Last few days......

Picking up from where I left off-  Salamanca is a very beautiful city - one of the oldest universities in Europe, predates Oxford which is where it reminds one of- bit of plagiarism there I feel. The buildings are made of sandstone so they were glowing in the evening sunshine- would be wonderful lit up at night. And its also a very lively city due to the university population, the streets were swarming with people at 8pm, just coming out for a stroll and a drink - it was great. Unusually there are two cathedrals as they didnt demolish the old one - they are connected, it was fascinating to see the differences between the two -  much preferred the old one if only because there is a wonderful altarpiece painted by an Italian artist - knocks the Spanish artists into a cocked hat as my Dad would say ( though why I'm not sure) -and the carvings on the front door- well, just as good as Chartres and thats saying something!

So from Salamanca I started heading northwest - had decided to change my ferry and go from Roscoff, in Brittany so a long drive ahead. I was aiming to cross the Pyrenees again and revisit St Jean Pied de Port but on the way explored part of the Burgos province - stayed just outside a medieval village called Covarrubias on a very strange, but very pleasant, site - it was mainly static caravans, and long term tents- the type that have little picket fences and gardens, a real little community - in between were a few bits of rough ground - well, these were the pitches - suited me perfectly, no other vans or campers - every one was very friendly, 10 mins walk from the village and wonderfully peaceful. Another medieval village not far away- St Domingo de Silos is famous because of the monastery - it was there that the original recordings of the Gregorian chants were made in the 90's- yes, it was all their fault - mind you in the flesh it is really very soothing.
Really enjoyed my time in the area - stunning scenery and I had one of the most amazing drives from there up towards the Pyrenees- 70k's on back roads through pine forests, lakes, high and wide gorges- sadly photos just dont do it justice.

When we got to the foothills of the Pyrenees I had a little chat with Betsy, we agreed that in her own time would be fine but up she whipped - like a spring chicken- no thats not a good metaphor- like - oh, a Ford StreetKa (!) and how did i repay her? By reversing slap bang into a tree on the campsite - a huge tree no less. And to make matters worse it was in the afternoon so everyone was around and was watching- and you  just knew what they were thinking when I got out- grrr. Going to be a replacement bumper when I get back- such a nuisance.
But the visit was just as I had hoped as I met up with Delphine, the lady from the pilgrim hostel I worked with in 2013, shes looking good for 80 isnt she?

Since then, well have had a couple of days of quite tiring driving - am about a couple of hours away from Roscoff tonight, so will have a couple of days to enjoy the Brittany coastline and lovely food. Realised today that its a good idea to come back to the uk via France- its like a half way house - the sun is shining but a few degrees cooler, the roads are much busier, the prices are higher, drinks are smaller and theres no free food - all good preparation for next week.

So, its been a good trip - just over 7 weeks which isnt bad going in Betsy and on my own most of the time - hope you've enjoyed hearing about it, I've had a ball- met some great people, seen some amazing places, eaten delicious food, learned a lot of history, been bird watching, diving, and my spanish is improving. But the thing that I love the most is being able to see the amazing world that we live in - what  a lucky girl. And on that note,
Bye for now.

Have you missed me??

Its only been a week but seems so much longer - been to quite a few places and seen a lot but nothing to match El Rocio- but more of that later - firstly Sanlucar de Barrameda photos, am guessing you all know what the inside of a bodega looks like so thought you'd like a nice sunset -taken from where I was parked

Good job that I liked the aire as I had to stay a bit longer than anticipated due to a slightly, thankfully only slightly, dodgy mussel, if it had been a real rogue I would have booked myself into a hotel but that wasnt necessary, but after three days  I had no power left in the leisure battery so had to move on - so off I went to El Rocio - now this is an unusual small town just across the river from Sde B on the fringes of the Donana National Park. Its a pilgrimage centre, famous for the Whitsun fiesta which attracts around a million, yes a million devotees. What makes it so unusual is that there arent any roads, just sand and as there are more horses than cars all the properties have hitching rails - its like stepping into the wild west- really quite peculiar. In common with all pilgrimage centres there are lots of shops selling souvenirs but here its different- they're selling cowboy boots and flamenco dresses cause evidently this is a real  party - lasts three days(sorry photos go where they want...)

