Thursday 16th May 2013 - Monday 20th May 2013

Valencia, Pinedo, Coll Vert (N39 23'47" W0 19' 58")...continued......

Thursday, we skip the historic buildings bit, and cycle the whole of the Jardines del Turia Park.

It is amazingly well organised, with a cycle track circling the whole park. They even have speed "cameras" for bicycles!

Kathleen is being a good cyclist and keeping within the speed limit, as the smiley face shows!

I even get a photograph of the purple blossom on the trees.








Sunday, so, it is "going to church day".

We cycle into Valencia, where there is a Mass at the Cathederal, every hour on Sunday Mornings, clearly, either no shortage of Catholic Priests here, or, they work longer hours.

I am told, it is Pentecost Sunday, which might explain the hectic "goings on" in Valencia.

First we emerge from the Turia Park, at the Royal Bridge, to find, we cannot cross the road into the city centre, because there is a Valencian version of the Great North Run going on. Much to Kathleen's irritation, we must go back down the ramp to the park, and back up another ramp, on the other side of the road. 

We soon notice, in addition to the run, there are several women, and men, dressed in rather exotic traditional costumes.

While Kathleen is at church, I wander the streets and manage this rather poor photgraph of some of them.

In a square near the church, there are literally hundreds of tables and chairs set out, along with a couple of

childrens bouncy castles, and some VERY loud music.

This is presumably going to be a mammoth Paella cooking and eating party, this group are setting up to begin cooking giant paella in the street.

When Kathleen emerges from church, we wander among the crowds for a while, before cycling back to the campsite.

Enroute, we stop off for a beer or two. Two major achievements occur, first, I convince Kathleen to try one of the "snacks" on offer, she agrees to try "Patatas Bravas", if I can order it without the Mayonnaise, I cannot get her to try the Calamary, so, I am forced to eat that all to myself. The second achievement, is, I manage to speak to the waitress, in Spanish, and obtain Patatas Bravas, without mayonnaise.

Leave Valencia and head North (on our way slowly home now), toward Peniscola.

We have chosen two possible Aires from the Spain and Portugal Aires book, La Moreras (N40 23.398’ E0 24.607’), and La  Mersera (N40 23.876’ E0 24.758’), both in Peniscola, within half a mile of each other, and, both are closed, defunct.

In addition, the approach to La Moreras is more suited to a 4x4, than a campervan!.

Not to worry, there are other Aires signposted, and we end up at Viz Mar, Peniscola (N40 23’32” E0 24’25”), 10Euro a night including Electric, toilets, showers etc, or 6Euro per night, no electric. This is a sort of Aire, attached to a campsite. It is not clear to me what the difference is between the Aire and the Campsite (which is in the ACSI book).

The campsite is only about 50 yards from an excellent cycle track, which takes you onto the promenade at Peniscola.

At one end is an old castle, which, presumably was the original Peniscola, ie, before tourism.

Six miles north, and the promenade is still going on, although, not quite finished at this point!

So, that gives more than 12 miles of easy cycling!

In the evening, our Belgian neighbour gives an impromptu Spanish Guitar recital, in between barbequing the evening meal, for himself and his wife.

When commenting on Campsites, or Aires, people often remark on things like traffic noise, church bells, etc.

Well, let me tell you, a Donkey in the field next to the campsite is a big turn off.

They make an incredibly annoying noise!

You have been warned!

Monday 13th May 2013 - Wednesday 15th May 2013

Monday, leave Gandia, and drive the 50 miles or so to Valencia.

Valencia, Pinedo, Coll Vert (N39 23'47" W0 19' 58"), is extremely well placed for visiting Valencia, you can cycle there, on a dedicated cycle track (about 4 miles), or, get the bus from just outside the campsite.

Tuesday, it is raining when we wake up!

But, by the time breakfast is over, the sun is out again, and off we go to Valencia on our bicycles.

First along the beach, then past the container port, we are soon in the "Jardin del Turia".

This area of Valencia is amazing.

It was formerly the course of the River Turia. But, after several disasterous floods, the river was diverted, (in the 1960's or thereabouts), and the old river bed, which cuts through the middle of the city, has been converted into a park area.

At the end nearest the sea, they have built many enormous modern buildings, including an enormous aquarium.

The area is laid out with footpaths and cycletracks, plus, water features and fountains.

