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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Carl & Jaynes 2019 Adventure Traveler
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Day 79
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 12:26 PM
🌧 16 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Portugal Tavira Municipality 37.13233, -7.631737°7’56” N 7°37’54” W
Algarve motorhome park Tavira
December 18, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
So this park has only been open a couple of days so thought we would give it a go. Showers, electric, Wi-Fi all for just €10 a night. Took a walk into town for a few essentials, run out of rum, and Tavira is nicer than I remember from last year. However Thursday saw really heavy rain all day long with winds up to 70mph, so a lazy day was had. Rain and wind continued overnight and Friday morning and as we drove the motorhome of pitch, going out for the day, it sunk up to its rear axle in the 'hardstanding'. Had to wait an hour or so for staff to come and dig us out. 3 others had the same problem while we were waiting. Saturday today and the rain continues to fall and the wind continues to blow so we haven't seen as much of Tavira as we would have liked.Read more
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Day 82
Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 1:14 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Portugal Ribeiro de Coutinho 37.09498, -7.6770737°5’42” N 7°40’37” W
Pedras ďel Rai
December 21, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Finally decided to book in somewhere for Christmas week so made the short journey from Tavira to Santa Luzia and Pedras ďel Rai holiday village. Booked a 1 bed villa at a very reasonable price (It is Christmas after all), parked the motorhome up nearby and proceeded to move clothes, food and everything we may need for the coming week. After a spot of lunch decided to try the air con/heating unit. It working. After attempts by park engineers we returned to reception to be offered another villa. Again neither us or the staff member that came with us could get the air con to work. Back to reception, sorry but we have no more of that accommodation so will have to upgrade you. Does it have a bath, Jayne asks. It has 3 bathrooms was the reply. So here we are in a 3 bed 3 bathroom luxury duplex apartment, at no extra charge saving us about £700.
The weather has certainly turned too with sunshine flooding the terrace since we arrived.
We made a shopping trip to Tavira yesterday to pick up the last few bits and are now chilling out and enjoying the sea view and sunshine.Read more
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Day 87
Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Portugal Largo da Rosa 37.09962, -7.6635137°5’59” N 7°39’49” W
Santa Luzia
December 26, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
We have had a great few days here in Pedras ďel Rei and enjoyed a full Christmas day dinner after spending most of the day relaxing on the terrace in the sun. Today we took a stroll into Santa Luzia to meet up with Anne and Bob. Spent the afternoon sat outside one of the many cafe's eating lunch and enjoying a few beers in the sunshine.Read more
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Day 89
Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2:10 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Portugal Largo da Rosa 37.09964, -7.6643537°5’59” N 7°39’52” W
Santa Luzia
December 28, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Checked out of the apartment at Pedras ďel Rei and after a quick supply run to Tavira, and a mooch around the flea market there, we moved onto the aire at Santa Luzia. Although the day was nice enough the evening took a downturn as a local lad has set up a caravan in a corner of the aire and around 10.30 he and a lot of friends met up and partied until the early hours complete with bonfire and cars coming and going till about 5.30. Not really condusive to a good night's sleep. Especially as the only spot available was next to him. So Sunday morning saw us pack up and move back to the aire at tavira.Read more
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Day 90
Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 10:32 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Portugal Tavira Municipality 37.13281, -7.6316937°7’58” N 7°37’54” W
Algarve motorhome park Tavira
December 29, 2019 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
So spent the run up to New Year in and around Tavira at Algarve motorhome park. Brilliant new aire with electric, waste and water and Wi-Fi for just €10 A night. Great beach although a good half hours walk away. New Years Eve was spent watching live bands and fireworks in Tavira main square along with a few beers in some of the local bars. We were joined by Bob and Anne who are staying in Santa Luzia and a great night was had by all.Read more
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Day 94
Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 12:19 PM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 3 m
Spain Punta Umbría 37.19781, -7.0108437°11’52” N 7°0’39” W
Punta Umbria
January 2, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
So this morning we left Tavira and crossed back over into Spain. Only and hours drive to tonight's stopover which is a nice little strip of land right next to the beach with a bar/restaurant about 100 yards away. Weather was a little cooler today than it has been but walked Tess on the beach before heading for the bar and a beer.Read more
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Day 95
Friday, January 3, 2020 at 1:27 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 46 m
