Nothing on today so after our usual leisurely breakfast we headed to the Eco walk, though Christine was on her own so I dropped her one end and headed off to the other and waited; I had some “logs” to catch up with.
Carrot cake again!
Once back at the car we went to the bike cafe; I do like their unusual and very”moorish” carrot cakes, though I have to discipline myself and “only” have one each time. Today Christine tried the Vegan Fudge Cake, yuk, but she said it was lovely.
We enjoyed our drink and cakes but my goodness it was windy up here today and a very cold wind as well, so being outside didn’t hang about and headed to Benissa. There is a Mercadona in Benissa and being Easter probably won’t be open Sunday and Monday so took the opportunity to get a few provisions before returning to the ranch.
Everywhere you look there are cyclists!
After a “light” lunch Christine decided that having had a big chocolate brownie she needed another walk so dragged the poor dogs out and we headed to the eco-park; I waited in the car!! Back home, then we sat out in the sun, fortunately the direction of the wind didn’t trouble us too much and as soon as the sun went over the “yardarm” we broke out the wine and enjoyed it with nuts and olives. Neither dog fancied a swim today, that was good!!!
Nice bottle of wine with nuts and olives!
Dinner, followed by tv which included the Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, before heading to bed, much later than usual.
We awoke to brilliant sunshine, blue skies and hardly any wind; we will break-out the shorts today, at last.
After a spot of breakfast we headed out, and like most U.K. visitors at this time of the year, appropriately dressed, ie., shorts, short sleeves and summer footwear, naturally we didn’t expect to see the locals dressed in this way of course. We remember when we lived here that this sort of weather, at this time of the year wasn’t time for us to discard warm clothes, no, we left that for the “Grockles”.
Really busy serving tapas and wine to everyone
, including us
We both did the dog walk and as the weather was so nice we headed to Lliber, a small village the other side of Xaló (Jalónin Spanish), where there is a small but very pleasant square with a small bar called “Varetes” tucked into one corner with, tables and chairs outside, but being on a hill, two of the four table legs had a block of wood underneath to level it up, but not the chairs, they are askew!! Here they have a reasonable assortment of Tapas, all excellent and a wine list, mainly local products, but generally first class especially one of their local house wines, “Luna Blanca”. We had a glass each to test then followed up with a bottle, it certainly went well with our tapas. It was just like old times having been here several times before and what a perfect day to come, warm sunshine, lots of atmosphere with the place buzzing, we’re in no rush to leave.
One of the pretty streets in Lliber
Part of the pleasure of coming to this village is the walk from the car park, through the marrow streets lined with window boxes and tubs with various flowers, very pretty.
Narrow street to the church
Back at Martins after the wine etc, the steps seemed more formidable than usual, still we made it to the top at which point we had some lunch: I know unnecessary but the couple of tapas we had were only an appetiser!!!!
A delightful white wine
Back outside after lunch having thoroughly overindulged and enjoying more sunshine, in fact the next thing we noticed was Tom-Tom coming back upstairs wet, he had been for a swim in the pool!! We enjoyed what was left of the afternoon when our thoughts turned to dinner. Christine being quite methodical and bearing in mind the limited time we’re hear, has all the meals mapped out so tonight’s meal was no exception; that will teach us to eat a couple of tapas “and” a lunch. After another hour or so we had our meal, fortunately no potatoes!!!!!
Back playing ball, this time it went in pool by mistake
Nothing much on tv so played a few hands of crib before heading to bed
Posted inSpain|Comments Off on Lliber one of our many favourite, go to places.
Today will be like old times, every Thursday at 1000hrs, crib in Campoverde, so up early, breakfasted and on the road by 0800hrs. Two hours should be plenty of time though one never knows about hold-ups passing Alicanté that time of the morning. We are also due to join Hazel & Jim for lunch. Also it is a nice sunny day, probably not quite shorts weather, but getting there😎😎.
Not sure how that happened
Oh it’s so nice to jump on a motorway, set the speed and know there shouldn’t be many times where one has to slow down; light traffic and everybody gets on with it, unlike the U.K., where the cruise control system would be worn out if you used it there; on-off, on-off!!! Even going through the “possible” congestion spot around Alicanté, we hardly slowed down, apart from passing an accident where we were down to one lane. A vehicle had managed to get on top of the central barrier, how on earth???
We arrived in Campoverde with sufficient time to give the dogs a serious run-round chasing a ball in the doggy park; a bonus as they will be sitting under a table for a few hours
It was good to be back playing crib again with the “old” gang but as usual not everybody was about, still we had two good tables and enjoyed the morning. Crib is now being played at the Ameli Bar, what used to be the old German Restaurant, When I joined the Campoverde Cribbage School nearly 20-years ago, I started when they played at Don Pepe’s and in those days the bar looked over a swimming pool before they council removed it and built the square that is there today. During this time period Crib has been played in most venues, both in the new part by the main road and in the old part, not to mention several peoples homes; as I said it was good to join in again.