 As I mentioned there is also a national park and I really enjoyed myself birdwatching- well anyone would when its flamingoes, spoonbills, herons and the like- it was just fab to be near them in such beautiful surroundings.
The other thing that this little area is famous for is explorers - would you believe that in this small area not only Christopher Columbus set sail but also Magellan left from here on the first circumnavigation of the globe- all this kept me happy for days as I'm sure you would appreciate!

By now I was running out of places to visit in this little corner of Andalucia and so it was time to head north, visit some parts of Extramadura that I had missed out last time - - lots to see - in one day I went down a gold mine ( couldnt find any leftovers), down some amazing caves- (they filmed part of Journey to the Centre of the Earth there) and to a museum of Jamon to learn all about the production of the finest Iberian ham ( and have a tasting - delish)and of course drove through some stunning scenery. One of things I love is seeing the storks on their nests - all my other trips I've only seen empty nests - they're everywhere  that has a flat surface- electric pylons seem to be a favourite

By now I was starting to feel a bit weary - there's a surprise I hear you say, so decided a couple of stop days were called for so headed into the mountain, a misguided idea that it would be a bit cooler. Last eve it was still 32deg at 10pm so you can imagine what the day temp has been like- so today i headed off again and am now on the outskirts of Salamanca.
And thats it for tonight- I'm off to bed. Hope you are still enjoying these missives -I'm enjoying living them, well most of the time... till the next time,
All blessings

City Break Part 2

On my penultimate evening on the campsite, just as I had been thinking it would be nice to have a conversation up popped a new van- Gb plates with a lone female traveller- well as luck would have it we got on like a house on fire, shared a tasty meal at the restaurant and swapped contact details. AnnMarie lives in the deepest part of Pembrokeshire so unlikely to bump into her there but she is thinking of an Italian trip next year too so you just never know...

So after seeing the horses I headed back to Bolonia to check out the weather conditions - lovely to be back  in the great outdoors- hadnt appreciated how claustrophobic the campsite had been - the beach was beautiful and the sea calm.  Next day up early and off I went to do my course. Spent quite a bit of time doing the theory as this was much more intensive, eventually got into the sea, lovely and calm - and realised that I didnt like it-  couldnt get on with my breathing ( which is quite a useful thing to do!) Ian was great, very patient and we spent a lot of time just sitting on the sea floor but it really wasnt for me. When I went snorkelling later and really enjoyed myself I realised I had made the right decision - I hadnt enjoyed the first dive but I put that down to nerves and poor conditions - anyway, done it once and still got a certificatethough the rain). Maybe if I had persevered 30 years ago.....

No reason to stay so next morning bid a fond farewell to Bolonia and drove to Sanlucar de Barramunda further round the coast, via a great hill town called Medina Sidonia - amazing history and stunning views ( even through the rain) - S de B is famous as the home of Manzanilla production - its the same process as sherry , the difference is due to the sea wind - and it does taste different; its seafood which is just amazing- the fish market - wow; and also for holding horse races along the beach in August. Its on an estuary so the beach when the tide goes out is somewhat reminiscent of Southport! And its a gret Spanish town- again lots of history - first circumnavigtion of the world from here.
So have had good couple of days ad will be moving on tomorrow- know where I'm going the next couple of days but after then not sure, will see what the weather forecast  is- will follow the sun!

And on that note wil sign off - will get some photos on next time. Internet access is a bit of a challenge as my dongle ( ooer missus) isnt working.

Bye  for now

oh yes, wanted to mention the sunflower fields, as far as the eye can see- all doing their thing. - great

My City Break

Hi all
Well, think I left you just as I had arrived in Puerto de Sta Maria- across the river from Cadiz - so am getting right into the west of Andalucia. This whole area really is living up to expectations- they say that Cadiz province is the essence of Spain distilled into one corner and 'm not going to disagree - apart from the wonderful coast line, there are mountain ranges, forests, small towns and villages that seem totally deserted in the afternoons, white villages and towns clinging to the mountain edges- some do look as if one strong wind would blow then down! Of course, amazing history and lots of remnants of the Moorish occupation. Great food, delicious local wines and of course sherry and manzanilla - have I sold it to you??? And as a bonus not many motorhomes around- hurrah!! lots of Dutch and Spanish, very few Brits.

So, I was staying on a campsite, had planned to stay for 5 nights so I could visit Jerez and Cadiz using public transport, (who says there's no planning on my trips?) but what I hadnt appreciated was that it was 2.5k walk from the site to the town and as it was another .5k from my pitch to the gate that meant 6 k's walking before the sightseeing started!
But it was worth it- Cadiz is a lovely city - going in by ferry meant that you get a great view of the old city. Cadiz is said to be the oldest city in Europe- goes back to the Phoenicians and you can get a real feel of it especially in the back streets.

