Monday 1st April 2013 - Saturday 6th April 2013

Monday 1^st April 2013 – Friday 5^th April 2013

It looks as if it just might be a nice day in prospect, as we pack to leave. We are not taking any chances, we intend to make our way to the Algarve to see if we can pick up some sunshine.

An easy drive, just a little rain, and we arrive at:

Lagos, Orbitur Valverde (N37 5’59” W8 43’4”)

Another Orbitur site, to use our newly acquired Orbitur Discount Card.

 All looks fine, more people here than we have encountered anywhere else so far, and IT IS NOT RAINING, we even get to sit in the sun for a while in the afternoon.

The evening is spent in finishing off my second last bottle of Rioja, and very nice it is too. In between times, I burden Kathleen with an explanation of GPS, Satnav and how the funny number labelled degrees, minutes and seconds can pinpoint your location. She is not impressed.

Tuesday 2^nd April 2013

It is still dry!

I unload our bicycles from the bike carrier for the first time since we left home.

We cycle down (yes, downhill too the village, which means uphill on the return of course) to the village of Luz, about 2Km away.

I am not totally sure, but, I think this may be the Praia de Luz of the missing child Madelaine McCann.

Kathleen finds the combination for her purse and buys us not one, but two beers at a beachfront bar. Beer is cheap here in Portugal, compared to France and Spain, 2.60Euro for two bottles of 5.5% Pils type Lager (in a bar).

Buy some Portuguese red wine, which I am assured is good “Herdade dos Muachos”, from the Alentejano region. Watch this space, it was more expensive than we usually pay, at 2.99Euro.  

In the afternoon, back at the site, we chat to our neighbour, who turns out to be a Brit.

Some people do amazing things. He and his wife have sold up in the UK and are living in Portugal, in a caravan, which they towed here from the UK. I am not sure if they have been on this site for the whole six years, but, they are not going anywhere from here soon, since they have sold the 4x4 which towed the caravan here and now have a Portuguese registered Honda Civic, plus an impressive Honda motorcycle.

They have so far returned to the UK once on the motorcycle, that is some ride!

The sun being out, Kathleen spends the rest of day lying in it, then expresses surprise, no, amazement that she is sunburned.

I see from my Emails, we have passed Josie and Mack, who are going in the opposite direction. If you are reading this Josie, sorry I have not replied to your Emails, I am receiving Emails OK, but, having difficulty sending them. I have had this problem before, but got around it by using “3”’s Email server. That is not working now, perhaps because I am no longer with “3”. Have tried various other tricks, which have worked in the past, eg changing Port numbers etc, but, to no avail.

Same apology goes to my brother, Brian, if you are reading this, I have received your Email about French SIM card, but, as explained above, having difficulty replying.

Wednesday 3^rd April 2013. It rains much of the night, but, it is fine in the morning. We decide to go to Lagos for the day. It is about 5km away, according to my free iPhone Portugal Satnav app. The plan is to walk there and bus back. Sure enough, my trusty iPhone guides us there without a problem. The “old” (ie original) part of Lagos is very pleasant, lots of narrow and quaint streets with a good selection of bars and cafes. There is even a Slave Market (now a museum of course), so, I am unable to buy a replacement (for Kathleen).

There appears to be a lot of Brits here, we seem to be surrounded by people speaking English. I had not realised Portugal was such a popular destination for Brits.

No problem finding the bus station, to come back.

Someone had told us, bus fares in Portugal are expensive, at 1.30Euro each for a 4km ride, it is true if compared to France or Spain, but not compared to what we would have to pay in the UK (if it wasn’t for our nice pensioners bus passes).

Thursday 4^th April 2013. The weather forecast says today is to be pretty much like yesterday, it was exactly right. Overnight rain, a couple of heavy showers during the day, but, otherwise warm and sunny.

Walking through the countryside on the way to Lagos, there are several Golf Course developments, with associated housing etc

It is one hours walk to Lagos, and that is where the nearest Catholic Church is.

Even for someone of Kathleen’s commitment, that is a bit far to walk!

We have been told there is an Aire in Lagos, “ten minutes walk from the town centre”, and we know there are two churches near the town. The Aire is not in our edition of the “Aires in Spain and Portugal”, so whilst we are in Lagos today, we check out the whereabouts of the Aire.

Friday 5^th April 2013. We move to the Aire at Lagos (N37 06’ 01”, W8 43’ 07”), with the intention of staying here so Kathleen can do the Church duty.