Happy birthday Hazel
After Crib and a couple of drinks, we moved inside to, Hazel had booked a table for 14 to celebrate her birthday, where we all had a very convivial lunch that went well into the late afternoon by which point Christine had to shoot off to see George, the Campoverde Vet, Tom is having “equipment” removed but needed a medical check-up first. He flew through that with flying colours which had he known what was coming, he wouldn’t have been so accommodating!!!
Lovely to be back in Pats very pretty garden chatting away, just like old times xxx
Whilst Christine and Pat went to the vet, I retired with Vince to his garden bar to wait. We rounded off the day in their beautiful garden, sitting in the warm sunshine, wishing I had worn shorts.
We eventually left with Christine at the helm. After lunch Jim and I got stuck into a cocktail I hadn’t had the pleasure of tasting before, the “Asiatico 43 Cocktail”, a multi layered job and though sweetish, was rather nice. Here is a link if anyone is interested https://youtu.be/L-FXJtUUkXw?si=g0W6z4Th0MUlIm5v. Hence Christine drove!!!!
An easy run back, no traffic and zero hold-ups, just as a motorway should be!!
Back at Martin’s we arrived tired again!!! No rush tomorrow🤠🤠
Woke up to dry, but very a overcast sky, could rain at any time but “hey-Ho”, we’re only here to chill out, but we “will” take the pooches out for a nice walk this morning. First thing is to ring Mark, it’s his birthday, so “must” do that!!!!
Another day but a lovely walk
After breakfast we headed back to the eco walk, this time Christine decided to do it in in reverse so that I could do it as well, being much flatter this end. My knee is fine and I can walk along the flat with no discomfort but add in a steepish hill and I struggle, not with the mechanics of my replacement knee, no it’s with my thigh muscles, they were out of action for so long, I am still building up the muscles then of course there is my lack of fitness; it all makes hills difficult at present, however we did a mile or so in the sunshine.
We walked to the church, then back, roughly half way
Back in the car and we undid all the good we had just done, we headed to the bike shop café and indulged ourselves in a couple of really naughty cakes, yum yum; still we are on holiday. Lunch wasn’t much better either, we went through a very large fresh baguette with cheese, ham and the reminder of the prawns🤭🤭.
Another busy day for the cafe, not surprisingly cakes are scrumptious
The sun shone this afternoon so enjoyed just sitting in it and amusing the dogs with the odd ball throwing down the steps. So far so good, neither of the dogs have ventured into the pool.
After dinner we watched some tv but for unknown reasons we couldn’t keep our eyes open; nor sure why but we are knackered, again!!!!
Wednesday 16th April 2025
Today followed a similar pattern to yesterday, but we refrained from heading out to the bikers cafe as we also had to review, and revise as necessary, the first drought of our plans for our extension which arrived yesterday, this took up quite some time. We also received a report with photos of the progress of our new roof, and I must say it is looking good, fortunately there has been very good weather in Winscombe, allowing the project to be completed in the dry.
We can go go home soon,looking good
Lunch was again a bit naughty, more bread with hams and cheese, still we are on holiday!!!!
We have an early start tomorrow as we are heading back to Campoverde for the day
Posted inSpain|Comments Off on Walks, naughties and chilling
We awoke this morning and noted yesterday’s rain did arrive but in the night, best time really!!!
The usual relaxed morning before setting out for Moraira about 30-minutes away, down on the coast but firstly I dropped Christine and the dogs off at the walk mentioned yesterday, but unfortunately today, no cake and coffee.
Somewhere at the very top is Martins home
Arriving in Moraira we headed down to the seafront where there is a reasonable car park and a large park to walk around. We were aware we had to pay but surprised how empty the car park was bearing in mind the cost is only €2. After spending a lot of time at the machine we couldn’t fathom it out, we failed miserably. Oh well back in the car and head somewhere else. As we were leaving we saw another pay machine with a few people queuing up to pay, so Christine jumped out and thought with a “local’s” help, she could pay. Ha ha, the guy at the machine was German and he couldn’t sort it out so after some time gave up; jumped into his car and left!! Next up was a fellow Brit and he fiddled for ages and gave up even though another person came to see if they could fathom the machine out. By now Christine had also given up, and as we headed out we realised why there were so many empty spaces, no one could work the machines!!! Oh well it looks as if it was going to rain, so just as well.
