Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
TANGIERS and the COSTA DEL SOL
Friday 19th October
Friday morning was a “Free” time for us all to catch up,we serviced the Winnebago and went for a swim before packing for our weekend stay with Carol and Chris and our trip to Tangiers on Saturday,whilst they spent some time around the pool at the Aparthotel sunbathing.In the evening we went to our favourite restaurant down in Sabinillas and then went around to the marina at Porta Duquesa as Vidal was playing at a bar on the front- a lively night was had by all!!
Saturday 20 th October.
We caught the coach in Sabinillas at 7-30 am which took us to Tarifa to catch the fast ferry to Tangiers. The first two pictures show us shooting across the Straights of Gibralta to Tangiers which is two hours behind us in Spain.We were met off the ferry and onto the coach which took us on a tour of Tangiers,old and new before taking us through the pine forest's and over the hills to the Atlantic coast .The picture of the point where the Atlantic and Meditterrean”Embrace” is also the spot were 202 years ago the battle of Trafalgar took place-we won!! If you look at the picture really hard you can see the grey Atlantic and the blue Meditterrean.We then went into the Caves of Hercules to see the view out to the sea,the next picture shows it-when you can look at this in reverse it is a map of Africa! The guide in the picture followed us around all day as we went from place to place!Our Moroccan lunch which included live music,belly dancing and dancers, finished with Mint Tea.We then went on the coach down to the old part of Tangiers- The Medina and got off the coach and were led through the labyrinth of the Souk to see the Gold shops and the fruit,meat and vegetable markets.We then went into the carpet shops and down into the herbalist were we bought some cures for all our problems! We also got a Kaftan for Brenda and a Jahalaba with hood for me!After running the gauntlet of the street sellers from the age of 4 to 94 we climbed onto the coach and made our way back to the ferry,The last picture of the start of the Souk in the Medina does't give you the full atmosphere,the sound and the smells are something to be had once at least in a lifetime!We are going back in the new year -the ferry ride is worth the money alone! On our return to Manilva we then went out for a late meal on the beach at Sabinillas as the waves crashed in ,we found a Argentina restaurant!El Estribo” and had huge chunks of meat cooked on the open flames amd washed down with an Argentine Malbec,we kept popping out to the English bar along the front to watch the Rugby Final-we lost!!
Sunday 21st October.
The weather has been hot and sunny for most of the week,just a little cloud on one day so as we had a lie in we then went down to the beach for a paddle and then picked up from the local “Polo Pronto” some excellent spit roasted chicken with various salads,fresh bread,and fries and sat on the balcony of the Aparthotel and watched the Grand Prix on Spanish tv-he lost!! In the evening we went into the marina at Estepons and had dinner before finishing off with coffee and Soberano brandy at the music bar-our last night with Carol and Chris -,one “Helluva” week.They are planning to return for the new year celebrations!! Next week we have planned to go back to Portugal for another look with Vidal and Gisela, watch this this space for the pictures that we did not get last time!
Friday morning was a “Free” time for us all to catch up,we serviced the Winnebago and went for a swim before packing for our weekend stay with Carol and Chris and our trip to Tangiers on Saturday,whilst they spent some time around the pool at the Aparthotel sunbathing.In the evening we went to our favourite restaurant down in Sabinillas and then went around to the marina at Porta Duquesa as Vidal was playing at a bar on the front- a lively night was had by all!!
Saturday 20 th October.
We caught the coach in Sabinillas at 7-30 am which took us to Tarifa to catch the fast ferry to Tangiers. The first two pictures show us shooting across the Straights of Gibralta to Tangiers which is two hours behind us in Spain.We were met off the ferry and onto the coach which took us on a tour of Tangiers,old and new before taking us through the pine forest's and over the hills to the Atlantic coast .The picture of the point where the Atlantic and Meditterrean”Embrace” is also the spot were 202 years ago the battle of Trafalgar took place-we won!! If you look at the picture really hard you can see the grey Atlantic and the blue Meditterrean.We then went into the Caves of Hercules to see the view out to the sea,the next picture shows it-when you can look at this in reverse it is a map of Africa! The guide in the picture followed us around all day as we went from place to place!Our Moroccan lunch which included live music,belly dancing and dancers, finished with Mint Tea.We then went on the coach down to the old part of Tangiers- The Medina and got off the coach and were led through the labyrinth of the Souk to see the Gold shops and the fruit,meat and vegetable markets.We then went into the carpet shops and down into the herbalist were we bought some cures for all our problems! We also got a Kaftan for Brenda and a Jahalaba with hood for me!After running the gauntlet of the street sellers from the age of 4 to 94 we climbed onto the coach and made our way back to the ferry,The last picture of the start of the Souk in the Medina does't give you the full atmosphere,the sound and the smells are something to be had once at least in a lifetime!We are going back in the new year -the ferry ride is worth the money alone! On our return to Manilva we then went out for a late meal on the beach at Sabinillas as the waves crashed in ,we found a Argentina restaurant!El Estribo” and had huge chunks of meat cooked on the open flames amd washed down with an Argentine Malbec,we kept popping out to the English bar along the front to watch the Rugby Final-we lost!!
Sunday 21st October.
The weather has been hot and sunny for most of the week,just a little cloud on one day so as we had a lie in we then went down to the beach for a paddle and then picked up from the local “Polo Pronto” some excellent spit roasted chicken with various salads,fresh bread,and fries and sat on the balcony of the Aparthotel and watched the Grand Prix on Spanish tv-he lost!! In the evening we went into the marina at Estepons and had dinner before finishing off with coffee and Soberano brandy at the music bar-our last night with Carol and Chris -,one “Helluva” week.They are planning to return for the new year celebrations!! Next week we have planned to go back to Portugal for another look with Vidal and Gisela, watch this this space for the pictures that we did not get last time!
Friday, October 19, 2007
MANILVA PUERTO DEL BANUS and RHONDA
Wednesday17th October.
The morning was a “Free” so we went for a swim on our site and Carol and Chris did the same in theirs..We called in to see Mano and Anna with Carol and Chris who they know and then went up to Manilva for a tapas lunch.After lunch we went across to Puerto Banus to watch the parade of posers in their cars along the quay and then had a cool drink infront of the boat in the picture! The highlight of the day was dinner-we went to the restaurant”La Menorah” outside Estepona as recommended to us by Mano.It's run by a eccentric Spanish “Gentleman” with his Jewish partner!! We had a memorable meal-Braised Ox-Tail,Baby Lamb cutlets and Brochette of Monfish and Prawns accommpanied with a fine Rioja from a very good and large wine list.The style and service was top class and the restaurant was full of atmosphere-We shall return!
Thursday 18th October
We met Carol and Chris for toast and coffee in Sabinillas before we set off to Ronda.We had booked a trip that took us by bus to Algeciras,then mountain train to Ronda on single-track line built over 100 years ago by the British.We had a hour to spare in Algeciras as the bus took a shortcut thru the Container docks,the largest in Europe, so we found the large market in the square which was full of the best fresh fruit,vegetables,fish and meat we have so far seen in Spain.The spectacular mountain scenery can only be seen by train,with many Victorian stations on route and we have it all on the camcorder! On reaching Rhonda we went to the oldest bull ring in the world,then we explored the old Moorish town and had lunch by the side of the 18th century(new)bridge over the famous El Tajo Gorge.The pictures show the bridge,the restaurante”Don Miguel”Carol and Chris ordering the special whole Roast Leg of Baby Lamb and the view of the valley below.Whilst in the old town we went into the “Hotel San Gabriel” dating back to1736 which is famous around the world for the stars and bull-fighters that have stayed their and still do! It also has the smallest cinema in the world-five seats!! that the stars can watch their films in.We then came back on the bus down the classic Ronda road that took ten years to blast out of the mountains and past the most exclusive properties and golf clubs on the Costa del Sol.We ended the day with some tapas in the marina at Estepona .
The morning was a “Free” so we went for a swim on our site and Carol and Chris did the same in theirs..We called in to see Mano and Anna with Carol and Chris who they know and then went up to Manilva for a tapas lunch.After lunch we went across to Puerto Banus to watch the parade of posers in their cars along the quay and then had a cool drink infront of the boat in the picture! The highlight of the day was dinner-we went to the restaurant”La Menorah” outside Estepona as recommended to us by Mano.It's run by a eccentric Spanish “Gentleman” with his Jewish partner!! We had a memorable meal-Braised Ox-Tail,Baby Lamb cutlets and Brochette of Monfish and Prawns accommpanied with a fine Rioja from a very good and large wine list.The style and service was top class and the restaurant was full of atmosphere-We shall return!
Thursday 18th October
We met Carol and Chris for toast and coffee in Sabinillas before we set off to Ronda.We had booked a trip that took us by bus to Algeciras,then mountain train to Ronda on single-track line built over 100 years ago by the British.We had a hour to spare in Algeciras as the bus took a shortcut thru the Container docks,the largest in Europe, so we found the large market in the square which was full of the best fresh fruit,vegetables,fish and meat we have so far seen in Spain.The spectacular mountain scenery can only be seen by train,with many Victorian stations on route and we have it all on the camcorder! On reaching Rhonda we went to the oldest bull ring in the world,then we explored the old Moorish town and had lunch by the side of the 18th century(new)bridge over the famous El Tajo Gorge.The pictures show the bridge,the restaurante”Don Miguel”Carol and Chris ordering the special whole Roast Leg of Baby Lamb and the view of the valley below.Whilst in the old town we went into the “Hotel San Gabriel” dating back to1736 which is famous around the world for the stars and bull-fighters that have stayed their and still do! It also has the smallest cinema in the world-five seats!! that the stars can watch their films in.We then came back on the bus down the classic Ronda road that took ten years to blast out of the mountains and past the most exclusive properties and golf clubs on the Costa del Sol.We ended the day with some tapas in the marina at Estepona .
Thursday, October 18, 2007
ESTEPONA /MANILVA/GAUCIN/CASARES
Monday 15th.October.
In the morning we serviced the Winnebago and caught up with the jobs so as to give us the rest of the week free to spend time with Carol and Chris.We went for a swim after lunch as the afternoon sun shines on the pool and then set off to Manilva to meet Carol and Chris off the Autovia and take them up to the Manilva Green Aparthotel where we had booked them into a two bedroomed duplex on two levels.Carlos who has just started working there had arranged everything and gave us a royal welcome! The apartment overlooks the Manilva valley with spectacular views to the sea.and Africa on a clear day.As they had arrived a little late we popped down to Puerto de la Duquesa for a quick Italian at”Il Capitano” and caught up with all the family news and then arranged to take them out on Tuesday as the weather was becoming sunnier by the day.
Tuesday 16th October.
On a beautiful sunny day we set off into the hills behind Manilva in their hire car and stopped in Gaucin,one of the famous “White Villages” on top of a mountain for a Tinto de Verano,leaving the car at the end of the village- we then got lost in the narrow streets and cauld not find our way out to the car! In the end sence prevailed and we found the car and set off to Casares,another white village and had a three course Menu Del Dia in one of our favourite “Ventas” We then went down past the wind farm above Manilva and dropped into the Estepona marina for a coffee in the late afternoon sunshine.I spotted a speed boat dropping off some people on the quay and caught up with the owner of the boat and arranged for us to go out for an hour for a spin! The sea had quite a swell and we set off at 25knots for an exhilarating trip down the coast towards Marbella and back to Estepona-whilst we were in the deep water a shoal of Dolphins raced along with us!! The pictures show us on the boat but I was not able to catch a Dolphin in mid-flight !! We arrived back in the harbour along with the fishing boats in the early evening sun shine on a beautifull day,Later in the evening we called into the restaurant at the foot of the hill that we had called into on Friday.We had another super meal washed down with the local Temperillo house wine,which finished off a “Helluva”day.