Spain Playa de Rompeculos 37.11339, -6.7682137°6’48” N 6°46’6” W
Playa Parador De Mazaģon
January 3, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Set off for another wild camp stop this morning only for the sat nav to take us firstly to a dead end, where we could see the aire but couldn't get to it, then when we found the right road it didn't look suitable for larger motorhomes. Off we went on plan B, but the area it was in was too busy for us so plan C. That spot was also along a dirt track that we didn't fancy attempting so we finally settled on plan D. Nice big open car park in the middle of a nature area and a short walk to the beach.Read more
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Day 96
Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10:47 AM
☀️ 6 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Spain El Rocío 37.13413, -6.4888937°8’3” N 6°29’20” W
El Rochio
January 4, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C
Only half an hour from our last location so we thought we would take a look at this place. Set up like an old western town complete with hitching posts outside of almost every house and building. Horse's and carriages seem to be the preferred mode of transport and all the roads are sand (easier on the hooves). There is a large lagoon here too which is supposed to have a flock of flamingos on it but we didn't spot any. Really interesting day.

http://www.andalucia.com/festival/rocio.htmRead more
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Day 97
Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 121 m
Spain Bodegas F. Salado 37.36895, -6.16837°22’8” N 6°10’5” W
Umbrete
January 5, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
After leaving El Rochio we stopped off here with a view to spending the night on the aire. After arriving and having a quick walk around the town, which was pretty dull, we had a bite of lunch and headed off for pastures new.Read more
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Day 97
Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 3:28 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 39 m
Spain Bogás 36.71368, -6.1102836°42’49” N 6°6’37” W
La Morada ďel Sur
January 5, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
The drive over from Umbrete was very pleasant with sunshine and some lovely winding roads. Tonight's stopover is at a motorhome accessories shop and storage yard. It's a little too far out of town do do any exploring, it's a bus journey and the Spanish don't let dogs onto their buses!!! Anything close by is closed as it's Spanish Christmas Eve. So tonight will be spent catching on jaynes tv programmes before moving onto Cadiz tomorrow.Read more
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Day 98
Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:16 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Spain Zona Franca de Cadiz 36.49131, -6.268536°29’29” N 6°16’7” W
Cadiz
January 6, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Missed Cadiz out last year but always fancied a wander around the old town. Couldn't have parked any further away but enjoyed a walk along the beach. The front is like many tourist towns with high rise hotels, bars and resturants however once into the old town it's a maze of narrow cobbled streets. It was and extremely warm day and we walked over 8 miles, Tess did amazingly well although she was very tired when we got back to the van, as were we! A really good day but a very busy place. Ideal for a days sightseeing but not where we would choose to spend more than a day or two.Read more
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Day 99
Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 11:46 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Spain Playa de Barbate de Franco 36.18502, -5.9142736°11’6” N 5°54’51” W
Barbate
January 7, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
What a brilliant location, wasn't sure that the roads were wide enough to get the motorhome down to start with so parked up and walked to the spot. So glad we did. Flat level car park only a couple of feet from a golden sandy beach. The sunsets here have been amazing. Plenty to do in the town with lots of bars resturants and supermarkets all within walking distance. The area is well lit and we have had several drive by's from the local police so it feels safe. Would definitely stay again.Read more
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Day 102
Friday, January 10, 2020 at 12:11 PM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Spain Río del Valle 36.06963, -5.690836°4’11” N 5°41’27” W
Playa Valdevaqueros
January 10, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
We were going to leave Barbate yesterday but on Wednesday afternoon I felt as if I was coming down with something so we decided to stay another day. Woke up Thursday morning feeling a little better so took a walk into the retail part of town then had lunch and a beer in one of the seafront cafe's before getting and early night ready for the off this morning. First stop was Facinas to a little free motorhome service point to replenish the water and empty waste. Then on to Bolonia. A beach park that had been recommended to us by some Brits we met a week or so ago. Lovely spot however very busy and the car park was extremely rough. So we decided to move on. Shame as there was the ruins of an old Roman village. Only moved about 10 minutes away to another beach car park. Again pretty busy but today is going to be a rest, reading and movie day.Read more
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Day 103
Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:39 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 26 m
Spain Calahonda 36.48965, -4.7174536°29’23” N 4°43’3” W
Los Jarales.
