France 26th July to 4th August 2009

26th, 27th & 28th July '09

Well after 'finally' getting the new Rapido 992mh we loaded him up and headed south, stopping off for a couple of nights with our friends Rog & Norm who were camping in the midlands. We had a great time getting used to the new van & trying out our new facilities i.e. baking some cakes in the new ramoska - Rog thought there was no end to my talents!

29th & 30th July '09

En route to Dover we stopped off with Jay one of our other friends in the midlands & enjoyed a nice meal at the cock, heading off the following day destination Canterbury. We stayed on the UK equivalent of an aire which was superb & just like a little bit of France! After a stroll around the town, a few purchases in Lakeland & dinner at Wagga Mamas (one of my favourite places to eat), we headed back to camp. We were both so excited about finally being on the road again, albeit at least half of the trip down so far had resulted in me sitting in the back doing a bit of work or reading 'cos I was so nervous about the traffic!! Anyway we thought we would just enjoy a relaxing evening & early night ready for our ferry crossing, across from us there was an ever expanding family - the couple had 4 small children, a lassie dog & baby in the making......all in a 6 metre motorhome!!! They were sat outside when the dog who was tethered to the table went berserk & dragged the table, chairs, high chair complete with baby across the carpark.......it was like something from a comedy sketch & I couldn't quite believe it!! After the high drama we had an early night. 31st July & 1st Aug '09 Lille The ferry crossing was great and a much better experience with P&O ferries than with Sea France! Our destination was Lille, we were going to see Arno and Chantal one of Mal's ex work colleagues. We arrived with them just after lunch & were greeted by Victorie (Arno's beautiful daughter), Chantal, Vixie, Zoom & of course Arno! There home was wonderful and they made us very very welcome. That evening we went to Lille to drop Victorie off for her train to Belgium & Arno gave us a whistle stop tour of Lille along with a stop off for drinks - it was great to see him after so long. We arrived back to a lovely meal prepared by Chantal which was all washed down with a few bottles of champagne! The next day we took a cycle ride around the area together, then they both took us into Lille to show us some of the sights, which was a really nice experience. We enjoyed another wonderful meal sat outside on the patio with some mean drinks they introduced us to which contained rum, sugarcane & lime juice - delicious! Arno & Mal 2nd Aug '09 After a leisurely breakfast we headed off to Ypres as we where so near to the Belgium border. We found a small campsite & booked in for 1 night, then got on our bikes & explored the town! Ypres is a nice fortified town & worth a visit. There was a fair in the main square which is were we thought the aire was but never actually found the aire, we stopped off for a beer in the square & did a bit of people watching, also treating ourselves to a tray of frites which were scrummy! After dinner we headed off to the menin gate for the 8pm ceremony whereby they honour the dead of the first world war by playing the last post, the gate marks the starting point for one of the main roads out of the town that led Allied soldiers to the front line. Its large Hall of Memory contains the names of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who died without graves, cut into vast panels. On completion of the memorial, it was discovered to be too small to contain all the names as originally planned. An arbitrary cut-off point of 15 August 1917 was chosen and the names of 34,984 UK missing after this date were inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing instead......humbling to say the least! Menin Gate Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge Whilstin Northern France we visited Vimy Ridge which is where another battle was fought from 9 April to 12 April 1917, this was part of the opening phase of the British-led Battle of Arras. By nightfall on 12 April 1917, the Canadian Corps was in firm control of the ridge. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties: 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded. The German Sixth Army suffered an unknown number of casualties with an approximate 4,000 men becoming prisoners of war. Four members of the Canadian Corps received Victoria Crosses, the highest military decoration awarded to British and Commonwealth forces for valour, for their actions during the battle. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is Canada's largest and principal overseas war memorial. Located on the highest point of the Vimy Ridge, the memorial is dedicated to the commemoration of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Canadian Expeditionary Force members killed during the First World War. It serves as the place of commemoration for Canadian soldiers killed in France during the First World War with no known grave. France granted Canada perpetual use of a section of land at Vimy Ridge in 1922 for the purpose of a battlefield park and memorial. A 250-acre (100 ha) portion of the former battlefield is preserved as part of the memorial park that surrounds the monument. The grounds of the site are still honeycombed with wartime tunnels, trenches, craters and unexploded munitions, and is largely closed off for public safety. However, a section of preserved trenches and a portion of a tunnel have been made accessible to site visitors. The original preserved trenches Underground tunnels used during the war - spooky! 3rd & 4th August Equihen Plage - what a great aire, superb location, superb weather, superb company! How lucky we are. The town here was very quiet & not worthy of a visit but the aire was right on the cliff overlooking a great beach, with a nice grass area to sit out & relax - which is what we did! Amongst playing cards, reading eating good food we didn't do much else '0h yes' we relaxed - heavenly! Equihen Plage! Our dining spot at Equihen Plage.

