fort that we had stayed at on the way south the previous month. So we turned NW and headed for Peso da Régua in the heart of the Douro Valley. Having seen hardly any cars and people for a few days, we discovered that they were all here. The river trips and Port museum, plus a mini marathon made it impossible to park. We drove downstream to a beautiful old building at Miradouro da Boa Vista, the old Ferraira Quinta. It was such a shame to see these balconies and stone carved grapes, decorated ceilings and ornate windows all in ruins with just the pigeons enjoying the elaborate surroundings.<br />As soon as we entered the Douro demarcated region for growing grapes that are allowed to be made into Port, the landscape changed dramatically. Every part of the steep hillsides have been terraced and planted with vines.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/265.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_265.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After buying a kilogram of cherries for €4 we continued up the valley to San João da Pesqueira for a night on a lovely cafe car park. Unfortunately the cafe was closed, but looked lovely and newly renovated. The following morning two lovely ladies helped me pick a bag full of cherries from the trees by the cafe. I've never picked cherries before and these ones were delicious.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/266.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_266.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had been following a driving route in our guide book, so we set off around the tiny, twisting roads on the North bank, down to a station in Tua. The railway is still used to transport the barrels down river to then mature in Villa Nova de Gaia.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/267.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_267.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Portugal's landscape has changed over the years with the construction of many dams, flooding the river valleys and providing storage for water to use during the dry summer months.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/268.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_268.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We visited the palace and gardens at Mateus. The famous rosé wine used to be made in the village and permission was given to use the image of this house on the label. The family that still own the house and vineyards produce their own wine and port.... Nothing to do with Mateus Rosé, and lots more expensive, as the grapes are still carefully crushed by foot, to avoid the bitterness of the pips being crushed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/269.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_269.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Eventually we made it back to the coast in the very top NW corner of Portugal. The sun was still hot and so we headed for a beach at Montedor and then on up to a campsite at Caminha, where we had a view across the river to Spain. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/270.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_270.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/271.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_271.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />For our last meal out in Portugal, I felt I had to try the traditional Bacalhau, dried, salted fish that is then soaked and cooked. The previous ones I'd seen has looked a bit like a fish pie, but this one turned out to be fried, with chips! It was appropriate as we sat outside the restaurant, under a large umbrella as the rain had finally materialised. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/272.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_272.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Unfortunately we saw more dilapidated houses, that had obviously been luxurious in their day. Most of them occupy prime locations, but are now beyond repair.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/273.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_273.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We left Portugal with Libby's cellar full of port and wine as we are not sure when we will be back again!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/29/274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/29/s_274.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-16684311454125059832014-05-11T12:52:00.001-07:002014-05-11T12:52:48.537-07:00Lagos to Praia de Santo AndréSo where have we been for the past two weeks....<br />We went to an Aire in Lagos and paid €2 each for a shower, but it was worth it. So feeling a bit cleaner and having bumped into friends from earlier, Paul & Anita, we went and explored Lagos on our bikes and found a nice bar. The beach in Lagos was sheltered from the wind and so we went back then next day and then we decided to drive to Ingrina. Thankfully we had been forewarned that all the sand had been washed away in the storms. Now it was just a rocky cove, but at least the restaurant was still there for a birthday celebration, joined by Ian and Sue. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/703.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_703.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a view of Ingrina in 2013!!! The story was the same at Zavial, just over the hill where Tim had hoped to go surfing. Though it was still lovely to lay in the sun and enjoy the peace and quiet, and an ice cream.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/704.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_704.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then it was on to Sagres, where the storms had also removed the sand and destroyed a cafe, along with the surf beach. We battled against the wind to cycle out to Cape St Vincent and then found a place out of the wind. Though the weather has been lovely and sunny for the past month, the wind has been constant.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/705.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_705.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This might not appear much....but now we can have toast in the van, thanks to our newly purchased Portuguese toaster.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/706.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_706.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The view from the overnight parking area at Sagres is stunning. The cliffs are several hundred feet high and believe it or not people fish from the tops! They must be mad. Right below our parking area is a lovely sheltered sandy beach a sanctuary out of the wind. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/707.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_707.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After being constantly battered by the wind, we decided to take a "holiday" and went to the luxury Tourismo Campsite at Espiche, just inland from Praia de Luz. Here was a lovely sandy beach and a cool pool on the site so we had the best of both worlds. The only draw back was that we had to cycle back to the campsite past a magnetic ice cream shop that kept pulling us in, how we struggled to resist it! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/708.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_708.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then off we went in search of surf, to a beach 3 miles down a bumpy, dusty track. Thankfully the surf was good and Tim made it into the water for a good afternoon's surfing. We were also surprised to find a pig living in the white camper parked next to us, along with 3 dogs and a cat!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/709.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_709.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A quick stop back at Sagres, before moving off North. We headed to a surf beach at Arrifana for lunch, but noticed the engine management light was flashing and we'd no idea why. We took a leisurely drive to Odeceixe to use the Internet and stay the night. Unfortunately there was no wifi and the parking area was being reconstructed, so we traveled on up the coast to Porto Covo. Here we discovered our brake lights were stuck on, even with the key removed. A phone call to Riverside Garage at home came to the rescue and informed us it was a faulty break switch. To prevent the battery draining overnight they told us to remove the fuse, number 9, if you are interested!<br />We found a garage in Santiago do Cacém, who fixed it for us. We had to speak to the boss's daughter over the phone for her to translate, but even though the garage was closed as it was Saturday, they found the right part, €15, and fitted it for no charge. What lovely, generous people.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/710.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_710.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />To chill out afterward, we headed back to the beach at Praia de St André and spent 2 days doing nothing but reading our Kindles and when that got too much for us, we made a windmill from bits found on the beach, much to our surprise, it actually worked!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/11/711.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/11/s_711.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cold beers, from the fridge and off to the bar to find some wifi.......<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-53370042910947753892014-04-20T09:41:00.001-07:002014-04-20T09:41:59.938-07:00Altura to Alvor<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/440.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_440.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Two weeks after setting out from Santander we made it to the Algarve coast. Our first stop was at Altura, where we had stayed last year. The beach here is fantastic and Tim had a go at fishing one afternoon....though he didn't catch anything, just weed.<br />The weather became showery, but warm for a week and so we continued West to an official Aire at Manta Rota. It's €4.5 to stay, including water and Wifi, but €2.50 extra for electric, which we don't use. Again, lovely beach and a few shops and restaurants.