We're Off Again!

 After a couple of short trips and some more expense on the van, we're now about to depart on our next trip, returning to Norway. So click here for our new Blog.

We're back home

 Just a quick note for anyone who has been following this Blog, we've just got back home.

Must say we're both disappointed at how it turned out but what will be will be.

Look out for our next Blog!

Sunday 5 February 2023 - El Puerto de Santa Maria

Another bright, dry and cool morning and being Sunday once again indulged in a lazy Full English Breakfast - which was actually nearer lunch but who cares! We were going to take Jamie onto the beach but it was getting rather warm so instead he slept under the van whilst we lapped up some more rays.

Late afternoon we thought we should give Jamie his exercise so along to the beach. Stepped out of the campsite and it was absolutely heaving, but of course Sunday afternoon is family time for most Spaniards and they were taking advantage of the sunshine. Jamie tired of chasing his ball after a while, especially when another dog came and "stole" it from him - but we got it back of course.

Back to the van and on the way called into Reception to book another 7 days. Sorry, no can do, we are fully booked. What, there's plenty of room, but she did say it was highly unusual however if we'd like to check in the morning they would see if they could find us a space. But we'd have to vacate our current pitch.

Talk about a pin in a balloon! From starting to feel really positive again we were back to how we were a few days ago. So we got everything packed away ready and had tea then hummed and hahhed about what we should do.

Have you ever felt that someone was trying to tell you something? In the end we felt it was the last straw and with reports that everywhere, well places we would have wanted to go, was full plus the weather was showing no signs of improving for at least 10 days - yes it's nice during the day but still cold once the sun had disappeared - well, we said enough was enough and we would start heading for home.

So tomorrow we'll set Calais in TomTom and, without rushing, cut this whole episode short. This, therefore will be the last post we intend to make on the blog.

Saturday 4 February 2023 – El Puerto de Santa Maria

A new day, bright sunshine and a good nights sleep puts a new perspective on things – yes we got over our little tantrum of yesterday and started thinking positively again. We did try to start the day a little earlier as we've been so laid back it's been lunchtime before we get round to doing anything and we did manage to improve by about, ermm, half an hour.

We needed a little exercise so thought we'd take a walk into the old town, or at least as far as we felt comfortable with. So with Jamie pulling at his lead, thinking we were going to the beach, we dumped the recycling, got a map from Reception then walked along the front down to the river, meaning to follow it into town past the marina and ferry terminal.

But for some reason a whole section of the road and footpath had been closed off, the signs appearing to mention something about a new fire station. We couldn't see why access was totally closed but had to backtrack and find a way around.

In the end we realised that we were perhaps being a little ambitious in our plans so turned up a street that looked to circle us around and approach the campsite from the north side. As it happened we came across the Mercadona supermarket but decided to leave our shopping requirements for now and continued our walk back to the campsite. Bren had noticed basic grocery stuff in reception earlier, the on-site shop being closed for the winter season, so got some bread and milk. As the campsite is so busy one would have thought it was worthwhile opening the shop, a small branch of the Eroski chain, but obviously they feel there's not enough business.

So back to the van for a cold drink and some lunch. We had a little chat, checked the weather forecast and decided we'll book another week here as we had no other plans and everything we need is available. The rest of the day was thus much as before, sitting in the sun and doing hobby things. Bren is suffering a little from insect bites, the little perishers always seem to head straight for her so the anti-histamine cream and tablets have come out.

Late on a newly arrived Brit stopped by for a chat and to pick our brains, mainly about Scandinavia but we also interested him in Morocco although we don't think his wife would be so enthusiastic!

Friday 3 February 2023 – El Puerto etc etc

Basically repeat Thursday.

Except we found out today that all the “new”paperwork paraphernalia for taking dogs to Morocco turned out not to be needed – we still don't have any official confirmation or otherwise but the couple that raised the issue to start with had to return to Spain early and nobody, but nobody was the least bit interested in the paperwork or even the dog, much as we expected.

We know it wasn't just this “lack” of paperwork that caused us to cancel Morocco but can't help thinking if it hadn't arisen we may well have made a different decision.

It left a bad taste in the mouth and upset us for the rest of the day and we even considered just packing everything up and returning home. However common sense prevailed and we decided to do or say nothing more, at least until we'd slept on it.

 

Thursday2 February 2023 – El Puerto de Santa Maria

Another clear blue cloudless sky, cold at first but once the sun was above the tree line it was nice and warm. We had nothing planned for today so apart from a couple of housekeeping chores, that's what we did.

Nothing!

Wednesday 1 February 2023 – El Puerto de Santa Maria

Normal starts are okay, especially if you're waiting for the sun to warm the place up but everything else in the day gets later! But we've nothing to rush for so after a leisurely breakfast attended to some housekeeping chores like empty the loo, fill the water tanks, sweep the van out and another load of washing (you really wanted to know that didn't you!) interspersed with an hour soaking up the sunshine; it was quite hot even though the ambient temperature was only around 17°C and even Jamie decided it was more comfortable under the van!

After a very late lunch we took his lordship onto the beach for an hour chasing his ball whilst we just chilled along with quite a few locals, it now being past siesta and the place starting to come back to life. Looked like a few more vans had parked up on the wild-camping site, wonder how far the local authority will “tolerate”. I suppose that as long as there are no complaints and they all behave they'll just let them be.

Back to the van for a chat with our UK neighbours and a cuppa, soaking up the last of the days rays. Quite a few folk left this morning and there were quite a few new arrivals too - why do Germans think it's okay to block an obvious roadway with their sun loungers and tables?

Late on after tea lovely hot showers in immaculate facilities although we believe this toilet block, one of three, has only just been opened, it was closed last time we were here.

With the weather forecast still pretty stable thoughts are turning to staying here a little longer; we'll see.