In the morning we serviced the Winnebago and caught up with the jobs so as to give us the rest of the week free to spend time with Carol and Chris.We went for a swim after lunch as the afternoon sun shines on the pool and then set off to Manilva to meet Carol and Chris off the Autovia and take them up to the Manilva Green Aparthotel where we had booked them into a two bedroomed duplex on two levels.Carlos who has just started working there had arranged everything and gave us a royal welcome! The apartment overlooks the Manilva valley with spectacular views to the sea.and Africa on a clear day.As they had arrived a little late we popped down to Puerto de la Duquesa for a quick Italian at”Il Capitano” and caught up with all the family news and then arranged to take them out on Tuesday as the weather was becoming sunnier by the day.
Tuesday 16th October.
On a beautiful sunny day we set off into the hills behind Manilva in their hire car and stopped in Gaucin,one of the famous “White Villages” on top of a mountain for a Tinto de Verano,leaving the car at the end of the village- we then got lost in the narrow streets and cauld not find our way out to the car! In the end sence prevailed and we found the car and set off to Casares,another white village and had a three course Menu Del Dia in one of our favourite “Ventas” We then went down past the wind farm above Manilva and dropped into the Estepona marina for a coffee in the late afternoon sunshine.I spotted a speed boat dropping off some people on the quay and caught up with the owner of the boat and arranged for us to go out for an hour for a spin! The sea had quite a swell and we set off at 25knots for an exhilarating trip down the coast towards Marbella and back to Estepona-whilst we were in the deep water a shoal of Dolphins raced along with us!! The pictures show us on the boat but I was not able to catch a Dolphin in mid-flight !! We arrived back in the harbour along with the fishing boats in the early evening sun shine on a beautifull day,Later in the evening we called into the restaurant at the foot of the hill that we had called into on Friday.We had another super meal washed down with the local Temperillo house wine,which finished off a “Helluva”day.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Thurs.11th/Sun14th.October.
After our trip to Portugal we settled back into our routine aand serviced the Winnebago and caught up with the chore's as our friends and neighbours called in to catch up with our news.On Friday we went out to the hypermarket and called into the port for a Tinto de Verano and some tapas and in the evening we had Spanish Pork Chops and pommes llayonaise washed down with the local red wine.We had planned to go to a new gig with Vidal and Gissy down the coast past Manilva later on Saturday evening so we called into a restaurant that Mano had suggested we try and had a beautiful meal of Fried John Dory in a lemon sauce and a Argentian Steak and frits before we joined Vidal and Gissy at a beach bar and danced the night away!As the weather is on the change we popped out to the marina at Marbella and had a drink in the late Sunday afternoon sunshine.The rest of Spain and along the coast above Malaga especially have had severe thunder storms and heavy rain witch we have so far missed! On Monday our friends Carol and Chris fly into Jerez so we are looking forward to going out and about with them.We would like to make contact with some friends who contacted us on the blog page earlier in the year; Nigelnews from Llandudno,we called in a few times but missed you but we did leave a message-How are you? Al and Jan fron Rhos on Sea we tried to look for the Autotrail but cauld not spot you as we don't have a contact number and we had some maps and info.to pass on! Gordon Hardy from Canterbury who we spoke to whilst we were in England – we are sorry we ran out of time and our travel plans changed -next time! If there is any body else that we have missed I have listed below are details and we will also send you e-mailsASAP; sextonstravels.blogspot.com
malcolmbrenda@hotmail.co.uk
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com
Malcolm Lawrence Sexton on Facebook.
Malcolm.Sexton on Skype.
After our trip to Portugal we settled back into our routine aand serviced the Winnebago and caught up with the chore's as our friends and neighbours called in to catch up with our news.On Friday we went out to the hypermarket and called into the port for a Tinto de Verano and some tapas and in the evening we had Spanish Pork Chops and pommes llayonaise washed down with the local red wine.We had planned to go to a new gig with Vidal and Gissy down the coast past Manilva later on Saturday evening so we called into a restaurant that Mano had suggested we try and had a beautiful meal of Fried John Dory in a lemon sauce and a Argentian Steak and frits before we joined Vidal and Gissy at a beach bar and danced the night away!As the weather is on the change we popped out to the marina at Marbella and had a drink in the late Sunday afternoon sunshine.The rest of Spain and along the coast above Malaga especially have had severe thunder storms and heavy rain witch we have so far missed! On Monday our friends Carol and Chris fly into Jerez so we are looking forward to going out and about with them.We would like to make contact with some friends who contacted us on the blog page earlier in the year; Nigelnews from Llandudno,we called in a few times but missed you but we did leave a message-How are you? Al and Jan fron Rhos on Sea we tried to look for the Autotrail but cauld not spot you as we don't have a contact number and we had some maps and info.to pass on! Gordon Hardy from Canterbury who we spoke to whilst we were in England – we are sorry we ran out of time and our travel plans changed -next time! If there is any body else that we have missed I have listed below are details and we will also send you e-mailsASAP; sextonstravels.blogspot.com
malcolmbrenda@hotmail.co.uk
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com
Malcolm Lawrence Sexton on Facebook.
Malcolm.Sexton on Skype.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
PORTUGAL
Mon.8th/Wed10th October.
We set off early on Monday morning in the Smart car towards Gibraltar then turning at Los Barrios onto the Autovia to Jerez then onto Savilla using the sat-nav from the Winnebago to take us across the bridge at Savilla and on the road to Huelva above the border with Portugal.After four hours we crossed another spectacular bridge into Portugal.We then turned off the Autovia and dropped down into the small and very pretty town of “Villa Real de Santo Antonio” where we found a hotel in the centre of the town next to the shopping area and bars and restaurants;the Hotel Apolo was very reasonable and had its' own swimming pool just below our balcony.After refreshing ouselves and a light lunch we set off to check out two sites,the first one was terrible at Monte Gordo but the second one at Olhao was very good.Olhao is a very large fishing port below Faro and the site is just outside the town.As we looked around the site we met a couple,Frank and Rosemary who had a large RV and who were very helpful with all sorts of information and as they had been on the road all over Europe, they also gave us lots of advice on some of our technical problems,We exchanged our details and they were very interested in our 02 data card on the PC.They also do a lot of “Wild Camping” as they have solar panels on their roof and told us about their travels in Morroco and Sardinia.On Monday evening we went out for dinner in the old town which is traffic free and found the restaurant”O”Curacao do Marques” and had a beautiful meal of grilled sole.The weather was hot on Monday and very sunny and Tuesday was no different if not even hotter! We went down to Albufeira below Faro which was our hunting ground some 35 years ago when we first went to Portugal and met a loverly Portugese man Snr.Nunes who was the first person to sell his land to Charles Forte and from that the Algarve was started!! We found the site just a mile outside Albufeira and after touring around it met Peter Edwards who gave us lots of info.and pointed us over to a large RV on another spot-it turned out to be a “Georgetown” and was the same one that advised us about our brake problem after coming off the ferry,Gordan Jackson was out so we left him a postcard to say we called -its'a small world! We then found our way down to the old Square and front at Albufeira by the rock tunnel under the Hotel Solamar and had lunch overlooking the very busy beach.The spit-roasted chiken piri-piri had not changed but the rest of Albufeira has!! After some shopping in the “White Linen Shop” Brenda came out with some unusual baggy trousers and I acquired a white shirt but was not allowed to buy the matching trousers as I was told a looked like “King Faruke”!! We then went back along the coast road past Faro and then went down to Quarteira to look at a site,as we made our way down we came into what was once the small village of Almancil-its;changed -it is now a concrete town with strip joints-Snr Nunes will be turning in his grave!We went out for dinner to the same restaurant in Villa Real de Santo Antonio and had two superb Portugaise steak and eggs with fresh frits and the local red wine,Next day on Wednesday morrning we set off back to Spain but on the advise of Frank and Rosemary we headed for a site below Cadiz to check it out.We stopped in Cadiz for some tapas at the restaurant Arte Serrano which we had visited earlier in the year,its unbelievable as it has one of the largest selection of hot and cold tapas in Andulcia.The town of Conil de la Frontera is on the Atlantic coast and after a few false starts we found the site which is not in any guide books -we are going back in a couple of weeks to check it out properly.The drive along the coast road is very spectacular and passes the largest wind farm in Europe ,them we passed the beache's above Tarifa and saw the largest gathering of kite surfers taking part in a competion -What a sight!! We called into our local haunts to wet the spots on our way to our site were we caught up with some e-mails and started making plans for the visit of Carol and Chris next week.We have booked them into the Manilva Aparthotel which has just opened and is where Carlos now works.Sorry there are no pictures of our trip to Portugal due to a technical fault! Watch this space as we are going back with Vidal and Gissy shortly.
We set off early on Monday morning in the Smart car towards Gibraltar then turning at Los Barrios onto the Autovia to Jerez then onto Savilla using the sat-nav from the Winnebago to take us across the bridge at Savilla and on the road to Huelva above the border with Portugal.After four hours we crossed another spectacular bridge into Portugal.We then turned off the Autovia and dropped down into the small and very pretty town of “Villa Real de Santo Antonio” where we found a hotel in the centre of the town next to the shopping area and bars and restaurants;the Hotel Apolo was very reasonable and had its' own swimming pool just below our balcony.After refreshing ouselves and a light lunch we set off to check out two sites,the first one was terrible at Monte Gordo but the second one at Olhao was very good.Olhao is a very large fishing port below Faro and the site is just outside the town.As we looked around the site we met a couple,Frank and Rosemary who had a large RV and who were very helpful with all sorts of information and as they had been on the road all over Europe, they also gave us lots of advice on some of our technical problems,We exchanged our details and they were very interested in our 02 data card on the PC.They also do a lot of “Wild Camping” as they have solar panels on their roof and told us about their travels in Morroco and Sardinia.On Monday evening we went out for dinner in the old town which is traffic free and found the restaurant”O”Curacao do Marques” and had a beautiful meal of grilled sole.The weather was hot on Monday and very sunny and Tuesday was no different if not even hotter! We went down to Albufeira below Faro which was our hunting ground some 35 years ago when we first went to Portugal and met a loverly Portugese man Snr.Nunes who was the first person to sell his land to Charles Forte and from that the Algarve was started!! We found the site just a mile outside Albufeira and after touring around it met Peter Edwards who gave us lots of info.and pointed us over to a large RV on another spot-it turned out to be a “Georgetown” and was the same one that advised us about our brake problem after coming off the ferry,Gordan Jackson was out so we left him a postcard to say we called -its'a small world! We then found our way down to the old Square and front at Albufeira by the rock tunnel under the Hotel Solamar and had lunch overlooking the very busy beach.The spit-roasted chiken piri-piri had not changed but the rest of Albufeira has!! After some shopping in the “White Linen Shop” Brenda came out with some unusual baggy trousers and I acquired a white shirt but was not allowed to buy the matching trousers as I was told a looked like “King Faruke”!! We then went back along the coast road past Faro and then went down to Quarteira to look at a site,as we made our way down we came into what was once the small village of Almancil-its;changed -it is now a concrete town with strip joints-Snr Nunes will be turning in his grave!We went out for dinner to the same restaurant in Villa Real de Santo Antonio and had two superb Portugaise steak and eggs with fresh frits and the local red wine,Next day on Wednesday morrning we set off back to Spain but on the advise of Frank and Rosemary we headed for a site below Cadiz to check it out.We stopped in Cadiz for some tapas at the restaurant Arte Serrano which we had visited earlier in the year,its unbelievable as it has one of the largest selection of hot and cold tapas in Andulcia.The town of Conil de la Frontera is on the Atlantic coast and after a few false starts we found the site which is not in any guide books -we are going back in a couple of weeks to check it out properly.The drive along the coast road is very spectacular and passes the largest wind farm in Europe ,them we passed the beache's above Tarifa and saw the largest gathering of kite surfers taking part in a competion -What a sight!! We called into our local haunts to wet the spots on our way to our site were we caught up with some e-mails and started making plans for the visit of Carol and Chris next week.We have booked them into the Manilva Aparthotel which has just opened and is where Carlos now works.Sorry there are no pictures of our trip to Portugal due to a technical fault! Watch this space as we are going back with Vidal and Gissy shortly.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
ESTEPONA /MANILVA
Thurs.4th/Sun.7th Oct.