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/441.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_441.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/442.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_442.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/443.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_443.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At Pedras D'el Rei there is a fantastic train, which runs out to an island with an anchor graveyard. 100's of anchors from the old fishing boats, left in the sand dunes, it looks like a modern art installation. Here we coincidentally met up with friends from last year and also new friends who we had first seen 2 weeks ago!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/444.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_444.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />From Pedras D'el Rei we cycled back into Tavira for the day to look around the beautiful old buildings with fantastic doors and meal out, just to sit and watch the world go by. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/445.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_445.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/446.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_446.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once the weather cleared up we went to the campsite at Olhão for 3 nights, €7.60 per night. We had the luxury of a shower before looking around the Moorish architecture of the town. Tim enjoyed acting as tour guide for David and Jean, we had a great day out at the Saturday market, bought fish for tea and then to the 7 Stars bar for tapas and refreshment. Here they sell superb wine in 5 litre containers for either €6.50 or €9 depending on quality and strength! <br />On the Sunday we all caught the ferry to Culatra, an island made from a sand bar, with a small village and some restaurants. The weather was perfect and so were the shells on the beach. It's part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and there was plenty of photo opportunities.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/447.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_447.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With all the washing cleaned and dried, we moved off the campsite to Praia de Marinha. Here we had a couple of beach days and a cliff walk to a cafe nestled in a small cove.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/448.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_448.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Praia da Rocha has a lovely Aire for €2.50, located between a marina complex and this lovely beach. It is a bit more touristy here, but it was nice for a change, we even joined in a stag night with some lads from Manchester. On the Sunday it was even more people around as a large Thompson's cruise ship came in. Lots of the passengers were wandering the streets of Portimão, but we think they would have been better walking a bit further down the river to the beach at Praia da Rocha. We cycled to Portimão to buy some lovely Piri-Piri chicken..yummy!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/20/449.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/20/s_449.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then drove about 5 miles along the coast to the pretty fishing village of Altura, because of the Easter weekend and the fantastic weather, we have stayed here for a week on the Aire, €4.<br />You will be pleased to know that we've had thunder storms today, but we still managed a BBQ at lunch time :o)<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Alvor%20Portugal&z=10'>Alvor Portugal</a></p>Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-12415008248743866242014-03-28T08:25:00.001-07:002014-03-28T08:25:48.301-07:00Santander To AlcoutimWe are on our travels again. Departing from Plymouth for Santander on the 16th March and the crossing was thankfully flat calm after all the storms we have had this Winter. Our first night was at the "Elephant Park", an official Aire at Parque de Cabarceno. A couple in another van had just spent 6 hours going around the safari park here and it was a lovely sunny day too.<br />After the long treck over the mountains to Braganca last year, we decided to take the easier route via Salamanca. We found a great place to stop, bought some delicious slices of Iberian ham, 5kg sack of oranges and wandered around the beautiful city in hot sun!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/575.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_575.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/576.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_576.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We pushed on to Portugal and stayed within the protective walls of the Vauban star fort at Almeida. We love the Aire here as you can imagine what it would have been like during the wars and there is a small museum. Horses still roam around the grass banks on the walls and it was worth the detour North to stay here.<br />Not wanting to follow exactly the same route as last year we headed for the Aire at Marvao, but we never made it as we found this amazing spot in the middle of a Barragem (reservoir). Libby didn't get her tires wet, though we parked as close to the water's edge as possible!<br />It was lovely and hot during the day, but one night the temperature fell to 1 degree c, so it was a little chilly!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/577.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_577.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/578.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_578.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We eventually made it to Mavão a few days later. The Aire is around 2800 feet up and has spectacular views out over the border to Spain. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/579.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_579.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Last year we went to stay at Monsaraz and we loved it, so we went back again for a couple of nights. If you stay here then be aware that the church bells ring very loudly, all night! But the views are superb as is the little fortified town. There are some lovely craft shops and small cafés here and it is just a delightful place to stay.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/580.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_580.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/581.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_581.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We continued south .... and as Tim could smell the sea we just called in at the Mina de São Domingos for a quick lunch stop and then a look at Pomarão on the Guadiana River, before stopping at a lovely Aire in Alcoutim. We are now on Page 90 on the map...the one where the sea is not far away, but it is so nice here that we are staying a few days and had a treat for lunch in the Riverside Bar. The white buildings are across the Guardiana in Spain. Thankfully there has been a lot less rain this year and the river is about 10ft lower than it was when we were here last year.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/28/582.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/28/s_582.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now to go back to the bar for a few beers, just so I can use the wifi.....haha!<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-67440240257782657022013-10-30T07:29:00.001-07:002013-10-30T08:19:06.521-07:00Where are we?I tried to post this a couple of weeks ago...but there was a problem with the photos (thanks Jan for letting me know) ...... So here it is again ... With photos... It was so annoying not to be able to blog whilst away :o(<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940566602404271938'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tdbCa1eDHuI/UnEh2bTbF0I/AAAAAAAABCU/5Zvgd7wQ36U/s288/1383145261.351478.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the lat & long of where we are. So you could Google it or put it in your sat nav!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940566660310054546'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FOZqAmhqpHk/UnEh5zBPNpI/AAAAAAAABCc/Kl3V1Xlua88/s288/1383145456.547312.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='265' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the view in one direction and....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940566719517537138'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SE812x7l5Ks/UnEh9PlZs3I/AAAAAAAABCk/Wyau_f4MacM/s288/1383145482.054990.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />.... This is the other direction. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940566769327944162'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F0gVmySjSdk/UnEiAJJIMeI/AAAAAAAABCs/Sod2_iQQ360/s288/1383145559.339450.jpg' border='0' width='276' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In 1933 it looked like this. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940568255431326050'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dxxwj4UnYmo/UnEjWpTyOWI/AAAAAAAABC4/eBWdDZjbf_I/s288/1383145633.584665.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This poster is in the window of the boulangerie where we buy our croissants. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5940568308809160754'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9uFpfyt7J5E/UnEjZwKDWDI/AAAAAAAABDA/9_OcVWI72Ec/s288/1383145716.932094.jpg' border='0' width='720' height='720' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And this is the fantastic view from where we are staying. <br />If you've been on Instagram then you will know that we are in Biarritz and it is fabulous. The weather has at times been too hot, in the mid 30's, but it has chilled down this week by 10 degrees!<br />We are having a superb time and not yet ready to move back North. <br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-34452183740357015092013-09-18T01:00:00.001-07:002013-09-18T01:00:44.487-07:00Normandy After driving 15 miles from home....we arrived in France!! The weather was glorious for our first 5 hours and then it changed for the worse! We spent a lovely night at Mont Saint Michel. