Bonterra Park, Benicassim, Spain (10/03/2017 - 16/03/2017)

Friday 10th March 2017

Blue sky and 25C, again!

We go cycling, such an excellent cycle track, Kathleen forgets to be tired, and, we end up at Castellon de la Plana. To the coast for a little lunch and then, back along the coast to do 20 miles. 

This makes our total for the week, walking and cycling, 78 miles. I do suggest we go for the round 100 miles, but, Kathleen declines.

We manage a Facetime call to Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma and are able to witness Salma's latest achievement of climbing the stairs. Gabriel has started playing Rugby at school, and, Gary is shortly to jet off to Korea for six weeks.

Saturday 11th March 2017

A very strange day, today, weather-wise. At the van, we are bathed in sunshine, and it is a very pleasant 21C, but, a bank of fog/mist has rolled in from the sea and is lying all along the coast, and, has covering the inland hills.

Since it was our "resting day", after all of our walking and cycling, it makes little difference, and we simply lie around in our little patch of sunshine!

Sunday 12th March 2017

A sunny 23C today.

Kathleen is up early and off to church for 09:00, leaving me to sit in the sun.

After a (very) late breakfast, we ride to Castellon de la Plana on the scooter, and mingle with the many people who all seem to be sitting in the sun eating and drinking, it is clearly a hard life, being a Spaniard.

There is clearly some "special" event going on, there are hundreds of women of all ages, wearing yellow T-Shirts, with some logo emblazoned on the the front. My Spanish is not excellent, but, it appears to translate as "The Curse of Women Day"?

The older ones are behaving sensibly and eating/drinking cake and coffee, whilst the younger ones (ie under 30) are drinking large amounts of beer and wine. All very good natured however, no unpleasantness.

Monday 13th March 2017

The weather forecast said rain overnight, and all day today. It is totally accurate, pouring rain through the night which continues until lunchtime, with temperatures struggling up to 12C.

Kathleen finds it difficult/impossible to just sit still and read her book, so, insists on cleaning and tidying, and generally upsetting the peace and quiet.

I escape outside, during a lull in the rain, and manage to snap our friendly Robin visitor, as he hangs around, waiting for the crumbs from our lunch.

We manage a short walk (4 miles) in the afternoon.

Kathleen rustles up a very good Sweet and Sour Pork, with vegetable rice, for our evening meal.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, not because of any lack of culinary skills on Kathleen's part, but, because of the absence of potatoes. Kathleen's Irish Heritage usually shows through and almost all meals include potatoes. I am just beginning to think the vegetable rice is a little treat for me (I prefer rice), when Kathleen explains, she simply "could not be bothered to cook potatoes and vegetables. Which, somewhat takes the edge of "my little treat". 

Tuesday 14th March 2017

After a slow start, the weather forecast proves to be correct, full sunshine and a comfortable 20C.

Our friends, John and Carol leave today, heading North, for Girona, and then home. They have been here since early December, so, time to move on.

After waving them off, we cycle along the coastal cycle track to Oropesa.

The cycle track follows the route of an old railway line, so, is reasonably easy going, with cuttings or tunnels though the hills, rather than having to go up and over the top.

Wednesday, 15th March 2017

Looks as if we are back to the blue sky and sunshine, Temperatures climbing over the 20's C.

Kathleen does her Lent duty and goes to church.

The afternoon is spent cycling and walking, 14 miles and three miles respectively.

There is a major problem looming. Regular readers may have noticed, there has been little of no mention of the dreaded "hair washing days". This is because they have not been funny, they have been totally unbearable! It has been decided that a hairdresser must be found to administer a suitable haircut.

We seek the advice of "Larry", he is an amiable American(?) chap, living in the UK, who has been at Bonterra Park every time we have been here, like James Garner, in "The Great Escape", Larry knows where most things can be obtained.

He points us to a Hairdressing Salon, which his partner uses, it is called "Anca", and, this being Spain, it is run by a young Romanian woman. Clearly the trend for the East Europeans to succeed, where locals fail to even try, is not confined to the UK! 

We take an evening walk and find Pelequaria Anca.  

Thursday, 16th March 2017

Blue sky, sunshine and 20C.

Kathleen is not happy with how level (or unlevel, if that is a word) the van is, we cannot get it high enough at the front using our existing collection of levelling blocks. 