The Aire is fairly easy to find, even easier once you know where it is of course!, Just off the EN125 as you enter Lagos from the East. It is alongside the Football Stadium and opposite the Police Station.

It is all very tidy and organised, at 3Euro per night. A service point, free Wifi, toilets and showers (2Euro) in the Sports Complex (ie Football Stadium), plus there are a choice of Supermarkets (Pingo Doce, Lidl, Aldi and Continente) within walking distance.

Saturday 6th April 2013.

We are woken by a noise at 07:00. No, for a change, it is not the rain. We discover there is a market on Saturdays, on the field next to the Aire. The stall holders have arrived en-masse and are busy erecting their stalls.

How we did not hear the fifty or so assorted "white vans" arrive I do not know.

The man arrives for his 3Euro, exactly as it says he will on the notice board.

The young French girl in the van which arrived next to us latish last night, argues the point, and storms across to the notice (I her payjamas), it is quite a chilly morning, quite a pleasant sight.

After breakfast, the market is in full swing, so we have a wonder. Typical market lots of tat, not expensive, but tat never the less.

Why do people do it?

I have to admit, the idea of markets is beyond me.

How can people in China make assorted clothes, which are then shipped half way around the world and sold for less than 1Euro?

Since hardly anyone is actually buying anything, why do the stall holders bother to get out of bed so early, assemble their stall, unpack their gear etc etc?

The only stall which appears to be doing a roaring trade is a young lady selling sort of do-nut things, she actually has a queue.

Wednesday 27th March 2013 - Sunday 31st March 2013

Wednesday 27^th March 2013

 We wake up to torrential rain!

 This is beginning to be, beyond a joke!

A quick photograph of the Santiago de Compestella campsite in the never ending rain, and, off we go, heading for Portugal, and, hopefully, better weather!

There is initial disagreement between Kathleen and the Tomtom (nothing unusual in that). Kathleen was expecting the Tomtom to take us on the N550 south, Which I agree looks the obvious option.

Instead, it took us on a “smaller” road (AC841 according to our road atlas), it was a good road, but, Kathleen was beginning to be concerned that she had entered the wrong details. We stopped to to check, but, all was OK. I had just made the re-assuring noises about the road being fine, when the instruction came, turn right ahead.

I had spoken too soon.

This was onto a really minor road (PO-VP something or other). What a shocker, it had been heavily potholed, but, the pot holes had been filled to be about an inch higher than needed. The result, we are given a given a good shaking for about ten miles, before we join the (decent) N640, then N550, on past Pontevedra, with some bits of free motorway (A-52) where it was finished before they ran out of cash.

Estela, Rio Alto (N41 27’ 46”, W8 46’ 22”) A large site, right by the sea, but, it would appear there are only three lots of people here, an Austrian van and another British van, plus ourselves of course. A fourth van arrives in the evening (Spanish).

The site is good, but, so far, the weather has not improved a lot. Just showers now, instead of a steady downpour.

Not cold however.

Our English neighbour is very informative, and puts us onto a new deal from Orbitur (Portuguese campsite chain), just before our friends Josie and Mack tell us of the same deal. By joining the Orbitur Club, you can prepay for ten sites and get them for 9Euro per night, including electricity. It costs 10Euro to join, so your first ten sites cost 10 Euro per night, there after 9Euro.

Kathleen loves that, she just loves a bargain.

The rain has eased to just the occasional heavy shower!

Decent facilities here, including enough amps to run the hair dryer, so, Kathleen amuses herself with the hair washing ritual.

Friday 29^th March 2013

It has rained all night, and, when I say rained, I mean really rained, pissed down is I believe the appropriate expression!

It is still pissing down as I walk to Reception to ask them to disconnect the electricity.

The plan today is to go to Fatima, this being an appropriate religious spot for the Easter weekend. I do have doubts about turning up there on Good Friday, I would expect it to be full, but, we do have a fall back plan (Lorvao N40 15.539’ W8 18.918) about 50 miles from Fatima, according to the Satnav. Both options from the Spain and Portugal Aires Book.

A hundred and odd miles of pouring rain, and occasional fog, not one of our most scenic drives.

In many places, the fields are flooded, and as shown in the photograph, many rivers have burst their banks, flooding the surrounding fields.

This river is just a few inches below the road bridge as we cross, just inches short of flooding the road..