Lancashire 7th March - 16th June 2009

3/6/09

Well well well lots to tell as it’s been such a long time since I last blogged! We have bought a house, repossession, moved into it and have been busy decorating and doing minor renovations ready to rent it out. We have had a visit from our New York relatives which was great. Our Motor home has been written off; we were both sad but pleased the insurance had finally made a decision after 3 months!! Rob (Mal’s son) got his degree – well done Rob! My back has been knackered since the accident (think I have a trapped nerve). We got some of our furniture out of storage too….sleeping in our very own bed is pure bliss. We are due to take delivery of our new motor home week ending 5th June can’t wait to get back on the road! We caught up with Mandy one of friends who lives in France which was great; she made us a lovely meal over in Preston. We also caught up with some of Mal’s old work colleagues whom I got to meet for the first time which was great after hearing lots of tales about them all. My friend Nic got married, so I got chance to catch up with her too. My Sister P on her 40th!!!

P's BIG chocolate cake!

A proud father with his Son after he had just received his graduation results! Princess Fearn & Big Bracken (P's kids). 15/6/09 Good news for the month…..we have managed a couple of BBQs as the weather has been a bit better! Guess what Brownhills let us down again and the motorhome still hasn’t arrived! I am so fed up I can’t begin to tell you…..’apparently’ it will commence its journey from France on June 19th, but I better not hold my breath. Yesterday we had an email from our friends Roger & Norma to say they would be over in Clitheroe, so we headed over to meet up with them, it was so great to see them Darcy & Bess seemed to remember us…..so we didn’t warrant a growl! We spent the evening with them & planned to possibly meet up with them tomorrow. Unfortunately me having a blonde moment, I forgot the car was booked into the garage for the repairs from the bump P had, so we would be carless!!! Up early to drop the car off at the garage with P, gave Rog a call to tell him about the car – we agreed to see them either on our way to France or on our way back or both. I was peeved that we couldn’t see them again today. Busied myself with cleaning the final few windows in the house – boring! That’s it for now folks! Ardennes!!

Spain/UK 15th Feb - 6th March 2009

The following few days were spent trying to keep calm & not get too stressed out with the whole situation! We spoke to the insurance on Monday & arranged to put the van into storage at Hymer in Vic tomorrow - yipee progress. I got on & booked flights to the UK from Girona on Weds, prior to this we planned to stay at the Novotel near the airport for the night. We set about packing 2 plastic storage tubs (our luggage), we didn't have any cases obviously! We packed one with Mal's toys (electrical items) & one with a few essential clothes - along with 2 ruck sacks. Delia the lovely lady at Hymer kindly booked us a cab on Tuesday morning to take us to the airport - without Delia & the owner at Hymer our situation would have been far worse! We arrived at the hotel looking forward to a luxury bath & peaceful nights sleep! The hotel was nice with a great 'modern' bathroom......without a bath! bang goes that idea then..... we meandered down to reception booked the shuttle to the airport for the next day and decided to take a look outside. After a few goes on the childrens swings, we decided it was such great weather we would sit out with our books and a nice bottle of red - oooohhhh pure indulgence! We had a wonderful relaxing afternoon. Next day we had to hang around at the hotel until about 2pm, as it was out of town & we couldn't exactly lug our new stylish 'luis vitton' luggage around! Once again after a good breakfast we sat out by the pool reading & relaxing in what would prove to be our last bit of sunshine for the next few weeks! We flew out to Manchester arriving back in the UK at about 6pm - to be greated by my wonderful Sis & her partner. Everyone was so excited to see us! Expecially Fearn & Bracken our P's dogs.

My Mum & Dad had moved out of their room to give it to us (which we weren't happy about). Anyway this didn't work as no-one slept very well, for various reasons. So to cut a long story short we moved onto a blow up in the lounge which we felt more happy about!