I have put Amazon to the test, and ordered some extreme Millenco Quattro 2 leveling blocks, from Amazon UK, for delivery to the campsite. 

Sure enough, they turn up today, exactly as promised.

Where would we be without that army of courier drivers in their Ford Transits / Mercedes Sprinters, driving flat out, while using their mobile phone, in their rush to deliver our Amazon Parcels?

First, some chores have to be done, clothes washing.

Today is market day, Kathleen goes on a quest to corner the market in "Sports Socks", the are selling on the Market for 9 pairs for 5Euro, I think she now has 18 pairs!

Cycling in the afternoon.

Kathleen does church again in the evening.

It is decided that Pelequaria Anca is to be put to the test tomorrow..... watch this space!

Bonterra Park, Benicassim, Spain (06/03/2017 - 09/03/2017)

Monday, 6th March 2017

So far, it has been warm, today, it is positively HOT, by the time we return from our ten mile bicycle ride, it is 27C!.

On our previous visit here, the cycle track to the next town was only partly usable, but, it is all now completed, and, very pleasant. 












Tuesday, 7th March 2017

Blue skies, sunny and hot. 

One problem we have, or, to be more precise, Kathleen has, she reckons the van is not quite level. Checking it with the spirit level, she is right (of course), but, I have it as high as it will go on the levelling blocks.

Google to the rescue and I am abe ti find the location of a local Caravan/Motorhome Accessories shop, so, we combine our morning walk with a visit to the Accessory shop. We cannot get a higher set of levelling blocks, buy, we are able to get another set, the plan being to use two sets, one on top of the other.

Instead of leaving me to it, Kathleen recruits "helpers", it definitely a case of more hands do NOT make light work, and, at the end of two hours of messing about, I think the level is worse, although, everyone else appears to believe it is "slightly better".

The brightspot of the day, the evening is warm enough to eat our evening meal outside, one of Kathleen's favourite activities. 











Wednesday, 8th March 2017

Blue sky and sunshine, although, Kathleen does have a complaint, it is "only" 20C today.

It is even hot enough to eat breakfast outside!

Cycling (16 miles) today.

Thursday, 9th March 2017

Blue sky, sunshine and hot 25C.

Thursday is Market Day in Benicassim. The town centre car parking area is taken over by dozens of market stalls, with the usual array of fruit, vegetables, shoes, clothing, handbags and various other things you never knew you needed or wanted.

As usual the crowds descend, Kathleen does her bit to boost to the Spanish economy, by spending 20Euro on slippers, trainers and sports socks, we then retire to "Casa Vincente" (bar/cafe) for beer and free tapas, along with most of the campsite it appears. 

We have a rest from cycling, and, instead go walking along the coast, approximately five miles.

Kathleen must be feeling particularly affluent, because in the evening, I am treated to a meal.

Bonterra Park, Benicassim, Spain (03/03/2017 - 05/03/2017)

Friday 3rd March 2017

The weather forecast is for rain, but, we actually get overcaste with a little sun, and a cool 16C, but, no rain.

There is an alternative ACSI Campsite in Benicassim (Camping Tauro), which is a couple of Euro per night, cheaper than Bonterra Park. Kathleen is determined to check it out. We know approximately where it is. We combine checking it out, with our daily exercise, and walk along the coast, then into the area of "new" development where the site is located. It is smart enough, and, although not full, it is busy. We decide to stay where we are, Bonterra Park is much better located for all of the things on our list.

Just over 6 miles walking today, should justify a bar of chocolate this evening.

In the end, the weather forecast proves to be correct, overnight torrential rain!

Saturday, 4th March 2017

Blue sky and sunshine, to start, but, cloudy and breezy later, cool. 

A traumatic day for Kathleen, it is hair-care day, best to stay out of the way.

A day for chores, clothes washing, cleaning outside of van.

The usual Saturday evening Pizza, and a very nice bottle of vino tinto, Rioja, my favourite.

Sunday, 5th March 2017

Blue sky, sunshine, until mid afternoon, then, cloudy, but warm.

Bicycle riding, eventually, when I dragged Kathleen out of bed. We find a very pleasant circuit of cycle track, approximately 12 miles.

