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Martin and Debbie Kinally
Martin and Debbie Kinally

Martin and Debbie Kinally

traveled in 16 countries Read more🇬🇧Stourbridge
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  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1

    Château de Chenonceau

    September 8 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Well, tuday weem doing chateau number 2, well they wud be if they cud get me ablutions done, some blokes bin parked on the dump site fur ages, at least 20 mins. He gets fed up un wanders uver , pretending tu check out the water, not really, he's tu try un chivvy um up a bit. Women sitting in van ses summut about waiting fu the driver, he's unny gon tu the privy fu a turn out un weem sat ere waiting like a stuffed lemon. Anyroads he's ad enuff un reverses over tu try un at least fill up wi water, un low un behold blokes comes out of privy apologising . What do men find tu do fu so long?
    At last wim on the road to Château de Chenonceau, this one's a floating one, or at least that's what it looks like. Built onto a bridge spaning the Cher, no, not the singer, the river.
    Built in the 16th century, it's surrounded by 4 beautiful gardens un lovely decorated rooms. It even has its own apothecary, alright fur when the missus as un ead ache.
    After spending a few hours looking round, they finally return tu me, parked up on an aire at the side of the railway, and we're on the road again. A bit of shopping in the Aldi on the way tu Bere und another camping car site in the town, ready for tommorus market. BBQ tonight, fust one.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    12

    Blois on the Loire

    September 7 in France ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Well, thought they would never wake up. 9.30 before they stirred. Eventually we got out the car park at Chambord, and headed off to Blois in the hope that it wud be quiet on a, Sunday fer a look round. Dream time again fer the yampy two. It's heaving and the bridge which we need to cross to get to the designated parking place he found is closed with a flea market. So a waltz around the town to another bridge an we are parked by a field with a camel, llamas, goats and all sorts. The circus is in town opposite. Off they trundle leavin me to eye up the livestock. Nice place Blois, the flea market is OK as well an he manages to buy a couple of glasses for his rum addiction. Nice lunch with galletes and Brittany cidre for him and they managed to climb up the steps to the cathedral after that. Back home to me waiting and a few killies down the Loire to our overnight stop at Chamoint Sue Loire.Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    12

    Chambord Chateau at night

    September 6 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Her pop outside while cooking tea to get some pictures of the sunset un the chateau looks lovely in the fading sun, the after tea they gus for a walk to see the light show. The château is turned all colours, but what helps the super light show is the beautiful full moon popping up from behind the chateau.Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    211

    Chambord Château

    September 6 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today weem off to look at the first of the Chateaus he's got planned, but first me ablushions need doing. Aire we stopped at last night says no services, so he plans to pop up to the next aire so I can have a dump. We'll we go down through the village and gridlock. Vans and people everywhere looks like a Sunday flea market. Well I ad to do a lot of shunting to extract me self and return to the road. So what to do, I'm desperate for relief. We goes back to last night aire as herself said she saw a bloke emptying in a shed, and yes there is a water and emptying point, thank gawd for that. OK so off to Chambord the daddy of chateau apparently.

    Well we drives through the wooded parkland un park up on the 100 van aire where weem stopping the night, another car park, but there's plenty of room and not crowded. Aquick cuppa before they sets off. OMG it's a big un, as they leaves the car park they gets the first view of the chateau The château features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases. One of the highlights is the spectacular spiral staircase in the centre of the chateau, with 274 steps, her knows as hers walkedup some of um, un down all of um . The two spirals ascend three floors without ever meeting,
    There's not much decoration un furniture here but it's full of rooms un stais, here's glad here dow ave tu go up un dawn um all day. Theres un art display from someone they ay hurd of, un they ent impressed. Apparently the chateau was used during the war to hold works of art in the hopes it didn't get destroyed, one of um being The Mona Lisa.