January 11, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Ok, so we have been here for 9 days now and will be leaving tomorrow on Jaynes birthday. Had a great time here last year, however this year, although it's been good, we haven't done as much as we did previously. Spent a lot of time catching up on much needed rest, reading and popping to the local bars and resturants.
Saturday did see us walk from Calahonda to Mijas Costa along the boardwalk to the market at La Cala. A round trip of about 6 miles.
The site here seems to have deteriorated since last year, well it was only February, but there seem to be more long termers here now with their ramshackle set ups. Some pitches don't even have vans on just temporary buildings made of corrugated plastic and bits of sheeting. Still each to his own.Read more
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Day 118
Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 3:05 PM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Spain Niebla 37.36, -6.6833337°21’36” N 6°40’60” W
Niebla
January 26, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
We were going to leave Calahonda earlier on in the week, however storm Gloria had a different idea for us. From Tuesday, Jaynes birthday to Saturday we had pretty much 1 continuous storm with heavy rain, wind and serious thunder and lightning! There was no chance of us travelling in those conditions so there we stayed until Sunday, venturing out only to pick up supplies and for the odd meal during short breaks in the weather. We did enjoy a fantastic meal at a local Italian restaurant on Jaynes birthday including the mist potent Jamaican coffee ever.
Sunday saw the sun come out and off we headed back towards Portugal stopping off at Niebla. We took advantage of the sunshine to find the nearest bar and enjoyed a few beers before a nice relaxing evening.Read more
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Day 119
Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:50 AM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Portugal Tavira Castle 37.125, -7.6537°7’30” N 7°39’0” W
Tavira
January 27, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
So back into Portugal and back to Tavira and the Algarve motorhome park. Even busier than when we were here after Christmas but got a spot near reception and the facilities. The weather has taken a turn for the better and although the beginning of the week started misty and overcast it improved throughout the day and the week with temperatures getting into the low to mid 20's.
We found out that friends from back in Harlech were staying in Tavira for the week so we managed to meet up a couple of times. That was nice and Chris and Mal Ford are really good company.
Apart from that we spent the week relaxing and sunbathing.
Jayne's phone went kaput during the week and although the electrical shop in Gran Plaza had a crack at repairing it we had to bite the bullet and purchase a new smart phone.
This morning we packed up, did a little shopping and head a few miles down the road to Santa Luzia.Read more
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Day 128
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 3:28 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Portugal Largo da Rosa 37.1, -7.6637°6’0” N 7°39’36” W
Santa Luzia
February 5, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Back in Santa Luzia. After a good week in Tavira we came back here for a few days as it's such a lovely town, also it gave us a chance to catch up with Ann and Bob. Weather has been glorious all week and we have spent the time sunbathing, reading and had a couple of lunches, evening's out, with said friends. We were only going to spend a couple of nights but here we are on Friday morning packing up and getting ready to head out. We have decided that it's time to start heading back towards the UK but will take our time and have a slow bimble up through Portugal along the eastern border with Spain, following the Rio Guadiana.Read more
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Day 130
Friday, February 7, 2020 at 11:35 AM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 109 m
Portugal Odeleite 37.33143, -7.4670937°19’53” N 7°28’2” W
Almada d'Ouro club
February 7, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
First stop on our way north and back to Blighty. Lovely little aire only about 40 minutes from Santa Luzia. Electric, services, showers and a nice little bar/cafe all for the princely sum of €8 a night. After setting up we had a beer sat in the sunshine overlooking what is apparently the largest reservoir in Europe.