We set off down to Estepona to do some shopping and stopped in the flower square for some lunch at our favourite restaurant,on a very warm and sunny Thursday.As it was so nice we went up to Manilva and called on Mano and Anna to catch up with the news.We then went into the village and visited a few bars.ending up with some very nice hot meat Tapas in a bar that we had not seen before.we then fell back down to Mano's house and put the world to rights!We stayed the night and on Friday as we headed home we called into Estepona for coffee and hot toasted rolls then we serviced the Winnebago and caught up with our jobs.Saturday was hot and sunny as we went to the butchers for our weekend stock up! In the evening Vidal and Gissy suggested we had a Chinese take-away and we watched a film on the DVD player as we had a few glasses of rose wine and Bacardi and Coke to round off the weekend. On Sunday we started to get ready for our trip to Portugal on Tuesday with Vidal and Gissy as they wanted to join us and suggested that we go in their BMW,but they then got a call to do a two day corporate gig at a top hotel in Estepona so they had to call off joining us.We are now setting off on Monday morning in the “Hairdryer” to check out the sites along the Algarve coast with the help of two guide books and a new CD map and guide that I have just installed on the PC. Watch out for the blog pictures from sunny Portugal! The two pictures below show the old town of Estepona on Friday morning and Brenda's latest cut and colour which Gisela did on Saturday afternoon as well as giving my ponytail the once-over!(Its still growing).
We set off down to Estepona to do some shopping and stopped in the flower square for some lunch at our favourite restaurant,on a very warm and sunny Thursday.As it was so nice we went up to Manilva and called on Mano and Anna to catch up with the news.We then went into the village and visited a few bars.ending up with some very nice hot meat Tapas in a bar that we had not seen before.we then fell back down to Mano's house and put the world to rights!We stayed the night and on Friday as we headed home we called into Estepona for coffee and hot toasted rolls then we serviced the Winnebago and caught up with our jobs.Saturday was hot and sunny as we went to the butchers for our weekend stock up! In the evening Vidal and Gissy suggested we had a Chinese take-away and we watched a film on the DVD player as we had a few glasses of rose wine and Bacardi and Coke to round off the weekend. On Sunday we started to get ready for our trip to Portugal on Tuesday with Vidal and Gissy as they wanted to join us and suggested that we go in their BMW,but they then got a call to do a two day corporate gig at a top hotel in Estepona so they had to call off joining us.We are now setting off on Monday morning in the “Hairdryer” to check out the sites along the Algarve coast with the help of two guide books and a new CD map and guide that I have just installed on the PC. Watch out for the blog pictures from sunny Portugal! The two pictures below show the old town of Estepona on Friday morning and Brenda's latest cut and colour which Gisela did on Saturday afternoon as well as giving my ponytail the once-over!(Its still growing).
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Thurs27th Sept./Wed 3rd.Oct.
As the weather has been so nice we are out and about in the “Hairdryer” all the time to all the old haunts in Estepona and Manilva .Thursday was a at home day to service the Winnebago and do all the chores so on Friday we called into Manilva to see Anna who had returned from North Wales and whilst we were there Carlos called in so we caught up with the news about his new job.As Vidal has been so helpful in fixing and repairing all the small things that go wrong and he didn't have a gig on Saturday we invited them around for the now “Famous” chicken curry and later our neighbour on the next site to us-Keith and Brenda called in for a drink as they were moving on to another site in Almeria on Sunday,thankfully we don't have far to go to bed!On Sunday we went down to the marina as Vidal had arranged to buy a Hard-disk with over 21,000 songs on it from a “Dodgy”DJ from Marbella so I was roped in to play the part of a innocent buyer and get a good price as Vidal acted as bodyguard ! Watch this space for the ongoing story!!Monday was a very hot and sunny day so we ended up at Laguna Beach for the “Happy Hour” on the start of a new month-1st.October,the picture below shows the bar and pool at its best.We had planned to go out on Tuesday but the weather forcast was for a severe rain storm all over the the coast which hit us later on in the day but not as bad as in some places which had very bad floods and damage.Wednesday was much better so we went down the coast past Gibraltar to check out the sites past Tarifa,the surfers paradise.The views across to Africa were unbelievably clear,you could almost see the people in the coast towns at the foot of the mountains! The sites are all on the sandy beach and bay but are not what we are looking for so we plan to go around the coast to Portugal next week.
As the weather has been so nice we are out and about in the “Hairdryer” all the time to all the old haunts in Estepona and Manilva .Thursday was a at home day to service the Winnebago and do all the chores so on Friday we called into Manilva to see Anna who had returned from North Wales and whilst we were there Carlos called in so we caught up with the news about his new job.As Vidal has been so helpful in fixing and repairing all the small things that go wrong and he didn't have a gig on Saturday we invited them around for the now “Famous” chicken curry and later our neighbour on the next site to us-Keith and Brenda called in for a drink as they were moving on to another site in Almeria on Sunday,thankfully we don't have far to go to bed!On Sunday we went down to the marina as Vidal had arranged to buy a Hard-disk with over 21,000 songs on it from a “Dodgy”DJ from Marbella so I was roped in to play the part of a innocent buyer and get a good price as Vidal acted as bodyguard ! Watch this space for the ongoing story!!Monday was a very hot and sunny day so we ended up at Laguna Beach for the “Happy Hour” on the start of a new month-1st.October,the picture below shows the bar and pool at its best.We had planned to go out on Tuesday but the weather forcast was for a severe rain storm all over the the coast which hit us later on in the day but not as bad as in some places which had very bad floods and damage.Wednesday was much better so we went down the coast past Gibraltar to check out the sites past Tarifa,the surfers paradise.The views across to Africa were unbelievably clear,you could almost see the people in the coast towns at the foot of the mountains! The sites are all on the sandy beach and bay but are not what we are looking for so we plan to go around the coast to Portugal next week.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Sat/22nd.Wed/26th.
After settling in we serviced the Winnebago and went out to the English butchers to top up for the weekend as we had no plans.As it was Saturday Vidal and Gissy called in on their way to a gig to catch up with us after their help when we arrived on Thursday.The weather is very hot and sunny so we went to the marina in Estepona for a drink and some Tapas.On Sunday evening we went out to Marbella to see Vidal at a gig and had a lovely time on a balmy evening.We are now back to our routine of going for a swim in the morning so it was rather nice as it was my birthday on Monday,the celebrations started on Sunday evening with a bottle of champagne and carried on as we went out to lunch at our favourite restaurant in the flower square in Estepona and in the evening we joined Vidal and Gissy at a beach bar on the front and it ended up with Vidal doing his version of “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder!Over the weekend we had called into to see Mano in Manilva and he had helped us by recommending a garage in Marbella to top up the air conditioning on the Smart car so on Tusday we went with Vidal and Gissy to “La Canada” the large shopping mall next to the garage-six hours later we were spent up!!Today it is the hotest yet at 85* so we went out for a cool “Tinto de Verano” in the marina.We have been gathering information on the sites in Portugal and are planning to drive over in the Smart car to check them out as well as some sites on the Atlantic coast above Gibralta as it only takes 4 hrs. but we will stay for the night at a hotel and make a weekend of it!
After settling in we serviced the Winnebago and went out to the English butchers to top up for the weekend as we had no plans.As it was Saturday Vidal and Gissy called in on their way to a gig to catch up with us after their help when we arrived on Thursday.The weather is very hot and sunny so we went to the marina in Estepona for a drink and some Tapas.On Sunday evening we went out to Marbella to see Vidal at a gig and had a lovely time on a balmy evening.We are now back to our routine of going for a swim in the morning so it was rather nice as it was my birthday on Monday,the celebrations started on Sunday evening with a bottle of champagne and carried on as we went out to lunch at our favourite restaurant in the flower square in Estepona and in the evening we joined Vidal and Gissy at a beach bar on the front and it ended up with Vidal doing his version of “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder!Over the weekend we had called into to see Mano in Manilva and he had helped us by recommending a garage in Marbella to top up the air conditioning on the Smart car so on Tusday we went with Vidal and Gissy to “La Canada” the large shopping mall next to the garage-six hours later we were spent up!!Today it is the hotest yet at 85* so we went out for a cool “Tinto de Verano” in the marina.We have been gathering information on the sites in Portugal and are planning to drive over in the Smart car to check them out as well as some sites on the Atlantic coast above Gibralta as it only takes 4 hrs. but we will stay for the night at a hotel and make a weekend of it!
Friday, September 21, 2007
NEWSFLASH re FACEBOOK
Fri 21st Sep.
Well I have just joined Facebook !! A old friend contacted me from Facebook and I think I have done what is required but will update my page and post a picture ASAP. We are now sending out messages to all our friends,so watch out.Many thanks to Jane for opening a whole new world to us.Watch this space!!
Well I have just joined Facebook !! A old friend contacted me from Facebook and I think I have done what is required but will update my page and post a picture ASAP. We are now sending out messages to all our friends,so watch out.Many thanks to Jane for opening a whole new world to us.Watch this space!!
PORTSMOUTH TO ESTEPONA
Mon 17th/ Fri 21st Sept.