    They walked all around the outside of the upstairs un the view were great, everything as far as you cud see belongs to the chateau .
    Lunch in the sunshine, a shared baguette un muffin and then it's a walk round the gardens, not many plants but lots of tress .
    Back for tea before popping out tonight to see it all lit up.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler

    Down to the Loire River

    September 5 in France ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Well we leave Le Crotoy fairly early for a 350 killi journey down to the Loire whereby all accounts the holiday begins. Just as we pull out from the aire they spots a market in the town....... bugger she says - they do love a French market, but too late he sez, they need to get me rubber on the road. He wizzes me down to Rouen but me fuel is really low and e ain't noticed. when he does it's a case of finding a station on the route around Rouen on the tablet thing he uses to direct me,and then it has a hissy fit and they miss a crucial turning to avoid goin over the Seine river. Well we sail on into the city and try to avoid the emission zone, find a diesel fill up, and the way out in the right direction! Well I braced meself for a right old ear bashing between em, but unbelievably all three things were OK and I survived.
    Late afternoon we arrived at Meung sure Loire aire for the night and it's full. Bugger! Luckily, we find a space a few killes downstream at Beauancy aire, which was a relief I can tell ya. They ups and out for a leg stretch round the very nice small town, and a drink was had in the square as they do. Small Ipa for him, bit crap at 4.5 euros he reckons and an Apertol for her,nice. And there is a market on the Saturday morning, so all is well for today after all.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1

    Outward Bound

    September 4 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Wotcher muckers, Bertie here long time no spake. Well theym off tu France to ave a meander down the Loire. They gets un early start off tu the tunnel. Good journey, no one gets in me way un I'm in good form so we arrive early un manage tu get on an earlier train Thought we'd left the rain behind us, how wrong can we be , after a while we hits a downpour un me lovely clean body work, he gave me a spring clean before we left, is now grimey un covered in mud splats..
    He's decided to use the toll motorway un heads for La Croytoy, a nice little town on the estuary. Thems bin ere before, a couple of years ago, The aire is a big car park a short walk from the town, last time they was packed in like sardines, but today there's plenty of room un they even manage a spot on the outside for me on a bit of grass to rest me weary tyres, I've dun a few miles today u know.
    After a cuppa, they walk into the town, very fish oriented in the restaurants un they even has two fishmongers. They wants tu see if they con find the little bolangerie where they bought some flan from last time. They finds it but no flan so they cums back with a couple of pie/cake things un a baguette tu go with the salad fu tea. Aye aye, another bolangerie so they gus in there un cums out wi a cake un a tart, so much for their diets then.
    Weem all having an early night as I've got a big journey agin tumorra. Night night.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler

    Home

    July 10 in England ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    Well, after a good journey back without too many holdups, we made it back home mid afternoon. Thank goodness for air-conditioning. The temperature reached 30 degrees.
    We've all thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Kent,
    Low points, Margate, a shame really because in it's day I'm sure it was a lovely seaside town, and it does have a lovely beach.
    High points, Sandwich, Walmer Castle and Whitstable, this town certainly is the 'pearl' in Kent's crown.
    A great holiday, but it's lovely to be home.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler

    Whitstable last fling

    July 9 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Last day, and they ay had a fish n chips yet by the sea, so off to Whitstable, home of the oyster, to put that right. Yet another bus journey and YES! a double decker turns up for him,... result. Quick look round Whitstable Castle and Gardens, but gardens not great, and castle is not available for tours, so down the hill to the harbour and it's sea food heaven if you like that sort of stuff, and they both don't so onto a pub for a drinkies as it's very warm today. Whitstable is a jewel of a town, with a nice range of shops, along the high street, bit too many dress, shops for his liking so progress, is slow. Decision is made to try the fish n chips at the old Neptune Inn actually on the beach shore and very nice they are too. So bus back to me at the camp site, but a problem - the driver says the road is shut following a car incident on the road leading to the site, so they decide to pop on and go to Herne Bay and maybe a taxi to the site from there. The bus meanders everywhere to avoid the closed road and eventually they are back in Herne Bay. He manages to book an Uber he thinks but just as he confirms his phone battery dies so they are unsure, but 15 mins later taxi turns up and back they come for an evening sit in the sun before tomorrow's drive back home.Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    12

    Herne Bay .