We have spent the last 2 weeks sorting out the insurance & were happy to hear yesterday 6th Feb the van is on its way to the UK & will be here on Tuesday!! We have been catching up with some family, but not seen them all yet - it has been really hectic since we got back! We have also been looking at some properties as we want to get a house to rent out. Anyway we have now found a house, our offer has been accepted - so looks like we will be in the property business soon! The house needs quite a bit of work doing on it, so we are going to be busy with that whilst our house is being fixed! I have been working too, which is keeping me out of trouble. Other than that it's been cold, miserable weather compared to what we are used to, so the tan is fading fast. The other good news is we finally got Mal's Mums house rented out too! I booked our New York flights during the week, so we will be away from 20th Oct to 12th Jan 2010.

Spain - 2nd Feb - 14th Feb 2009

2nd Feb – 12th Feb 2009 – Benicassim We set about preparing for our visitors arrival on Weds Holly & Phil. Mal & I decided not to travel up to Barcelona upon their arrival, we thought we would go up for their last 2 days. However, they decided to hire a car & travel down to see us instead which was great – we could show them around the area. They arrived with us on Weds 4th at about 10pm, we had prepared some tapas & all ate together. We all settled in for the night & didn’t do our usual thing of staying up late & overindulging. Next morning we decided to go for a swim, although Holly hadn’t brought her swim stuff….so Mal & I went on our own. Some of our friends were going walking today they asked us all to go, but Hol hadn’t brought any walking footwear & was not too bothered about a walk so we decided to give this one a miss. After our swim we had a nice breakfast sat out in the sun. We took a walk into town early afternoon to see if we could find a bikini for Hol (no success). We stopped off for a beer sat out in the sun; the relaxed flow led to a light lunch of dim sum….which was fab! We headed back to camp late afternoon after a long walk along the beachfront. Tonight was spent playing cards & watching a movie.

Mal with his Oasis look! (hair by Mandy).

Brian, Mandy, Mal & Me after a meal out at the chinese.

Friday 6th Feb 09 – Valencia

Valencia museums in the modern quarter - stunning!

Valencia modern quarter.

The view at lunch from El Cortes Ingles

Hersee this one's for you (the bridge).

Hol

Museum

Rob this one's for you - awesome!

Today was our day out to Valencia; we headed off at about 9.30am with Holly speedster at the wheel. It was Holly’s first experience of driving abroad, so she was a little apprehensive (as was I after my car crash last march) – anyway she did a sterling job & we were all very proud of her! Unfortunately Phil had forgotten his driving license….hence the pressure was on Hol to drive – although Phil did do the return trip! Valencia was great, we went to the modern area first, where there is a number of museums, Imax, Oceanographic centre interalia – the only down side was nothing was open as they were completing maintenance. It was still worth going just to see the architecture – WOW! After lunch on the 8th floor of El Corte Ingles, which provided panoramic views over the wonderful buildings, we went to the old town. The old town was really lovely with some great old buildings, we had a wander around, obviously keeping our eyes peeled for a bikini for Hol…..to no avail. We set off back to Benicassim at around 4.30pm via Castellon were we could call at Decathlon (sports shop) to see if we could find Hol that elusive bikini….yeah what a success! Not only did Hol get a bikini but I got a heart monitor, a new top, & some tennis balls for Darcy & Bumble (the neighbours dogs). Hol & Phil went off into town at 9pm for a few drinks whilst we watched a film. They arrived home at 4am, so we concluded a good night had been enjoyed!

The old town of Valencia

Valencia

Valencia

Sat 7th Feb 09 – Benicassim Today was spent relaxing, we took a swim in the heated pool – Phil & Mal ‘being boys’ decided to try the outdoor pool but that proved too much & they were soon back in the bath like water! Hol & Phil were suffering a tad with hangovers, but their night sounded like fun! We borrowed Rogers bikes & the 4 of us went on a 10-mile cycle round the track, which was really enjoyable. Norma & Roger kindly invited us to a BBQ at theirs on Sunday, unfortunately Hol & Phil decided to head off to Barcelona tomorrow to meet some friends prior to their departure on Monday – but Mal & I agreed to go to the BBQ. There was a Harley Davidson festival, so tonight we popped into town to watch the torchlight parade through streets at 7pm. Norma & Roger joined us in town coupled with Darcy & Bumble…..the parade was good to watch & we stopped off for a couple of drinks on the way back down. Unfortunately we didn’t catch up with Mandy & Brian our other friends. When we got back to the van Mandy popped round to meet Hol & Phil before they left, so we invited her back round after we had tea. The evening turned into a riotous affair with Mal playing D.J, Brian came a long at 12 midnight & entertained us with his singing – I think a good night was enjoyed by all.