Sunday lunch at the coast, life is good! 

Bonterra Park, Benicassim, Spain (01/03/2017 - 02/03/2017)

Wednesday 1st March 2017

A bright and sunny day, 19C.

Key tasks are completed in the morning:

•  A little shopping for essentials (wine and beer)
• The inevitable visit to the "bargain" Chinese Bazaar, new Crocks purchased, at only 4.50Euro for two pairs, I suspect they are not genuine Crocks
• A visit to the Catholic Church so Kathleen can determine if there are any services/celebrations for Ash Wednesday. No is the answer.  

The afternoon is spent lying in the sun, recovering from the journey.

Thursday 2nd March 2017

Bright and sunny, 20C

We cycle along the coast, just over 15 miles.

We meet an elderly Frenchman, Alain, he tells us he is 77, and is pedalling along the coast on his "birthday present" a folding electric bicycle.

When we return, we both check our blood pressure readings, both are significantly reduced.

I wonder if we can get our Campervan trips on prescription? (if not the whole cost, perhaps, the ferry crossing, or perhaps tokens for free diesel).

Later in the day, we meet old friends from previous visits to Bonterra Park, John, Carol, John and Adrian. Inevitably, we spend the rest of the afternoon drinking Red Wine in their company.

Poitiers to Oloron Sainte Marie, France, to Benicassim, Spain

Monday, 27th February 2017.

A dull and cool morning.

When we come to pay (it is all automated, ticket on the way in, present ticket to machine, pay on exit), we find the charging structure is not quite as we had been led to believe. We thought it was 7Euro for twenty four hours, but, it is 7Euro for the twenty four hours 08:30 - 08:30. We arrived at about 16:30 (part way through a twenty four hour period) and, we are leaving at 09:00, which is in the NEXT twenty four hour period, so, we have to pay 14Euro! For that price, we could have stayed on a site, with full facilities! I doubt we will be back.  

So we leave Poitiers Futurscope (N46 39.813' : E0 22.094'), 14Euro lighter, and head for Mont de Marsan (N43 54.146' : W0 31.186'), an Aire, supposedly with EHU and Toilets. Well, we find the Aire, but, no EHU, no Toilets and no water. 

Since it is "only" 14:00, we decide to head nearer to the Somport Tunnel and set the Sat-Nav for Oloron Sainte Marie (N43 11.032' : W0 36.511').

Approximately 280miles later, we arrive at Oloron Sainte Marie.

Fortunately, the Aire at Oloron Sainte Marie is exactly as described. 

Marked spaces for 7 Vans, (with a maximum stay of 48 hours) but, eventually with 11 present! Surprisingly. most of them are Brits. 

The Aire is virtually in the town, Kathleen has a break from cooking, and we find a little bar serving food.

Despite the fact the Aire is just off the road, and, is in town, it is surprisingly quiet.




Tuesday 28th February, 2017

A mild but dull morning.

We are away early, 08:00, the thought being to get along the much hyped approach to the Somport Tunnel, before the traffic builds up, with the intention of making Benicassim, today (approximately 340 miles).

What an anti-climax, true, the road is twisty and narrow, and, you have to be alert for the occasional articulated truck hurtling down the gradient from Spain, but, there are no difficult bits and no significant gradients. The road on the Spanish side of the tunnel is even better, almost motorway standard dual carriageway for most of the journey, and, very light traffic.

Plus, the road is almost empty, in both directions.

The Somport Tunnel is fairly new (built around 2003), and it shows, well lit, and well signed. According to Google, it is the longest road tunnel in the Pyrenees at 5.3 miles long. It cost 251Million Euro to build, which seems pretty reasonable to me, as these things go!

  








Eventually, we arrive at Bonterra Park, Benicassim, at about 17:00, a long day, but, the sky is blue, the sun is shining!

Benicassim, Bonterra Park, Bonansa, Camping Baliera, Montrejeau, Camping Midi-Pyrenees (March 28th - April 3rd 2015)

Saturday, March 28th 2015

Another sunny day.

We have been let loose, after almost five days of being kept indoors, because of the weather.

Off cycling again, 14 miles along the coast to Oropesa.

The cycle track has re-opened, after whatever work it was they were doing, all nicely resurfaced.