All very people friendly, although, personally, I prefer the park area, which is criss crossed with bridges,

from the days when it was a river.

The traffic passes above, while you can make your way right through the heart of the city, either on foot, or on a bicycle.

It is not really what I would call a "formal" park, although it is kept very neat and tidy, considering it's city centre location.

There are some quite stunning displays of flowers.

Also, some rather impressive displays of trees in bloom, spring is clearly the best time to see them.

But, you will have to take my word for it, because, I omitted to take a photograph.

Another feature, which we have seen

in other parts of Spain, is the provision of free exercise equipment, for public use, in the parks, and even in the streets.

Kathleen cannot resist having a go.

These areas appear to much used, but do not appear to be abused or vandalised, as you would expect in the UK.

Of course, given that Valencia dates back to Roman times, there is an "old quarter".

Not much evidence of Roman buildings, that I am aware of, but, lots of the narrow streets and courtyards which I believe are a legacy of the Moors.

There is of course, an impressive Cathederal, which incorporates parts of an earlier Mosque.

The Germans might have paid for all of the smart new buildings, with their Euro, but, I think the inside of the Cathederal must have been paid for by the Aztecs and Incas, when the

Spaniards plundered the "New World".

We stop for lunch, and Kathleen, not the most adventerous person when it comes to trying different food, is very pleased to learn that her choice (Tortilla con patatas, or Spanish Omelete as we would call it), is actually included in the list of Tapas, so, now she can say, she has eaten at least one Tapa!

Tuesday ends with a thunderstorm, but, not before we make it back to the van!

The area we are staying in is called "l'albufera Natural Park". There is a large salt water lagoon, just a short distance away. It is, if my memory of "Google Facts" is correct, the second largest lake in Spain.

Wednesday, we cycle to El Palmar, on the shore of the lagoon.

It is a town which seems to consist of houses, lots of restaurants, (and I mean lots, there are streets of them) and one shop.

The building which once appears to have been the church, is now, yes, you guessed, a restaurant!

We cycle back, to complete 14 miles, just before the rain and thunder starts again!

Fortunately, it is gone as quickly as it came, and the sun is soon shining again.

Friday 10th May 2013 - Sunday 13th May 2013

Grua de Gandia, l'Alqueria (N38 59'10" W0 9'49")... continued...

Friday, we need to replentish our food and drink stocks, so a bit of a frantic day, for some... riding the mile and a half to Lidl, and carrying the shopping back on my bicycle, then of course, it all has to be put away, so exhausting, in this heat.

Something I have not metioned, mainly because I have been unable to get any photographs so far, but, there are lots and lots of sparrows here, far more than we are used to seeing at home.

It is spring of course, nesting time, and there are lots of chicks still being fed by their mothers, even although the chick is big enough to fly.

The chick follows the mother around, making cheeping noises and sort of fluttering it's wings in a pathetic way, until, the mother relents and feeds it.

There is one particular (male) adult bird, which I have christened as a Sparrow version of a benefit scrounger.

Even although he is fully grown, and has his adult plumage, he follows adult females around, fluttering the wings and making the cheeping sounds, in the hope they will feed him.

Just like the human version, he appears to be perfectly healthy and capable of fending for himself, but, it would appear, he prefers to freeload. Sometimes he gets fed, but, sometimes the bird he is pestering for food, appears to loose patience, and chase him.

Never seen anything like this before.

The weekend, brings another spate of what we assume are "stag parties". Groups of young men turn up, with one of them wandering around dressed in a form of fancy dress. Usually, they are dressed as a woman, but last weekend, there was one in a Superman outfit, and this weekend one in a Chicken Costume, with a live hen to accompany him. Despite what you might expect, they are polite and not troublesome.

Sunday, we have a 17.5 mile cycle ride, exploring various cycle routes, inland, via a "natural" park area and then along the coast.

There are lots of people out and about, enjoying the sunshine.

We stop off for a very pleasant lunch.

Yes, that is Kathleen, having a Gin and Tonic in a glass the size of your average goldfish bowl.

Monday 6th May 2013 - Thursday 9th May 2013

Grua de Gandia, l'Alqueria (N38 59'10" W0 9'49")... continued...

Monday is a chores day, clothes washing, well I suppose it cannot all be fun.

Our English neighbours are washing too, they are posh and have a little "camping twin tub".

