Had to tell you - am camped on kitesurfers beach outside Tarifa- amazing! Not a plastic motorhome in sight!!
Pictures to follow.
jx
Pictures to follow.
jx
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Monday, 25 May 2015
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!.
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
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!.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
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!
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!
Friday, 3 April 2015
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 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
Thursday, 12 February 2015
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
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
Monday, 19 January 2015
A quick hello
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
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Feliz Navidad / Happy Christmas!!
Just wanted to drop a little note into your in boxes to send you all the warmest of greetings for this festive time.
I am nicely settled into my little house- Felt very different to the one last year- needed bit of sorting out but thanks to the loan of rugs, tables and throws its looking and feeling very nice. The weather has been lovely during the day and once again very chilly in the evening but after 12 years of Rose Cottage its not a big deal. The views of the sea are gorgeous and the mountains have been sparkling - a sprinkling of snow on the sierra nevada on the horizon - how lucky am I??
Its been a busy few days catching up with old pals and already making new friends -I am off to eat seafood tomorrow and then spend the rest of the day at Jenni's watching Christmas tele- bit of a treat as I dont have any tv in the house, then supper at Lynne and Tonys on Friday and a lie down on Saturday. I am hosting New Years Eve - which I'm sure will be fun- just hope that no-one chokes on the 12 grapes at midnight!
So think that the start of 2015 will see me taking it a bit easy until the celebrations of Three Kings - so as you can see all is going well.
I do hope that you all enjoy your Christmases however you are spending it and that 2015 will be a good year, I know a number of you will be very glad to see the back of 2014 for a variety of reasons and so will be looking forward to a new start with eager anticipation.
As for me., well my year has been amazing - I have been so blessed with my pals and the support and love that has been shown to me so I am looking forward to another exciting year with lots of adventures and continuing good health. Blessings to you all.
Jane xx
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