It is an old railway line, which runs along the

coast, but with some stunning scenery, and a few tunnels.

Oropesa is the next "town" north along the coast from Benicassim.

It is more "resort style" than Benicassim, a bit tacky, in our opinion, but, different people have different tastes.

Back to the van, a late lunch, then Kathleen heads off to church.

It is the week before Easter, Palm Sunday weekend, to the un-initiated. The Spanish are beginning to arrive in force for their Easter break.

Lots of grumbling from the British OAP's near us, complaints about the Spanish and their noise.

It is true, they are a bit loud, but, after all, it is their country!

Plus, they are not really that much more load, than the complaining OAP's, most of

whom seem to be so deaf they can only converse at a shout.

No sooner than I have myself settled with a glass of wine to have an hours relaxation, whilst Kathleen is at church, and, she is back.

No Mass tonight apparently, so, Kathleen will be going tomorrow morning, 09:00, too early in the morning for a glass of Red however, even by my standards.

Clocks change tonight, move forward an hour, so, lighter nights.

Sunday, 29th March 2015

A leisurely day, well, every day is leisurely now, I suppose I should say "an even more leisurely day".

A walk along the coast for about 3.5 miles.

Lots of the bars and Cafes, which had been closed for winter, have opened up this weekend, so, we sample one for tapas and a drink.

My turn to cook, lamb chops grilled on my griddle, purchased from the Chinese Bazaar.

Snooze away the rest of the afternoon and another 2.5 mile walk in the evening, to wake us up!

Monday, 30th March 2015

Well, the good times are over, Kathleen has entered "going home mode".

Thoughts of weight gain etc.

So, a few new "rules":

• no more crisps
• no more biscuits with our morning coffee
• no more snacks, ie nuts, olives, gerkins etc
• no more lunch time beers
• reduce alcohol intake

These of course are Kathleen's rules, but, to use that phrase so beloved of the female of the species, I am expected to "support", her in her efforts, which, in male speak means suffer alongside her.

I ask you, what fun is there in that?

For today, I have circumvented the rules, under the pretence of going for a healthy walk along the coast (2.5 miles) took her to lunch, ordered a bottle of wine before she could object.

Packing started, well, scooter loaded onto it's trailer and positioned ready for hitch-up.

Tuesday, 31st March 2015

A 4.5 mile walk along the coast to one of our favourite bars, for an Orange juice, I told you the fun  times are over.

Lie in the sun, pay the campsite bill and then complete the packing.

Wednesday, 1st April 2015

We leave Bonterra Park and Benicassim

Today, we are travelling approximately 230 miles north into the foothills of the Pyrenees to Camping Baliera, Bonansa (N42 26'21.8" E0 41'53.9"). An ACSI site, which is open all year around.

If you really want to see it, there is video here.

Looks like an ideal spot for outdoor activity enthusiasts, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and, in season skiing.

Trying out this route, which misses out Barcelona, and the slog along the N340.

Although not designated as a major road, on the map, the road is excellent quality, very scenic, without being too scary, Kathleen even managed some photographs.

For most of the way today, we are travelling across a broad plateau, surrounded by hills.

Not too much traffic, and not too many slow lorries.

After Lleida, it becomes a little more hilly, and twisty, as the valley narrows, and, there

is a large man made lake on one side of the road (hydro electric scheme, I think).

Surprisingly, considering how far inland we are, and, how high we are, it is remarkably warm, a very pleasant 22C.

Thursday, 2nd April 2015

A very small "hop" today, just over 60 miles, through the Vielha Tunnel, and into France
.

The whole  journey, in approximately 10 minute clips is below:

The approach to the tunnel, going North, Part 1

The approach to the tunnel, going North, Part 2

Ascent and entering tunnel, going north.

Tunnel, exit, and descent, going North. (part 4)

Descent from tunnel, going North, (Part 5)

Descent French side, going North - Part 6

Entering France, not that there is a border, Part 7

N125 - Part 8

N125 - Part 9

N125 - Part 10

Montrejeau - Part 11

Montrejeau, find the campsite! - Part 12

We have become used to daytime temperatures of 25C, even in the early morning, it was typically 18C.

This morning is therefore a bit of a surprise, we are well inland here, and quite high in up, there was frost on the outside of the van when we woke up, and the outside temperature was -1C!