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924866823902473058'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Bo1FGl5CPp0/Ujla_Cw0K2I/AAAAAAAAA_4/oZuhUpSLa68/s288/1379425423.146231.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A photo from a lovely exhibition in the Cathedral, sorry I didn't get his name though. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924867914441875442'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FBwTY9b78MA/Ujlb-hVq3_I/AAAAAAAABAI/ZUTP0XDQqLM/s288/1379425465.970820.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our Airs book listed the Aire as €10, but the area has been redeveloped to allow water to flow around the Mont again to prevent the area silting up. The Aire is now €20 (but thankfully we are small enough to count as a car which was €12).<br />We did manage to contribute to the French motorways as we paid a toll for €51......by mistake....another reason I should try and improve my French! <br />We then went over to the D-Day landing beaches. What a nightmare it must have been for the men of all nations that battled it out on these beaches. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924868019116181938'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bM3d7gO0Vkw/UjlcEnR-CbI/AAAAAAAABAQ/wjxV6811Nds/s288/1379425992.343662.jpg' border='0' width='380' height='372' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This bunker and restaurant are still here today. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924868178813304898'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gikEx5TnJr0/UjlcN6MuwEI/AAAAAAAABAY/BqE3SWSjx44/s288/1379425995.113885.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Utah beach where the Americans landed and fought their way up to Cherbourg. The Battle of the Hedgerows took far longer than anticipated, at times loosing one man per meter advanced. The museum here is excellent and has many articles from the war....including tanks and planes. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924868287147973522'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LTInaTTBxcA/UjlcUNxum5I/AAAAAAAABAg/e4A9XxgQuOQ/s288/1379426504.681979.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The American cemetery at Omaha Beach has 9387 headstones. 45 sets of brothers were buried here and a visitors centre personalises their very sad stories. It's an incredible sight and a moving experience to visit here. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924868388864772866'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lq1wV73L-kQ/UjlcaIs5ywI/AAAAAAAABAo/245EsiKDRS8/s288/1379426512.545212.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After a visit to Honfleur, we found a peaceful spot by the Seine for the night....luckily these massive cargo ships didn't make too much noise!<br />After a week in Normamdy where it had rained every day but one, we decided to curtail our trip and drive South to find some sun. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924868505716235650'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o8X4MeqsKdc/Ujlcg8AdnYI/AAAAAAAABAw/GxkIl5u7J0U/s288/1379426520.442921.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We ended up on Ile de Re. We love it here and always treat ourselves to a campsite with a pool for a few days. After a 26 mile cycle ride to see the lighthouse I deserved a relaxing swim. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924869477466309010'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8I_rOIe21xI/UjldZgDvAZI/AAAAAAAABA8/4ymNFMvS2Wc/s288/1379426522.997018.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='415' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The blue sky didn't last long and it has now rained every day except two....so tomorrow we head South again....at this rate we will end up on the Mediterranean though we never planned to go that far. My long walks in the Dordogne book won't be much use. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924869644689315154'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GM8-mPcuONA/UjldjPAzlVI/AAAAAAAABBE/TKECXytveus/s288/1379426525.697709.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As usual, loving the French food and markets. I have spent my holiday money on ice cream from La Martiniere who is one of the top 5 ice cream producers in France.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos#5924869763888490274'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-emVHx8gDuUg/UjldqLEGpyI/AAAAAAAABBM/o1I05t7ZcHU/s288/1379428537.295993.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='385' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I also bought this book and though I can't read much of it, it has some lovely water colour paintings. <br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-47552645159076771032013-06-22T07:05:00.001-07:002013-06-24T09:52:27.110-07:00Porto to Santander 2The last leg of our journey took us North East from Porto, through a national park, over the mountains and into Spain. Here we had been told about some remarkable thermal springs that flow into this pool and into the river. We had a lovely soak and again in the morning, when the steam was still rising. The water temperature was so hot that I had to get out, cool down and then get back in again! It is wonderful to see places like this that are unspoiled, if this was at home it would have broken glass around and some idiot would throw a bottle of bubble bath in it....like they do with the fountains in Plymouth...so very sad.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1070.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1070.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We went back to Vidiago campsite on the North coast of Spain. Followed the path to the caves, it was a bit spooky with only the two of us in there, in the dark. The purple colours and the stillness of the deep rock pools were impossible to capture on film...or pixels...or whatever it is these days!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1071.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1071.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our last stop before the ferry was at the Cabarceno safari park. It is the largest wildlife park in Europe on the site of an old mine. Though we didn't visit this time, at €24 we are planning to spend a full day here next year. These photos were taken from the road through the village and it was nice to see that these animals had a very large space to roam around in.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1072.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1072.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1074.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1074.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='223' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then on to Santander for the afternoon. This was an extremely hot day and we wandered around the shops that were shut until 16:30. Unfortunately we didn't find the beach, but now we know where it is then next time we will be able have an ice cream! We also stocked up at the Carefour....though we scraped under the 2.1m height barrier.....we found the high vehicle parking on the road around the corner on our way out.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1076.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1076.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Just some of the 20 bottles of port, several boxes of wine, vodka and a selection of beers....including a crate of Sagres......we are set up for a BBQ ..... When Summer arrives!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/24/1080.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/24/s_1080.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-55172118660589013202013-06-10T09:50:00.001-07:002013-06-10T09:50:58.653-07:00PortoWith 257 photos taken over 2 days, Porto deserves a post all to itself.....don't worry I won't bore you with all the photos, but it is a beautiful city. We didn't realise quite how big until we took a Yellow Bus tour which included a cruise and 2 Port Lodge tours, with tasting, all for €22. The great thing about this tour was that you could get on and off wherever you wanted and also included the normal bus trip back to our Orbitur campsite at Madalena, an hours journey through the narrow streets from the centre. The local bus ride was an adventure in itself due to the speed which the driver skilfully negotiated the narrow lanes. There is a great beach here in the centre too, lovely destination for a short break.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897058767377618'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_15blfLmpig/UbYDLfXllNI/AAAAAAAAApQ/S4LYyuktzog/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897105548567042'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ogGay1j1I1M/UbYDONpF4gI/AAAAAAAAApY/ZZSfzvKbrqk/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This advert made us smile...."Join the sexiest paper on earth" .... <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897171424920146'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c9uOh0MXz_o/UbYDSDDPQlI/AAAAAAAAApg/yPeo4cTNpes/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Ribeira section down by the river is a warren of narrow streets and steep steps up to the centre. Washing still hangs out from upper floor balconies and many restaurants crowd the river bank. We stumbled across this little gem, cafe with the red doors below, tucked away in an ally just off the river....sorry...no name but if you can find it then order the Bolinhos de Bacalhau, a local fish cake we watched the lady make, absolutely delicious!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897264373928978'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R4IgCbmUJ5g/UbYDXdUAlBI/AAAAAAAAApo/7j3fEQApuqA/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897333123019218'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aBOTV5WqFMQ/UbYDbdbEcdI/AAAAAAAAApw/fJ912FftlW4/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These boats used to be used to transport the barrels of port from the Upper Douro vineyards down to the port area here, but now they are just used during regattas by the Port companies and lorries are used to move the port.