Montrejeau, Camping Midi-Pyrenees, Pujols, Camping Lot and Bastides (April 4th - April 9th 2015 )

Saturday, 4th April 2015

Oh dear, a little rain today, but, it coincides with the most important day for weeks, it is hair dyeing day, so, no harm done.

Just to be clear, it is Kathleen having her hair dyed, and me, doing the dying.

Even if I say so myself, I have done a superb job.

Needless to say, with a morning spent dying, washing, drying, straightening the hair, there is no way Kathleen is going to put on either a cycle helmet, or a motorcycle helmet, so, no trips on the scooter today, or cycling outings, a gentle stroll is all.

Sunday, 5th April 2015

Fog this morning when we get up, have not seen fog since we left the UK in January.

By 10:00, the fog has cleared, the sun is out, and Kathleen is walking to church for Easter Sunday service. I have a few chores to do, before walking along to the bar in the square outside of the Church.

Monday, 6th April 2015

A crisp morning to leave Montrejeau, it is 0C and frost on the van at 08:00, but, the sun is up, and soon warms the place up.

Today, we travelling 126 miles north, to Pujols, near Villeneuve-sur-Lot, leaving the Pyrenees well behind us.

The whole journey in Video, if you cannot sleep! is below:

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Part 20 of 22, we encounter a cycle race!

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It is a blissful drive, beautiful day, just about empty roads.

But, when we are almost at our destination, less than a mile away in fact, we encounter a cycle race.

They have the road closed off, we don't know it yet, but, this is to go on all day!

We are directed up a hill, at first, it looks good, a motorcycle, with flashing lights, leads us through, but, after a short distance, he pulls over and leaves us to wend our way through the cyclists and enthusiastic onlookers by ourselves.

It all looks very organised, I wonder if we will be on TV, gate crashing a cycle race? 

Eventually we arrive at Camping Lot and Bastides (N44 23'41" E0 41'13"), an ACSI site, only 12Euros.

By the way, for the un-initiated, a Bastide is a form of fortified French town or village, not the offspring of some roaming Knight, and the local milk-maid.

Soon I am preparing a meal, is there no rest?

Tuesday, 7th April 2015

Todays plan is to take the scooter and ride to the medieval village of Pujols.

It is not very far, in fact, we can see it from the campsite, but, it is at the top of a rather steep hill.

We are all ready to go, motorcycle jackets and helmets on, the damned scooter will not start, the battery is flat!

Change of plan, connect up the battery charger, and, while it is charging, walk the two miles into Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

There is a market in the main square, by good fortune, it is almost over.

Find a nice little café for lunch in the sun, bliss.

When we get back to the van, the scooter battery is charged enough to start it, and, we can go shopping (running out of beer).








Wednesday, 8th April 2015

Another beautiful day.

Today, we do yesterdays planned outing, ie take the scooter to the medieval village of Pujols.

Pujols is described in the Tourist literature as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

This is the view over Villeneuve-sur-Lot, from the top of the hill where the village stands, as you can see, it is rather high, which explains our desire to come here on the scooter, rather than walk up the hill!.

It is incredibly well preserved, and, it is very beautiful.

Yes, there is a but, I appreciated, if it was full of shops selling tourist tat, it would spoil it, however, there is a happy medium.

Although there are at least three cafes/restaurants, none are open, so, on this hot and beautifully sunny day, there is not even a place to have a drink and admire the surroundings!

There are two churches, almost as many churches a houses, people must have been very religious in medieval times!

Amazingly, one of the old properties has been converted into a Gite, it looks authentic medieval on the outside, all stone and half timbered, but, inside is modern and looks very comfortable.

After such a suitable dose of culture and history, we return to the van for lunch, then, we swap the scooter for our bicycles and explore some of the cycle tracks in the area.

A very pleasant 9 miles.

Thursday, 9th April 2015

A clear morning with frost on the ground again this morning, but, by 9:30, it is warm enough to sit outside.

A short shopping trip on the scooter, followed by a few chores, then it is time for having fun.

Yesterday, we explored the cycle track near the campsite, today, we set off to pedal to a village called Casseneuil.

It is a pleasant ride there, along a disused railway line, which has been converted into a cycle track.

Fifteen miles round trip.

Rather disappointingly, the village of Casseneuil, although it has some rather magnificent and ancient buildings, is a bit of a disappointment.

Very pretty, but, mostly Closed!

Never mind, there is a bar / café open, so, the essentials are catered for.

Amusingly, for those of you familiar with the musical Les Miserable, the Patron of the Café is a M. Didier!

We do manage to leave with all of our teeth and valuables intact however!

 

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.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (7th March - 13th March 2015)

Saturday 7th March 2015

Sunny but cool this morning, only 17C as we set off on our 11.5 mile bicycle ride.

There are literally miles of good quality cycle tracks, so, it is easy to vary the route regularly.

By lunch time, the temperature is up to 22C, so, lying about in the sun, followed by bar-b-que lunch.