Wasnt as impressed as I expected with Jerez- felt a lot poorer and run down - its famous for sherry production, flamenco and the Dancing Andalucian horses who are amazing - the obvious close connection between the horse and rider is very special- the only part I didnt enjoy was when the horses were doing the amazing leaps and jumps that they do- felt like a circus act though of ourse the crowd were going wild!

Going to pop some photos on now - will do part 2 later- need to go to the shops

Life as a beach bum

well, seems an age since I last chatted with you, its probably not, just that so much has happened. Firstly - where am I now? well am on a campsite just outside Puerta de Santa Maria which is opposite Cadiz this is going to be my base for a few days while  visit Cadiz and Jerez - its a great town in its own right, very Spanish; its good to have a bit of city energy. Just get the weather report out of the way - its hot!! Very hot and very windy but not as windy as it was round the coast - more of that later.

So, what have I been up to - well, stayed on the kite surfers beach for 5 nights - it was just outside Tarifa as I said before, very relaxed, great mix of people and a good place to explore the area. Admit to being a bit disappointed in Tarifa itself- think I'm here 20 years too late- though the architecture is as I imagined- a very Moroccan feel to it, really good to wander around.
But the beauty really is in the beaches - difficult to get a good photo but they should give you an idea. The days passed very easily - had to take Betsy out to charge up the leisure battery but that was fine cause I found some interesting places- best one being Bolonia - said to be Spains best kept secret - stunning beaches, cork forests and a ruined roman city- Claudio Baelo - had been very important in its time.

And due to one of those great coincidences I ended up staying there for four nights. What happened was that last Sunday I met up with a long lost ( well, not known if truth be told) cousin Dan and his fab family Patsy, Africa and Lapita - I had been given his details by Brenda my Mum's niece and so we arranged to meet in Bolonia for lunch. Bit of a muddle finding each other but once we did- wow, we all got on like, well, long lost family, it was so much fun. Because we stayed on the beach so long and because of the heavy traffic they would have encountered they decided to stay, so I did too. Another meeting at breakfast and fond farewells - know we'll keep in touch.

So, there I was, in a lovely area, whats a girl to do? Well, bum around a bit more of course but then I met Ian - an English diving instructor - well, some of you may know that I tried diving when I was in Saudi - over 30 years ago, and didnt get on very well, but have always wanted to try again. So - thats what I did and succeeded but must say I think only thanks to his patience - nearly didnt go through with it - nope, not the fear of drowning but the thought of having to struggle into a wetsuit - yes, vanity nearly won through!! So have done my first dive but the course I did was a very basic one and as Ian has offered me a great price I am going to go back and take the next level - need to do 5 dives and more training but then will be able to go and dive anywhere- as it is I do have a certificate and we know how much I like them. So, another ambition achieved!!

I would have stayed and done it this week but a very strong wind - a Levante has blown up, -its so strong round there its hard to stand up in it and old Betsy was rocking and rolling at night- no - Ian and I have a purely professional friendship- minds out of the gutter please....Mind you I was ready for stop on a campsite after 9 nights wild camping-it is possible to wash your hair in a litre of water but will admit that a shower is much more pleasant.

So now I'm in the heart of Andalucia - fantastic seafood, flamenco and the horses of Jerez. Can get a ferry to Cadiz from here and a train to Jerez so Betsy's having a rest though looking at the map I haven't really travelled very far but am having a fantastic time.

Right, time to put some photos on, will be in touch again when i leave this area- till then, hope you are all well.
Jx

Yo dudes

Had to tell you  - am camped on  kitesurfers beach outside Tarifa- amazing! Not a plastic motorhome in sight!!
Pictures to follow.
jx

Two weeks in!