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897417855737906'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-00e91zAByvo/UbYDgZE7IDI/AAAAAAAAAp4/wMG-iScby1c/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897630647418610'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m2w7KOi5otQ/UbYDsxyafvI/AAAAAAAAAqA/w2fRXEeBYPI/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The river Douro flows 576 miles from Spain to the Atlantic here. In the upper Douro valley grapes are grown in what was the first ever demarcated Port region and it is now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site.<br />The river cruise took us under the 6 bridges, one of which was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1877.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897697949702034'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZZs_2ZRU2uE/UbYDwsgh15I/AAAAAAAAAqI/GNjsg6Ik4qc/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Vila Nova de Gaia is on the opposite bank to Porto and is where all the port is blended and left to mature in the barrels. The maritime climate makes ideal conditions and also it is shaded here until late in the afternoon. We toured the Calem and the Graham's lodge and tried out a selection of their port. There are now several bottles stashed away in Libby for drinking later.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897779195412098'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uTBMEioxq4w/UbYD1bLA_oI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/DY7fB3m_IC0/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Like any city it has its share of dilapidated buildings and graffiti, though we did find the streets very clean.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897841815750578'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mn5TEE1cRBE/UbYD5Ec3h7I/AAAAAAAAAqY/n7McMhn2-2E/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below is a statue to the Luso-British Forces. It is a lion crushing the French eagle which celebrates the victory in the Peninsular wars. Maybe this old alliance is why the Portuguese people are so friendly towards the British tourists today. We have found welcomes and smiles everywhere.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887897892017460882'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PGf9feOPImI/UbYD7_d41pI/AAAAAAAAAqg/p-At8Zd7eBc/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-67389991065642617922013-06-09T07:28:00.001-07:002013-06-09T07:28:58.325-07:00Peniche to Costa Nova<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887488915300111634'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q-uPqawnAE0/UbSP-aeDVRI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/k-N2ZClLUGI/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At Peniche the headland sticks out into the ocean and it was even windier than ever, we did see a few brave vans parked up here. Also some fishermen were perched on the edge of a sheer cliff edge, not sure if the fish would hang on while they reeled it up the 100 foot cliff! We drove around the coast to Baleal and watched some surfers and went a walk over the causeway to wander around the narrow streets and white washed houses.<br />Then on up to Nazare, a traditional fishing village with a marvellous beach, where earlier in the year an American Surfer was towed out to surf a 100m wave before it crashed into shore. The large waves here are a result of a deep water trench just off the coast, which then shallows rapidly only meters from the shoreline. In certain weather conditions this produces exceptionally large waves. They were certainly crashing in whilst we visited, but not quite so big!<br />The little funicular railway took us from Nazare up to Sitio at the top of the peninsular for a couple of Euros. Here we got fantastic views of the sweeping bay below.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887489153871045250'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yt2l7yWU9ek/UbSQMTNy4oI/AAAAAAAAAoY/groMLZcYEys/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The classical image of Portugal is these fishing boats on the beach, which used to be hauled ashore by a team of oxen. We only saw them in this area though as many have now be replaced by modern boats and the old ones seam to decorate several town roundabouts!<br />In Nazare we also saw fish being dried on wire racks and many of the older generation dressed in traditional costume. Instead of mending nets the fish wives were trying to rent us a room, obviously more profitable, how times have changed.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887489343156316466'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6F7AXBPKB8/UbSQXUW66TI/AAAAAAAAAog/LUXqGHoChxA/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At Sao Pedro de Moel, near to Marinha Grande we stayed at a campsite and chilled out for a couple of days. Tim even managed to put the hammock up for a few hours rest! Though we did cycle 10 miles to Praia de Vieira and had a scrummy sardine lunch while watching the waves crash ashore. The road was one of the straightest and with a great cycle track the whole way, but it just went on and on and on.....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887489490828810834'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dDjGmgUwLdM/UbSQf6eyWlI/AAAAAAAAAoo/7lZwdTuV4pY/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At the end of the cycle track was a market place and these lovely candy striped houses.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887489556680210754'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zfsi-7fYBVk/UbSQjvy--UI/AAAAAAAAAow/1uxgGuqDG6w/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As we had some tickets to use up for Orbitur Campsites we chose the next one up at Praia de Mira where there was a kite flying competition. The local children had made them out of paper and string and they where flying very well in the strong breeze. Some of the fishing boats shown above were here and the fishermen sorted the fish out on the beach. Some of it was quickly auctioned off and several of the locals were filling carrier bags with the smaller fish that had been discarded into the sand.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887489933180453570'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wqQ8KvsC_4A/UbSQ5qXowsI/AAAAAAAAAo4/2aSOjECG9M0/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We hadn't planned to stay at Costa Nova, but it was a glorious Sunday and we found a small craft market taking place. We stopped and bought some biscuits from two sisters who also had some lovely handmade bags and purses for sale. They have a blog <a target="_blank" href="http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=http://icdesign-bijuterias.blogspot.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dicdesign-bijuterias.blogspot.com%26client%3Dsafari%26hl%3Den-gb">here</a>.<br />The town is well known for its candy striped houses, each beautifully painted and full of character. We bought Dorado and prawns from the market as well as some lovely bread. The Portuguese rolls and bread have been tasty, especially for our pick nick lunches.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5887490104413637234'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ezaYIzwbKqI/UbSRDoQzynI/AAAAAAAAApA/iL6bF8uTLYA/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now off up the coast to Porto.<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-73830537849958225522013-05-26T11:44:00.001-07:002013-05-26T11:44:46.633-07:00Sagres, Zavial to Costa de Santo Andre<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360403642802434'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JbuK5NMk2YM/UaJXnvvz4QI/AAAAAAAAAm4/FFaw1jFNLVQ/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Two weeks spent between Sagres and Zavial. In and out of the sea, sunbathing out of the wind and some coastal walks.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360462915909874'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bCrqRkZ6IdI/UaJXrMjnuPI/AAAAAAAAAnA/GgR9Wh0l6tc/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We made it back to the lovely little restaurant at Ingrina and had the most fantastic prawns and Sea Bream.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360504306085362'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tt902y_wUug/UaJXtmvzrfI/AAAAAAAAAnI/2BN4QHW5oy8/s288/28.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='264' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With just over three weeks left we decided that we had to head north up to Carrapateria. We have spent seven weeks on the same two pages in our map and it was finally time to change the page! Total mileage so far is 1250.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360567542338498'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FalU2RRXUE0/UaJXxSUgU8I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/OmxlRbG_0wo/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tim ran out of Jazzers and so we had to make some by melting the chocolate in the windscreen and then liberally sprinkling it with billions and trillions. This was one giant Jazzer!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360649994143042'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_FywzXKNvWQ/UaJX2FejBUI/AAAAAAAAAnY/afW5k7Ah5Dw/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360714926935090'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a2KcNOAztts/UaJX53XuzDI/AAAAAAAAAng/7KICPyks7Ws/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Odeceixe<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360768359744818'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x87AmqCSpmY/UaJX8-bGxTI/AAAAAAAAAno/IAybG5NMVoA/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The view from Almograve was stunning coastline in both directions. We spent a few hours looking at the folds in the rocks. Some had been folded under so much pressure that they had over turned back on themselves.