Just one of the many Harley Davidsons.

Phil, Mal & Mr Darcy

Mal & me - cheers!

Hol & Phil

Brian & Mal at Casa Tramp truck enjoying a bit of Karaoke - note Brian's Mike (Mal's glasses case).....tee hee

Sunday 8th Feb 09 – Benicassim Hol & Phil took and early morning dip. Whilst we watched the Harley drive by outside the campsite. Mal & I prepared breakfast for them & made them a packed lunch – we said our goodbyes, knowing we would see them soon as we were planning a surprise trip to the UK on the 2nd March for a month!! (More about that later). Mal & I had a quick tidy up then prepared our contribution to the BBQ, prawns, garlic dip & salad. We joined our friends at about 2pm & had a really great afternoon, we retired to Roger & Norms van for after dinner drinks – we popped back to our van for a planned webcam chat with Wendy & Jmel, but not before promising Norma we would return. We of course stood by our promise & returned to the neighbours, were Norma entertained us with her orange juggling skills (she didn’t remember this the next day). As always we had a great day with our friends.

Darcy with his Nu Nu wrapped around him - 'cos he gets cold!

Not to be outdone - Mandy with her Nu Nu....

Norm wrapping Darcy in his Nu Nu, whilst Bumble cleans Rogers head......odd?? No normal life at Bonterra Park.....

Mon 9th – Thurs 12th Feb 09 – Benicassim We all decided to go on a walk today over to Orpressa, we lost Roger & Norma complete with dogs prior to departure, but after a jog back to camp from Mal, scaling the wall like something from a milk tray advert we found them. Finally all set with 6 adults & 4 pooches we commenced our walk, thankfully there were no snakes’ en-route! We had lunch on the beach; it was an absolutely glorious day & arrived back at camp late afternoon. Everyone was a little tired from the Sunday party so we decided to get early nights – although we had declared a leaving party ‘all week’ as Norma & Roger were leaving too! Brian & Mandy had decided to cook for us all on Thursday Paella & declared it a day on them, which was a really kind generous offer. Tuesday My cleaning day! I spent a good few hours cleaning, washing & generally preparing for departure on Friday (even though it was Friday 13th). Later in the afternoon we took Mandy & Brian’s dogs (Moo & Sis) for a walk with Norma & Roger & their 2 dogs, as Mandy & Brian had gone to Valencia for the day. Upon our return Mal knocked together a jug of sangria & we went over to Roger & Norms for a few drinks, which turned into a few more! Roger cooked us some hotdogs for tea, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The boys went off to watch the football at a bar, whilst Norma & I put the world to rights.

Roger with Darcy (who think he is still a small puppy - Darcy of course)!

Wednesday Was a bit of a lazy day – we had tea with our 4 friends, Roger cooked some fab salmon on the BBQ, I knocked up a salad & Mandy some dauphenoise potatoes…..boy can we put on a spread! We didn’t have too late a night, ‘cos we have a big party day tomorrow! Thursday We spent the morning sorting our last bits out for packing. Then it was over the road for beautiful Paella courtesy of Mandy & Brian, along with many bottles of sparkling wine (although Mal had to take it easy as we were on the road the next day). Another couple joined us for lunch Judith & John who I think found out entertainment good. Mal was D.J for the day, much to everyone’s pleasure. After evening dog walking we reconvened at Norm & Rogers for drinks & music. Mandy, Brian & Mr Darcy - How BIG is that doggy in thw window......HUGE!!!

Brian with his wonderful Paella - you can breath now Brian.

Mandy & Brian take to the dancefloor prior to the buffett.....that DJ must be good!

Mandy & me...a little worse for wear!

Hey Mr DJ put a record on....Mal & Roger at the controls!

Snack anyone? Darcy tucking into a midnight snack of crisps.....

After too much partying even the pooches needed a rest!

