Carl & Jaynes 2019 Adventure

After working as campsite wardens during the summer we take our motorhome onto the continent for the winter Read more

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Trip start
October 1, 2019
Carl & Jaynes 2019 Adventure Traveler
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Day 1
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM
🌧 16 °C
Altitude: 21 m
England Bridgham 52.42802, 0.8954252°25’41” N 0°53’44” E
The Dower House
October 1, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
After our first season at Dower House its time to begin our travels. We were hit by a learner driver in April and the parts are finally in for the repairs to be done, so after dropping off our motorhome we carried out the first leg of our tour by car. Back to Birmingham to spend a couple of weeks catching up with family and friends.Read more
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Day 1
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 3:00 PM
🌧 12 °C
Altitude: 206 m
England Warley 52.4656, -1.9983252°27’56” N 1°59’54” W
Back in birmingham
October 1, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
A pretty uneventful journey back except for the bouts of torrential rain. A homemade shepherds pie was waiting for us which was most gratefully received. Over the next few days we will be making arrangements to get together with loved ones and spend some quality time with family and friends.Read more
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Day 23
Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 6:00 PM
🌧 13 °C
Altitude: 16 m
England Bridgham 52.42876, 0.8950252°25’44” N 0°53’42” E
Back at Dower House.
October 23, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
Had the call on Monday that the repairs to the motorhome would all be completed and ready to collect today. Left Birmingham around noon after spending the last 3 weeks catching up with family and friends. It's been good but at the same time frustrating as we should have started this year's adventure at least a week ago. Anyhoo, eurotunnel is booked for 13.20 tomorrow so by 14.00 UK tome we will at last be in France and on our way.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 12:44 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 63 m
England Peene 51.09674, 1.1223251°5’48” N 1°7’20” E
Eurotunnel Folkestone
October 24, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Finally! Only 3 weeks behind schedule due to the over run of the repairs to the motorhome. Picked her up yesterday afternoon and spent the night back at Dower House. Thanks to Tom and family for an excellent roast dinner and good company.Read more
TravelerYay!!!! Have a blast 😀
10/24/19Reply
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Day 24
Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 3:56 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 9 m
France Stella-Plage 50.48, 1.57550°28’48” N 1°34’30” E
Le Touquet
October 24, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Great service through eurotunnel again, such an easy process. Both still suffering at the moment, Jayne with the flu while I am recovering from a bought of Man Flu! Because of that we didn't want to travel too far today so plumped for a free aire barely an hour from Calais. Right on the beach, sea views and a few other motorhomes here for company. Of course we had to stop off at a supermarket to pick up the obligatory box of wine. It's good to be back in the land of the reasonable when it comes to wine, €10 for 5 litres. That will do nicely.Read more
TravelerBest of luck to you both. We’re gutted we didn’t get to spend any time with you both. It’s upside down here...busy 🐝! Keep us updated on your travels with pics etc. We’d love to have you pass by us on your way back, if ya like? Love you both to bits. Safe journey guys xxxx
10/24/19Reply
TravelerHave a blast you two!! We’re in Dovey with our little rescue doggy! She’s loving the beaches & the weathers been very kind to us! Look forward to following your adventure! Xx
10/25/19Reply
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Day 25
Friday, October 25, 2019 at 2:03 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 11 m
France Stella-Plage 50.47333, 1.57550°28’24” N 1°34’30” E
1
Cucq
October 25, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Having both woke up on Friday still feeling a little under the weather, especially Jayne, we decided to spend the day where we were at Le Touquet. As I said, Jayne was feeling particularly poorly so spent most of the day in bed. I only ventured out a couple of times to take Tess for a walk on the beach.
Today was an early start but only because we woke up at 8.30 to watch England give the all blacks a lesson in total rugby.
We had found an aire in Normandy that we wanted to stop at next so around 12.30 off we set. 200km in glorious sunshine along country roads taking in some pretty little villages along the way (and of course a shopping and lunch stop). The aire has fresh water as well as grey and black waste points but even more surprising free electric points on each pitch! It's basically a free campsite but without the shower block. We were very lucky to get the last free pitch especially as a large French motorhome drove in right behind us.
Just going to chill out this evening and maybe explore the local village tomorrow before deciding on our next stop.Read more
Traveler Are you sure that's not Harlech beach ? Looks very similar 😁😁
10/26/19Reply
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Day 27
Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 11:08 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 122 m
France Le Havre - Saint-Romain 49.52888, 0.356249°31’44” N 0°21’22” E
St Romain De Colbosc
October 27, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Saturday and Sunday spent on the aire here, both still feeling less than 100%. Anyway yesterday afternoon we took a stroll into the local town. Looks like the town is extending rapidly with new enterprise zones being built on the outskirts and lots of new housing developments.