    July 8 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Well, parking at Herne Bay proved a little difficult, we tried the sea front, then the back roads, and thankfully, we just noticed a spot on the main road where I could park up, being a big lads can be a problem sometimes..~=
    A walk down to the prom where there's a pebbley beach and wooden windbreakers along the beach, but it's a good size. A walk along the pier, full of eateries and little shops, but also the venue for nighttime shows during the summer.
    They walked past the ornate clock tower and the bronze of Amy Johnson, whose plane apparently disappeared off the coast of Herne Bay.
    It's time for drinkies, so it's off the The Ship Inn, the oldest pub in the town for a pint and a bite before heading to our next stop.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler

    Spitfire and Hurricane Museum

    July 8 in England ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    It's moving day again, we're off to Herne Bay, but we're going via the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston Airfield.
    Free entry, that's a bonus and cafe on site for a mid-morning cuppa after we take a look around. They also have a Spitfire and a Lancaster flight simulator, great fun if you ignored the £75 price tag to have a go.
    Some very interesting items and her indoors did manage to get a photo of where the navigator would have sat, not much room in them planes.

    Were off now to Herne Bay for a look round, if we can find somewhere to park.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    11

    Loop bus to Margate

    July 7 in England ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    So loop bus again for the third time this time to Margate.

    Seagull poops on Deb

    Margate is a shit 'ole.

    Caught bus back home.

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111

    Loop bus to Broadstairs

    July 6 in England ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    Off they goes again on the loop bus to Broadstairs this time. Well it looks alright they reckon, nice beach and victoriana buildings, they potter about, not much open cuz it's Sunday but they find a micro pub as usual and ave a few samples within, called the Old Chapel but there are books everywhere like drinking in a library. After that expensive ice creams at Morellis, a Broadstairs institution, and then they sit round the bandstand where a community rock choir are performing some rock standards, , and very good they are despite a sudden downpour soaking them, they keep on singing bless them. Back home on the bus, not a bad afternoon out really.Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    1211

    Loop bus to Ramsgate

    July 5 in England ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    All aboard the loop bus, which links all three Thanet towns, bus right outside the campsite. Ramsgate has a harbour and sandy beach and is a not bad sort of place. They wander along the prom to visit the Tunnels, basically a railway tunnel with extra interlocking tunnels built for bomb shelter in WW2. Any German bomber planes that were returning back home that still had bombs released them on poor old Ramsgate as they passed over, creating devastation, hence the tunnels.
    Unfortunately for them, all the guided tours are sold out today, but the tunnel museum is splendid and, as a freebee, compensates them for their walk.
    Drinkies next as usual in the biggest Wetherspoons in the UK, the former beach Pavilion, yes, that table number is 426. Top up fruit and veg at a long-established greengrocers and back home on the bus ends their first day out by the sea.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    1

    Deal them again please

    July 4 in England ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Another movin day north to Ramsgate, but what's this? He's driving me south to Deal again. ( no more Deal puns, I hope). Anyway, they are going to visit another bleedin castle and park me up in a nice bay in the car park so they can visit said castle and have a few hours around Deal. Fine by me there's, a cute little German VW opposite! So they stroll the prom as old gits do and it's OK, so they come back along the road parallel to the front and spot a plaque on a former church saying that Chief I Spy lived there which he remembers from his youth as the head of I Spy books, now who remembers them? Is anyone reading this stuff?
    Anyway after a pub visit and a stroll up some rather nice shopping streets with independent shops we head north to Ramsgate and our home for four nights on a commercial site which will be a handy place to visit the Thanet towns of Ramsgate Broadstairs and Margate via the Loop Bus, which will be nice for him.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111111

    Sandwich Saunter

    July 3 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    So a saunter into Sandwich is the plan for them today. Not too far for the poor old souls but there is, a bus back up plan. Anyway they make it, and Sandwich is a real joy of a place with churches, mediaeval streets, timbered houses and a river. Was a port back in the, day but like so many places in Kent the river got silted up so ships went elsewhere leaving a legacy of maritime buildings.

