Pastures new

Hello again

There were fond farewells from friends and staff at Calpe and then we were on our way. We had a good drive to Beas de Granada arriving at 1.30pm, then sat outside eating lunch in glorious sunshine with the temp of 24 C, overlooking the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

The next morning we were on our way again to El Puerto de Santa Maria, which is situated across the bay from the historical city of Cadiz in the southern tip of Spain. Our camp site is situated on the outskirts of the old town and across the road from a lovely beach looking across the bay to Cadiz. There are plenty of walk ways and cycle tracks close to hand and a large supermarket so we don't go hungry. Our plan is to stay awhile and explore the area.

Cadiz is listed as being possibly the oldest city in Europe and it was here that Chistopher Colombus sailed from on his second and forth voyages to the Americas. Back to history lessons so off we went. We took the ferry (catamaran) across the bay to Cadiz where we spent a very pleasant day. There was so much to see in one day, so rather than rush we decided we would come back for a return visit. For our first visit our first stop was the tourist office to get a map of the city which showed the major points of interest. Our walking tour of the ciy included picturesque gardens, fortified castles, Cadiz Cathedral, lovely buildings with lots of ornate tiles as can be seen in the photo of me sitting on a bench (at the end).

It's still only March but just look at the plants that are available for sale on the market.

It's hard to think that just across from this expanse of water is Africa!

On our return to the ferry we took the opportunity to go on board the Galleon - La Pepa which was berthed not far from our departure point (picture at the end of blog shows Harry playing 'Master and Commander'

Further visits will include a trip to Jerez (part of the Sherry triangle), a return trip to Cadiz and where we are staying in El Puerto de Santa Maria.

So, until next time - Hasta luega

Kath and Harry xxx

Adios Calpe

This is our last weekend in Calpe. We will be busy packing up and getting the van ship shape to go touring again. We've changed our minds several times to date but have finally come up with a plan. We intend to travel cross country and stop overnight just outside Granada then onto Cadiz where we will stop for about a week to visit the sights so hopefully we shall have lots of new things to write about.

The salt lake close to camp is home to numerous flamingos. We managed to get some photos at last. I say at last because when they are close by we never had the camera with us, and when we do they are usually on the other side of the lake. But eventually Harry was rewarded for his patience.

We are sad to leave Calpe which has been our winter home these past 3 months but are eager to experience new adventures and explore pastures new. So until next week adios.

Love to all Harry and Kath xxx

PS And a Happy Birthday to Roy P who celebrats his 70th today and no doubt we will all celebrate it in style!!

Saturday routine in Calpe

What better way is there to spend a Saturday here in our winter home. Our day so far - morning cup of tea in bed (thanks Harry). Up, showered, hung washing out (did it last night to avoid the morning queues in the laundry). Off out to one of our favourite cafes for breakfast, coffee and croissant for me and coffee and tostada y tomato for Harry - read the morning paper, compliments of the cafe, then up to the fruit and veg market to stock up on our week's rations. Back to camp then a browse through the main market en route to Lidl for more provisions. Home for lunch and now we have just arrived at the beach to soak up the afternoon sun, then tonight we are meeting up with friends to go out for a Chinese. It's a hard life. I think Harry sees it as a reward for traipsing around the market with me and being my pack horse!!!

So what else have we done - of course the rugby is still in full swing and although Scotland have not been doing well Harry is still enjoying it, even gets dressed for the occasion as you can see and there is always lots of friendly banter with some of the other nations.

Harry and Ray went off hill walking again - this time to Serra de Bernia standing proud at 1126 metres. "A wonderful day out - the best yet" was his comment. I would have loved to have done it too but I am still nursing a foot injury and thought it might aggrevate the problem if I went on a long hike. There is always next year. The photos will give you some idea of what they experienced.

Now we are into March we have been desperate to see the almond blossom in full bloom. Several attempts to see it in the more popular areas have been disappointing mainly due to the recent cold weather which appears to have delayed the onset of Spring. Last week however, we went on one of our wanders and lo and behold we found what we have been looking for. Spectacular I think the word is. Harry took loads of photos ( I was the Art Director!) and here are some of our favourites.

Our time here in Calpe is fast running out. We leave on the 14th March and I shall endeavour to put one last blog on before we leave. Then on to pastures new - into touring mode again which we are both looking forward to very much. But more of that next week when hopefully we will have made a decision about where we are going.

So until then, lots of love

Kath and Harry xxx