There is a major new road under construction as we approach Fatima, it is not finished, and even the bits which are finished are not on our Satnav, so we end up being taken on a circuitous, very steep (often first gear) and twisting route. There is water running down the road like a small stream. Gives Kathleen a chance to get in the praying mood.

Fatima (N39 38.003’ W8 40.217’) There are lots of Campervans here, mostly Portugeuse. Well, I suppose that is reasonable, it is their country.

All of the “top notch” bays (nice size and each with it’s own little picnic table, (on the left of the photograph) are occupied, but, there are plenty of spaces in “second class”.

So, my fears of not being able to get a spot, are unfounded.

No electricity, but, as the book says, there are toilets and they are very well kept.

Kathleen takes herself off to church on Good Friday evening and almost gets herself lost finding her way back to the van. Not surprising really, the "shrine" area is enormous.

Saturday 30^th March 2013. It is dry and sunny, we cannot believe it.

We stroll around the Basillica area, as I said before, it is enormous.
Just look at those white fuffy clouds and that blue sky. Aren't they amazing?

OK, so you hink I am going over the top?, we have not seen blue sky for days and days.....

We meet what appear to be the only other English couple here (well, they are Welsh, but, they seem pleasant enough despite that).

I am pleasantly surprised, it is all very well done, and virtually no tacky souvenir and statue sellers, indeed virtually no commercialism at all, and what there is, is not overpriced.

The happenings at Fatima are fairly recent (1917), so, the buildings are all recent, some of them very modern indeed.

Kathleen has plans to attend the Easter Vigil, Saturday evening at 22:00, but is concerned at finding her way back by herself in the dark. I foolishly offer to attend with her.

 For now, the sunshine is too good to waste, we wander into town, find a bar, and sit in the sun drinking beer, now this feels more like a holiday.

Then, to lunch.

We are presented with bread, olives and two kinds of cheese to “nibble” while we choose from the menu etc. Odd to be given cheese at the start, for us, it is usually regarded as an “afters”.

Kathleen, the usually cautious eater, amazes me, by tucking into the unknown cheese, without even being sure from which animal it came, and, without waiting for me to try it first.

The meal and bottle of very pleasant red wine are excellent value for 27Euro.

Sure enough, we attend the Easter Vigil.

It is impressively well organised, but, it goes on for well over two and a half hours! It is actually still going on at 12:30 when we leave!

When we come out, it is raining again!

My presence does not prevent us getting lost in the dark and rain. This of course is deemed to be my fault. I do point out, that, by convention, the person thought to be in the lead is at the front.

Sunday 31^st March 2013. It has rained all night, and is still raining as we leave, indeed it pours with rain for every one of the 160 miles to the next campsite. Villa Nova de Milfontes, Sitiva (N37 46’48” W8 47’1”). Another site from the ACSI book (belonging to the Orbitur group, so, we can use our 9Euro vouchers).

The site is fine, a bit big for our taste, but it appears well kept.

The pouring rain continues. We are parked next to a Scots couple, who arrived from Lagos yesterday, they tell us, they have had 7 days of rain there, and are heading North to attempt to escape it.

They are not really cheered by our news, that we are heading South for the same reason! Indeed, neither party have any cheer from the exchange of information!

Sunday 24th March 2013 - Tuesday 26th March 2013

Time to move toward Portugal, via Santiago de Compestela.

For those interested in distances, we have, so far, come just over 1000 miles since leaving home.

We (well, I), decide to take the toll motorway, because it takes us around Donastasia - San Sebastion, the first big town in Spain. I have unpleasant memories of being hopelessly lost in that place on a previous trip along that way. We ended up in a the bus station if memeory serves me correctly.

So 14Euro to take us along the spectacular toll road all the way to Bilbao seems like a bargain to me.

We make our first stop in Spain at Ribadedeva, Camping Colombres (N43 22' 31" W33 33' 51"), from the trusty ACSI book (16 Euro). There is free wifi, which I am able to connect to from my phone, while waiting for Kathleen to "check-in" in reception.

According to the book, it is a wifi point, but, I am able to get a signal at our pitch, and since it is an unsecured signal, I can hook up the phones, the iPad and the PC all at once. Yes, I know, I can only use one thing at a time, but it is interesting isn't it?, I just love the technology!

The write up says, from the site, you have views of the lofty snow covered peaks of the Picos de Europas, well, you might have, on a clear day.