    They went into the old Guildhall and an ancient helper lectured them on the history and roman finds in Sandwich for too long really, but hey it was his childhood times. More interesting was the old courtroom pretty much as it was when they hanged pub owners for selling shit beer - more of this later.

    And yes the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich when he requested they put his bit of beef between two slices of bread, cos he was late for his tee time at Royal St George's Golf Course (probably). Mart said if it was oss meat between two soft buns it would ave been Muffin the Mule! One for you oldies there.

    So Sandwich is nice they decided over a beer and lemonchello spritz by the river, so more exploring and he decides he wants to climb the church clock tower for a town view as he does, but the church has just closed so it's a no go. Further wandering and the micro pub has just opened so guess what......
    It's the brewery tap of Time and Tide who seem to brew hundreds of beers with saft names, they select a few to taste and they are all thick cloudy fruity hoppy ipas and taste the same.
    Cue a rant from his nibs about this problem, which the barman may or may not have heard. Luckily for him the court is not in session

    Walk back to me in the oss field for a steak N chips night. What a life for them!    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111

    Wandering Around Walmer Castle

    July 2 in England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Well, we woke up to a real change in the weather,  drizzle,  thick cloud, and a drop in temperature of about 15 degrees.

    Today, we're moving on to Sandwich via Walmer Castle, which is just outside Deal.   A National Heritage site, so it's free entry for the cheapskates, and as a nice surprise,  on Wednesdays old gits get a free cake with a cuppa.  So it's brollies out and straight to the cafe for a gooseberry scone and a piece of carrot cake before they look around. 

    Unlike many English Heritage sites, this castle has dressed rooms as it is a private residence, and because of this, she couldn't take any photos. 

    Since the 18th century, Walmer Castle has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. 

    Notable Lords Wardens include William Pitt the Younger, the Duke of Wellington, W H Smith, and the Queen Mother, and many of the rooms are still decorated as they were when she visited.  It is also where the Duke of Wellington died in 1852, and you can see the chair he was sitting in when he died and his wellies.

    After the walk around the inside, they walked through the gardens,  and they were some of the nicest they have seen and spent quite a while wandering around looking at the unusual plants in the borders. 

    Quick stop at the Sainsbury's in Deal for a restock.  They were tempted by the meal deal in Deal which was ideal at £12 but were dealt a blow when charged more which was not ideal. Delia dealt with the refund so it was a good deal in Deal in the end and they were delighted.

    After this, it's on to our overnight stay at a nursery and farm shop with horses in the paddock opposite outside Sandwich.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    11

    Canter Around Canterbury

    July 1 in England ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Moving day again, this time we're heading for the Park and Ride just outside Canterbury, they have a dedicated Motorhome parking area where you can stay overnight, that's the plan, until we get there,. The park and ride is great, and so is the Motorhome parking, if you like being packed in like a sardine. The hottest day of the year, yes that is 34 on me dashboard thermostat, and they really could do with a bit of space to sit outside, or even just open the window, so they decided to look up a campsite nearby, and go there instead, spaces available, booked, job done so off they pop to Canterbury, all day parking and return journey for 2 all for £4 , a bargain,
    Canterbury is a mix of very old, old, and quite new buildings with a big shopping arcade full of your normal big names and streets full of quirky old beamed independent shops..
    Obviously, you've got to do the cathedral, quite a bit of money, but worth it. Another building that defies all sense of how it was achieved without today's power tools and mechanical help..
    After a good time spent in the cooler temperature of the cathedral, it was back outside in the blazing heat, well at least for the couple of minutes it took to cross through square to the nearest pub The Buttermarket oldest historic pub in Canterbury but the prices are far from historic! What more could you ask for two pints of Adnams beer, crisps, and Wimbledon on the TV all for £16.00.
    A stroll around the town with a stop in the Primark, for him, not her and it's back to me and on to our overnight stay just outside the town, apparently tomorrow it's going to be cooler, thank the lord for that, me bonse is burning.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    111