Aren't women amazing, give them a sink, some hot water, and some dirty clothes and they will play for hours quite happily.

Food shopping, and Washing done, we head off for a walk (and a beer or two) along the promenade.

Life really is just so hard, But, we struggle by.

The most excitement today occurs when the chap from the Dutch Campervan near us, gets himself locked in the shower! The site maintenace team are summoned by his wife and are soon on hand to release him.

Tuesday dawns overcast, what a disappointment, but, as the day wears on, not only does the sun reappear, but it becomes hotter than ever. We explore to the end of Gandia Promenade, on our bicycles, 3 miles of excellent promenade, backed by, almost empty, clean, sandy, beach. Like South Shields, with sun.

Wednesday, we cycle to Oliva via the coast route, staying clear of any Orange Groves, to find out where we went wrong on Sunday, more miles and miles of beautiful, well kept promenade and clean sandy beach.

I know it is not PC to talk about our Muslim brothers, but, sometimes, you have to admit, they may have a bit of a valid grumble about their treatment in the past at the hands of the Catholic Church.

Wandering around the old part of Gandia, and came across a Catholic Church, with, this explanation of its origins.

First they build a church, on top of their mosque. Then, even after they have agreed to convert to Christianity, and donated to the church building fund, they get kicked out anyway.

Not sure what the European Court of Human Rights would have had to say about that.

Friday 3rd May 2013 - Sunday 5th May 2013

El Berro, Alhama de Murcia, Sierra Espuna continued...

It is beautiful here, but, a combination of anxieties on Kathleen's part (she is anxious about having to drive back down to civilisation, and in case I have another "Cordoba episode", when we are in such a remote area), mean it is decided we will not stay here.

I do not have any photographs of the drive, I did threaten Kathleen with either taking the photographs, or, driving the van whilst I took the photographs, but, nothing would induce her to stop holding onto the seat with both hands.

Quite what good that would have done, if we had gone over the drop, is beyond me.

So, Friday, we arrive at Grua de Gandia, l'Alqueria (N38 59'10" W0 9'49"), another ASCI site.

This is a large site, on the edge of town, and about 1 km from the sea. It was one of the "recommendations" collected by Kathleen from people we have met on our travels.

It is a very "Spanish" site, not many foreigners here, one other Brit, a couple of German Vans and a couple of French Vans.

We have English "neighbours", Alan and Glenise. Glenise certainly has a remarkable story to tell, two knee replacements done at the same time, and a hip replacement which dislocated shortly after the operation and had to be corrected. All of this in the past 12 months, and she is here riding about on a bicycle. You have to admire some peoples positive outlook and determination not to give in!

It is hair washing day, so I am typing this whilst waiting for completion, then, we are going to the Saturday Market, cannot wait, I am so excited.

The Saturday market has lots and lots of Handbag, Scarves, and Clothes stalls, and, no Beer tent, so, that is a 1/10.

Gandia "old" town is very pleasant, nice squares and pavement bars, just about makes up for being dragged around the market.

Church for Kathleen has been dispensed with on Saturday evening.

So, Sunday, we cycle to a town called Oliva, about eight miles south, along an excellent cycle track.

I suspect the cycle track is an old railway line, nice and level through Orange Groves.

Oliva, the town is quite a lively place, with an "old" quarter of narrow winding streets, as well as a more modern part with wide avenues.

We make our way to the beach, and the marina, here we find another ASCI campsite, much more upmarket that where we are it is called Kiko Park, Oliva (N38 55'58", W0 5' 51"), worth remembering for future reference.

While nosing around the campsite, we meet an English couple, who explain how to get to the Marina Restaurant, and how to cycle back to Gandia via the Coast (more of this later).

First, lunch at the Marina, very pleasant it is too, spoiled only by Kathleen's insistence on having only one glass of Red Wine, instead of a bottle, on the basis, we have to ride our bicycles back to Gandia.

It was 8 miles here (to Oliva), and we have done another couple to find the beach and Marina, so, we have done 10 miles so far.

After lunch, we set off to follow the directions to return via the coast route. Let us just say, it does not go as planned. Kathleen loses patience (how unusual), and asks directions. It turns out, the lady she asks is from Latvia, but, living in Spain, and she kindly drives slowly so, we can follow her out of the maze of lanes in the Orange Plantation!.