Friday 13th Feb 09 – Nightmare!! After breakfast & lots of goodbyes, from most of the street - life at Bonterra Park Benicassim comes highly recommended, we have had the best time ever....but feel I now need to a month in the Betty Ford clinic! We set off at about 10am heading for the French boarder. The drive was nice & smooth, the weather superb & fields upon fields of blossom trees – one of those days were you feel blessed. At about 12noon I started to get peckish so asked mal if we could stop soon, he said we needed fuel so would stop in a short while. As we were driving on the N-340 a red car appeared to our right on a side road from the cemetery. The car did not stop but continued to come out of the junction and continued to come out despite Mal’s beeps on the horn, we had not chance of stopping because of the close proximately. Mal swerved as much as he could to avoid the guy, but if he had swerved any further we would have gone into the oncoming traffic, so we had no choice but to hit him as he continued to drive ahead!! He was not looking in our direction but was looking the complete opposite way – it almost appeared the actions someone may take if they had decided to intentionally do it. Anyway we smashed into him, Mal successfully managed to handle the van bearing in mind it is 4tonnes so not easy! Luckily we were both ok, so Mal jumped out of the van….I couldn’t get out immediately as may door was dented, but managed in the end. The other car was bashed in quite badly; there was an ambulance there by the time I emerged from the van. The guy in the other car was very old & had a history of heart problems, but the police said he would be ok – eventually he was taken to hospital. We gathered as much information as we could from the police etc. A guy approached us to say he had seen it all & Mal had done a good job under the circumstances, he said it was not Mal’s fault he had seen it & the guy in the car was loco!! The next few hours were spent on the phone to the UK, insurance etc. To find out what we needed to do….basically our insurance said we had to arrange ourselves to get the vehicle moved, which I did. We got moved to a Hymer dealer in Vic near to Barcelona. We travelled to Vic with the van on a low loader, it took forever to get it on & off the low loader because of its weight & the overhang at the back…they ripped half of the bumper off & smashed the light as a result of this! The drive to Barcelona resulted in me lying down on a bed in the back of said low loader as they only had enough room for one passenger! Probably a good thing that I couldn’t see out front as they guy was a bit of a speedy driver; even so he was very helpful & kind to us. We arrived in Vic at a bout 7pm….what a day! What should have been a nice trip over into France followed by the south of France had turned into our nightmare. Anyway the people at Hymer were very kind; basically they gave us 2 options. 1) They could repair it here but it would take about 2 months & we would need to come back out at intervals. 2) We could get it shipped back to the UK if the insurance would do that. We opted for option 2 as we had planned to be in the UK for March & it would be much easier to iron out any issues in the UK. Our insurance said they would ship it to the UK, but need to pass it to their international department and being Friday nothing could be done until Monday. I explained our situation i.e. we are stuck on a garage forecourt, the vehicle cannot be driven, we have a hole in the floor which leads to the outside, we have limited gas, limited water, no grey or black waste disposal facilities, can only get in & out via the drivers door – so Monday was not so appealing. Anyway no luck we have to wait until Monday!! The kind people here have given us an electric hook up, along with water – it could have been much worse without them. We spoke to our friends in Benicassim and they kindly offered to put us up if we wanted to go back there, they also offered us the use of their car to get us back to the UK, or to go to Normandy & stay at their house – basically anything we wanted nothing was too much trouble. I must say it’s amazing the kindness of some people. Mal had planned a surprise for Valentines Day, which was going to be a meal, & he gave me a lovely pair of earrings I had seen in Benicassim – he had gone to so much trouble & an irresponsible driver had spoilt the moment! After a bite to eat & feeling sorry for ourselves we headed to bed, as it is much colder here about 15degrees less than Benicassim. Don’t think we will ever travel on Friday 13th again!

Our habitation door post impact - note the floor hanging down!

Front wheel/wing passenger side.

and another!

Saturday

Sleep last night was intermittent, not help by the fact we are at the side of a main road so the noise goes on all night!! I stayed in bed til 10am, a case of if I was sleeping I didn’t have to face up to reality I think. Plus my back & neck are stiff, I have only just got my neck sorted out from the car crash I had last March, but it looks like 150euros lighter I am back to square one!! I finally emerged got washed & dressed. Bless Mal he had been outside & jacked the front corner of the van up onto some wood then it was level. He took a jug & the watering can to the toilets & filled us up with water, getting an extra watering can of hot water for me to have a wash. The day has been spent, trying to chivvy the insurance along – without success! They can’t do anything until Monday. Also trying to maintain each other’s sprits, which are at an all time low! But after speaking to our family today it has cheered us up a little. Think we will have to get some presents out of the box in the boot to cheer us up! Mal is watching the Rugby whilst I update the blog – pretty boring really, but we can’t do anything else! Had a look at some flights to the UK on Weds, but can’t do anything until we know what’s happening with the van. My Mum is on with planning were she can put us at her house on our return and we have had offers from all the family of whatever help we need, even a trip to the USA to stay with Wendy & Jmel, we are so lucky to have such great family. As Rob & my Mum pointed out just think back over the great times we’ve had so far & what great times are to come! Tea tonight will be pasta, pine nuts & pesto & probably another early night! Our friends Roger & Norma called again today with offers of help too. Mandy & Brian text to send their good wishes & to say I know Mal said he had a surprise for you for Valentines Day but I think he’s taking it a bit far! On that note Happy Valentines day to all…..we are holed up on an industrial estate in Vic, it’s cold, we don’t know when we will get help, we are fed up….but……we have each other!