First thing on Monday morning after a nice weekend in Witney we settled down to get ready for our departure later in the day.A slight problem with the Sky-Sat box was fixed and a good visual check around the Winnebago was ok.The two new bikes went on the new rack and were secured onto the back of the Winnebago above the new tow bar.Next Paul Dudley showed us how to load the Smart car onto the trailer and also how to fix the trailer to the Winnebago.He then checked all the tyre pressures on the trailer,Smart car and the Winnebago before he gave me a quick demo and guide to reversing with a trailer! We set off to the ferry in Portsmouth,all 46 feet of us as can be seen in the picture of the Winnebago at the entrance to the ferry port! The crossing takes 36hrs and on the first night it was quiet rough but then settled down as we entered the Bay of Biscay.We docked at 8,00am Spanish time and we were second off the boat and quickly on our way.not knowing what was about to happen to us!After about 80 miles we stopped for a comfort break outside Burgos and the owner of the Georgetown motorhome that was also towing a car on an a-frame that was in front of us on the ferry came running over to tell us to check the hand brake on the trailer as he had found that his had been put on whilst on the boat?! Ours was on and we had burnt off the bearings and the wheels were red hot !!It was just luck that we stopped at that petrol station so we are very thankfull to Gordon and Fran Jackson from Yorkshire as we went on to drive over 430 miles on Wednesday across the mountains and through the centre of Madrid towards Granada. As we started out of Bilbao some people that we had met on the boat passed us with their caravan and waved at us,we now realize that they where telling us that something was wrong! Watch this space for a update after we speak to PO ferries!! As we approached Madrid we made contact with our friend Rafael who was at a hospital with his sister so we set the Sat-nav and set off across Madrid in the late afternoon traffic,but he caught up with us on the A4 and we pulled over and had some Tapas and beer and caught up with all the news. We then set off towards Jaen and Granada but missed our planned stop-over spot in the Valdepenas wine area and as it was getting to dusk we hit the mountain pass with over 50 hairpin bends! A very friendly truck driver led us in his truck to a truckers park in the dark on the wrong side of the road,where we parked for the night and replenished ourselves.On Thursday we set off past Granada which is the most spectacular drive through the mountains and down to Malaga.We arrived at the site at 4.00pm and was met with the smiling face of our friend Vidal who then proceeded to help us to unload the Smart car and park the Winnebago in our old spot.By 6.00pm we were in the pool for our first swim!Today,Friday we went shopping in Manilva and saw our friend Mano.Anna has just left for Wales.We are now making plans for the weekend and Monday as it is my birthday-please see the next blog as last year we went flying over the English Channel!!
First thing on Monday morning after a nice weekend in Witney we settled down to get ready for our departure later in the day.A slight problem with the Sky-Sat box was fixed and a good visual check around the Winnebago was ok.The two new bikes went on the new rack and were secured onto the back of the Winnebago above the new tow bar.Next Paul Dudley showed us how to load the Smart car onto the trailer and also how to fix the trailer to the Winnebago.He then checked all the tyre pressures on the trailer,Smart car and the Winnebago before he gave me a quick demo and guide to reversing with a trailer! We set off to the ferry in Portsmouth,all 46 feet of us as can be seen in the picture of the Winnebago at the entrance to the ferry port! The crossing takes 36hrs and on the first night it was quiet rough but then settled down as we entered the Bay of Biscay.We docked at 8,00am Spanish time and we were second off the boat and quickly on our way.not knowing what was about to happen to us!After about 80 miles we stopped for a comfort break outside Burgos and the owner of the Georgetown motorhome that was also towing a car on an a-frame that was in front of us on the ferry came running over to tell us to check the hand brake on the trailer as he had found that his had been put on whilst on the boat?! Ours was on and we had burnt off the bearings and the wheels were red hot !!It was just luck that we stopped at that petrol station so we are very thankfull to Gordon and Fran Jackson from Yorkshire as we went on to drive over 430 miles on Wednesday across the mountains and through the centre of Madrid towards Granada. As we started out of Bilbao some people that we had met on the boat passed us with their caravan and waved at us,we now realize that they where telling us that something was wrong! Watch this space for a update after we speak to PO ferries!! As we approached Madrid we made contact with our friend Rafael who was at a hospital with his sister so we set the Sat-nav and set off across Madrid in the late afternoon traffic,but he caught up with us on the A4 and we pulled over and had some Tapas and beer and caught up with all the news. We then set off towards Jaen and Granada but missed our planned stop-over spot in the Valdepenas wine area and as it was getting to dusk we hit the mountain pass with over 50 hairpin bends! A very friendly truck driver led us in his truck to a truckers park in the dark on the wrong side of the road,where we parked for the night and replenished ourselves.On Thursday we set off past Granada which is the most spectacular drive through the mountains and down to Malaga.We arrived at the site at 4.00pm and was met with the smiling face of our friend Vidal who then proceeded to help us to unload the Smart car and park the Winnebago in our old spot.By 6.00pm we were in the pool for our first swim!Today,Friday we went shopping in Manilva and saw our friend Mano.Anna has just left for Wales.We are now making plans for the weekend and Monday as it is my birthday-please see the next blog as last year we went flying over the English Channel!!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
WILLASTON ON THE WIRRAL and WITNEY
Mon10th/Sun16th,September.
Well we had a“Helluva” weekend at Carol's ! On Saturday we traveled up to the Wirral ,Carol had booked a table at “The Boathouse” at Parkgate and we had another super meal as the sun went down over the Dee Estuary.We got up early on Sunday and put the Rib of Beef in the oven as the family where due at 1.oopm.With Brenda's help we sat down to a traditional 3 course Sunday lunch with all the trimmings including my special Roast Potatoes cooked in Duck Fat!!During the next three days we did some last minute shopping and dropped into one of Brends's sisters to say goodbye.On Thursday after saying our goodbyes and thanks to Carol and Chris we came back to Witney and the Winnebago to prepare for our next adventures!! Over the weekend we have stocked up with the essentials and checked out the Winnebago.All the jobs are done so we have put the two new bikes on the rack and we will load the Smart car onto the trailer on Monday morning.On Saturday evening we went out for dinner at “The Fleece”in Witney,whilst on Sunday as it was hot and sunny we decided to go down to Portsmouth and check out the route into the ferry port as we will be towing the trailer for the first time!We had lunch next to the”Spinnaker Tower”on the waterfront,our last meal in the country for a year! The next blog will be from Spain-watch this space.
Well we had a“Helluva” weekend at Carol's ! On Saturday we traveled up to the Wirral ,Carol had booked a table at “The Boathouse” at Parkgate and we had another super meal as the sun went down over the Dee Estuary.We got up early on Sunday and put the Rib of Beef in the oven as the family where due at 1.oopm.With Brenda's help we sat down to a traditional 3 course Sunday lunch with all the trimmings including my special Roast Potatoes cooked in Duck Fat!!During the next three days we did some last minute shopping and dropped into one of Brends's sisters to say goodbye.On Thursday after saying our goodbyes and thanks to Carol and Chris we came back to Witney and the Winnebago to prepare for our next adventures!! Over the weekend we have stocked up with the essentials and checked out the Winnebago.All the jobs are done so we have put the two new bikes on the rack and we will load the Smart car onto the trailer on Monday morning.On Saturday evening we went out for dinner at “The Fleece”in Witney,whilst on Sunday as it was hot and sunny we decided to go down to Portsmouth and check out the route into the ferry port as we will be towing the trailer for the first time!We had lunch next to the”Spinnaker Tower”on the waterfront,our last meal in the country for a year! The next blog will be from Spain-watch this space.
Friday, September 07, 2007
THE WYE VALLEY and THE COTSWOLDS.
Sat 1st/Sun9th September.
Well we are in Witney for another two weeks as we could not get on the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao until Monday 17th ! Over the weekend Carol and Chris came over and brought the rest of our things that we could not get into “The Hairdryer” so we went into Witney and had a smashing Sunday lunch at “The Fleece” on the green.After they had set off home Brenda decided to try out oue new bikes around the car park- she is now walking around with a black eye and a very badly bruised thigh !! after a slight”Wobble”and a quick dismount !! On Monday and Tuesday we caught up with the chores and serviced the Winnebago.We set off to Ross on Wye to stay with my oldest friend Allan and his wife Glenys,as we arrived we had a lovely surprise-Allan had picked up his mother from her nursing home and we sat and had tea and cakes and caught up with all the news.What is so special is that “Aunty Ann” is 99years old and going strong,with a great memory and her sense of humour intact! We had a lovely dinner and rounded off the evening with Torres Cognac and Mount Gay rum cuba libres,s Allans daughter Miranda is living and working in Madrid teaching English after studying in Granada,whilst their sons,Mark and Michael have gone to university and out into the big wild world,Allan has just retired this year after a long career with L'Oreal.The next morning as the weather was hot and sunny we drove down the Wye valley to Symonds Yat East and went for a boat trip along the Wye in this most beautiful part of the country.We then called into “TheThree Salmons “ at Usk for a splendid old fashioned lunch including Steak and Kidney Pudding! served by a old Spanish waiter who has worked there for 40 years!!In the afternoon we set off back towards the Cotswolds through the Forest of Dean and made our way to Stow-on -the-Wold where we found a rather special room at a very reasonable rate at the Kings Arms hotel in the square.In the evening after a walk around the town we had dinner at “The Eagle and Child”located next to “The Royalist Hotel” both said to be the oldest hotel and inn in England dating back to 947AD! Dinner was right up to date!!Today,Friday we are back at the site in Witney.On arriving back I found out that Ihad missed out on a driving job-they have taken down to the Isle of Wight 7 Winnebago,s to be on display at the festival over the weekend and had asked for some help from anybody on site,they also want help bringing them back on Tuesday! We have arranged to go back up to the Wirral and stay with Carol on Saturday as the Ben and Michelle are coming over on Sunday for lunch with their partners and Iam cooking lunch with Brenda,s help.We are staying for a few days next week before we come back down to prepare for the ferry on Monday 17th !The pictures show the new bike,Witney,Symonds Yat and the Wye,Stow-on the-Wold,the Hotel and our room with the large bed on the balcony.
Well we are in Witney for another two weeks as we could not get on the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao until Monday 17th ! Over the weekend Carol and Chris came over and brought the rest of our things that we could not get into “The Hairdryer” so we went into Witney and had a smashing Sunday lunch at “The Fleece” on the green.After they had set off home Brenda decided to try out oue new bikes around the car park- she is now walking around with a black eye and a very badly bruised thigh !! after a slight”Wobble”and a quick dismount !! On Monday and Tuesday we caught up with the chores and serviced the Winnebago.We set off to Ross on Wye to stay with my oldest friend Allan and his wife Glenys,as we arrived we had a lovely surprise-Allan had picked up his mother from her nursing home and we sat and had tea and cakes and caught up with all the news.What is so special is that “Aunty Ann” is 99years old and going strong,with a great memory and her sense of humour intact! We had a lovely dinner and rounded off the evening with Torres Cognac and Mount Gay rum cuba libres,s Allans daughter Miranda is living and working in Madrid teaching English after studying in Granada,whilst their sons,Mark and Michael have gone to university and out into the big wild world,Allan has just retired this year after a long career with L'Oreal.The next morning as the weather was hot and sunny we drove down the Wye valley to Symonds Yat East and went for a boat trip along the Wye in this most beautiful part of the country.We then called into “TheThree Salmons “ at Usk for a splendid old fashioned lunch including Steak and Kidney Pudding! served by a old Spanish waiter who has worked there for 40 years!!In the afternoon we set off back towards the Cotswolds through the Forest of Dean and made our way to Stow-on -the-Wold where we found a rather special room at a very reasonable rate at the Kings Arms hotel in the square.In the evening after a walk around the town we had dinner at “The Eagle and Child”located next to “The Royalist Hotel” both said to be the oldest hotel and inn in England dating back to 947AD! Dinner was right up to date!!Today,Friday we are back at the site in Witney.On arriving back I found out that Ihad missed out on a driving job-they have taken down to the Isle of Wight 7 Winnebago,s to be on display at the festival over the weekend and had asked for some help from anybody on site,they also want help bringing them back on Tuesday! We have arranged to go back up to the Wirral and stay with Carol on Saturday as the Ben and Michelle are coming over on Sunday for lunch with their partners and Iam cooking lunch with Brenda,s help.We are staying for a few days next week before we come back down to prepare for the ferry on Monday 17th !The pictures show the new bike,Witney,Symonds Yat and the Wye,Stow-on the-Wold,the Hotel and our room with the large bed on the balcony.