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360834864570978'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OrdTemTAHGg/UaJYA2LF4mI/AAAAAAAAAnw/fKibKs0nWhI/s288/30.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360887620336178'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KuZECJtV5qs/UaJYD6tC-jI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Tgp1vLbqrf8/s288/27.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />......and at last we saw the sun set over the sea.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882360928383528018'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_YUur1d67kk/UaJYGSjv7FI/AAAAAAAAAoA/KYzZBtDceMI/s288/29.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A quick campsite for washing and showers at Vila Nova de Milfontes, unfortunately it was a bit far out of the town and so we shall have to return here another time. A short hop up to a new Aire at Porto Covo and then skipped around the refineries and smog at Sines to Praia de Santo Andre. Here we are now....no pictures yet but using the wifi in the bar while we can.<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-12670462527781374612013-05-26T11:33:00.001-07:002013-05-26T11:33:32.381-07:00Alvor to SagresThis will be a little photo heavy as we've not had a campsite for a while and for some reason my ipad mini won't charge from the van. I probably have to buy an Apple charger for around £30! ( edit...I wrote this 2 weeks ago....but no wifi)<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357272128751506'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PYJWY-U0UVk/UaJUxd8rh5I/AAAAAAAAAlM/LxMl2nB9INI/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='198' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These Russian Dolls were from a market in Lagoa, I have a set at home but mine are from around 1978, where as these have a sticker that says 1998. I love how they look and when/if I ever make a sewing room then I will have a shelf especially for them. Though I guess I will never remember what is inside each!<br />Alvor in the guide book looks like a small old fishing port....it has been modernised, lots of lovely restaurants and still has some character. It was popular port in Roman times and despite suffering extensive damage in the 1755 earthquake it is still a popular holiday town, with a superb beach. We stayed on the Aire here for €4, but the constant wind was blowing dust at us all day, so we continued west. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357329269055570'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2oR81kavIro/UaJU0yz_YFI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Z5Sj8oGo9Mk/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357406644046482'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KPWe8FpKgqw/UaJU5TDoCpI/AAAAAAAAAlc/jIReIkgqmN4/s288/19.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On to Lagos which had loads of tiled houses with old wrought iron balconies and fortifications left by the Arabs in the 8th century.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357488142653570'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kVpQuj2XTmA/UaJU-CqaGII/AAAAAAAAAlk/pR4iDIfcLGk/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357564564974162'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z6s1rQbt1Po/UaJVCfW6KlI/AAAAAAAAAls/JBsNElmA9Ak/s288/20.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a statue of Henry the Navigator who turned Lagos into an important naval centre in the early 15th century and financed expeditions down the coast of Africa. It is here that in 1441 the first slave market was held and a plaque indicates the area under the arcades on the far right of the photo.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357605446519026'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCPVl02kVPU/UaJVE3p1CPI/AAAAAAAAAl0/a2xvn4joGA0/s288/21.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We finally managed to get a shot of an Azure Winged Magpie. These we have seen many times in large flocks, much brighter to watch than our magpies.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357654388157682'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ud80a7tYYM0/UaJVHt-bLPI/AAAAAAAAAl8/0YOUrN2qXK8/s288/22.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At Boca de Rio we parked as close to the beach as we could and stayed until our food ran out. The sea was quite warm, but still no surfing.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357707567800306'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D_wSe-xU-UY/UaJVK0FcH_I/AAAAAAAAAmE/lGi95Y7SDH8/s288/25.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The next beach at Praia de Ingrina was even nicer, though we planned to eat in the restaurant, only to find that it was closed on Tuesdays. If we had a day like this at home this beach would be jam packed. Tim caught 3 mackerel out on the rocks, but they weren't big enough to eat, so he let them go.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357784376899250'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KVaQj2QkM5E/UaJVPSOJ9rI/AAAAAAAAAmM/861ss5cSAnQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On to Sagres, the town furthest west and also the name of the delicious beer that we have been drinking. The far south west tip is Cabo de Sao Vincente where there is a lighthouse, so we peddled over for a look and found yet another beach (Praia do Beliche Beach).....this one had surfing waves and was down out of the wind. It's been very hot....but only if you can hide from the wind!<br />There are many tiled houses, but this one looked like it was done from a sample pack, very cheerful amongst all the white houses.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357824083638386'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtSKe5kvxuc/UaJVRmI-uHI/AAAAAAAAAmU/g9_IaiByNgg/s288/23.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This Rosa dos Ventos, wind compass is inside Prince Henry's fortress, though there is some disagreement on what it was actually used for. Lots of wild flowers and birds on the coast path, Choughs too.....though unfortunately we didn't see any.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357878338589090'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ZvFS3UIO60/UaJVUwQXkaI/AAAAAAAAAmc/gRfTKVxV3XM/s288/24.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our first view of the west coast, looking out over the Atlantic, though Libby was glad she had 4WD to get here.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882357942828250258'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X75-A5ht-RM/UaJVYgf5tJI/AAAAAAAAAmk/1j_CGScfbjU/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5882358026129092658'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lvKQla-NOXE/UaJVdW0XsDI/AAAAAAAAAms/hcg0Npyh9ME/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-1199390956618633322013-05-09T13:10:00.001-07:002013-05-09T13:10:13.884-07:00Alte to Pria de Marinha<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074075127845858'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t8novrk4lLo/UYwCPRHgk-I/AAAAAAAAAiw/ssyEkMEX1Do/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Alte is a tiny, unspoiled inland village on the Algarve. It is famous for the Fonte Grande, which is a weir on the River Alte and so we went a lovely long walk, followed by ice cream! Here we saw the first of the traditional wash houses, still used today for scrubbing clothes outside.<br /><br />Then on to Silves, with the biggest unofficial Aire we have seen so far. There must have been over 60 camper vans staying in a car park by the sports centre, where there is free wifi and showers for €2.50. There are some "long termers" here as there are supermarkets within walking distance, water and a waste disposal point. Silves was also popular with the Romans and then the Moors, when it was renowned as a centre of culture on the Al-Garb (meaning The West). There is still a substantial red sandstone castle that looks down over the pretty town which used to be a port until the river silted up. We saw a couple of pleasure boat trips, full of tourists from the coast. Though it was nice, I wouldn't want to spend a month here as some do.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074137778434946'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yGS6pXiChD8/UYwCS6gks4I/AAAAAAAAAi4/zdAQjzt-0YU/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074203543483618'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UlrOvHgoRhw/UYwCWvgLtOI/AAAAAAAAAjA/G2qXFVlHhfE/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We treated ourselves to a paid Aire at Parque Da Gale, near Gale Beach €6.50, electric and wifi....a lovely place to stay, but no shower :o( <br />We cycled into Albufeira for Tim's birthday and had a fantastic meal of Piri Piri chicken and Dorado, Sea Bream. The food here is certainly fresh and delicious, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes are all extremely cheap and very flavoursome. I can imagine these streets and beaches in the height of summer being busy with people on package tours, where as now there are just a few people around, some you can tell are on golf holidays, with matching shirts and socks!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074262612304370'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vN6V6C17i3I/UYwCaLjSYfI/AAAAAAAAAjI/zcM7lWJKwBk/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />These fresh orange juice machines are all over the place and great for a refreshing drink.....we've now bought an orange squeezer and have it for breakfast.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074303868810226'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q4iDHwOJqhM/UYwCclPms_I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ZT-RSUB01cE/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Gale beach<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074350887840866'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pjlCthAKv8E/UYwCfUZ0LGI/AAAAAAAAAjY/WN8KnG3nLcI/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we continued west to a beautiful section of stunning coastline where we were able to walk along, access the deserted beaches, swim and eat in beach cafes. The sea here is a perfect turquoise in the sun, which suddenly seems to have become hot and the wind has warmed up. This is what we came here for and it is all wonderfully relaxing.