Tomorrow, another of our neighbours is heading for home. Sadly, John is here by himself, because his wife died last year. His wife actually became ill, whilst staying here last year, and subsequently died of a brain tumour within a couple of months of returning to the UK.

Rather brave of him to make the return trip, by himself, I think.

Tomorrow, there are plans to give him a bit of a send-off, drinks, nibbles etc, so, Kathleen is off to church this evening.

Sunday 8th March 2015

We squeeze in a short walk before, neighbour John's, leaving party begins at two o'clock, and, turns into real party.

Some of the women have been incredibly busy, and resourceful to provide an array of food. A cake, made by Sylvia, from stale baguettes, turns out to amazingly tasty. Sylvia is 76 or thereabouts, and of course comes from a generation who did not "do" waste food. In addition there is chocolate coated strawberries, delicious scones, dates wrapped in cured ham, sausages, olives, crisps, nuts, and or course, lots of wine.

By three o'clock, it is a multi national affair, with British, Germans, Dutch.

Monday 9th March 2015

A day of departures, John is away reasonably early heading for Alcossebre, to meet up with even more friends, before heading for home.

Our Dutch neighbours, Ria and Joop leave shortly after, heading for Cambrils, then home. Ria's hearty ground-shaking laugh will be a miss!

Tuesday 10th March 2015

A beautiful sunny day.

We cycle 16 miles along the coast, and are VERY good, only Orange juice at the bar!

I am very impressed with this photograph, taken by me, unable to see the screen on the camera, whilst riding one handed and looking back toward Kathleen, instead of watching where I was going.

There is an all male budding Folk / Country Western / Bluegrass group here, composed of two guitarists, and Banjo Player and a Harmonica player / Singer.

All are pensioners of course, re-living the 1960's, but, why not?

Kathleen has been asked to join them.

In true McCaffrey tradition of course, there has been no practice, no planning, just straight in at the deep end, after only one glass of wine.

So, Tuesday night, she made a "guest appearance", as their female singer, with a rendition of "House of the Rising Sun".

It went down very well.







Wednesday 11th March 2015

What an exciting day! But, not always for the best of reasons.

After our late night, last night, we were in the middle of a late breakfast, when we heard a loud crash, and, a shout for help.

We ran outside, to find a chap in the next row had fallen from a ladder, whilst cleaning the roof of his campervan.

The ladder had slipped, and, amazing though it may seem,  he had actually fallen through one of gaps between the rungs, not an easy feat, since he is rather a large man!

An ambulance was called, and, we stayed with him until help arrived. Fortunately, they were able to extract him from the ladder, without resorting to cutting equipment, and he was taken off to hospital for treatment.

Excitement over, we cooked bacon sandwiches and then went on our daily walk, 3.5 miles today.

Thursday, 12th March 2015

The good news is, Martin, the chap who fell off the ladder has no broken bones, "just" cuts and bruises.

A gloriously sunny day, we go cycling, 13 miles today, then, lying about in the sun, in the afternoon.

Kathleen has become so hooked on the cycling, she went out and spent 60Euro on cycling gear this evening!

Friday, 13th March 2013

Domestic chores in the morning, followed by a short (3.5 miles) walk along the coast.

A lunch time outing with neighbours Sue, Harry, Tony and Helen, to a Chinese Restaurant. A good meal, which cost an amazing 7Euro (£5.30) for three courses, plus a glass of wine (or a beer).

Oh dear, clouds have appeared, it looks as if it might rain, or, even thunder.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (2nd March - 6th March 2015)

Monday, 2nd March 2015

An eleven mile cycle ride in the morning, before it becomes too hot.

Lounging in the sun in the afternoon, what a hard life.

Tuesday, 3rd March 2015

Rain stopped play today, for some of the day., so, just a short walk of three miles.

An opportunity to talk to some of our English neighbours.

Fred and Sylvia, 78 and 76 years old, and still roaming Europe in their Campervan! there is hope for us yet!

Wednesday, 4th March 2015

Days to do the domestic chores, haircut, clothes washing seem to come around all too quickly!

But, all done by 10:30, then, out for a ride on the scooter, into the hills.

A second attempt to go to the Desert de Las Palmas, this time, with Kathleen riding on the back.

A beautiful sunny day to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

But, I am clearly not meant to see the Desert de Las Palmas National Park, because the road is still closed.

I

cheat by ignoring the first "road closed" sign, on the basis, it is in Spanish, and, I can always claim ignorance.

But, we eventually come to a second "road closed" sign, complete with workmen in attendance, and we are turned back.

I think Kathleen is just as pleased, she does not like the winding roads with sheer drops!

Not to waste the day, I risk riding in Castellon City Centre, and manage to negotiate the traffic unscathed.

Thursday, 5th March 2015

Sunny and warm, but the day begins with strong winds, so, cycling plans are off.

Friday, 6th March 2015

A beautiful sunny day, cycling along the coast, 16 miles, there and back.

Only an orange juice to sustain us, because we are going out to lunch, with our neighbours (Harry and Sue), so, no early boozing.

After the exercise, we go for our meal, three courses for four people, including two bottles of with, very nice, and only 48Euro.