Hi All,
Pull up a chair, you've got a lot to catch up. Headed off as planned to Las Isletas del Moro and was very pleased to discover there was no problem camping on the beach- my cunning plan- arrive on a weekday... so I did that same thing and went to sleep to the sound of the waves - well, the crashing waves that kept me awake for half the night, if truth to be told but as I had no plans for the next day it really didnt matter- the next night was just as I had anticipated with a lovely sunset to boot.

weds headed off to Orgiva- stopped in Almunecar as had read about it ( okay, not worth a t shirt) but as i drove past Almeria the scenery changed and all of a sudden it started to look much more like the French riviera- had a delicious lunch on the beach enjoying a very comfortable 27.5 deg. As I drove up to Orgiva- about 40 mins I noticed the temperature rising-( thought it would have been cooler as going up...) when I got out of Betsy I hit a wall of heat- 41.5!!! ( I know, no sympathy). Anyway got settled on the campsite-just the sort I like, very laid back, find your own spot, open with stunning scenery and great showers. Next day caught up with the chi gung teacher from the course and met a few nice people. Spent the next couple of days getting to know the area- got the local bus up into the high mountain villages - stunning. Met up with a fab lady and her even fabber dog ( she agrees) Linda and Talia - they live in a wee litle van- like a Rascal - have been doing so for 12 years - has favourite campsites around France and Spain spends a few months at each and a couple of months in the UK - we got on really well and will keep in touch.

Then I spent a few days up in the mountains with Amanda ( my room mate from the course) and her partner Andy- oh and the 4 dogs, 2 cats and 3 horses - and when I say up in the mountains- well! I really can't describe the road and the the track that took me to their place - near vertical at times, with hairpin bends oh, and its unmade - will never have a concern about driving Betsy up a mountain again. Stayed with them for three days- stunning scenery, very peaceful though quite energetic as helped her with the horses and the vege garden - could have stayed longer except that the weather changed and we had 37mm of rain in 5 hours- more was forecast for the next day and if it had been that bad again the track would have been washed away - as it was Andy had to go up and repair it and then the next morning he drove B out - even he struggled at times! So, another night at the campsite and then I headed off into pastures new.

Headed off to Antequera-where I spent the night - great city, lots of 'old' right up my street, then visited a lagoon famous for the flamingoes  then headed towards a very well known gorge- Linda had told me about it- and the whole area is just amazing - she had told me about a great place to wild camp - did my best to find it but just as I was about to give up a series of 'coincidences' led me to meeting a young guy who was a climber and who showed me the most amazing place to stay - right in the middle of a national park by the side of a lake - it was fab- no one around, just the birds and i felt very safe.

Next day I drove out of that area and arrived in Ronda - but to get here I drove through the most amazing countryside- I wish I could beging to tell you how magnificent it is all around here- only about 50k's from Malaga but a million miles away- it is just breathtaking and I feel so blessed to be seeing it.

Have enjoyed Ronda once I got away from

 the milling tourists - the campsite is okay, not as good as Orgiva but better than the ones I think I am going to be staying in once I hit the coast.
So tomorrow am heading off towards Tarifa - and who knows what I will see on the way. The weather has been mixed, think the forecast is brighter for the next few days but dont think there will be much swimming in the sea just yet.

So, hope that I havent bored you, will pop some photos on, sure you will guess what they are. Hope you are all well and till the next time - hasta luego.
Jx
oops, sorry the photos have a mind of their own!.

I'm on the road again.....

Well , everything went according to plan- birthday celebrations were great fun, work was - well, could have been worse, but as it was swiftly followed by a long weekend in Madrid it quickly faded from the memory banks.
Madrid was great- for those of you who havent been there it is a city of wide boulevards, great architecture, superb art galleries, tremendous nightlife and very friendly and lively people - we only scratched the surface so lots of reasons to go back - ...
I came back to Mojacar on the train and bus- train was so comfortable, economy class -very comfortable seats, only two abreast, buffet car, entertainment screens with headphones provided - 4 hour trip all for the princely sum of 24e's.Arrived back in Mojacar last Monday night- had a quiet week catching up on rest, with friends and getting ready and today I'm off!
Not going far today as I am going to spend  couple of nights down on the Capa de Gata- the national park area Ive mentioned before - theres a very small fishing village called Isletas de Moro where you can park next to the beach, after then will be heading up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where I was for the course last November .Planning to head in a westerly direction taking in Ronda, Tarifa and then the Costa da Luz to Cadiz so will see just where I do get to! Of course will be dropping in to keep you updated. So bye for now.
PS - weather is goregous!

Spring has sprung!

Hola everyone
Just a quick update as on the move again. Had a good few weeks after the trip to the uk- didnt take long to recover from work even though Gwen had become semi nocturnal. Celebrated my birthday in style (thanks for all the good wishes)- Lynne and I played rock chicks in the afternoon and in the evening out to supper with a group of pals - good time was had by all. The weather gods were very kind- the sun came out for the first time in a week and the day after we went back to true winter weather- the locals had never known it to be so bad for such a long time but then with the clock change along came the summer- lovely!
Had a ball being a model for a charity fashion show - in aid of the animal sanctuary I have been helping out at - credit card came out because I just couldnt resist  couple of the outfits - things I do for charity!