Friday, August 31, 2007
WITNEY
Well we are now on the site at Witney outside Oxford and have moved into the Winnebago to stock up as they finish off some last minute jobs .We are hoping to go to Spain next week but at the moment we have not been able to get a booking on the ferry from Portsmouth so we are trying to book on the ferry from Plymouth to Santander. We are now in a good reception spot so I have gone a bit mad on the pictures! The Smart car is going great.we have already done over 1000 miles.The first picture shows Brenda in our dear friends,Tim and Thea's garden with a new haircut from her old hairdresser Kim in Llandudno.The next two pictures show the” Moffatt,s” in their kitchen and at the Kinmel Arms.On the Wirral The “Thatch” at Raby became our local whilst staying with Carol and Chris in Willaston.In the picture of Chester showing the clock tower and city walls it also shows on the right the Grosvenor Hotel one of our favourites.On our visit to Liverpool we stopped off at the Albert Dock and in the background the Liver Building and the famous Liver Birds can be seen as well as the new Liverpool starting to rise.Our friend Zoe's beautiful cottage and garden in Marple Bridge is at its best in the hot sunny weather.Onto Bridgnorth and the view of the Town Hall in high town on blue sky day,sorry no more pictures of Penny and Bridgnorth as the digi-cam needed charging! The last one was taken today,Friday in Witney and yet again shows Brenda with thr shortest cut yet!! We moved down on Wednesday and called into Burton on Trent and caught Jose and his partner Jane and went out to lunch at our old chef,Amy's new pub and restaurant then we also saw Karen our Head Receptionist as well.We arrived late in Witney so we booked into a hotel in the high street and then after a hearty English breakfast checked into the site.All the jobs on the Winnebago have been done,it passed the MOT and today we re-taxed it.Last night we went out for dinner and found a very good restaurant in Witney and had a superb meal of Wild mushroom and smoked chicken risotto,crab and crayfish cocktail followed by medallions of fillet steak on beef tomatoes and aubergine and an Aberdeen Angus rump steak with Bearnaise sauce and chips! We also bought two new bicycle's to go onto the back of the trailer as the folding ones take up too much space and are not very practical.,watch out for the pictures! I have listed below our E-mail addresses
for info;
malcolmbrenda@hotmail.co.uk
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com
for info;
malcolmbrenda@hotmail.co.uk
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
WILLASTON ON THE WIRRAL
At the start of our second week in Willaston we popped down to Birkenhead to do a bit of shopping to top up with the essentials ready for the trip back to Spain at the start of September.On Tuesday we had arranged to go to Brenda's sister's,Jenny for lunch and took all the photo's and video's to show them after which which we said our goodby's.Wednesday was spent getting ready for our few days away over the weekend.We set off to see Zoe who has a lovely cottage in Marple Bridge outside Stockport and we were lucky with the weather which was hot and sunny.After settling in we cracked a bottle or two of champagne in the garden as we only had to walk down to the local bistro in the village for dinner! We had a lovely meal of Duck.Steak and Liver washed down with Rioja and walked back to the cottage on a balmy evening.After a full English breakfast again sat out in the garden we said “Au Revoir”and made our way over to Bridgnorth to stay for a couple of days with Penny.Bridgnorth is a very old market town in the heart of Shropshire which we have visited for over 35yrs.and was in full bloom on a very hot and sunny day.In the evening Penny had some of her old Girlfriends round for a party as one of them who we had met in Belamadena earlier in the year was celebrating her birthday. We sat outside on Penny's new decked patio and ordered an Indian take-away which was washed down with Red wine,Champagne.G/Ts.and shots of Hazelnut liquor! Saturday morning was again hot and sunny and was market day in the town.We first payed a visit to the main church behind the main road in the centre of “HighTown” where Veronica,the birthday girl is the development officer.The church is more like a small cathedral and can be seen for miles around.Bridgnorth has also a”Low Town” which is connected to by a very old passenger lift railwayOne other fact about the town-it has over 100 pubs and hotels!We had Gammon and eggs for lunch and booked intoa friend of Penny's brassiere for dinner.After a late start on Sunday we went down to the town in a taxi and had a marvellous brunch and stayed for the day in the main square in front of the old town hall/cornmarket building as there was a music festival on with local bands and bellydancers! We found a newly opened wine bar next to the oldest hotel which also has its own brewery and spent the day on sparkling cava rose !! watching the world go by.We arrived back in the Wirral later in the evening after a special drive back thru Shewsbury,Whitchurch and Chester along the country roads.We are now making plans to set off to Oxford on Wednesday and to cross over to Spain at the start of next week after booking the boat to Bilbao from Portsmouth.Watch this space for an update on our E-mail address's and blog details.Still no pictures of our trip around the UK.sorry!
Monday, August 20, 2007
WILLASTON ON THE WIRRAL
We started the week with a visit to Liverpool as the Smart car was due for it's MOT. We dropped it off at the Mercedes garage and caught a taxi into the city centre .Liverpool is the 2008 city of culture and is under going a massive re-development program so we visited all our old haunts before they all go under the hammer.We called into George Henry Lees and saw some of the old staff that have looked after us, I have had an account there for over 40yrs.We then hit some of the “Summer “sales before we had lunch.We went into the old banking area and found “The Restaurant” a newly opened bar and restaurant which is the current “In-Place” and had a marvelous lunch of Sea Bass cooked in a wood oven and Aberdeen Angus Rib of Beef.After picking up the car we stopped off at the Albert Dock and went into the Tate gallery for a look round before stopping off for a drink at the oldest and grandest pub in Liverpool “The Philharmonic Dining Hall” I even showed Brenda the gents toilets with the Pink Marble urinals!On Tuesday we stocked up some essential's as we have offered to do the cooking whilst we are staying at our friends Carol house on the Wirral.We arranged to see Norah on Wednesday,one of Brenda's sisters and took her and Darren her nephew out to the local carvery for dinner then went to Norah's house to show them the pictures and video's of our trip.On Friday we had a day in as on Saturday we are going racing to Bangor on Dee again.The rain just about kept off and we had a “Winning”day at the races due to a horse called Norma Hill at 20/1 !! In the evening we came back to Parkgate on the Wirral and had dinner at “The Boathouse” on the front overlooking the Dee estuary and the Welsh hills We started with Eggs Benedictine and followed by Lobster with chips and individual Chateaubriand ! Sunday was not to good weather wise so we watched the football on Sky.City beat United in the derby match.so Chris was not happy and Liverpool were robbed of a win over Chelsea by the ref! We cooked a traditional Sunday Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings,washed down with a fine Rioja.Today we popped down to Birkenhead to the Shopping Mall and found”Primark” for the first time.We have arranged to see Brenda's sister Jenny for lunch on Tuesday and are going over to Manchester on Thursday to see our friend Zoe,then onto Bridgnorth to stay with our old friend Penny for a couple of days.We have been calling into “The Wheatsheaf At Raby” during our stay in Willaston and it has become our local.The landlord is a old friend from 40yrs.ago when Brenda and I first worked together.Ihad my stag party at “The Thatch”some 36yrs.ago as it is locally known.We are using a new typing page so I must say sorry for the last two blogs,we hope this one is better! Also we can't publish any pictures at the moment as we are in a poor Sat.area which is a bit disappointing as we have taken shots of all the spots we have visited over here.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
COLWYN BAY,NORTH WALES
On Monday the 30th July we went into Rhyl to have a tow bar fitted to the “Hairdryer”
that we had ordered last week from the Smart car website.At the same time we had welsh
number plates fitted.During last week our friend and “IT” Expert Scott had called in and
checked out and updated the PC.and he returned on Monday evening to show me how to
install and use my latest toy! I am now walking around with my silver I-Pod playing the
latest downloads and some old favourites! Brenda hit the shops on Tuesday in Llandudno
in the new arcade including Debenhams,I now am the proud owner of two pairs of blue
jeans-the very first that I have had and have not taken then off since! Due to the cold and
wet weather we have had to dart out inbetween showers to cut Tim's lawn's and keep his
loverly garden up to scratch for his return!Also we have been doing all the recycling of
the rubbish.Brenda has been back to her old hairdresser in Llandudno and had the full
works once again but I only had a trim as the”Antonio” is still growing!The test results
have come back all OK and Brenda has also been given a clean bill of health.On Friday
Tim and family returned from Greece,very relaxed and brown but Ben had picked up an
ear infection and was not too well over the weekend.We tookTim,Thea and Ben out to
lunch on Sunday to the Kinmel Arms but Jo was out with her girlfriends catching up with
all the gossip.We called into the motor cycle shop on Monday to say “Bye,Bye” to the
scooter. We have done over 4000kms on it and loved the freedom that it gave us.On
Tuesday I took Ben and one of his mates to see the film “Transformers” which is a real
boys film and was very good.During the week we enjoyed our time with the family and
sat down to dinner with them all round the table,also helping with the cooking including
the famous Sexton Curry!Over the last few weeks we have been out and about and have
been to see and caught up with all our old friends and staff.On Saturday evening we went
out to some friends of Tims for the evening and they caught up with all the holiday news.
Sunday started with the full welsh breakfast before we set off to the Wirral to stay with
our friends Carol and Chris for the week.As the sun came out we drove around the coast
and called into Parkgate for a drink and an ice cream,then called into one of Brenda's sisters
for tea and a chat.
that we had ordered last week from the Smart car website.At the same time we had welsh
number plates fitted.During last week our friend and “IT” Expert Scott had called in and
checked out and updated the PC.and he returned on Monday evening to show me how to
install and use my latest toy! I am now walking around with my silver I-Pod playing the
latest downloads and some old favourites! Brenda hit the shops on Tuesday in Llandudno
in the new arcade including Debenhams,I now am the proud owner of two pairs of blue
jeans-the very first that I have had and have not taken then off since! Due to the cold and
wet weather we have had to dart out inbetween showers to cut Tim's lawn's and keep his
loverly garden up to scratch for his return!Also we have been doing all the recycling of
the rubbish.Brenda has been back to her old hairdresser in Llandudno and had the full
works once again but I only had a trim as the”Antonio” is still growing!The test results
have come back all OK and Brenda has also been given a clean bill of health.On Friday
Tim and family returned from Greece,very relaxed and brown but Ben had picked up an
ear infection and was not too well over the weekend.We tookTim,Thea and Ben out to
lunch on Sunday to the Kinmel Arms but Jo was out with her girlfriends catching up with
all the gossip.We called into the motor cycle shop on Monday to say “Bye,Bye” to the
scooter. We have done over 4000kms on it and loved the freedom that it gave us.On
Tuesday I took Ben and one of his mates to see the film “Transformers” which is a real
boys film and was very good.During the week we enjoyed our time with the family and
sat down to dinner with them all round the table,also helping with the cooking including
the famous Sexton Curry!Over the last few weeks we have been out and about and have
been to see and caught up with all our old friends and staff.On Saturday evening we went
out to some friends of Tims for the evening and they caught up with all the holiday news.