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074408949367714'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U51DGq9BL3Y/UYwCissww6I/AAAAAAAAAjg/hkUYLrdeANY/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074453852701042'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HpYMmd66DzA/UYwClT-jQXI/AAAAAAAAAjo/nbfWnsi7xiE/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5876074506672436082'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KOyTKzK6i3Y/UYwCoYvwc3I/AAAAAAAAAjw/OPiKDMUUmUA/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-33200628016820499572013-04-23T13:07:00.001-07:002013-04-23T13:07:17.992-07:00Altura to Vilamoura<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135038378660402'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--h7n6uvIGVI/UXbot1IiUjI/AAAAAAAAAfs/kwm9i85DJm8/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='375' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Before we hit the coast we drove down the side of the Guadiana River, the Portuguese - Spanish boarder and looked at all the allotments that had flooded, loads of destruction all the way to the coast at Villa Real de St Antonio. The small village of Alamo was set back from the river and their sign had been beautifully "Yarn Bombed".....lovely crochet, wouldn't it be nice if every village signpost was like this?<br />We stayed a while in Altura, enjoying being by a beach and the sea at last. Fantastic long, golden sand dunes, however still a little chilly. Amazed to see the locals collecting shellfish in a wire basket and net contraption, while waist deep in water, walking backwards.<br />A little bit of luxury as we stayed on a campsite at Cabanos, near to Tavira. We cycled through the salt pans, similar to the Isle d'Re, with loads of wading birds, including Black Winged Stilts, with amazingly long legs and we saw our first bee eater, stunning colours but my camera isn't good enough to capture them.<br />Tavira, which is set on both sides of the river is a very quaint old town with many tiled houses and narrow cobbled streets.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135116288771554'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mQQuzik88uM/UXboyXXwReI/AAAAAAAAAf0/UPefGgccpFg/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='298' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135181803415298'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--PM63lp48Wo/UXbo2LbqZwI/AAAAAAAAAf8/ig1yuJne6jI/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On our travels we have met many lovely people who have recommended places to stay and Pedras d'el Rei was one such place. We loved it here so much that we stayed a week. There is a small train that used to transport tuna fish from the island beach, but it now transports visitors. The tuna have all moved on and the anchors from the boats are arranged in a cemetery, this is all that is left of the fishing fleet here.<br />Unfortunately the beach had a red flag flying as there were little blue jelly fish around as a result of the fresh water flooding down from the dams. We had a paddle but didn't want to risk a swim even though the weather has just turned out HOT!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135255572980546'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fm2oBA3pD1o/UXbo6ePso0I/AAAAAAAAAgE/Ajq1TW8kOFQ/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then moved on to Olhao, a town that still has a fishing fleet and two great markets, one for fish and the other fruit and veg with butchers around the perimeter.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135367457958226'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4LlK2jVDo4/UXbpA_DJ6VI/AAAAAAAAAgM/PQ3MV024kYE/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135430286999394'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L81oGx4gSS8/UXbpEpGw_2I/AAAAAAAAAgU/-GOk0dSBOgo/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We took the local ferry to the island of Culatra, half an hour trip for €3.80 return, very good value! After a lovely lunch we walked along the beach to Farol, which means lighthouse, though the town was deserted as that end of the island is just full of holiday homes. <br />After catching the ferry back we were in need of a drink and so went to an old traditional bar, the Sete-Estrelas. This is one of only three places in Portugal where you can buy wine from the barrel....so we bought 5 litres and very nice it was too! We were told also that it opens at 5 in the morning for the local fishermen to have a drink before putting to sea....not that we were there at that time! The fishermen used to leave their bicycles here, hung on the wall inside....now they leave their car keys! How times have changed.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135519388834290'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WDkFnnkpUhE/UXbpJ1CTGfI/AAAAAAAAAgc/vbdi4NV4pU8/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is Libby on a campsite with bunting and lanterns from generous friends.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870135599759816242'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B6dHWJ850Kg/UXbpOgcO9jI/AAAAAAAAAgk/c_qpNBcTVAQ/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we stayed in Quarteira and cycled into Vilamoura for the day. The marina here is very different to the rest of Portugal we have seen so far. A tourist destination with shops and restaurants beyond our pockets.<br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5870136396509585314'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0bG1i9fvdO0/UXbp84kLn6I/AAAAAAAAAg0/5VjRFlIoBEA/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-76960927026676358202013-04-07T12:53:00.001-07:002013-04-07T12:53:50.925-07:00Monsaraz to Altura, Algarve<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195228796366546'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RcnxYdJDo_Y/UWHOfaHyrtI/AAAAAAAAAeM/C_3Rdr_bq5Q/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We stayed for Easter Weekend at Montseraz and the sun shone bright and warm for a day. This picturesque fortified village overlooks Europe's biggest reservoir and Spain is just over the other side. Bull fights take place in this ancient arena, but they do kill the bulls. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195274889866786'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plRdgGA054M/UWHOiF1VriI/AAAAAAAAAeU/hxvqew2K_iE/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195345647317778'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RB9gq6ooR1o/UWHOmNbOsxI/AAAAAAAAAec/xSdM2Mb9pKc/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Driving south we went through mile after mile of olive groves and cork oak trees. It was a wine making monk, Dom Perigon, who in the 17th century revived the use of cork as an odourless, tasteless seal for wine. Portugal produces over over 30 million corks per day. After 20 years the cork trees can produce its first harvest of bark and then be stripped of their bark every 10 years. The numbers painted on their trunks are the years that the tree was last harvested.<br />Then we passed through Serpa, which is just 22 miles from the Spanish border. This town like many around here has been fought over from the Moors and the Spanish and still there remains this beautiful arched aqueduct.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195391413998946'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUlfeCiHoM8/UWHOo3621WI/AAAAAAAAAek/juGyB2ZcnI0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We stayed a night at a lovely location by a reservoir at Minas S.D. which has a car park, but they don't seem to mind campers staying here. However the town is very poor as it used to be a thriving copper mining town, until the mid 60's. In its heyday it was one of the biggest producers of copper and the company was owned by the British. Though unfortunately the British managers didn't treat their workers very fairly, low wages and poor housing, a story that is sadly repeated at many places around the world. At its height of operation there was a population of 6000 and today that has reduced to around 800.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195428822472722'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_vc8OlGiSOU/UWHOrDRu2BI/AAAAAAAAAes/lEZLGfV3DXM/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then we went to Alcoutim, which is on the Guadiana River across from Sanlucar in Spain. You can usually cross the river for a Euro, but not today.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195464558707122'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OERwFQWHPkU/UWHOtIZ6gbI/AAAAAAAAAe0/_f-dcBm9keo/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The river rose over 3 metres in just a few hours and while we were having lunch in The Riverside restaurant we saw several boats going backwards down the river, dragging their anchors, with nobody onboard. <br />This life sized statue quickly ended up under water. The reason was that it has rained so much that the dams has to be opened to let some of the water out of the reservoirs before they overflowed. Why they didn't do it gradually, I'm not sure. Thankfully we were parked up the hill away from the river for the night. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195496952362018'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KM9m4fg3nVY/UWHOvBFKdCI/AAAAAAAAAe8/JsunpGfMdAg/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then it was off to The Hunting Lodge, a private Aire that had been recommended to us. Here we could get some washing done, recharge everything and also wifi was available. Again we parked on top of a blustery hill and the rain eased off long enough for us to go a walk through some flower meadows in full bloom.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195542115392914'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--iNK7N3dnDw/UWHOxpU3nZI/AAAAAAAAAfE/PcjqjWvlm2Y/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Eventually we arrived at the beach on the Algarve, but had a quick trip over the bridge into Spain to exchange a gas bottle. Altura was our chosen spot on an international car park/waste land taken over by large campers here for around 3 months of the year.