But today is a "Lake District" day, the clouds are low and obscuring the mountains.

But, not to complain, we have had several days of sunshine, and as we understand it, the weather back in the UK is appalling.

It is clearly "out of season" in this area, there are only ourselves, plus two caravans, one of which does not seem to be occupied.

As we arrive, the hardy Dutch occupants of the other caravan are sitting "sun bathing", that does not last long, since it begins to rain.

But, Kathleen, optimistic as ever tells me it is "brightening up over there", and sure enough, by 4 o'clock, the rain has stopped and the sun is peeping through the clouds.

The site although almost empty, is beautifully kept.

Monday 25^th March 2013

We are all packed and ready to leave, but, it has rained so much during the night, the van will not move!

The rear wheels have sunk into the soft ground and the front wheels are simply spinning, when we attempt to move forward or back.

I first try putting the clip together rubber pads we use as a doormat, under the front wheels, but, it makes no difference. A trip to reception to explain the problem and the owner comes along with his four wheel drive Suzuki and tows us off the pitch.

What a start to the day!, we do not know it yet, but this is not the end!

It is still raining as we leave, and it continues to rain all day as we drive west.

This is the third time we have ventured into this part of Spain, and each time it has been wet and cold, perhaps we need to learn a lesson!

We arrive at our next planned stop, (Barreires, Gaivota Camping, N43 33’44” W7 12’28”, from the ACSI book) still in the rain. The site looks good, well as good as anything can look in pouring rain. The bad news is, all of the pitches are grass, and are absolutely saturated. We are unable even to drive onto the pitch, without the wheels spinning and sinking in. Cautious after this morning’s experience, we decide to move on.

There is another site along the road a short way, but, it is closed.

Kathleen is all for just parking on the sea front, and staying there. There are several empty rain swept car parks to choose from!

Instead we opt to head for an “official” aire. Burela, N43 39.171’ W7 21.498’, from the Spain and Portugal Aires book.

The aires book describes the Aire as being “at the Hospital”, and “some parking has distant sea views”.

That is a fair description I suppose, the aire is right in the town, in front of the Hospital, and behind a small holding with chickens, and a horse.

When we arrive there are two Spanish vans already there.

We actually get a pitch with a sea view, if you disregard the abandoned partly built building in our line of sight!

The best view is probably on the other side of the road, looking over the rather nicely kept hospital grounds.

On the positive side, we are parked on tarmac, so no being bogged down, there is free fresh water, a bin to put your rubbish in, and waste emptying points, and it is quiet!

Tuesday 26^th March 2013

Unbelievable, but, it still raining!

Today, we are going to Santiago de Compestella.

This is my idea, it is one of those places I have always wanted to go to. I do not know why, it has Religious connections, being a pilgrimage destination, but, I am not religious.

The story of it’s becoming a Pilgrimage site, is, I think rather instructive. The story goes, that around the time when the Moors were sweeping north and taking over much of Spain, a shepherd discovered some (human) remains, which, for some reason, he thought may be the remains of the Apostle St James. At that time, Santiago de Compestela was not a particularly significant place. The local Bishop was however mindful of the need to defend his lands from the invading Moors. So, he duly confirmed the shepherd’s find as indeed being the remains of St James. Presumably, he did this on the basis of the then state of the art DNA testing (ie Do Not Argue, with me, otherwise you will be declared a heretic and burned at the stake). The site was duly declared a Shrine. Rich “nobles” (hoping to have their slate cleared, with an absolution or two) came forward to donate cash to build a cathedral and all the necessary trappings. Of course, having declared the site a Christian Shrine, it now had  to be defended from the Muslim invaders, so, again various nobles and crusaders, duly obliged. The Bishop was pleased. In addition, thousands of Medieval Pilgrims trudged hundreds of miles to visit the site and spend some cash there. In short, it is a sort of medieval “weapons of mass destruction” story.

Yes, I am a cynic, I admit it freely.

Back to the present.

When looking it up on the internet, someone had posted information on an Aire “right beside the Cathedral” and given the Satnav coordinates for it (N 42.89555   W -8.53163, but, as you will see, do not use them).

The coordinates turned out to be a large car park, clearly signed, “No Campervans or Caravans”, in Spanish, English and German, plus, it was nowhere near the Cathedral.