But, a beautiful morning.

It soon warms up, by 10:00 when we leave, it is up to 15C.

The climb to the Vielha tunnel on this (the South side) is nothing alarming a steady 7%, with no really sharp bends.

The Tunnel itself is no problem, just over 5 kilometres (3.1 miles), well lit, slightly downhill as you go north.

The descent on the South side, into Vielha town, is steeper, with more twists and a couple of hairpins, but, nothing to get alarmed about.

Soon, we are at Montrejeau, Camping Midi-Pyrenees, (N43 5'31" E0 33'14"). An ACSI site, which is open all year.

The site is quiet, with fantastic views, temperature is 25C by shortly after lunch time.

The church is found, Easter Services checked out, so, Kathleen is set.

Friday 3rd April 2015.

The morning starts cool, only 1C at breakfast time, but, by 10:30 it is a pleasant 15C.

We decide to visit St Gaudens, about ten miles away, on the scooter.

Kathleen is becoming blasé about riding on the back, she had forgotten to put her gloves on, when her hands become cold, her solution was to sit on her hands, which means of course, she was not holding on at all.

I did have spare gloves with me, and, I did offer to give her my gloves and use the "spares" myself, so, Dana, Claire, Phillippa, don't blame me!

There is a pleasant "medieval" centre, with the usual proliferation of bars, and cafes, and, of course, a church.

By lunch time, it is 21C, so, what better than lunch in the square.

One disadvantage of travelling on the scooter, we have to limit our alcohol intake, me, because I am "driving", and Kathleen because she is (supposed to be) holding on.

After travelling back to Montrejeau, Kathleen heads of to church, it being Good Friday.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (March 21st -March 27th 2015 )

Saturday, 21st March 2015

This weather is beginning to be a pain.

Raining, well, pouring down, for the second day in a row.

The rain stops in time for us to do our 5 mile coastal walk, and, visit the Chinese Restaurant, for a very nice lunch (only 15.30Euro, or £12, three courses, plus wine, for two!).

By late afternoon, the rain is back.

Sunday, 22nd March 2015

It is a good thing Kathleen decided to go to church yesterday evening, because this morning starts with heavy rain, and progresses to torrential rain for the rest of the day! Three days now!

It is getting boring now! Just to give you a flavour of how boring, today, we sat and watched a film, ("Castaway), on Spanish TV, starring Tom Hanks as a marooned Fed-Ex worker, in Spanish!

Monday, 23rd March 2015

Yet more rain, but, fortunately not all day long, we manage to walk to the shops to buy food, and wine, so, at least we will not starve, plus a short walk along the coast.

Our German neighbours (Anna-Lauren and Willie) were supposed to leave for home today, but, they appear to have postponed their departure, presumably to allow their awning and other "outside" gear to dry off.

Tuesday, 24th March 2015

This really is becoming boring now, yet another day of rain!

A short walk along the coast is all we manage, reading a lot of books however!

Wednesday, 25th March 2015

Today, the good news is, it does not rain, the bad news is, it is blowing a gale.

As far as we get is a restaurant, for a rather nice lunch.  

Thursday, 26th March 2015

It is dry and sunny, the  wind has dropped to a soft breeze.

Summer, or, at least Spring has returned!

We manage a 5 mile walk along the coast, with a drink in a beach side café.

Our German neighbours, Willie and Anna-Lauren, who were supposed to be leaving on Monday, manage to get the last of their outside gear dry and packed, so, they will be off tomorrow morning (8:00 according to Anna-Lauren) so, we will have to up to wave them goodbye.

As our time to leave (Wednesday next) approaches, Kathleen is becoming restless, constantly going through the campsite book, double checking that our selected sites and aires are in fact open.

Friday, 27th March 2015

Anna-Lauren and Willie, leave at 08:00 on the dot, not 07:59 or 08:01, but, 08:00, well, they are German!

One of their German friends is there to see them off, along with Kathleen and I. He tells (what I think is) an amusing joke (who said the Germans have no sense of humour):

An elderly lady wishes to commit suicide by shooting herself in the heart. She consults her doctor, on how she can be sure to place the gun correctly. He tells her, "place the gun under your left breast, and fire". She wakes up in  hospital. Her Doctor asks her, "what happened". "I shot myself in the knee" she replies.