The centre of town is dominated by the church which, being Sunday, was busy with most other shops and businesses closed for the day.
Today we will move along the coast, not sure where yet.Read more
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Day 28
Monday, October 28, 2019 at 2:19 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 58 m
France Longues-sur-Mer 49.34333, -0.69549°20’36” N 0°41’42” W
Longues Sur Mer
October 28, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Headed West about 140km from St Romain to Longues Sur Mer today crossing the Pont de Normandie bridge, mainly because I want to see some of the Normandy landing beaches and relics from WW2. As soon as we arrived at this evening's aire though the heavens opened and it hasn't stopped raining yet. From our parking spot I can see the outline of the gun battery but we will have to wait until tomorrow morning to take a closer look
Pretty much the same weather greeted us when we woke up so it was a quick walk around the fortified artillery guns before heading off to our next stop arriving at around 14.30. It's still throwing it down and has done pretty much the whole way here so a spot of lunch before thinking of this afternoon's itinerary. We will see what tomorrow brings before making any decisions on the next leg of our adventure.Read more
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Day 29
Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 2:18 PM
🌧 8 °C
Altitude: 12 m
France Beauvoir 48.59342, -1.5124848°35’36” N 1°30’45” W
Mont St Michel
October 29, 2019 in France ⋅ 🌧 8 °C
After arriving at the aire and partaking of a spot of lunch, baguette with brie and ham, the rain continued to fall heavily and its forecast for the same tomorrow so the afternoon was spent deciding where to travel to next. We were looking forward to wandering around Mont St Michel tomorrow but it's pretty pointless in this type of weather. It did let up for a while earlier so while Jayne took a nap I took Tess for a walk along the river towards St Michel. It's about a 45 minute walk from here but the closer I got the less I could see as the rain started up again and got steadily heavier until I had to turn around and head for home. Shame really as this place has been on my list of things to see for some years now but maybe we will swing by in March 2020.Read more
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Day 30
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 4:15 PM
🌧 17 °C
Altitude: 68 m
France Le Poiré-sur-Vie 46.76833, -1.5146°46’6” N 1°30’36” W
Le Poirè sue Vie
October 30, 2019 in France ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
So we didn't actually make Mont St Michel this morning for 2 reasons. Firstly neither one of us woke until 10am and secondly the weather was awful. Heavy rain and wind. We decided that it was time to start heading south in search of some warmer weather. So tonight's stopover is just south of Nantes. The drive down was uneventful just rain and thick fog for most of it. Nice little village and the aire has water and waste points but also electric points that turn on several times a day. From 8pm till 11pm we should get free electric. This evening will be spent pouring over maps and planning a route into Spain, but for now it's time for coffee and cake.Read more
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Day 31
Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 10 m
France Marais de Vaugouin 46.16066, -1.1858746°9’38” N 1°11’9” W
La Rochelle
October 31, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
For the first time this week the rain stopped and the sun came out. Arrived at the aire and chose our spot. Then after a spot of lunch we went for a walk around the town. Strolled down to the sea and along the promenade towards the very impressive harbour and its sea of masts. La Rochelle has a very relaxed and friendly feel to it and with today being Halloween there were lots of children dressed in spooky costumes wandering around trick or treating the local shops and businesses.
Friday morning saw the rain back with avengence! So a lazy day was had, Jayne cleaned the van while I carried out some essential repairs (re routing the phone charging cables and checking that we could get the ITV hub on the sites Wi-Fi ready for the rugby). Around 5pm the rain stopped and the skies cleared so we set off for a walk only to be caught in a torrential downpour 10 minutes later. Tomorrow we are hoping to visit the farmers market but only if the weather picks up.Read more
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Day 33
Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 4:14 PM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 9 m
France Marais de Vaugouin 46.16041, -1.1845946°9’37” N 1°11’5” W
Ľaire automatisée de Pont-Neuf
November 2, 2019 in France ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
After another night of heavy rain we woke to a dry morning, Jayne made breakfast while I set up the ITV hub for the rugby. To add to the disappointment of losing to South Africa the rain started again and didn't let up at all until around 3pm! We decided to make the most of it and go for a walk to the market however by the time we had left the site, yep, the rain was back so we turned around and headed back to the comfort of home. Probably a good job to as there was a sign in the office window explaining that a yellow warning was in place for high winds and heavy rain overnight with a risk of localised flooding. With that in mind we took the decision to move from our spot under the trees to a more sheltered pitch with nothing overhead.