We made the mistake of continuing on toward the Cathedral in the hope of finding a place to park the campervan. Big mistake, all of the parking facilities appear to be underground with 2 metre height restrictions.

There is no Aire in the Aires Book for Santiago, nor is there a Campsite in the ASCI book, but, I did recall there was a campsite, near the centre in the Caravan Club Europe Sites book.

Kathleen searched through the book, as I tried to work my way through the traffic.

There were no Satnav coordinates given, and the instructions to find the place assumed you were approaching from a particular road, not that you were snarled up in the city centre traffic.

All of the time, it was pouring with rain.

Things were getting a bit, how can I say, electric, heated, you know.....

Eventually, I find an unoccupied bus stop, pull into it. Only one thing for it. iPhone and Google. Turn on data roaming (hang the expense) a quick google search and we have the coordinates. Google really does have the answer to absolutely everything.

We find the site, it is a big disappointment. The Caravan Club book describes it in glowing terms, but, I do not know when they visited, it is not like that now. Grumpy staff, substandard facilities, and 26Euro per night. But, looking on the bright side, we are here, it is only 15 minutes walk to town (or 1Euro on the bus), there is a shopping mall right next to the site, with Carrefour, Primark, C&A etc etc, that really cheered Kathleen up.

The rain continues, we decide to go and see the sights regardless. I am not sure how I am going to actually type this bit, but... yes, I will have to do it... I actually suggested we call at the next door shopping mall and buy a decent umbrella.

We catch the bus into town.

The cathedral is very impressive, the interior is suitably grand with lots of gold leaf and statues.

The exterior is, if anything even more imposing, but, it has a certain neglected air however, especially from the front.

After visiting the cathedral, we wander the narrow streets of the old town. We chance upon a very attractive garden within the university.

A guide is giving a talk, in English, to a group of tourists (not Americans, they were too quiet, I assume English was just the common language).....

The story goes that Francis Drake “the English Pirate” (English hero you mean, remember the Amada?), was plundering the coast nearby. Rumour had it, that he intended to make a raid inland to Santiago de Compestella and steal the remains of St James.

The Bishop, being concerned at this, moved the remains and hid them. But, The Bishop was an old man, and died before he told anyone where he had hidden the remains.

The loss of the holy relics, meant the supply of pilgrims dried up, and for 300 years, no pilgrims came to Santiago de Compestella. Fortunately, the University of Santiago de Compestella managed to relocate the remains at some point, and have them restored to their rightful place, thus opening the supply of pilgrims (and cash) once more.

Not sure why, but, I rather enjoyed that story, made me proud to be English.

A wander in the park, with some more distant (but perhaps more impressive) views of the Cathedral, then catch the bus back to the campsite.

St Jean-de-Luz, La Ferme Erromardie (Contd)

Thursday 21st March 2013

A warm and sunny day, great.

Walk into town, spend most of the day productively, sitting in a pavement bar in the main square, watching the world go by and drinking chilled Rose Wine. The rest of the day we wasted buying vegetables and fruit to eat in the evening.

We discover there is another part to the site, and find another English couple there, they are heading South into Spain (Valencia). Then, two more English vans arrive in the evening, and park next to us. One is heading home, the other heading south.

Friday 22nd March 2013

Fine for most of the day, but, by evening a thunderstorm rolls over with quite heavy rain.

Mundane tasks still have to be done, so, this morning is spent washing clothes and hanging them out to dry.

We also need to do a bit of shopping for essentials, ie wine. We are told by one of the English chaps we have met, there is a Carrefour supermarket, about a mile away.

After lunch we set off to find it, 1.6 miles there, according to my phone, so clearly we did not follow the shortest route. Did spot this amusing variation on "Beware of the Dog" sign.

On our return route, we encounter a Gypsy camp, all very neat and tidy, unlike those usually encountered in the UK, with a group of children who are able to beg for money, cigarettes, and sweets in three languages, very impressive. Only 1.3 mile back.

Saturday 23rd March 2013

The other two English vans next to us depart, one heading home, the other heading to Portugal, so we may encounter them again. The chap heading home is a lover of (cheap) red wine, like myself, he leaves me with a few recommendations from Lidl Portugal, chiefly one called Baron von Cega.

After a doubtful start, the day is warm and sunny, so a day of lazing in the sun. The plan in the evening is to walk into town, eat, then Kathleen is going to church.