Jokes over with and goodbyes said, it is a beautifully sunny day. We cycle to Castellon Port (18 miles there and back).

The "purpose" of the cycle ride to Castellon Port, is, to visit the market, which someone told us about a few days ago.

I am not sure why we cycled nine miles to see it, we hardly ever buy anything at the market, but, it is buzzing and interesting.

A stop to quench our thirst on the way back, then spend the rest of the day, eating and drinking.

What a hard life this is!

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (March 14th - 20th March 2015 )

Saturday, March 14th 2015

Not much fun today, domestic chores, and, a short walk along the coast.

Sunday, March 15th 2015

It is mothers day in the UK.

I have collected the Mothers Day Cards, from Reception, as they arrived, and handed them over this morning.

Treated Kathleen to the mother's day lunch, she will have to wait until we get home to have the real thing with her dear daughters.

Monday. March 16th 2015

Our neighbours, Harry and Sue are due to leave for home this morning, but, disaster strikes, they are packed and ready to go, then, their van will not start!

Eventually with the help of several people, the fault is found, a jump start gets the engine going, and they are off, two hours behind schedule.

We have time for a short walk, only three miles, before, we go to what we have learned is called a "sod off party".

This it would appear is the "done thing" among the long stay fraternity.

This afternoons event is to see off, two other campers, we have come to regard as friends, John and Carol.

They are leaving tomorrow, not for home, but, to go further south to Cartegena, having been here since January 6th!

It is a very pleasant afternoon, plenty of wine (red white and rose), nibbles and good chat.

There are some amazing people here,

including a 93 year old and his wife, towing their caravan!

We are last to leave!










Tuesday, 17th March 2015

It seems like ages since we went cycling, so, we don our recently purchased Lidl cycling gear for a 16 mile outing along the coast.

This is Kathleen at the end of the 16 mile ride.

I know it is not polite to say a ladies age, let us just say, not bad for someone who was born in 1947!




Our German neighbours (Anna-Lauren and Willy) are leaving on Monday next, they have a mountain of gear, including an 1150cc BMW motorcycle, with them.

They have started to pack, we helped them load the BMW motorcycle into their trailer, not an easy task!

Their campervan (or Reisemobile) is a Mercedes Sprinter base, and we learn, while in the UK, the drivers of the Transit vans tearing along our roads are referred to as "white van man", in Germany, the equivalent expression is "Sprinter man". 

Wednesday, 18th March 2015

Dull, overcaste, and, eventually by lunch time rain!

A short period of almost brightness allows us a walk out.

We follow a route suggested by one of the "long stay" neighbours, Fred, who has been here since October.

A 4 mile walk, which takes us through the orange groves and past the cemetery (very cheering!) and eventually into Benicassim.




Thursday, 19th March 2015

Oh dear, heavy overnight rain, then, this morning cloudy and windy!

It takes more than a bit of bad weather to keep us in however, we manage another 4.3 miles, walking neighbour, Fred's, second route through the orange groves.

We discover, by chance, today, appears to be a public holiday here in Benicassim.

It is St Joseph's day, and, Spanish Fathers Day, not sure if that is the reason for the holiday, but, Kathleen treats me to chocolate cake and coffee.

Friday, 20th March 2015

Today, there is supposed to be a partial solar eclipse over most of northern Europe, including Spain.

It will make no difference to us, there is thick cloud and pouring rain, the first daytime rain we have had in about two months.

I doubt there will be any walking or cycling today, we even cancelled our planned lunch time outing to the Chinese Restaurant, because is pouring with rain. We had fried egg sandwiches in the van, instead.

Another set of neighbours depart today, Bernie and Jackie, are off, heading home.

Jackie and Kathleen have been comparing notes on knitting.

Kathleen has been amusing herself (also known as being obsessed with) knitting tea-cosies.

So far, seven have been completed, two have been given to good homes, two are "promised" to good homes, so, there are currently four strays.

Jackie has promised a pattern to make knitted Nativity Scenes, so, what this space on our next trip.

The third Mothers Day card arrived today.

So, it would appear, the Spanish postal system has black holes, where mail languishes, just like our own Royal Mail.

Either that, or, Phillippa delayed posting Claire's card, to make herself look good.