We return to Gandia having cycled 24 miles, so, that is 8 miles there, 14 miles back!

Kathleen is resolved to never again listen to directions for an alternative route!

Monday 29th April 2013 - Thursday 2nd May 2013

Playa Las Dunas contd...

Monday, and we are off to Cordoba.

I have SatNav co-ordinates for a Campervan parking spot in Cordoba (N37 52' 28" W4 47' 12"). The plan is, if the parking place is satisfactory, to stop there, one night, and see the sights.

We are disappointed when we arrive at the parking place. Apart from one very beaten up Ford Transit van, and a French Campervan, the place is deserted.
There are security cameras, and, it is very near the "old" city. There is a barrier to get in/out, and the charge is 30cents/hour, or 20Euro per day.

All in all, we are not relaxed about spending the night there.

So, we put Plan B into operation and drive to Villafranca de Cordoba, La Albolafia (N37 57' 13" W4 33' 15"). This is an ACSI site, with a bus service to Cordoba.

The site is reasonably pleasant, a bit typical of "city visit" sites we have encountered, ie, not quite up to scratch, but, OK for a night or two.

But, I suppose, to be fair, although the photograph shows a brief period of sunshine, for most of the time, it is pissing down (no other word, really describes it, sorry), and nowhere looks at it's best under those circumstances.

Serves me right for gloating about the good weather we were having.

I am not sure if there is any other attraction for people to come here (other than to visit Cordoba), but, unless we have missed something, the town of Villafranca seems to have died, and not told anyone. It is like a Spanish version of South Shields, Hebburn or Jarrow. Signs of regeneration, but, overall a run down and shabby. Just about every shop in the place is empty and/or for sale!

Tuesday, we catch the 9:30 bus to Cordoba (2.60Euro per person, single), for the 24 kilometre (15 miles) ride into Cordoba. 

From the bus station, it is simple enough to find the "old city", just walk across from the bus station to the railway station, keep the railway station on your right, then, turn left down the slight hill, then right into Avenue d'Argentina. After that, just follow the signs. It is about 15 minutes walk.

The old city is quite amazing, although, for reasons which will become clear, we saw only a very limited amount of it.

There is the usual maze of small streets, with beautiful courtyards just off the street.

The Cathedral is very unusual, possibly unique, since it was originally a mosque which was converted to a Cathedral by adding on various "Christian" bits.

In addition to the Cathedral, there are reminders of Cordoba's Moorish past in many of the buildings.

Needless to say, the Romans where here too, this is a surviving Roman Bridge.

We have chosen the Restaurant where we plan to eat, but, it is too early for lunch, just after 11:00.

We come upon a museum dedicated to the Inquisition (which was based in Cordoba), in we go.

It is just about as far as I get in seeing Cordoba.

Whilst in there, I collapsed, ably caught, before I hit the floor, by Kathleen and a couple of men who happened to be nearby, so, fortunately no injuries sustained.

Before I new it, three paramedics where on the scene and I was being given ECG, and various tablets and needles stuck in my arms and fingers to test blood sugar, administer stimulants etc. One of the paramadecs spoke good English and she questioned me as to if I had any pains, what medication I was on, etc. The other was busy with the needles. I realise, she was probably forewarning me before she jabbed me again, but, all I heard was a bit of Spanish, and then felt the needle pricks. Difficult not to appear a wimp, when you jump with surprise with each jab. 

I was whisked into an Ambulance, given heperin injections, and taken to the Hospital!

At the hospital, there is a "Joan Cruikshanks" scene. I am lying on the trolley, wires and drips attached to me, when Kathleen starts telling me to stand up, so she can get at my wallet, which, she needed it because it contained my driving licence, which was required for a form of identification.

We spent the rest of the day at the Hospital, they gave me more blood tests and ECGS, and an Ex-Ray, by which time I had fully recovered, so, they sent us on our way. There was no mention of payment, and, as it happens, we have E111 cards, but, they were back at the van of course.

We even found our way back to the bus station in time to catch the 18:00 bus back to the campsite.

We spend the evening managing to see the amusing side of todays events, although, I suppose it could have all turned out rather difficult, had they decided to keep me in Hospital for a few days.

So, despite the fact I had a quick tour of the Spanish healthcare system and, Cordoba is very nice, I do not think I will tempt fate by visiting there again. 