The plan does not work, we find there is no where serving food at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. So, we have to settle for enormous sandwiches from a take away sandwich shop, which we eat sitting in the town square. This followed by beers in a pavement cafe in the town square.

There is some kind of event going on, people dressed up in black costumes and wearing red neckerchiefs are singing and playing guitars in a bandstand in the middle of the square. Not sure if it is someting to do with Easter perhaps?

After church we walk back along the cliff top in the dark, lucky we took torches!

Tuesday 19th March 2013 - Wednesday 20th March 2013

Leave La Ville-aux-Dames, Les Acacias, just south east of Tours. Heading towards Bordeaux.

Weather is still poor.

For those who may be travelling to Europe this year, diesel prices have increased a little, but, still cheaper than the UK, needless to say.

At Supermarket garages, it is typically 1.35Euro / Litre (£1.12), on the motorway 1.44Euro (£1.19). It has increased about 10cents (8p) since last year, according to my memory.

For most of the way, we follow the N10. There has been some major money spent on this road since we last came this way, about four years ago now. It is almost all high quality dual carriageway.

We stop for the night at a place called Cadillac, east and slightly south of Bordeaux. I am not sure if there is any connection between the name of this place and the Cadillac car in America?

Cadillac Aire (N44 38.319" W000 19.011"). It is free to stay. Electricity is 2Euro for 3 hours at  5 Amps.

The aire is very near the town centre, so, be carefull when entering the satnav coordinates, our operator got it slightly wrong, and we disrupted traffic in the narrow streets of the town centre as we blundered around.

When we found the correct place on the second attempt, there was not room to park. The Aire is meant to have space for 8 vans, but, when we arrived there were five well spaced out vans occupying all of the space. As we pondered what to do, a kind hearted English couple offered to move over slightly, to make room for us to get in. In the mean time a Frenchman in overalls (who we assumed was in one of the other vans), appeared and began berating the remaining occupants about the space they were taking up. So, we caused disruption at the aire, as well as in the town! We subsequently found the Frenchman in the overalls was not in fact staying on the Aire, he was simply digging his garden nearby.

Cadillac is a "Bastide" (walled town), dating back to the 1300's, when the English held sway in this part of France (Aquitaine). A lot of the town walls and some fortified gates are still intact (amazingly), so, it is worth a walk around. Surprisingly, for such a potential tourist spot, there does not appear to be a single pleasant bar or cafe to visit.

Fingers crossed, the weather is fine and warm!

Wednesday 20th March 2013

Although it has rained over night (again!), we wake to a pleasant and dry morning, to have our breakfast.

We make our way back towards the N10, but, not before we lose another door mirror to a white van man on the narrow bridge leaving Cadillac. Why can't these people just slow down?

Fortunately, although the casing is broken, the mirror is still intact, and even the repeating indicator, although minus its cover now, is still working. I think this is will be the third new mirror we have had, in six years! and they are not cheap.

We arrive at St Jean-de-Luz, just south of Biarritz at about 13:00.

St Jean-de-Luz, La Ferme Erromardie (N43 24'20" W001 38'30"), a site from the ASCI book, 14Euro, including WiFi.

Facilities are needed, it is hair washing day (most critical day of the week!).

That means a couple of hours with a 2Kw hair dryer, followed by half an hour with the hair straighteners (and that is not for me!).

So a site with all facilities is called for.

The weather has improved, we even manage to get out for a walk.

There is a foot path along the cliff top along the coast to the town, and of course, in the town there are cafes and bars, for a beer or two and the odd glass of wine.

This may well be a good choice for a couple of days relaxing, hopefully, the weather will stay kind.

With the internet, I am able to update the blog, and check the budget back in the UK, to see if that nice Mr Osborne has taken any money off me. It would appear, for once, he has not, apart from the inevitable increase in the duty on Wine and Spirits. Just have to take enough back so we do not have to buy it in the UK!

  

Spring 2013, Destination Portugal

Sunday 17th March 2013

We leave home in moderately good weather, but, it only lasts as far south as Yorkshire.

Soon it is raining.

We stop off at Huntingdon for Sunday lunch, at a place called the "Old Bridge Inn". I had found it on the internet, and new it was going to be pricey. But, what the hell I thought, you only live once. Pricey is a bit of an understatement £42 for Sunday lunch for two, just one course, a pint of bitter and a half shandy. I don't know about only live once, I think we will be only going there once!

As we pass Newark, would you believe they are holding a cycle race on the main A1!

