Showing posts with label L'Estartit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label L'Estartit. Show all posts

Tuesday 3 February 2015

L'Estartit -> Cambrils -> Benicassim

Monday 2nd February 2015

Weather Bright and sunny, but, it is no warmer, frost on the outside of the van windows when we wake up, so, we leave Camping Les Medes, heading south for Cambrils.



A nightmarish journey, in which, I think the moral of the story is, either leave the sat-nav to do it's job, or, switch it off, do not alternate between following the sat-nav instructions and doing your own thing.

We eventually arrive at Camping Joan, Cambrils, 160 miles later.

We eventually get parked, after (mostly) dodging the low trees, two other vans, which arrived with us, have given up and left, we should have done the same!

Surprise, surprise, we are parked next to a couple from Newcastle (Keith and Dot)!, they seem to have had a catalogue of disasters, including the failure of the domestic electrical system in the van, and, having the waste water outlet damaged. The local Campervan Garage have managed to fix the Electrics, but, they are having to wait for a part to fix the waste water outlet.

Cambrils is a pleasant place, but just about deserted at this time of year.

The weather is mild enough for a pleasant walk along the promenade, to give us a little exercise after sitting  in the van for several days.

By evening, it is quite cold, only 5C outside. 

The Electric Hook-up here is a rather poor 6amps, so, we have to alternate between using our limited gas supply and the Electric supply to keep warm.

Tuesday 3rd February 2015

It is still cold, plus, now it is raining and blowing a gale.

Kathleen borrows a pair of ladders from one of the onsite workmen, and using Duct tape, kindly supplied by our neighbour Keith, I am able to make a temporary repair to the damage from hitting one of the lower overhanging trees.

We set off for Benicassim.




The bad news is, the howling gale is blowing off the land, so, we get a real buffeting. 
Kathleen is not a happy passenger, a few "hail Marys" are being said I think, she certainly makes no comment on the route! 

At one stage, I do think of offering advice on what to do if we should be blown over, since the van would fall on "her" side, but, decide, best to keep quiet!

So, 100 wind battered miles later, we arrive at Bonterra Park, Benicassim, they have spaces, the sun is shining, it is 17C.

I am delegated the task of making lunch, using our outside gas stove, with Kathleen assisting as "sous chef".

The problem with Kathleen acting as "sous chef", is, she does not understand the principle that the "sous chef" does as instructed, ie, the response to "I need a stirring spoon", is "yes chef", not, "can't you see I am topping up my sun tan".

Eventually, despite the difficulties, I have lunch cooked, and soon, we are eating outside and having a glass or two of red wine. 

Sunday 1 February 2015

Narbonne -> L'Estartit

Saturday 31st January 2015

In Narbonne, a bright and sunny day, but a cool 6C.

Today is our 28th Wedding anniversary, quite fitting that we should be spending it in Narbonne, we have spent lots of time here on various holidays and campervan trips.


A pleasant walk into town, do the obligatory check out the church mass times, for Kathleen, a browse around the indoor market, coffee and a sandwich, whilst watching the French being their usually laid-back selves.

For a short time, it appears we are about to have downpour, with spectacular clouds, but, soon it is all blue sky again.

On the Narbonne Aire, there is a decent power supply, so, Kathleen decides to attempt hair washing, in the van.

Now, this may not seem very exciting, to anyone reading this. who does not know Kathleen, but, to those who do.........

Disaster strikes, hair is all washed, just about to begin the conditioning and rinsing operation, and, the wash basin waste pipe becomes detached, soapy water everywhere!

Fortunately, I am on-hand, and able to reconnect the pipe pretty quickly.

Calm returns, and the French National Grid just have to put another Nuclear Power Station online to allow hair drying to continue. 

Sunday 1st February 2015

A howling gale all night, gives way to a freezing cold (2C) morning, with heavy showers.

Kathleen walks to church, half a mile, bless her. I hope her efforts are appreciated!

We leave at 11:15, by which time, the sun is shining, but, the wind is still howling.

The plan had been a short drive to Coulloire, France, but, given the weather, we decide to push on into Spain, so, 108 miles later, we roll into L'Estartit, Spain, Camping Les Medes. A pleasant site. weather bright and sunny, but, only 7C!, barely warmer than at home, and we are now c1,200 miles south!