Sunday started with the full welsh breakfast before we set off to the Wirral to stay with
our friends Carol and Chris for the week.As the sun came out we drove around the coast
and called into Parkgate for a drink and an ice cream,then called into one of Brenda's sisters
for tea and a chat.
COLWYN BAY,NORTH WALES
Fri/Sun/20th July/12th August.
Well,hello! We are back on line after 4 week's in Colwyn Bay staying with our dear friends Tim and
Thea and family.The house in Old Colwyn was in a small local area with no 02 connection-hence no blog
Fri 20th July.
Tim,Thea,Jo and Ben set off to Greece for two week's and Jasper goes on his holidays to the dog kennels!
Sat21stJuly.
We went out shopping to stock up with the essentials.
Sun22nd July.
We asked our friends from the Wirral over for Sunday lunch and went to our favourite restaurant, The Kinmel Arms at St.George.
Mon23rdJuly.
Brenda hit the shops in Llandudno as the sales are on!
Tues24th July.
We joined our friends Carol and Chris over in Willaston in the Wirral and went out racing
at Bangor on Dee for the evening meeting.Carol had booked a table in the restaurant over looking
the course and we had a excellent dinner on a beautiful sunny evening! We had no luck with the betting to pay for it!!
Wed25th July.
We stayed overnight at Carols so we had a lie in and went back to Colwyn Bay in the late afternoon
Thurs26th July.
In the morning we had an appointment with our bank manager,no problems so we live to fight another day! In the afternoon I had an appointment at the Doctors for a check up after the fall from the scooter and arranged for some blood tests for the following morning.
Fri27th July.
We arranged for the scooter to be picked up from Oxford as the motor cycle people we had bought it from in Colwyn Bay are going to sell it for us. The Winnebago site at Witney outside Oxford was caught up in the floods over the previous weekend as we had a heart attack when we saw it on the TV news but the floods hit the office and workshops,the site only had a foot or two of water!
Sat 28th July
We did the weekend shopping.
Sun29th July.
We went over to Ruthin for lunch at an old friends cafe bar and brasserie,” Fusions”. At The Wynnestay Arms.Kelvin was our assistant manager for many years and has now opened the
restaurant and hotel and is already winning awards,we had a loverly Sunday lunch of Roast Welsh
Lamb-what else?!
Well,hello! We are back on line after 4 week's in Colwyn Bay staying with our dear friends Tim and
Thea and family.The house in Old Colwyn was in a small local area with no 02 connection-hence no blog
Fri 20th July.
Tim,Thea,Jo and Ben set off to Greece for two week's and Jasper goes on his holidays to the dog kennels!
Sat21stJuly.
We went out shopping to stock up with the essentials.
Sun22nd July.
We asked our friends from the Wirral over for Sunday lunch and went to our favourite restaurant, The Kinmel Arms at St.George.
Mon23rdJuly.
Brenda hit the shops in Llandudno as the sales are on!
Tues24th July.
We joined our friends Carol and Chris over in Willaston in the Wirral and went out racing
at Bangor on Dee for the evening meeting.Carol had booked a table in the restaurant over looking
the course and we had a excellent dinner on a beautiful sunny evening! We had no luck with the betting to pay for it!!
Wed25th July.
We stayed overnight at Carols so we had a lie in and went back to Colwyn Bay in the late afternoon
Thurs26th July.
In the morning we had an appointment with our bank manager,no problems so we live to fight another day! In the afternoon I had an appointment at the Doctors for a check up after the fall from the scooter and arranged for some blood tests for the following morning.
Fri27th July.
We arranged for the scooter to be picked up from Oxford as the motor cycle people we had bought it from in Colwyn Bay are going to sell it for us. The Winnebago site at Witney outside Oxford was caught up in the floods over the previous weekend as we had a heart attack when we saw it on the TV news but the floods hit the office and workshops,the site only had a foot or two of water!
Sat 28th July
We did the weekend shopping.
Sun29th July.
We went over to Ruthin for lunch at an old friends cafe bar and brasserie,” Fusions”. At The Wynnestay Arms.Kelvin was our assistant manager for many years and has now opened the
restaurant and hotel and is already winning awards,we had a loverly Sunday lunch of Roast Welsh
Lamb-what else?!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
BILBAO/PORTSMOUTH/COLWYN BAY
Mon/Thurs.9th/19th July.
We dropped down to Bilbao on Sunday afternoon ,which is a long and fast Autovia
through the pine forest and into Bilbao then following the signs to the ferry port 10kms to the south where we parked overnight on the quay to wait for the boat on
Monday morning".The Pride of Bibao"is the P/ O ferry that was built in Bilbao to
go back and forth to Portsmouth.We had a super cabin on the 8th deck with free
soft drinks.fresh fruit and a glass of champagne on arrival!The crossing takes 30/36
hours depending on the wind,so we had a snack lunch and booked a table in Langans Brassiere for dinner.The ship has live entertainment and a casino as well as the shopping mall,so we stocked up the wine and champagne as well as some
essentials,Dinner was very good,Brenda had Calves Liver and I had the Rib-Eye steak with Bearnaise Sauce.The trip was not rough and we arrived in Portsmouth
at 6-30pm on Tuesday evening.We then shot up the A34 to Oxford and parked in
a layby overnight.On Wednesday morning we checked into Dudleys of Witney to
leave the Winnebago for its service,MOT and repairs.As we arrived another couple
who were upgrading their Winnebago,Barrie and Sandra from Lincoln had their Smart car and trailer unhooked,and after a short chat we made them an offer and are now the proud owners of a Top of the range,left hand drive,silver Smart car and
trailer. Brenda's first comment was that it would not even be able to fit in her hairdryer! so we have named it "The Hairdryer"!! We also met another couple,
Stuart and Christine Reed from Coventry who were picking up their new 3-slide out
top of the range Winnebago Itasca so we had a couple of bottles of champagne to
christen the Smart car and the Winnebago! On Thursday we booked into the local
hotel and sorted our selves out and went for a swim on Friday morning ,then the full
English breakfast before we set off to North Wales in The "Hairdryer" which was fully
loaded but still made over 70mph on the motorways! Over the weekend we settled
into our best friends house,Tim and Thea are going on holiday to Greece on Friday
so we are here for over two weeks.On Sunday we went out to a country pub for a traditional roast lunch .and have caught up with all our friends Brenda has also been
shopping at the summer sales in between the showers.!Watch out for the pictures of
the "Hairdryer" and North Wales.
We dropped down to Bilbao on Sunday afternoon ,which is a long and fast Autovia
through the pine forest and into Bilbao then following the signs to the ferry port 10kms to the south where we parked overnight on the quay to wait for the boat on
Monday morning".The Pride of Bibao"is the P/ O ferry that was built in Bilbao to
go back and forth to Portsmouth.We had a super cabin on the 8th deck with free
soft drinks.fresh fruit and a glass of champagne on arrival!The crossing takes 30/36
hours depending on the wind,so we had a snack lunch and booked a table in Langans Brassiere for dinner.The ship has live entertainment and a casino as well as the shopping mall,so we stocked up the wine and champagne as well as some
essentials,Dinner was very good,Brenda had Calves Liver and I had the Rib-Eye steak with Bearnaise Sauce.The trip was not rough and we arrived in Portsmouth
at 6-30pm on Tuesday evening.We then shot up the A34 to Oxford and parked in
a layby overnight.On Wednesday morning we checked into Dudleys of Witney to
leave the Winnebago for its service,MOT and repairs.As we arrived another couple
who were upgrading their Winnebago,Barrie and Sandra from Lincoln had their Smart car and trailer unhooked,and after a short chat we made them an offer and are now the proud owners of a Top of the range,left hand drive,silver Smart car and
trailer. Brenda's first comment was that it would not even be able to fit in her hairdryer! so we have named it "The Hairdryer"!! We also met another couple,
Stuart and Christine Reed from Coventry who were picking up their new 3-slide out
top of the range Winnebago Itasca so we had a couple of bottles of champagne to
christen the Smart car and the Winnebago! On Thursday we booked into the local
hotel and sorted our selves out and went for a swim on Friday morning ,then the full
English breakfast before we set off to North Wales in The "Hairdryer" which was fully
loaded but still made over 70mph on the motorways! Over the weekend we settled
into our best friends house,Tim and Thea are going on holiday to Greece on Friday
so we are here for over two weeks.On Sunday we went out to a country pub for a traditional roast lunch .and have caught up with all our friends Brenda has also been
shopping at the summer sales in between the showers.!Watch out for the pictures of
the "Hairdryer" and North Wales.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
MADRID / BURGOS
Sat/Sun 30th June/8th July.
Over our last weekend in Estepona which was very hot we packed away the non-
essentials then on Sunday we went on the bus to the marina for a tapas lunch ,the
beach was very busy but in the afternoon it went quiet as it was too hot.On Monday
evening we went to Music bar on the beach as Vidals and Gissy's guests and had
our last night out with them at one of his gigs-one problem! I had 300 euro's stolen
out of my wallet which was in my back pocket -but they put the wallet back! Tuesday
was the hottest day yet as we went out for lunch with Vidal and Gisela to Caseras on the 10 euro del dia, then called into the hypermarket to stock up with goods for the trip to Bilbao.Videl also helped us prepare the Winnebago for our departure next
morning.We will miss our very good and dear friends who over the last six months
we have become very close with and look forward to meeting up with them later in
the year.Wednesday morning we set off on the Autovia towards Malaga and then up
into the mountains past Granada and Jaen towards Madrid.As I was not showing any ill effects we carried on- with only one stop to find out what the scraping was
under the Winnebago! It was a support bar for a waste tank but after a quick repair
and a call to Oxford we carried on and 8hours later and 335miles we stopped over
night at a lorry stop near Toledo and contacted our friend Rafael in Madrid to ask
him if he could meet us and take us to the LPG gas station and put us on the road
to Burgos.Thusday morning we set off to Madrid which was 90 miles away and
met Rafael about 16 kms before at the town of Gatafe.He insisted we go home
with him to see Gill and the family again,so we left the Winnebago at a large car
park on a petrol station and set off across Madrid.He then took us for a late lunch
in Las Rosas,then back to the Winnebago.We then followed him into the centre
off Madrid at 6-00pm to the gas station and then onto the Autovia to Burgos! We
will look forward to seeing Rafael and Gill again in the future.All the time we have
been using the sat-nav and it has performed very well along with the co-driver and
navigator,Brenda!.As we left Madrid the Autovia climbs up to the high-sierra over
a pass and through a tunnel which is in total over 17kms long,the Winnebago was
in the low gear and pulled us over the top! We then stopped at Boceguillas which
is a small village with a lot of lorry stops and restaurants for the night,then down to Burgos on Friday morning to a site that we had been recommended to by some
people on the site in Estepona-we then got lost in the city of Burgos and with the help of a friendly taxi driver who took us to the site on the river 3kms outside Burgos we arranged to stay till Sunday.As we hooked up to only 6amps! we went to the
generator which is LPG only to find that the gas adaptor had broken again on the road from Madrid,the same as last time on our way to Cordoba befor xmas! The
handyman on the site was very helpfull and called in a gas plumber who over night
fixed the broken adaptor and checked out the LPG gas tank in the morning of Saturday and gave us the OK! We went into Burgos in the early evening and found
out that Burgos is a beautiful city with lots of history and a "Helluva" cathedral as well
as a very busy Tapas bar area and we had supper in a restaurant in the old part of the city and then had coffee and brandy in the oldest Tapas bar which has a tree growing in the centre of it! On our back we also had a dance in a bar with a wedding
party we had seen earlier! Watch out for the pictures which we will blog later of the cityof Burgos which is going to be the European City of Culture in 2012.