Our new camping spot until we can get back to the UK!

Spain 22nd Dec - 1st Feb 2009

Torrox Beach Club 22nd - 27th Dec 08 We decided to leave the campsite this morning & head on down to the beach were we had spent a few nights previously. We spent most of the day sunbathing & preparing the food for the evening. Late afternoon we headed off to Torrox Beach Club to set up ready for the Wilson's arrival at around 9.30pm. We decided to put a notice on our door to say we were staying at one of the apartments (within minutes we had 2 ladies reading our note - whilst we sat inside!!) Mal hopped out of the van to check they were ok.....using his McFee charms he soon had them telling him he would be fine to park in the spot, so residents on side we felt a little more relaxed!

The Wilson clan glided into town at about 9.30pm, whilst they unpacked in their apartment we warmed all the food up, curry, chilli (for those who won't eat curry...Woggy), etc. The food went down a storm & we all sat back relaxed & caught up on the past few months travelling, life in the UK etc. Clearly we downed a few snifters too, but not too many!

Next day it was off to Euroski at Valez Malaga for 'THE' big shop....turkey (Pavo), brussel sprouts, lots of booze and all the additional bits required for a cool yule. We also had to buy a Christmas tree, lights, trimmings etc. With all that done & unpacked back at home, we took a great stroll along the beach - fabulous weather & company!

Chris peeling chestnuts for the stuffing with uncle Mal!

Mal & Helen on Christmas Eve

Chris with his hair freshly styled into that footballers look! Helen & Neil

Christmas Eve!! - Today commenced at a leisurely pace, followed by a trip into town for the last bits of shopping. Mal had completed a cookathon, so we had dinner for tonight planned. We stopped off in town for a nice bottle of red overlooking the sea at the Balcon de Europe, although Neil did give Helen a hard time as it was a bit windy & we chose a bar that she had always wanted to frequent....he said there's only Helen who could choose somewhere cold on such a great day! But we all thoroughly enjoyed it. An ex colleague had sent me a link for 'Norad tracks Santa'....it was an amazing website were you could follow Santa, play games, it had a countdown to his next destination too, well Christopher (Mal's Nephew) thought it was fab so we spent some time following Santa around the globe on & off throughout the evening! We had a leisurely evening, a lovely meal followed by a few drinks & lots of excitement, Helen had put together Christmas stockings for everyone to open tonight, we received an array of items, xmas socks, sweets, earrings, beer glasses, chocolate you name it! Unfortunately whilst testing my sweets my filling dropped out - oops!! A job for the New year! Not too late to bed tonight - I made Christopher promise to wake us up in the morning when 'he' (Santa) had been.

The Wilsons (Sam, Neil, Helen & Christopher). Chris & Uncle Mal completing the sudoku

Christmas Day!! - Yippee

We had an early morning call (still dark) from Sam & Chris can't recall what time (but it was early). Then it was presents time, the boys were so excited & received wonderful gifts from everyone. Mal & I had some great gifts from Mal's Sisters & their respective families, they were rather naughty as we had decided not to do presents once we started travelling. After presents we all enjoyed a family breakfast, Mr Pavo was in the oven. Later we took a stroll along the beach stopping off at one of the beach restaurants for a jug of Sangria - wonderful, beautiful sunshine! The boys decided they would like to go in the pool, so we headed there with a few tins to add to the relaxed nature of our day! We have various webcam calls planned with the families so at about 3pm Mal & I headed off to commence them, as is the norm everyone was late for the calls except Wendy & Jmel (they are always on time & so very efficient). It was great to catch up with everyone, although my Mum didn't make to Paula's so I was a little sad & disappointed. After that it was Christmas dinner on the patio, which turned out a little bit hectic & disorganised - but hey ho none of us minded! Then we had music, dancing, playing on the Wii fit etc.