They must have a death wish, cars etc hurtling past at 70mph, and nothing to protect the cyclists.

The weather only gets worse, sleet, then snow.

Despite the weather, we arrive at the Tunnel early, we are booked on the 18:20 train, but, we are there in time to be switched to the 17:20 train.

Sitting in the line waiting to board, we see a new word on the information board. The train is delayed by a few minutes to 17:28, but, the information board reads "Train retimed to 17:28". Retimed, I suppose it sounds better than delayed. I did not know that Euro Tunnel had employed Peter Mandleson.

We spend the night at Gravelines aire (N50 59.310' E2 07.363'). Not nearly as busy as usual, lots of empty spaces.

Monday 18th March 2013

It rained all night, and is still raining when we leave.

South on the A16, towards Abberville, leave the motorway, at the point the toll starts, no point paying to do 60mph, you can do that for free on the "N" roads.

Kathleen has retired the Tomtom, for the day, because she is bored and fancies map reading. It makes a nice change for me too, instead of getting instructions like "turn left in 300 metres", I now get, "you should have turned left 300 metres ago, you will have to turn around".

We negotiate Rouen, right first time, and stop for lunch at Pont de l'Arche. We knew there was a Municipal Campsite there, but, there is a small Aire too, we found. Marked out spaces for four vans, what looks like a free electric hook up, and a service point.

As we head south the unremitting rain and sleet do ease off a little, we even get a brief spell of sunshine, which allows Kathleen to wear her sunglasses, for the first time since Yorkshire. It does not last long.

It is decided, tonight, we must have electricity. Kathleen is concerned about using too much of our gas, in case we run out before our 12 weeks are over. So, despite checking out a couple of promising Aires at Cloyes Sur Le Loir (N47 59.512' E1 13.936') and Vouvray (N47 24.549' E000 47.812'), we actually go to:

La Ville-aux-Dames, Les Acacias (N47 24'7" E0 46'48")

from the ACSI book. We have been here before, about five years ago, it has apparently changed management since then, and is better for it.

Free wifi, hence the blog update, but, we find the signal is not good enough to sustain a Skype conversation.

Whitbarrow Holiday Village - Penrith 16th February - 23 February 2013

16th February 2013.

This is not one of our Campervan outings.

We are staying at Whitbarrow Holiday Village, near Penrith, Cumbria, for a week, courtesy of Gary and Susana.

First impressions are very favourable, there is no reason why we should expect otherwise, we have previously stayed at a similar place, with Gary, Susana and Gabriel, near Bude, Devon, and it was equally impressive.

This time there is just the two of us, and we have a studio apartment in the main building, which also houses the Reception area, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Gym, Restaurant and Bar.

Our apartment consists of a living area, with

- seating area
- TV
- Radio
- DVD player

We are on the first floor, so, we have a French Doors, leading onto a small balcony with seats and a table.

The weather is fine and sunning, so, I think there will be some wine drinking on the Balcony in the course of the next week!

Our view looks out over the front of the main building.

Enough of the fun, back to the practicalities, we also have a  kitchen area with fridge, freezer, dish washer, hob, microwave and sink, plus a dining area, sleeping area and of course a bathroom.

Sunday, 17th February 2013

Looks like it is going to be a nice day.

Being Sunday, that means Church for Kathleen. We drive into Penrith so Kathleen can go to the Catholic Church there.

Meanwhile, I explore the town, check out the likely eating places, and look for any other "interesting" things.

To be honest, there is not a lot to Penrith, but, it is a fairly pleasant little town, one of those places you pass frequently, but seldom stop at.

I did learn one interesting little thing about Penrith. It is one of the few settlements in the UK, which was not founded by a water source. In the 14th century, local monks diverted a small nearby river to provide an adequate supply of water to the the growing town. This was particularly necessary since the local industries, including leather tanning, used a lot of water, and created significant polution. Amazing what you learn, just by wandering about isn't it?

After a good Sunday lunch, it was back to Whitbarrow, to exercise off some of the pounds, by walking in the grounds on such a nice day.

Monday, 18th February 2013

Another fine and sunny day, although a little cold. We are being lucky with the weather so far.

We drive to Glenridding on Ullswater, and take the steamer to Howtown.

A bit exhorbitant in my opinion, £3 to park, and, £6.80 each, one way, to Howtown, no concessions for Pensioners, how dare they?