On Sunday afternoon we are planning to drop down to Bilbao to catch the ferry on
Monday lunchtime to Portsmouth !!
Over our last weekend in Estepona which was very hot we packed away the non-
essentials then on Sunday we went on the bus to the marina for a tapas lunch ,the
beach was very busy but in the afternoon it went quiet as it was too hot.On Monday
evening we went to Music bar on the beach as Vidals and Gissy's guests and had
our last night out with them at one of his gigs-one problem! I had 300 euro's stolen
out of my wallet which was in my back pocket -but they put the wallet back! Tuesday
was the hottest day yet as we went out for lunch with Vidal and Gisela to Caseras on the 10 euro del dia, then called into the hypermarket to stock up with goods for the trip to Bilbao.Videl also helped us prepare the Winnebago for our departure next
morning.We will miss our very good and dear friends who over the last six months
we have become very close with and look forward to meeting up with them later in
the year.Wednesday morning we set off on the Autovia towards Malaga and then up
into the mountains past Granada and Jaen towards Madrid.As I was not showing any ill effects we carried on- with only one stop to find out what the scraping was
under the Winnebago! It was a support bar for a waste tank but after a quick repair
and a call to Oxford we carried on and 8hours later and 335miles we stopped over
night at a lorry stop near Toledo and contacted our friend Rafael in Madrid to ask
him if he could meet us and take us to the LPG gas station and put us on the road
to Burgos.Thusday morning we set off to Madrid which was 90 miles away and
met Rafael about 16 kms before at the town of Gatafe.He insisted we go home
with him to see Gill and the family again,so we left the Winnebago at a large car
park on a petrol station and set off across Madrid.He then took us for a late lunch
in Las Rosas,then back to the Winnebago.We then followed him into the centre
off Madrid at 6-00pm to the gas station and then onto the Autovia to Burgos! We
will look forward to seeing Rafael and Gill again in the future.All the time we have
been using the sat-nav and it has performed very well along with the co-driver and
navigator,Brenda!.As we left Madrid the Autovia climbs up to the high-sierra over
a pass and through a tunnel which is in total over 17kms long,the Winnebago was
in the low gear and pulled us over the top! We then stopped at Boceguillas which
is a small village with a lot of lorry stops and restaurants for the night,then down to Burgos on Friday morning to a site that we had been recommended to by some
people on the site in Estepona-we then got lost in the city of Burgos and with the help of a friendly taxi driver who took us to the site on the river 3kms outside Burgos we arranged to stay till Sunday.As we hooked up to only 6amps! we went to the
generator which is LPG only to find that the gas adaptor had broken again on the road from Madrid,the same as last time on our way to Cordoba befor xmas! The
handyman on the site was very helpfull and called in a gas plumber who over night
fixed the broken adaptor and checked out the LPG gas tank in the morning of Saturday and gave us the OK! We went into Burgos in the early evening and found
out that Burgos is a beautiful city with lots of history and a "Helluva" cathedral as well
as a very busy Tapas bar area and we had supper in a restaurant in the old part of the city and then had coffee and brandy in the oldest Tapas bar which has a tree growing in the centre of it! On our back we also had a dance in a bar with a wedding
party we had seen earlier! Watch out for the pictures which we will blog later of the cityof Burgos which is going to be the European City of Culture in 2012.
On Sunday afternoon we are planning to drop down to Bilbao to catch the ferry on
Monday lunchtime to Portsmouth !!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL - GIBRALTAR
Mon25th/Fri29th June.
Well this has been one "Helluva" week in all sorts of way. Over last weekend I was
able to lay on the bed for the first time and sleep.so this has helped with the legs-
the physiotherapist has been giving me the treatment on Mon/Wed/Fri and I am
now back to normal but the ribs ars still sore and will take a few more weeks to
get right.On Tuesday we had a surprise when Mano and Anna called in at lunch
time with Sally Ann and her two children who had come over on holiday from
Tenerife.We had last seen them in Wales just as we left on our travels so we
caught up with all the news and after a dip in the pool we had a nice lunch which
Brenda had prepared.In the evening we had just started to get dinner ready when
Vidal ans Gisela called in with a large salmon fillet that they had just bought so we
put every thing together and had a "Helluva" late supper and caught up with all the
news of their weekend gigs including Saturday nights" St Juan" beach party which
is one of the special Saint days that is held here every year and goes on all night
long and has fireworks and very loud music! On Thursday we had planned to go
to Gibraltar with Vidal and Gisela as on the last occasion that we planned to go
we had the accident on the scooter the day before! We shot down to Gibraltar
and showed them the sites as they had not been before and it was also a good
chance to check on the legs as it calls for a lot of walking! We went down to the
marina to our favourite restaurant and had a very nice lunch in the hot sun then
we decided to go up to the top of the Rock on the cable car. It gives you spectaclur
views over Gibraltar,The Straits.Spain.Africa and the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Also the famous "Apes" one of which took the bag of sweet cakes that Vidal had
just picked up and proceeded to eat -see the first picture! The other pictures shows
The Point.Airport and the gang at the top.We then after some shopping for spirits
and other goods set off back but we then called in for a "pit stop"one of many on
a very hot and sunny day at Sotogrande Marina which we had not seen before.
We then set off up into the hills to show Vidal and Gisela the village of Casares
but as we passed through Manilva we phoned Mano and found him and Carlos.
so we joined them for a few drinks in the main street in one of our favourite bars.
Later in the evening we moved on to a tapas bar with spectacular views over the
valley and sea and had tapas and a meal of Steak.peppers.chorizo.fried eggs
and frits!! We followed Mano back to his house and joined Anna and Sally Ann
for a few more drinks and to discuss life and the world! The legs where ok but
the ribs are a bir sore.Friday was a day to make the arrangments for the trip
next week and Vidal is going to help us with the move and un-hooking on Tuesday.
We have also some messages to pass on to various people;
Nigelnews-we will call to see you.
Al/Jan-we need a phone number so we can call and see you.
Penny-we have the tapas dishes and Hazelnut Liqueur.
All our familay and friends-watch out.we are coming!
also to Tony and Kay Turner.Michael and Annie Vankleef,who contacted us on our
new E-mail address-Thanks! and John Nicholls from Alicante who called us on
the Skype phone !
Watch out for the travel reports as we cross Spain to Bilbao for the ferry on Monday
9th July.
Well this has been one "Helluva" week in all sorts of way. Over last weekend I was
able to lay on the bed for the first time and sleep.so this has helped with the legs-
the physiotherapist has been giving me the treatment on Mon/Wed/Fri and I am
now back to normal but the ribs ars still sore and will take a few more weeks to
get right.On Tuesday we had a surprise when Mano and Anna called in at lunch
time with Sally Ann and her two children who had come over on holiday from
Tenerife.We had last seen them in Wales just as we left on our travels so we
caught up with all the news and after a dip in the pool we had a nice lunch which
Brenda had prepared.In the evening we had just started to get dinner ready when
Vidal ans Gisela called in with a large salmon fillet that they had just bought so we
put every thing together and had a "Helluva" late supper and caught up with all the
news of their weekend gigs including Saturday nights" St Juan" beach party which
is one of the special Saint days that is held here every year and goes on all night
long and has fireworks and very loud music! On Thursday we had planned to go
to Gibraltar with Vidal and Gisela as on the last occasion that we planned to go
we had the accident on the scooter the day before! We shot down to Gibraltar
and showed them the sites as they had not been before and it was also a good
chance to check on the legs as it calls for a lot of walking! We went down to the
marina to our favourite restaurant and had a very nice lunch in the hot sun then
we decided to go up to the top of the Rock on the cable car. It gives you spectaclur
views over Gibraltar,The Straits.Spain.Africa and the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Also the famous "Apes" one of which took the bag of sweet cakes that Vidal had
just picked up and proceeded to eat -see the first picture! The other pictures shows
The Point.Airport and the gang at the top.We then after some shopping for spirits
and other goods set off back but we then called in for a "pit stop"one of many on
a very hot and sunny day at Sotogrande Marina which we had not seen before.
We then set off up into the hills to show Vidal and Gisela the village of Casares
but as we passed through Manilva we phoned Mano and found him and Carlos.
so we joined them for a few drinks in the main street in one of our favourite bars.
Later in the evening we moved on to a tapas bar with spectacular views over the
valley and sea and had tapas and a meal of Steak.peppers.chorizo.fried eggs
and frits!! We followed Mano back to his house and joined Anna and Sally Ann
for a few more drinks and to discuss life and the world! The legs where ok but
the ribs are a bir sore.Friday was a day to make the arrangments for the trip
next week and Vidal is going to help us with the move and un-hooking on Tuesday.
We have also some messages to pass on to various people;
Nigelnews-we will call to see you.
Al/Jan-we need a phone number so we can call and see you.
Penny-we have the tapas dishes and Hazelnut Liqueur.
All our familay and friends-watch out.we are coming!
also to Tony and Kay Turner.Michael and Annie Vankleef,who contacted us on our
new E-mail address-Thanks! and John Nicholls from Alicante who called us on
the Skype phone !
Watch out for the travel reports as we cross Spain to Bilbao for the ferry on Monday
9th July.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Mon 11th/Mon 25th June
Well we are still in Estepona! It is sunny and hot every day ( 32o ) and the forecast
is hotter. For the last two weeks I have concentrated on getting back to normal as
the ribs are still hurting and I am still not able to lay down on the bed,so I am still
sleeping on the sun bed with cushions and my feet raised on more cushions ! My
legs are now responding to treatment and the swelling is going down slowly from
my ankles upwards thanks to the physiotherapist who is calling in three times a week,Barbara is a gem and this week as she was away on a course her colleague
Bettina who is also German looked after me.I am also now able to get in the pool
and exercise my legs and ankles and have just been able to swim a few strokes
with the help of a children's float borrowed from the swimming instructor!! The pool
is great and I even use the jets to massage my ribs. In the evening we go for a walk
around the site as the sun goes down.Brenda has been to the hypermarket on the
bus and coming back in a taxi or our friends Vidal and Gisela have picked her up
or brought things in when they are shopping,but as they have a lot of gigs on now
we have not seen them as much.The site has changed a lot in the past two weeks
as all the long stay residents have left for the summer as it gets to hot and the prices
have trebled for the summer season.even Vidal and Gisela have moved out to the
grounds of a friends villa behind the site.We do not see many people now as they
are passing thru to other places, but our Gibralta friends were here last weekend and this week an English couple,Angie and Mike Powley from Great Yarmouth were
very friendly and Mike who is PC literate was very helpfull and spent some time with
me and got me on to all sorts of sites including opening a new E-mail address at
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com ! The" hotmail" site is still ok but the new one has
more space for photo's etc.Also during this week we had quite a social week,on
Wednesday we asked Vidal and Gisela round for a drink and we ended up having
a Chinese Take away ,then on Thursday Angie and Mike joined us for a drink and
saw in Brenda's Birthday! On Friday we were going out for the first time in four
weeks for dinner with Vidal and Gisela but they then suggested that we go up to
the grounds of the villa and we had a BBQ on the terrace overlooking the pool and
across to Gibralta and Africa,which was rather special.Brenda had a "Helluva"
birthday and received cards and singing E-mails from all her family and our
friends and even from old customers ! I bought Brenda a Hammock on a stand as
she loved swinging on Vidals and they found one in a local store.We have booked
to come back to England on the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth on the 9th July,
which gives me more time to recouperate and also cuts the driving back by more
than half,so we will be in England for a month or more during July and August. You
will not recognise Brenda with her short hair and suntan and I have lost half a stone
and have acquired a ponytail!!