Uncle Mal proudly displaying Chris's WWE belt! Christmas pudding - thanks Wilsons!

Boxing day was a stroll along the front in Torrox we found a nice little bar & again enjoyed a sangria, whilst Sam & Chris played backgammon - it was a very windy stroll today! Tonight the two boys cooked turkey curry with me which they enjoyed immensely. Although we couldn't tempt Neil to extend his palate to curry.....Sam did try baby eels though (that lad will try anything).

Sam & Chris engrossed in a game of backgammon

Chris

27th Dec was departure day for the Wilsons, it all seemed like such a short visit. The morning was spent packing and cleaning the apartment, loading the MH back up with our stuff & a walk down to the beach, again it was a very windy day. Mal & I decided to stay where we had parked for the night, although we had to move the van a little due to the gusting winds! We saw the Wilsons off after lots of hugs and promises to see them soon!

28th Dec - 1st Feb 09 The houses built into the hillside on our tip north

Mal & I made an early start on the 28th towards Granada for some LPG, the trip was relatively peaceful. We refuelled in Granada at a little backstreet place which on first appearance looked a little disconcerting.....but sure enough everything was fine. The temperature had dropped considerably in Granada & on the way further up we even came across snow!!! We decided to head on towards Calpe were we would spend the night. Got a great little campsite in Calpe (although a little on the expensive side) & almost immediately upon arrival had a knock on the door from a lovely lady inviting us to a party at theirs on New Years eve......if only we had been staying for New Year I'm sure it would have been great fun! The next morning we had a quick drive around Calpe which was a really nice place and worth a visit. Again the weather had warmed somewhat since Granada.

The Rock at Calpe!

Snow in Granada.....brrr Mal with cold feet sporting one of my Christmas Pressies....Baa!

After breakfast we set off for out next destination Benicassim, this place came recommended by some people we met in Portugal as it has good facilities & a heated swimming pool. We arrived at Bonterra Park which appeared to be very nice compared to the other sites we have stayed on, although it is the most expensive. The lady explained the spaces were limited & the only ones left were next to the wall which meant reduced sunshine in the afternoons - she advised us to take a walk around & look at the vacant plots then choosing the one we want returning to reception to inform her. As per instructions we had a browse & chose our spot, went back to reception checked in - then moved the van into position. We got settled in for the night, deciding to explore tomorrow whereby we would try to find a restaurant or something for New Years Eve.

We took a bike ride into town, which was very quiet, had a look along the seafront which was beautiful with the exception of some of the Spanish architecture (if you can call it that). We didn't find any restaurants which shouted out to us for New Year - the campsite were doing a set meal, music & dancing for 42 euros each.....we thought this a little expensive especially as the campsite restaurant looks like a cafeteria (with full on fluorescent lights)......adding to the intimate atmosphere! We decided to cook a nice meal & stay in.....which was a first for us!

We had a very quiet New Years Eve.....but still enjoyable with each other, we had some lovely food and wine. We were up bright eyed & bushy tailed on New Years Day, deciding on a dip in the pool for starters. We cooked a wonderful roast dinner washed down with a bottle of the 'widow' then watched a movie.

The following weeks have been spent doing lots of things & the time has just flown by. We have been bike riding, Mal finally bought himself a new bike as his other became very unsafe - there is a great 10 mile cycle track in Benicassim which is just fab, it takes you out into the countryside a little then right along the seafront.....on most occasions you get to see gold finches who fly alongside you - truly spectacular! I have also been swimming 600 metres most days which I really enjoy. Recently we did a 14 mile walk with a number of other people from the site which we enjoyed, but our legs ached for days afterwards! We have been dog walking with our friends Norma & Roger (only about 1 mile) up a trail then down to the next town, along our route there were a lot of shrubs some of which were herbs & a feast for the senses was incredible (wild thyme & rosemary). On this same walk, as Norma & I chatted away we both saw something move at the side of the track just were the shrubs started.....it was a flipping snake.....well Norma grabbed hold of my arm just as I grabbed hers & we both squealed with fright!! Roger & Mal 'the brave' ones took a look & assured us it was 'only' a grass snake......my walking days may be over. After our walk we went over for drinks with Norma & Roger which turned into more than one or two drinks....Mal cooked some garlic prawns which we devoured with some crusty bread & 4 bottles of wine later we returned to our van - all this on a school night too! Prior to this Norma & Roger did an impromptu BBQ which they invited us along too they had also invited two of their other friends whom we had briefly met Mandy & Brian. The BBQ was a great success Brian & Mandy being from 'up north' got along with us like a house on fire. I finally got my tooth fixed which cost 98 euros (lets hope the flaming filling stays were it is now). I found a Physiotherapist too who appears to have resolved the issues with my neck, although was not successful with my lower back (think I will just have to live with it) - I must say it was a very painful process which involved sticking needles into my muscles then attaching a tens machine to manipulate the muscle......not something I enjoyed at all.....at one point when I winced in pain as I was being impaled by the needle.....Mal felt he might have to come in & tell the guy to get off me - thank goodness he restrained himself. I must say it wasn't the most flattering treatment me lying face down on a therapists couch with my bare bum in the air whilst a relatively handsome 30ish man stuck needles into my hips - but hey I'm sure he's seen worse!!