    Footprints around Faversham

    June 30 in England ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today, theym off to Faversham, but because we're in the middle of nowhere, it means using up some of the kids' inheritance on a taxi. As per normal, no Ubers about, so it's finding a local cab to pick em up. Surprisingly, that goes well, and there is only a short wait for the taxi, so far so good.
    On arrival, they head straight towards the Quays, a footpath that runs alongside the river passing the Shepherds Neame brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the country. Unfortunately, the tide was out, so the boats were grounded in the mud, but it was a lovely location for one of the new build houses and converted barns.
    After this, they walked down the Medieval road, full of timbered houses, lots with interesting plaques on them. Next, of course, they fancied a drink and couldn't do the brewery tour as it's not open Monday's. To be honest, not a lot is open in Favershamon Mondays, so Wetherspoons it is again. They wandered about a bit more but it's so very hot so decide to go back to the van, by this time it's about 4 o'clock, school chucking out time, do you think they can get a taxi, No, they tried every taxi company in Faversham and no one was available for at least an hour. So what to do now to kill an hour or so, they contemplated a meal but weren't hungry, the Nachos at Wetherspoons had filled em up, so decided to try out the Micro pub, Furlongs. A good choice of beer, but instead, opt for a Gin n Tonic and two halves of Cider.
    Back outside in the still hot town, the search for a taxi again. Still no luck, Mart thinks they're all at home having their tea. In the end, a wait about half an hour before the driver who brought em could bring em home , a long day in hot conditions but on the whole Faversham is a nice place.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    2211

    Hot, Hot, Hot

    June 28 in England ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    SATURDAY
    Well, they were really lazy today, very late getting up, so instead of breakfast, had brunch, boy I'm hot today, almost 30 degrees.
    The bus restorers are in full force today and early afternoon come and warn us they're going to try and start the doubles decker parked next to us, it may be smoky they said. Martin started chatting to one of the men who offered to take him on a tour of the sheds, his little face lit up, he even got to sit in the drivers seat. Eventually, after a lot of tinkering with the engine, apparently one of the last buses to be made with a front engine, they got it started. Late afternoon, they walked into the village for a leg stretch and a pint of Ghost Ship. The pub had got a fun day with music and a BBQ a back to sit in some shade under me canopy.

    SUNDAY
    Today is moving day with a couple of stops planned on the way. First up is Upnor Castle, a National Heritage site on the banks of the Medway River. They parked me up and go for a walk to Lower Upnor alongside the river before taking the footpath to Upnor which really is one cobbled road with some beautiful little cottages and two pubs which leads to the castle. It's a little place and not quite such a ruin as they were expecting with rooms and towers with rickety spiral staircases for them, well Martin, to explore.
    They retrace our way up the hill, stopping at one of the smallest pubs seen, that was until you walk inside and find a rabbit warren of rooms and a big pub garden.
    The next stop is the Isle of Sheppy via the elevated bridge. Unfortunately, as it's by the coast and it's a lovely day , top end of the 20's, almost 30 degrees again, there's nowhere to park along the marine drive with camper vans and caravans there for the day, weekend or month by the look of them , so on to our next stop.
    Two nights at Woodhill Campsite just outside Faversham, lovely site, but should be for the price he says, we will see......    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    122

    Restoration House

    June 27 in England ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Next stop is an AI recommendation tucked away in the back streets, Restoration House and Gardens. Dating back to 1500s it is several houses all connected over the years to form one building. For you bookworms, Dickens based it as Miss Havishams house in Great Expectations. (old Charlie Dickens is big in this part of England). Over the years different owners acquired various bits of building and added a mish mash of furnishings and it is has a lived in unrestored feel to it which is it's charm even the visitors bog is authentic. Huge amount of owners over the years left their mark even (and I kid you not) Rod Hull and Emu from 1984 to 1994!