Spent the afternoon sat in the sun reading before walking Tess around some of the hills and trails surrounding the aire.
The next morning saw us head north again for about half hour to Alcoutim.Read more
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Day 131
Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Portugal Alcoutim, castle 37.47167, -7.4733337°28’18” N 7°28’24” W
Alcoutim
February 8, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
We were told by several people that Alcoutim was a must see. Think perhaps we may have missed something. Parking was behind a small public car park with a very narrow entrance, one of those where you breathe in (like it makes any difference). Having left the last stop before breakfast we took a walk around and town and decided to eat at one of the riverside cafe's. Views were pleasant with Spain being just 100m or so across the river and the food was very good and reasonably priced.
After walking around the hilltop castle and most of the town we went back to the van and were just not feeling a night there so decided, as we were so close, to nip back into Spain. Needed a few supplies and half a tank of diesel and as it was only half hours drive and much cheaper than Portugal, it seemed to make sense to us.Read more
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Day 131
Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 5:30 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Spain Puerto de Ayamonte 37.21471, -7.396737°12’53” N 7°23’48” W
Ayamonte
February 8, 2020 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
After a good day in Alcoutim we decided that qe werent feeling it for the nightly stopover. Being only 30 minutes away from Ayamonte in Spain we nipped over the border and spent the night on a large car park next to the estuary.
Enjoyed a lovely walk around the town and spent the evening binging on our latest box set.Read more
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Day 132
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 47 m
Portugal Mértola 37.64144, -7.6588337°38’29” N 7°39’32” W
Mertola
February 9, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Passed through this place on our way to tonight's aire and decided to stop and take a look around. Glad we did. Another lovely portugese town with trees covered in croquet covers and a nicely preserved castle sitting on top of the hill.
After coffee and a short rest it was off again to the next stop.Read more
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Day 132
Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 132 m
Portugal Ribeira de Terges 37.81009, -7.6447237°48’36” N 7°38’41” W
Pulo do Lobo
February 9, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
It doesn't get more off the beaten track than this place. The last 15 miles or so were down single track roads with no passing places, luckily we didn't see a single car the whole way. The parking place was about a mile away from the waterfall, down a very steep track, but was well worth the visit. After climbing back up to the van the afternoon/evening was spent sat in the sunshine with a cold beer listening to the birds then as it got dark the bull frogs came out in force. A full moon an zero light pollution added to an amazing place to stay.Read more
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Day 133
Monday, February 10, 2020 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 206 m
Portugal Serpa 37.9388, -7.6049237°56’20” N 7°36’18” W
Serpa
February 10, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
After a quick supply run in Beja, we were going to stay over but looked a little busy for us, we headed on towards our next stop. We passed the town of Serpa on the way a took in the view of the impressive castle and walled town so decided to stop and have a wander. Glad we did as it was very pretty and extremely warm. After a couple of hours sightseeing off we went again just 20 minutes up the road to a park for the night spot and some more wild camping.Read more
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Day 133
Monday, February 10, 2020 at 3:57 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 185 m
Portugal Baldio 38.05, -7.4716738°3’0” N 7°28’18” W
Pias Reservoir
February 10, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Just after the village of Pias is the reservoir were we spent the night. Small car park looking out over the water. Extremely quiet and peaceful evening and woke to the sound of water birds and a fairly heavy fog, which soon cleared.Read more
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Day 134
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 1:27 PM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 154 m
Portugal Ribeira da Amieira 38.29333, -7.5638°17’36” N 7°33’36” W
Praia Fluvial Da Amieira
February 11, 2020 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Weather got a little cooler as we climbed up to the stopover at Amieira but it was still pleasant enough. The car park overlooked the massive lake which I would imagine is heaving in the summer, with a resturant, showers and toilet block as well as seating and BBQ areas. However this time of year we were the only ones here and had the lake and beach all to ourselves. The town is typical Portuguese, very pretty but with a distinct lack of people. We did find a nice restaurant where we enjoyed a coffee and Jayne discussed locally home brewed spirit with a guy at the bar. 2 coffees = €1. That's good value anywhere.Read more
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