But, I suppose, I should not complain, with views like this, not bad for £16 and a bit of effort is it really?

The walk back from Howtown to Glenridding is approximately 6.5 undulating miles, and is beautifully scenic, indeed the walk book describes it as "one of the Lake Districts finest walks".

Despite the fact that a number of other walkers got off the ferry with us at Howtown, the walk was not crowded. As each pair set off at their own pace, they were all soon dispersed over the length of the walk.

You do not pass any potential eating places, you need to be prepared and bring your lunch with you!

This is not a "hard" walk, the walk book describes it as "moderate", but, we are a bit out of condition, so, a dip in the pool, a Sauna and a spell in the Jacuzzi eases our aching muscles on our return.

Tuesday, 19th February 2013

Another crisp, dry and bright day, we head back to Glenridding.

Today, having "broken ourselves in" gently with a lakeside walk yesterday, we decide on a slightly more strenuous walk.

To be fair, this walk is only 3.5 miles, and is described in the book as "easy". Hmm, this leaves only three possibilities:

a) we are totally unfit.
b) We did the wrong walk.
c) The book is wrong.

We park at the steamer quay in Genridding and walk up an eastern valley of Helvellyn toward Red Tarn.

Yes, that figure in the distance is Kathleen, striding on ahead.

It is a magnificent sunny winters day, crisp, cold, and dry, this is quite strenuous, but, on a day like today, the views are stunning.

You would hardly know it now, but once Greenside had one of the most profitable Lead Mines in the North of England. It was in production from the mid 18th century to the mid 20th century.

Some of the former mine buildings have been converted to Hostel style accomodation for visitors.

yes, that is Kathleen again, always in the lead, even although I have the map and instructions!

Wednesday, 20th February 2013

After yesterdays rather strenuous efforts, we settle for the easier but no less beautiful Wordsworth Walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Described as "moderate" and 4.5 miles by the walk book, I would say that is a fair assessment. In our case, we probably did at least an extra mile because of parking problems, even in February.

We have done this walk many times before, but, it is no less enjoyable for that.

For all it is a walk around two lakes, it does have some quite steep climbs, just to get your blood circulating!

Part of the route is a supposed "coffin route", ie, a route used to carry the dead for burial in the nearest church. Personally, I think it would have been easier to build another (nearer) church, than to lug a coffin along this path!

Thursday, 21st February 2013

Dodd Wood and Bassenthwaite.

A walk from a different book, which does not give ratings such as "easy", "moderate" etc. This walk is relatively short at 1.5 miles. It involves a steep climb at the very start, followed by a gradual descent, a short rapid descent, followed by a walk through meadows.

The walk starts at Mirehouse carpark, and climbs steeply into the woods, before running along a ledge parallel to the road below with views over Bassenthwaite where the trees thin enough to allow this.

The walk is meant for a lazy summers day, and in fairness, the book does say that. Today is bright and sunny, but with a bitterly cold east wind.

Walking through the woods is sheltered from the wind, but, is also in the shadow, so the ground is still frozen hard.

Soon we are in meadows by the lake shore, and we come to a church, stuck absolutely in the middle of nowhere!

This is St Braga's Church, dating back to the 12th century. It is the village church for Basenthwaite Village, which is some 3 miles away! They must have been envisaging a very large church yard when they built this, is all I can say!

Easy (but cold!) walking along the lake shore to Mire House, which, if you like that kind of thing, you can visit, for an extra charge of course.

We settle for admiring the snow drops.




Friday, 22nd February 2013

We have had a very good run of weather, but, today, our luck has run out, very cold with snow flurries and an overcast sky.

It is decided we will go to Carlisle, the nearest town of any size.

What is the fascination with women and shopping?

At least it was indoors, dry and moderately warm, Kathleen bought something, (a pair of shorts, in preparation for our next campervan trip) so  everyone (?) was happy.

I will settle for pointing out that, we took the "obvious" route there, ie out onto the M6 and north to Carlisle. On the return, mainly because we were parked to the south west of the town centre and we wanted to avoid the town centre traffic, we followed a much smaller road courtesy of the Sat-Nav, much shorter, and almost traffic free, before we know it, we are back at Greystoke, and then Whitbarrow.

Saturday, 23rd February 2013.

Home again, heavy snow falling as we pass Newcastle on the Western By-pass, when will winter end?

But, we have had a wonderful week, thank you Gary, Susana and Gabriel.