<br />Both very happy to be by the sea again. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5864195568651835474'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDbZTfDC0KE/UWHOzMLpmFI/AAAAAAAAAfM/1_ow6-YGojE/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-22963076656690174542013-04-05T09:47:00.001-07:002013-04-05T09:47:34.962-07:00Bloglovin<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6463769/?claim=unnzjcgm2u7">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />And a picture too....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863405397352599218'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vSSdWveCgCs/UV8AJKtPTrI/AAAAAAAAAd8/npzgBrsG9ew/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-71611374150718413122013-04-05T09:10:00.001-07:002013-04-05T09:10:13.681-07:00Gijon to Benquerenca<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395358859227506'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EkPhW7jXLFY/UV73A2Z6cXI/AAAAAAAAAc8/YHfINaAuatM/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />With rain forecast for the next 5 days we decided to leave the North Spanish coast and head South. If it was going to rain, then it might as well be warm rain. First we stopped on the Aire in Leon (you can see us just to the right of the sign). This was outside a good supermarket and a C&A! But it rained....<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395397844308786'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YufoJ5JLQ78/UV73DHorkzI/AAAAAAAAAdE/QMhnUVuxqks/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />.... So we headed into Portugal, over the mountains covered in snow!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395487077361938'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rToATKU1Cas/UV73IUDf6RI/AAAAAAAAAdM/6Agwco9TIKw/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Eventually we arrived in Braganca....creatively described in the guide book as a 'walled citadel on its isolated hilltop'. The castle was quite impressive and the Aire in a beautiful location, but the other side of town was a sprawling modern city.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395551147521218'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfSvDN3zkZU/UV73MCvA9MI/AAAAAAAAAdU/QCOAq3YIQcE/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In the guide book was a Border Castles Tour and as Tim is reading all of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels then we went and took a look at some of the locations important in defending the Portuguese border throughout history, including the Peninsular Wars. First to the two towers of Pinhel, a region now noted for its wine.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395593609106914'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9SwXRcbv-rE/UV73Og6pVeI/AAAAAAAAAdc/pQL_kk1_5qo/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395644308839714'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_9flu_LQ3s0/UV73RdyZ3SI/AAAAAAAAAdk/FJx-KbBranY/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then to the Aire at the well preserved Vauban fort at Almeida. A lovely overnight spot, protected within the fort walls. The dark photo shows some of the horses that were allowed to roam free in the fort.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395718056480962'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dgj_sHYhFpw/UV73VwhNkMI/AAAAAAAAAds/ZbF5mk00DIM/s288/9.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Compared to our France Aires book, there appear to be very few Aires in Portugal but the one at Bequerenca is noted for being in a particularly beautiful spot. When we arrived we parked by this weir and walked over a footbridge and around the village, where we saw a lady doing her washing in a stream. On our return the river had risen and the old man gathered in his goats and left.....so we moved the van and a good move it was as the following morning the river had broken its banks and flooded the car park...... And still the rain continued!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5863395767725122818'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bF0rkHf1iP0/UV73YpjI5QI/AAAAAAAAAd0/aAGFyKvecos/s288/10.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-32254229042467411292013-04-01T12:56:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:56:06.908-07:00Asturcamper at Vidiago<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969503749975954'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UxUbl2ny42U/UVnmNKMwr5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/UurZDgaXgg4/s288/12.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We drove off a slip road to a small beach at Vidiago where there is a ASCI campsite, La Paz, it looked closed and we weren't sure how to get back to the main road as the slip road appeared to be one way. So we ventured into the campsite to ask the way to Llanes.<br />Amazingly there were 4 VW campervans on site and with Carlos translating, we discovered that about 100 vans were due to arrive later in the afternoon and that we were welcome to join their group.<br />We chose a pitch and watched as everyone arrived. Later we headed to the bar for drinks and the Spanish Omelette tasting competition. We tasted quite a few!!! yummy.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969532292098258'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c1jDDdVDyww/UVnmO0hu6NI/AAAAAAAAAcI/9ASbX8tqhRM/s288/13.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> The group was well organised with several talks and activities. We watched the photos of 'Light Painting'. This was about enhancing photos by using torchlight and other props. Take a look in the Flickr group here - www.childrenofdarklight.com<br />The next day we went on a walk in the afternoon to some caves, and made more new friends. Thanks to Oscar and his family for guiding us thought the caves and later providing delicious ham and Sangria with rum. We had a fantastic evening learning to pour cider the local way and tasting plum liqueur. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969566901424162'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZPHDDEn49xs/UVnmQ1dPUCI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/dhkNvIiUvmw/s288/14.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I was very lucky in the raffle and won a torch and 2 free nights camping at La Paz, so we will be back around the 8th June.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969592623001586'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n6YmDUyeLsI/UVnmSVRvb_I/AAAAAAAAAcY/DRdqHIJoyOo/s288/15.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The group is also campaigning to get Free Camping accepted in the area. In the UK we call it Wild Camping and there are not many places in the South of England, but it is more acceptable in Scotland.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969609268163090'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nydzke0BCfU/UVnmTTSQchI/AAAAAAAAAcg/-Srofxioawo/s288/16.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='118' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcome, it was a great introduction to our first few days in Spain and we hope to see you all again somewhere, sometime soon.<br />Finally some fossils pictures for Andrew. There are massive boulders full of these on the beach here, Crinoidal Limestone possibly???<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861969646581153906'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HTrNiS7xi6M/UVnmVeSXgHI/AAAAAAAAAco/M1W0Q2ZrYWg/s288/17.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-41715440347644603112013-04-01T12:53:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:53:35.206-07:00Santander to San Vincente<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861968862193408546'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aFq7YAt0lXc/UVnln0NwWiI/AAAAAAAAAbY/9EtYDGm9nIY/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We found a lovely beach for lunch and to stay by during the day.....but all the NO CAMPER signs put us off staying the night. We were just off to look for an overnight stop when we spotted several vans parked alongside the river.....so we joined them. San Vincente is an old town with lots to look at, but an awful electronic chiming clock that sounds like a doorbell, we could put up with that and so we stayed here 2 nights.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861968894502718034'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yPhUoj--Qfo/UVnlpsk5SlI/AAAAAAAAAbg/l3-mWxlnRqQ/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861968925414421314'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xn9TdXLIZEc/UVnlrfu0c0I/AAAAAAAAAbo/uaABh6zkHMo/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861968958031007714'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HYZo_XdJZXA/UVnltZPOD-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/5iU0jEn8lFU/s288/11.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were very surprised to see snow on the mountains when we arrived. The sun was out it was hot and so we moved along the coast to Vidiago.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5861968994184860642'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GYQK0A8r9c4/UVnlvf6-E-I/AAAAAAAAAb4/6c2YR45p0ys/s288/18.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-90383728585804675052013-03-19T00:50:00.001-07:002013-03-19T00:50:54.005-07:00Our Adventure is About to Begin<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5856958612847707890'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ1ipq8V2CQ/UUgY067zxvI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ZXM4ml3I55c/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='383' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We will soon be on our way to Northern Spain and then to Portugal. After visiting France for the last 15 years this is going to be a bit different. Je parle francais comme une vache espagnole.......which would be really usefull now as Spanish cows would understand Spanish!