Well we are still in Estepona! It is sunny and hot every day ( 32o ) and the forecast
is hotter. For the last two weeks I have concentrated on getting back to normal as
the ribs are still hurting and I am still not able to lay down on the bed,so I am still
sleeping on the sun bed with cushions and my feet raised on more cushions ! My
legs are now responding to treatment and the swelling is going down slowly from
my ankles upwards thanks to the physiotherapist who is calling in three times a week,Barbara is a gem and this week as she was away on a course her colleague
Bettina who is also German looked after me.I am also now able to get in the pool
and exercise my legs and ankles and have just been able to swim a few strokes
with the help of a children's float borrowed from the swimming instructor!! The pool
is great and I even use the jets to massage my ribs. In the evening we go for a walk
around the site as the sun goes down.Brenda has been to the hypermarket on the
bus and coming back in a taxi or our friends Vidal and Gisela have picked her up
or brought things in when they are shopping,but as they have a lot of gigs on now
we have not seen them as much.The site has changed a lot in the past two weeks
as all the long stay residents have left for the summer as it gets to hot and the prices
have trebled for the summer season.even Vidal and Gisela have moved out to the
grounds of a friends villa behind the site.We do not see many people now as they
are passing thru to other places, but our Gibralta friends were here last weekend and this week an English couple,Angie and Mike Powley from Great Yarmouth were
very friendly and Mike who is PC literate was very helpfull and spent some time with
me and got me on to all sorts of sites including opening a new E-mail address at
malcolm.sexton@googlemail.com ! The" hotmail" site is still ok but the new one has
more space for photo's etc.Also during this week we had quite a social week,on
Wednesday we asked Vidal and Gisela round for a drink and we ended up having
a Chinese Take away ,then on Thursday Angie and Mike joined us for a drink and
saw in Brenda's Birthday! On Friday we were going out for the first time in four
weeks for dinner with Vidal and Gisela but they then suggested that we go up to
the grounds of the villa and we had a BBQ on the terrace overlooking the pool and
across to Gibralta and Africa,which was rather special.Brenda had a "Helluva"
birthday and received cards and singing E-mails from all her family and our
friends and even from old customers ! I bought Brenda a Hammock on a stand as
she loved swinging on Vidals and they found one in a local store.We have booked
to come back to England on the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth on the 9th July,
which gives me more time to recouperate and also cuts the driving back by more
than half,so we will be in England for a month or more during July and August. You
will not recognise Brenda with her short hair and suntan and I have lost half a stone
and have acquired a ponytail!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
NEWSFLASH- UPDATE
Sun/Sun/3rd/10th June.
Well we are still in very sunny and hot Estepona (30*) and will not be heading
home before the 27th June. After the the first two weeks since the fall from the
scooter it is taking longer than expected to get better.The problem is that as I
am not able to sleep on the bed still-because of the pain from the 4/5 broken
ribs, my swollen legs and feet,together with a very bad rash had not improved
and are causing concern.We had a appointment on Tuesday at the hospital
next door for a x-ray and check up with the consultant,at which he confirmed
that everything was ok and gave me ointment for the rash. By Thursday nothing
had improved ,so we called the Doctor back and he went through all the reports
from the hospital and gave them a 98% all right! The scans and tests have shown
a couple of none accident thing to watch,all to do with the Adrenal Glands and
Ferritin levels-both not serious but we will have them checked when we get home.
The Doctor who is German speaks very good English and after seeing the x-rays
he confirmed that the breaks were very nasty and there could even be more! and
that the swollen legs are caused by compression of the Lymphatic Duct by the
bleeding inside the Thorax and not helped by my sleeping position.He advised us
to get help with a physiotherapist who would give me Lymphatic Drainage,so he
called her and we arranged for her to come on Friday.Barbara who is also German
has worked down here for 7 yrs in private practise and started laying on the hands
from the neck to my toes as soon as she arrived !! We have arranged a course of
further treatments this week and over the weekend I was able to lay flat on Brenda's
sun lounger for the first time for a while and also start to walk a little around the site-
as advised by her and the Doctor.Next week on Monday 18th we will see how I am
and will carry on with the treatment if required .We are now looking at the idea of
crossing Spain to Bilbao and catching the ferry to Portsmouth-watch this space for
our weekly update !
Well we are still in very sunny and hot Estepona (30*) and will not be heading
home before the 27th June. After the the first two weeks since the fall from the
scooter it is taking longer than expected to get better.The problem is that as I
am not able to sleep on the bed still-because of the pain from the 4/5 broken
ribs, my swollen legs and feet,together with a very bad rash had not improved
and are causing concern.We had a appointment on Tuesday at the hospital
next door for a x-ray and check up with the consultant,at which he confirmed
that everything was ok and gave me ointment for the rash. By Thursday nothing
had improved ,so we called the Doctor back and he went through all the reports
from the hospital and gave them a 98% all right! The scans and tests have shown
a couple of none accident thing to watch,all to do with the Adrenal Glands and
Ferritin levels-both not serious but we will have them checked when we get home.
The Doctor who is German speaks very good English and after seeing the x-rays
he confirmed that the breaks were very nasty and there could even be more! and
that the swollen legs are caused by compression of the Lymphatic Duct by the
bleeding inside the Thorax and not helped by my sleeping position.He advised us
to get help with a physiotherapist who would give me Lymphatic Drainage,so he
called her and we arranged for her to come on Friday.Barbara who is also German
has worked down here for 7 yrs in private practise and started laying on the hands
from the neck to my toes as soon as she arrived !! We have arranged a course of
further treatments this week and over the weekend I was able to lay flat on Brenda's
sun lounger for the first time for a while and also start to walk a little around the site-
as advised by her and the Doctor.Next week on Monday 18th we will see how I am
and will carry on with the treatment if required .We are now looking at the idea of
crossing Spain to Bilbao and catching the ferry to Portsmouth-watch this space for
our weekly update !
Saturday, June 02, 2007
NEWSFLASH
Wed/Sat 23rd/2nd May/June.
Today is the first time that I have been able to sit down at the table
and update our blog since the accident on Tuesday 22nd May.The
only place that I have had to sit and sleep in has been the armchair
with the foot rest because of the pain ! By Friday of last week some
problems had set in,my legs started to swell and the pain had got no
better so we had to call the ambulance, they decided that they could
not move me so gave me some shots and prescriptions to help.Over
the weekend it was not so bad and I was able to eat and move a little
with the help of the nurse,Brenda! who has had to also give me armchair
baths as time went on!! Things then went from bad to worse on Thursday
when my legs became very swollen over night,so we called in a doctor
from Estepona and he immediately advised me to go and have a scan
Asap as he suspected a problem with my Lungs and rib cage! We could
have called a ambulance but as it happens we have right next to us the most
up to date and private hospital in Southern Spain ! so we went in a taxi-100
metrs.next door! instead off going 30kms to the Main hospital were I had
been to after the fall.After the consultation and the scan they immediately
checked me in for 24hrs and arranged for a heart scan as they wanted to
check for damage and blood clots! which was a bit of a shock!!So I found
myself hooked up and on drips and being given injections over night to
help.On Thursday morning I was taken down to the heart consultant and
had a scan and ultra sound check as well as blood tests,At the same time
I was given liver and kidney tests.The out come was that there was no
damage to my heart-in fact he said the the exact opposite-everything was
in excellent condition and i was taken back upstairs to the room to await
further results.I had rung Brenda and told her the news before she returned
later in the morning so as we waited for the consultants results.We then had
another shock when a new doctor came in and introduced himself as the
intensive care consultant!!-but he immediately said it was good news not
bad! He had given a second opinion to all the results-my heart,liver and
kidneys are all ok! but the problem was that I had broken four or more ribs,
which had not shown up the first x-ray and had blood clots on the lung and
rib cage ! The bad news was that I would have to have an operation to re-
move the blood if it had increased after another x-ray.The good news was
that after a 2hr wait it would not be necessary to operate -it will go better
over time ,Our first consultant then arranged some new prescriptions and
also for another x-ray next week to check that everything is ok So we are
back at the Winnebago after a very traumatic 24hrs.It also means that we
will have to postpone our plans to leave by another week,ie,17th June to
give the ribs a chance to heal.
Today is the first time that I have been able to sit down at the table
and update our blog since the accident on Tuesday 22nd May.The
only place that I have had to sit and sleep in has been the armchair
with the foot rest because of the pain ! By Friday of last week some
problems had set in,my legs started to swell and the pain had got no
better so we had to call the ambulance, they decided that they could
not move me so gave me some shots and prescriptions to help.Over
the weekend it was not so bad and I was able to eat and move a little
with the help of the nurse,Brenda! who has had to also give me armchair
baths as time went on!! Things then went from bad to worse on Thursday
when my legs became very swollen over night,so we called in a doctor
from Estepona and he immediately advised me to go and have a scan
Asap as he suspected a problem with my Lungs and rib cage! We could
have called a ambulance but as it happens we have right next to us the most
up to date and private hospital in Southern Spain ! so we went in a taxi-100
metrs.next door! instead off going 30kms to the Main hospital were I had
been to after the fall.After the consultation and the scan they immediately
checked me in for 24hrs and arranged for a heart scan as they wanted to
check for damage and blood clots! which was a bit of a shock!!So I found
myself hooked up and on drips and being given injections over night to
help.On Thursday morning I was taken down to the heart consultant and
had a scan and ultra sound check as well as blood tests,At the same time
I was given liver and kidney tests.The out come was that there was no
damage to my heart-in fact he said the the exact opposite-everything was
in excellent condition and i was taken back upstairs to the room to await
further results.I had rung Brenda and told her the news before she returned
later in the morning so as we waited for the consultants results.We then had
another shock when a new doctor came in and introduced himself as the
intensive care consultant!!-but he immediately said it was good news not
bad! He had given a second opinion to all the results-my heart,liver and
kidneys are all ok! but the problem was that I had broken four or more ribs,
which had not shown up the first x-ray and had blood clots on the lung and
rib cage ! The bad news was that I would have to have an operation to re-
move the blood if it had increased after another x-ray.The good news was
that after a 2hr wait it would not be necessary to operate -it will go better
over time ,Our first consultant then arranged some new prescriptions and
also for another x-ray next week to check that everything is ok So we are
back at the Winnebago after a very traumatic 24hrs.It also means that we
will have to postpone our plans to leave by another week,ie,17th June to
give the ribs a chance to heal.
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