Time to rethink our plans (not that we really have any) to try and out run the current weather that seems to be plaguing most of northern Europe at the moment.Read more
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Day 34
Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 3:08 PM
🌧 13 °C
Altitude: 62 m
France Roullet-Saint-Estèphe 45.58031, 0.0448245°34’49” N 0°2’41” E
Roullet Saint Estèphe
November 3, 2019 in France ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
Finally had to admit defeat and leave La Rochelle. Last night was interesting to say the least as we did get the high winds and heavy rain that was forecast. Shame as it is such an interesting place but the weather didn't allow us the chance to explore it fully.
Anyway, a break in the weather this morning saw us head south and inland slightly to escape some of the crappy weather. The 2 hour drive was spent fighting the really strong winds and torrential downpours, oh yes and passing all of the closed supermarkets. Note to self 'remember France shuts on a Sunday and don't wait till the fridge is empty before trying to go shopping!'
Tonight sees us in another village aire bordering Bordeaux, the rain is still falling and the wind is still blowing....marvellous!Read more
TravelerNot rained here !
11/4/19Reply
Traveler🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️ 😂😂
11/4/19Reply
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Day 35
Monday, November 4, 2019 at 2:30 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 26 m
France Biscarrosse 44.39807, -1.166144°23’53” N 1°9’58” W
Biscarrosse
November 4, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Mixed weather on the way here, motorways were a bit waterlogged so came off and drove through the centre of Bordaeux. That was an experience! Quiet little aire tonight, just one other motorhome alongside us.
The town is really nice but again very quiet with a lot of businesses closed. Had a lovely conversation with an elderly French lady who didn't speak English (we don't speak french) still we passed the time for 10 minutes or so.
One more night in France or do we cross into Spain? We will see what happens tomorrow.Read more
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Day 36
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 1:15 PM
🌧 7 °C
Altitude: 85 m
Spain Urdazubi 43.28333, -1.5066743°16’60” N 1°30’24” W
Dantxarinea
November 5, 2019 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 7 °C
Crossed the border into Spain, the weather is still pretty awful which made crossing the mountains a lot of fun (to say the least). Nice little aire on the border crossing with lots of shops. Amazing the difference in price of things here compared to France which we can see from the window.
Time for some retail therapy before chilling out for the evening and deciding where to next.Read more
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Day 37
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 387 m
Spain Olite 42.48017, -1.6471442°28’49” N 1°38’50” W
Olite
November 6, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
So we left the border town of Dantxarinea this morning again in heavy rain and headed south of Pamplona. Arrived just in time for lunch and as the sun came out, however we were disturbed by a Ukranian man begging for euros! Jayne being the soft touch that she is obliged. Lovely old town made up of sandstone buildings with the Royal Palace of Olite dominating the skyline. Very impressive. Being Spain all of the shops and businesses were closed for siesta and opened back up around 5.
After getting back to the motorhome Jayne felt a little uncomfortable after the incident with the beggar, plus the 3 or 4 vans that were there when we arrived had since left! So we decided to 'ease on down the road' a little way.Read more
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Day 37
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 267 m
Spain Arguedas 42.17333, -1.5916742°10’24” N 1°35’30” W
Arguedas
November 6, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Well it was worth the move. The aire here is nestled under the cave house that were built toward the end of the 19th century and were only abandoned in the 1960's. There's a few more motorhomes here, gives you the feeling of community. The weather has also improved and we managed a walk around town to sit outside a local bar and enjoy a beer before retiring back to the van for dinner.Read more
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Day 38
Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 797 m
Spain Castrogeriz 42.29128, -4.1309142°17’29” N 4°7’51” W
Camping Camino De Santiago
November 7, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
What a stunning drive across country from Arguedas. Came through the Rioja region, fields of bright red grape vines as far as the eye could see. The road was smooth black tarmac for most of the journey with long straights that felt like you would never reach the end of, to sweeping bends and tight turns climbing up and downs the hill sides and traditional spanish villages dotted along the way. The only thing that could have made it better would have been to do it in a classic MG Midget or Triumph Vitesse.
Tonight will be spent on an empty little campsite so that we can carry out some admin.Read more
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Day 39
Friday, November 8, 2019 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 3 °C
Altitude: 903 m
Spain Castillo de Castrojeriz 42.29153, -4.1361642°17’30” N 4°8’10” W
Castillo De Castrojeriz
November 8, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
Sun is shining and we can see the castle through the windscreen of the motorhome. A perfect day for a walk up to take in the views from the top. The road petered out about a third of the way up and from there it was just a narrow dirt track to the top. Well worth the effort as the views from the castle were pretty amazing, shame that photos never do justice to it. Back at the site and time for a spot of lunch before heading to the restaurant tonight for a local speciality lamb dinner.