    After all that a return walk down the High Street and as it's hot, a refreshing pint in a micro pub to round off which was a super visit to a quite wonderful town. Rochester - you've be been great.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyBertie canters thru KentTraveler
    2112

    Rochester for starters

    June 27 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Wotcher maties, Bertie here to tell you tales of our Kentish caper.
    All packed and we have a decent drive down south Thursday via M1, M25 round North London across the Dartford Crossing and arrive at a small site 4 mile south of Rochester.
    But what have we here on site, not one but 3 old buses on the field, with another five inside some old garages. Well his nibs thinks it's Christmas come early! . The elderly site owner together with a band of equally old cronies are restoring and running various buses for classic vehicle shows. He says we might just spend all our time here and help out, hope he is jokin!

    Well Friday comes and theym off on the nearby train to visit Rochester on the banks of the River Medway. From the station over the river and up the main street of the town, lots of pubs, cafes and fine assorted old buildings it really is very nice. He gets lured into what claims is the, second biggest bookshop in England by a collection of RAF bomber books, and the room of books inside is truly amazing.

    Next stop is Rochester Castle, but ers forgot her English Heritage card, so there follows a few choice words between em which I won't divulge. As it is the castle is quite small but very tall with huge amount of steps and just walls so they give it a miss anyway, and peace is restored.

    Next the cathedral and a very impressive building it is too Parts of it are the oldest in England. Returning to the High Street and Wetherspoons have Thornbidge Jaipur on tap so that's the late lunch sorted.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1

    Last Day Drive

    October 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today is our last day and we're going for a drive up the coast. Were heading for Torrevieja for a look around, well it's a huge sprawling place fullof high rise apartment blocks and rows and rows of restaurants. It's like Blackpool on speed so we drive to the marina turn around and hightail it out of that place. Shit hole rating of 7.5.

    We come back down the coast and stop at Cabo Roig for a look at the beach, unfortunately we are too high up to warrant walking down the steps so take a couple of pics and move on.

    Next step Pilar de la Horadada, a lovely little bay with a watchtower at the end of the beach, no bars open so we head on to Lo Pagan, town of the mud baths for lunch before heading home.

    I'm hoping for a last sit in the sun when we get back but the weather has turned and we have dark cloud's, getting ready for the rain that's forecast for all day tomorrow, good job we're coming home.

    Before we start the packing Fi wants to try out the electric bike so Martin gets her sorted and off she goes, doesn't take her long to get the hang of it and before we know it she's off around the block.

    Well its been a great holiday, good company, lots of laughs and good times, now to thrash the boys at trivial pursuit.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1111

    Mud, Mud Glorious Mud

    October 20, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    SUNDAY
    This morning, we're going to Pilar de la Hordada to have a look at the Vintage Car Display. Lots of lovely well-kept cars and motorcycles. We even found a VW Golf GTI in red, just like we had, and Martin sold while I was in hospital having Sarah.

    After this, we went to Lo Pagan to bathe in the mud baths in the Mar Menor. The mud is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, good for its healing properties, and also smelt like rotten eggs. There is a long walkway out into the lagoon, on one side is the sea and beach and on the other are little bays with boardwalks leading out into the salt water of the lagoon with a mud bed . The idea is to wade ito the water a pick up the mud and smother the body in it, then get out and let it dry before re-entering the water to wash it off. Well, Mark went first up to his knees, then Martin he started smothering it everywhere, then Fi started off in the water before covering herself up to the knees. I, on the other hand, resisted the ordeal due to the smell. They did actually all say how smooth their skins felt after the experience, I will forgo this experience, but it was fun to watch.

    Back home for a meal in tonight and a lovely sunset.

    MONDAY
    Last night I had made the decision I was staying in today as my knee is hurting and after being unwell during the night I think it was a wise decision. Martin is also staying here, we are resting and he is going for a bike ride this afternoon. Fi and Mark are going for a ride up into the mountains and around the lake. She has taken some beautiful pictures. A meal out tonight, Mexican, Martin says it's the best meal of the holiday, which is nearly over.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1
    1

    San Pdro del Pinatar

    October 18, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    FRIDAY
    Today we're visiting the market at Pilar de la Horadada, you see some funny things while driving, like Spiderman climbing over theroofof a local villa.