<br />We have guide books and maps......and chocolate and crisps.......and no idea where we are spending the first night.....or any other night, but we will have a good time, see you all soon.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/107931445137221678169/MyBlogPhotos02#5856958651256680898'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VuxJ_LD35wo/UUgY3KBOMcI/AAAAAAAAAZg/UVD2JaN5eGc/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-10710109804608329902012-10-07T15:32:00.001-07:002012-10-07T15:32:21.761-07:00Northern Tour Part 2<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2975.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2975.jpg' border='0' width='215' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We have been to Blackpool to see the illuminations, which have improved over the years. Not sure about the rest of Blackpool, though the fish, chips and gravy were tasty. <br />Then I have had a bit of a sewing weekend with my friend Kath of <a target="_blank" href="http://kathkreations.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1">Kath's Kreations</a><br />Kath has been persuaded to come to London with me for the Fat Quarterly Retreat. Yipeeee<br />We made a Bento Lunch bag using Ayumi's fantastic tutorial on the Pink Penguin blog. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2976.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2976.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='237' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2977.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2977.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then tonight we had a go putting zips in as Kath has a new machine. So we made these Noodlehead Wide Mouth Pouches. Easy!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2978.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2978.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-20907772672966159902012-10-07T15:15:00.001-07:002012-10-07T15:15:15.263-07:00Great Northern Tour<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2929.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2929.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We have been away a week now. First was a workshop day with Worn and Washed in Olney near Milton Keynes. <br />We then travelled up through the National Forest and went a few walks. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2931.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2931.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It always amazes me how National Trust Houses are colourful even on a grey day. These were taken a Calke Abby - an un stately home..... As it has been left full of junk and loads of stuffed birds. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2932.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2932.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2933.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2933.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2934.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2934.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2935.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2935.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2936.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2936.jpg' border='0' width='205' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We also went to the National Memorial Arboretum. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2938.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2938.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2939.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2939.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2940.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2940.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2941.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2941.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a lovely night staying in the middle of Utoxeter race course and a trip to Martin Mere bird reserve. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2942.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2942.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then to Morcambe. On the whole the weather has been good. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2943.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2943.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/07/2945.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/07/s_2945.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-11112521780943024092012-09-02T11:14:00.001-07:002012-09-02T11:14:33.403-07:00CVWOC Stithians Jamboree<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1730.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1730.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We spent a very wet bank holiday weekend in Stithians, Cornwall. This Jamboree had an Olympic theme and was at a show ground in the village where Tim spent his teenage years. This brought back many happy memories for him as unfortunately his dad, William Mackwood Hopper, passed away 2 weeks ago. The funeral was Thursday in Mylor and was a fitting celebration of his 96 years. A very upright and creative man, who was an extremely talented blacksmith. He would rather fix something properly rather than buy a new one. His love of all things metal has been passed on to his Grandson <a target="_blank" href="http://www.andyhopper.biz/">Andy Hopper</a> who is now a blacksmith too. <br />Tim loves to look at all the vans that we can only dream about owning. all the mud also made wellies a must even in the music tent. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1731.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1731.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1732.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1732.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1733.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1733.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1734.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1734.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were very fortunate that Gary had built this bar for our group and we also had 2 small marquees to sit in and avoid the worst of the weather. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1735.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1735.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is the first full size campervan tent that I have seen. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1736.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1736.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='243' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And we enjoyed the music of The Belfast Busker. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1737.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1737.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />To have a shower and dry out we drove over to Gwithian.... Where the rain continued untill 5 pm. So we spent a couple of hours chopping and cutting these and more......<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1738.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1738.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Into this.....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1739.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1739.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Using this book that The Barlows bought us for Christmas. Thanks <a target="_blank" href="http://karenbarlow.org/index.html">Karen. </a><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1741.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1741.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/02/1742.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/02/s_1742.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We finally saw the sun, just prior to it setting below the horizon!<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8613626106944499590.post-91326097844171720082012-08-17T10:16:00.001-07:002012-08-17T10:16:34.452-07:00Shopping in France<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1292.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1292.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I meant to post this earlier - the wine jug was from a lovely old pottery in Sisteron. Lots of red and rose wine was bought from various vineyards and caves. Olives by the bucket full and I was lucky to find this fabric and perle cotton on a brocante market. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1293.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1293.jpg' border='0' width='243' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Somebody had put a lot of work into making these and so hopefully I can put them to good use. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1294.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1294.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We bought lavender honey from a France Passion site. These FP sites are fantastic as they let you stay for free on anything from an orchard, vineyard or farm shop. There is no obligation to buy anything either. The UK has a lot to learn from France as far as campsites and car parks are concerned. Many campsites were only 12 Euros in the high season! This is the little sign you follow to find the France Passion site, as many are in the middle of nowhere! Lovely<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1295.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1295.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1298.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1298.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And last of all I bought a very large tub of Nutella to make <a target="_blank" href="http://made-inhome.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/very-gooey-brownies-recipe.html">Nat's very-gooey-brownies</a>they look yummy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/08/17/1299.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/08/17/s_1299.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />........ So I think that is about everything about our France 2012 Adventure. <br />Hope you all enjoyed the trip too xx<br />Indiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502249142776359683noreply@blogger.com7