Dinner was delicious tonight, leg of lamb cooked outside in a traditional wood fired oven. Our hosts were excellent and after dinner we spent an hour or so laughing and talking with them (even though we don't speak Spanish and they had very limited English). A final treat was hot roasted chestnuts served up by the owner.Read more
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Day 40
Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 2:18 PM
⛅ 6 °C
Altitude: 1,074 m
Spain La Alberca 40.48892, -6.1167740°29’20” N 6°7’0” W
La Alberca
November 9, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C
Not long after arriving on the aire the rain came down and the mist rolled in. It got so that we couldn't see the end of the aire. Anyway, after a spot of lunch and watching the rain we decided to brave it and go for a quick walk. So glad that we did. This medeavial town has so much character and charm even on a damp and misty night. It really is like stepping back 200 years. We even sat outside a bar (unfortunately not many places are dog friendly here) with Tess and enjoyed a beer while watching people come and go around the main square.
This morning we took Tess for a walk in the surrounding forest before making our way into Portugal.Read more
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Day 41
Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2:09 PM
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 624 m
Portugal Unhais da Serra 40.25572, -7.62340°15’21” N 7°37’23” W
Unhais Da Serra
November 10, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
Another stunning drive from our last stop in Spain across the border into Portugal. We dropped around 600m in height and most of the roads were through vast forested areas. The temperature has risen by a few degrees although there are still periods of rain. Tonight's stopover is on an aire pretty much in the centre of town, with well laid out pitches, sinks and washing up areas, picnic tables and a brick BBQ. It's located right next to a largish river with small falls and rapids, fairly fast flowing and quite noisy but soothing at the same time.
We will move on today towards the West Coast and will drop out of the mountains to hopefully warmer (and drier) weather.Read more
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Day 42
Monday, November 11, 2019 at 1:58 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 201 m
Portugal Coja 40.28623, -7.9616740°17’10” N 7°57’42” W
Barill D'Alva Aire
November 11, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
It was about an hours drive to get to this aire and we dropped another 400m in altitude. The temperature got warmer although the roads continued to be her narrow and winding. We passed through some unique little villages built into the hillsides, perched I places that you just wonder how!
We are parked up next to a small restaurant and intend to pop in tonight for dinner.
We took a stroll around the interesting town which is a mix of modern and very old builds and the locals are very friendly. Dinner was very good with a chicken soup starter, salad, braised lamb, desert, coffee and a carafe of wine. All for the princely sum of €8 each.Read more
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Day 43
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 3:22 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Portugal Praia da Costa de Lavos 40.08784, -8.8748440°5’16” N 8°52’29” W
Costa De Lavos
November 12, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Arrived around 2.30 to quite misty surroundings however it feels pretty warm. Before we do anything we are sitting down to a lunch of ham & cheese baguette and minestrone soup. Feeling a little tired today so maybe just a short walk later before a movie or Netflix box set evening.
Woke this morning to the sun shining and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Pretty big waves too which is why this place is known as a good surfing spot. It's a great location and we have sea views from the motorhome so may spend a few days here before continuing south.
After a walk on the beach and coffee with pastel de nata at the nearest cafe, the afternoon was spent sitting in the sunshine reading and rock painting.
It's been a good few days here, we even celebrated our wedding anniversary here, but today we have decided to move on. Probably not far, just down the coast a few miles so we can explore the area more.Read more
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Day 46
Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1:18 PM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 343 m
Portugal Moita 39.63396, -8.6712839°38’2” N 8°40’17” W
Fatima
November 15, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Woke up to a small hail shower this morning but it had cleared by the time we were ready to pack up. Services done (water, waste etc) off we went towards Fatima, with a planned stop at a motorhome accessories shop. Could do with new wire shelves for the oven. Arrived at 12.30 only to find it closed. Sat nav had a bit of a meltdown on the way, losing satellite reception, sending us down dead ends and finally putting us on a toll road even though we have them banned in the settings. Still all part of the fun. Arrived at the aire just in time for lunch.
There's free hot showers and a toilet block here, not bad for a free car park in the centre of town. Behind us is the The Sanctuary of Our Lady Fatima, quite and impressive building from a distance, breath taking once inside.Read more
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Day 46
Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:06 PM
🌙 5 °C
Altitude: 359 m
Portugal Moita 39.63333, -8.6716739°37’60” N 8°40’18” W
Fatima
November 15, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 5 °C
Jayne had heard about a torch lit mass for Fatima that is held at 9.30 it the church which we decided to attend, and although not religious it was quite a moving event with probably 1000 or more people there.
Impressive during the day the church becomes even more so at night.Read more
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