    The market is a hive of activity full with stalls packed to the brim with fresh fruits and vegetables in amongst the clothes and shoe stalls. We picked up some fruit the headed on to our next stop at San Pedro del Pinatar.

    San Pedro del Pinatar is a lovely town with a huge beach and promenade. We walked along he promenade stopping for a drink at a beachside bar. After paddling along the beach t the windmill at the end,it's time for an ice cream before heading home for a meal in tonight, spag bol cooked by Fi, and very nice it was too.

    SATURDAY
    Today we had thought about going into Pilar de la Horadada tonight to watch the grand parade of floats down the High Street but on reflection I decided it might not be a good idea for me as parking would be a pain and would mean a lot of walking and standing. So we elected to go for a nice meal instead.

    The boys are going to watch the Baggies on TV so Fi and I are going to check out another market at La Zenia. It was huge, twice as big as yesterday's. On the way back we stopped at Playa de Mil Palmers to have a look at the beach. Beautiful sand and a very large beach.

    A restful afternoon either spent napping or around the swimming pool and a lovely meal tonight a Ameli in Campoverde.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    1
    1

    Mar Menor

    October 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today we're going for a drive to Ma Manor , the largest salt water lagoon in Europe, we start by driving through Los Urrutias to find a recommended restaurant called Ruf Mari, a must with the locals, especially if you like seafood . Unfortunately we only wanted a drink and a snack so no chance of trying the seafood. It was a very popular place and by the time we left was half full with senior citizens enjoying their lunch.

    We went for a walk down to the sea front and was surprised to sea a fabulous new boardwalk stretching out into the sea. The water was clear allowing us to sea the jellyfish and sea grass growing underneath it.

    From there we continued on the coast road around the Mar Menor right to the end. We thought it would be very similar to driving down to Key West, a road along a narrow strip of land with the sea on both sides. Oh how wrong we were. The strip of land consisted of a dual carriageway with high rise apartment blocks and hotels on both sides, no chance of seeing the sea or the lagoon. It was like Benidorm on speed but without the people. No one about and most the shops and restaurants were closed, not what we expected and not to our taste. We drove to the end and turned around.

    On the way back we stopped at Euromanga at one of the only restaurants open, a bit of a novelty as it was shaped like a boat, but we had a nice meal and Fi and Mark had a Paella . We then drove home in time to pop to our local restaurant bar for some luve music courtesy of Brian Bennett, and to get our first pictures of a Spanish sunset.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyPilar de la HoradadaTraveler
    11

    Torre de la Horadada

    October 16, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    After a safe arrival Monday, landing just before a torrential rain storm complete with thunder and lightning we arrived at the villa. A lovely 2 bedroom detached villa in a quiet street complete with sun terrace and access to a swimming pool 4 doors up.
    We popped up the road for some food and a drink before turning in for an early night,

    TUESDAY
    A restful day starting with a trip to the supermarket for supplies, then off to explore the local area. A spot of lunch in bar and back to the ranch to chill. Martin and Fiona have tried out the swimming pool while Mark and me stayed home, I made use of the upstairs solarium. Take away Indian for tea, very nice.

    WEDNESDAY
    Today we are taking a trip to Torre de la Horadada for a walk along the prom, and what a great prom it was, stretched as far as the eye could see, if only I could walk it. Martin, Fiona and me trek down the stairs to the beach while Mark waits at the top. Lovely sandy beach and a good size, well it had to be done, Fiona and I went for a paddle. Then back along the prom stopping for refreshments on the way back to the car,

    Next we're driving out to the marina at Salinas de san Pedro. To get to this we had to drive across the Salt flat's which had flamingos wading across them. One of them contained pink water, the colour change was due to the alge growing in them.

    Back to Campoverda to Ana's for a three course meal for the huge sum of €9 each, a bargain.    Read more

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