Wednesday, turns out to be yet another Bank Holiday in Spain!, that is two this week.

We head off for a rather spectacular drive through the mountains.

We bypass Granada and head alongside the Sierra Nevada mountains, still snow capped.

We arrive at a Campervan stop in time for a late lunch.

Venta del Peral (N37 33.258' W2 3.512'), form the Aires Spain book. It is a Hotel just off the Motorway.

It has a very pleasant Restaurant, a snack bar, and a bar (with excellent free Wifi). It has the usual service point, free water, plus very well kept toilet/washbasin facilities, all for free. If you want a shower, that is 2.50Euro.

In the "village", there is a bread shop, another bar and a church, so not exactly a lot to do, but, fine for an overnight stop.

Early in the evening, two buses arrive loaded with Moroccan Construction workers (according to the badges on their jackets), but, they soon depart after eating their sandwiches. Yes, like me, you may wonder why, given the dire unemployment situation in Spain, they need to bus in Moroccans, very strange, a bit like East Europeans in Lincolnshire I suppose.

After a good nights sleep, we are heading East towards our next stop.

Most of the way is easy going, but after Alhama de Murcia, the road becomes a bit hairy. I am normally not fazed by such things, but, this is a bit special.

Eventually, after about four miles of hairpins, big drops(hence, no photographs, Kathleen was using both hands to hold on to her seat!

The satnav, then announces "turn left in 50 yards", as we approach the junction, there is a warning sign "road unsuitable for caravans, diversion". For once, I actually took notice and followed the diversion. It was dreadful. I shudder to think what the road the satnav was trying to take us on was like!

El Berro, Alhama de Murcia, Sierra Espuna (N37 53' 17" W1 29' 35").

We are high up in the Sierra Espuna, the site is small, and very pretty, right alongside an equally pretty village.

This is the view from the back window of the van, not bad eh!

Given that we are really high up in the mountains, you might have expected it would be cool, or even cold, but, it is sunny and quite hot, so Kathleen is soon into sunbathing mode (her

favourite position, lying in the sun).

The plan was to stay here until Sunday, there is a church in the village, but, knowing Kathleen, she will be so anxious about the drive back down the route we came, we will not be staying here very long.

It is too hilly for bike riding, but, there is good walking we are told.

When checking in, we are warned not to leave our shoes outside the van overnight. Apparently, they have a fox, which steals any shoes left outside of the vans (or tents) overnight!

Friday 26th April 2013 - Sunday 28th April 2013

Friday is a quiet day activity wise, a day for chores.

It is "hair washing day", so a big event in Kathleen's calendar.

She cannot get her Fringe "just right", not good news.

I just attempt to stay out of the way by going cycling around the area.

I am given a little chore, seems simple enough, buy some mushrooms.

I find all of the shops are shut, even the large supermarket, supposedly open 24/7 is closed.

It is a public holiday today, all of the women are walking around dressed in traditional Spanish dresses (Flamenco style), and we are told, there is some big "Fiesta" on up the road.

I find from Google (where else?) it is called Feria del Vino Fino: El Puerto de Santa María's local week of fiesta, dancing sherry drinking and sevillana dancing. This is the principal festival is the Feria de Primavera (Spring Fair), held between the fifth and sixth week after Holy Week.

Our British/Swedish neighbours (Deryk and Nicki) tell us, they have cycled to the Fiesta, but, our Belgian neighbour on the other side advises against cycling there, he says get the bus, then you can drink as much as you wish, without falling off your bicycle.

Tomorrow, our Belgian neighbour is planning a visit to the Osborne (Sherry) Bodega, I think, maybe, he has a drink problem!

Being resourceful, I do find a small fruit and vegetable shop open.

How about this for a public exercise set up?

How long would something like this last in the UK, before it was vandalised beyond recognition?





Sunday, and it is sunny, but a strong cold wind blowing from the North, with lots of clouds massed in the North, looks like they are comming our way. That is what you get for gloating over people back in the UK, about the weather I suppose!

Kathleen, ever the practical housewife starts washing everything in sight, because it is a "good drying day", which is woman speak for blowing a gale!

This leads to a catalogue of complaints, I have made the washing line too short AND too high. It is not long before she has joined forces with the newly arrived English woman next to us, to begin a joint complaining session about myself and the new arrivals husband.