Moriara beach
Heading back home we de-toured through Benissa to pop into Mercadona to buy a “pile” of fresh prawns, a tub of Allioli and a fresh loaf of crusty bread for lunch; recompense for failing in Moraira!!
Back at the ranch we sat down to a feast of the prawns we bought; just like old times, yeah😎😎, though after such a “blow-out” we instantly regretted it as we “did” have a big dinner organised!!!
This afternoon the heavens opened, thunder, lightning and torrential rain, glad we got home in time.
Coming along nicely, and no rain so far!
Today we received an update with pictures of our new roof going on; it’s looking good, just hope they secure the inside before the forecast rain arrives🤞🤞.
A quiet afternoon followed by a light snack; too much lunch!!!, tv and bed
Everybody in the house was on a mission this morning, work, and a long drive for us. The only person who could stay in bed was Tobyn as he was on holiday, but no, poor lad was also dragged out, probably to his disgust, but being a very polite young man, did it with good grace.
Our favourite vineyard
We were out and on our way just after 0800hrs heading to a Vineyard we know in Chateau Neuf de Pape; we need to stock up our “cellar”; a drive of over 6-hours using toll roads all the way but with the two dogs we have to stop making it a longer journey. We also had a deadline as they closed around 4pm!!! At least it is a sunny day and we can drive “legally” just over 80MPH.
Chateau Neuf du pape
We pulled into the vineyard, “Chateau Cabrieres” with sufficient time to taste a selection of their fine wines before making our decisions, mind you we knew exactly what we wanted!!!!
Early in the season
With the car loaded we headed into Orange, a couple of miles down the road as we had booked an Ibis hotel, ideal for a quick stopover, however en-route we found an ideal spot to give Tom-Tom and Rosie a “workout”. There were a few paths but also what appeared to be a disused quarry with a steep path leading down inside, ideal for the ball-thrower giving the two dogs a real challenge; we won’t be disturbed tonight!!!!
At last we are out of the car!
With the pooches suitably “knackered” we went onto the hotel. Like many budget hotels, it was on the edge of town with loads of parking space in a secure compound. There was also a very large patch of grass outside, ideal for last thing ant night and first thing in the morning. The only issue though; they provided breakfast but no provision for evening meal, still we were pointed to another hotel around the corner.
After dropping our bags, we meandered to the recommended hotel who unfortunately only allowed patrons to bring one dog, not two!!! I did suggest we each had a table with one dog but was not taken up on that as we had seen another place whilst walking there.
One of the nicest Chardonnay I have had!
The second place we went had no issues and we had a table with both dogs and enjoyed a very nice meal washed down with an excellent bottle of wine. Actually we felt this was a better place than the previous restaurant so was pleased to be refused entry!!!
Back at the hotel for an early night; we have another long drive tomorrow heading to Alcalali
Saturday 12th April 2025
Up early and into breakfast before 0700hrs, couldn’t waste any time as it will take over nine hours but naturally we will have to stop so probably nearer 12-hours, still with both of us driving in 2-hour shifts, the journey won’t seem so long!!!
Uneventful journey, probably the most excitement was crossing into Spain but nowadays if you blink you’ll miss the border.
In France we were spoilt for choice with picnic stopping places all along the peage roads but no so in Spain, we had to stop at services and hope there was sufficient area at the back to give our two passengers some exercise.
We stopped in Xalo to gather a few provisions before reaching Martin’s Villa. It has been some time since we last came and with my new knee I thought the steps would be easy, well I was wrong, they are still hard work; never mind the view and facilities make the agony well worth the effort!!!
Our home for a few days
The dogs remembered where they were as they went off exploring the various levels as we emptied the car.
Once settled and food eaten, we sat down and relaxed, at last. We are here for the next few days now.
Sunday 13th April 2025
Woke up to see the sun shining; no rush this morning and apart for walking TT & R, no plans other than chill.
In distance in Parchant where I walk to
Eventually we headed out towards Parcent, (next village) where there is a parallel farmers lane where Christine and others walk their dogs, and 25-minutes later I pick her up the other end. Today was no exception and after the pick-up, we head into Parcent to a cafe for coffee and cakes. This place is geared around cyclists who flock there most days, but especially on Sundays. We sat outside soaking in the ambience but kept one eye on the weather as rain had been forecast for late morning, though fortunately it was still bright and naturally warm, shirtsleeves was the order of the day. We haven’t quite got brave enough for shorts, yet!!
Cycling cafe
Back at the villa Christine put a late lunch on and then we sat outside supping a nice, chilled bottle of wine in the sunshine, but still wondering when this rain to come!!
Cheers Martin x
Another “chill-out” evening but with a late night; highlights of the Bahrain Grand Prix didn’t start until 2300hrs!!
Posted inFrance, Spain|Comments Off on Still travelling