Then last weekend it was all change- end of the winter so lots of people on the move- said farewell to Lynne and Tony - they are back in the UK till September, and I have moved in to stay with my friend Jenni  at her lovely house just outside Mojacar. She has offered to let me use it as a base in Spain and will be lodging with her and her sweet little dog - Bambi, when I need - so kind of her and I am very grateful.

Off to the Uk again tomorrow morning- will be helping Irene celebrate her big birthday next week then back in to look after Gwen on the 12th which is her 95th birthday. Couple of weeks with her then Irene and I are jetting off to Madrid for a long weekend. Back here on May 4th then I will be getting Betsy ready and off we will go - heading west and thats about as far as the planning goes.

So hope you all have a very Happy Easter, will pop by again soon, till I do - hope all goes well in your lives.
Bye for now
Jxx

Just thought i'd say a quick hello now I've been back here for a couple of weeks- had an 'interesting' time back working at the hospital- all a bit of a novelty for the first few days - lovely to catch up with old friends and colleagues and enjoyed  the work, however by the second week my feet and back were starting to ache and  reminding me that they too enjoy a more relaxing way of life. Had forgotten just how hard 10 hour days can be, and was very grateful not to be called back when on call.
So on my return I had a few quiet days catching up on my rest; I was grateful for the work as it afforded  me the opportunity to join a second care agency and fulfill their training requirements but was glad to be back in the sunshine.

 And yes the sun was lovely- blue skies and lovely sea but in the last few days winter has really hit. We had been chuckling to ourselves down here as  the majority of Spain has been having a very unusual cold snap- snow over most of the country but there was a little strip along our coastline which was escaping all of that but for no longer - whilst we don't have snow there have been some very low temperatures and lots of strong winds and rain. But sure it will change again soon.

Have been quite busy - started helping out at the local animal shelter -  caring for the dogs- and whilst it is lovely to be around that wonderful dog energy I have not fallen in love with any of them and have no intention of doing so - but if the time did come when I was able to adopt a new pal then  would come to these people - they are doing an amazing job. Have also been increasing my exercise levels since I got on the scales at the McIndoe- no, I'm not going  public - will just say that it came as a nasty shock!

So have got about 10days here then will be flying back to the UK to look after Gwen again for a couple of weeks - will just be a flying visit so no time to go visiting but hopefully will catch up on the phone.

So thats me- hope you are all well and coping with the winter- nice to know that Spring is on the horizon isn't it?
Bye for now
Jane x

A quick hello

Here we are - three quarters of the Christmas Day revellers after a very, very good  lunch -(dont worry the driver took the photo) cant see the glorious sunshine nor the sparkling blue sea but they were there- twas great fun and the seafood was fantastic. Following on from that was the New Year celebrations- all went well, no one choked on their grapes and at midnight one of the restaurants on the beach set off a fab firework display which we could see clearly from the terrace -  so much fun that we did it all again at 1am but this time to the sound of Big Ben and with a rousing renditon of Auld Lang Syne.

Now in the uk thats that but here  we still have the real celebration of the 3 Kings to look forward to so more partying, parades and fun was had on the 5th and 6th. Time to sit down and take it easy one would think but  oh no- cause then Irene arrived. We had a really good time despite me starting with a rotten viral thing - but I just turned to drugs and carried on. One of the highlights was the panto - Babes in the Wood starring one of my friends Sue - poor Irene, I really do know how to show her a good time!
The weather was lovely and she spent most afternoons sitting on the terrace with not a lot on - two hours later she was dressed in multiple layers with hot water bottle.

Well, since she left last Monday life has been very quiet, I have been rather under the weather but am very much better now which is a good thing as I am off to the UK tomorrow on the 6.15 shuttle to the airport. Yes- work is re-entering my life but dont worry- only for about 10days- and this time I'm back at the McIndoe - think this is going to be a huge shock to the system but I am looking forward to it ( wonder if they are???), also fits in wonderfully well as I am applying to another care agency and need to attend for interview and training.

So hasta luego to the sea and easy life- see you soon. And hopefully catch up one way or another with pals.

Bye for now
Jx