Darcy & me!

Parade at the Festival of the 3 kings early Jan 09

Mal at the 3 Kings festival

More 3 kings pics

and more 3 kings

Our 14 mile walk with some other happy campers!

One of the views whilst on our walk. A shepherd on our walk Another view...

From the 15th Jan until 25th there was a festival in Benicassim, which meant there was something going on every day & most nights - I think we had 3 nights without music (the music went on until 5am). On the opening of the festival we went up into town whereby they had fireworks & bonfires in the streets, it was awesome. We also went up to the bullring were they proceeded to have various bulls in a ring & they would chase the young 'male' youths of the town around the ring trying at every opportunity to impale them on the horns.....it was good to watch the bulls win by the end of the night as the young 'El Torros' got a little tipsy & felt braver, the odd one got a little poke from the bull!! Of course I had to deal with my very own 'El Torro'..... who on the last evening of the festival at 3am decided he would like to stand in the ring with said bulls - he didn't stay there too long! We enjoyed a couple of nights striking some moves on the dance floor in the festival marquee, which only really got going at midnight. The finale to the festival was fireworks in the street, this involved a procession of young men wearing fireworks on their heads & milling through the crowds, completed by a huge firework display with the noisiest fire crackers I have ever heard....think my hearing has just about recovered - boy do the Spanish know how to party!! We also enjoyed Paella day which commenced with fireworks at 7am (your wake up call), free breakfast in the plaza, you joined the line to collect a plate containing three sausages, a splodge of garlic mayo & a cob of bread worthy of a prisoner.....then it was drinks, either red wine or beer, when I asked for an orange I was promptly informed 'this is only for children'. We proceeded to cook our sausages on the open fires scattered around on the floor......wow what an experience. We were joined by another guy from our site whom we came to know as Fred. After breakfast a few drinks later, Mal & I cycled back to camp (whilst Fred staggered.....don't know how much red wine he had, but he took to his bed for a couple of hours)....we had arranged to meet up with Brian, Mandy & Norma to go to the Paella event in the afternoon. So, a quick shower & change & off we went again.....up into town, we secured our place on one of the long tables set out by Bonterra Park & headed up the high street for a beer (whereby we could get a free hat). The afternoon was spent eating Paella, drinking & sharing lots of good banter! We headed back to camp late afternoon, Mandy made us promise to meet at 10pm to go dancing in the marquee. Unfortunately it was all a bit late for me....going out at 10pm so we decided to stay in.

Bonfires in the street at the start of the festival

The line for breakfast on Paella day!

Mal cooking our sausages on Paella day!

One of the many pans in the street on Paella day getting ready!

The fire bull! Mandy & Norma on Paella day Michelle on the guitar - Paella day One of the many pans of Paella - huge!

Me with my 'grande' cerveza - had to be 'grande' to get my free hat! Our table for as far as the eye can see.... Mal & Brian - Paella day

As well as all this enjoyment Mal & I cooked a curry for our friends, which coupled with high winds the two dogs Darcy the Doberman & Bess the Black Lab proved very interesting.....as we had flying pitta bread amongst other things. Mandy & Brian then cooked for us.....a lovely Potatoe ash with mushy peas followed by trifle......yummy! We have had such good laughs with Norma, Roger, Mandy & Brian I feel we have made some good friends. Along with Darcy, Bess, Moo & Sis......their pooches.