Costa de Rota

We were getting pretty low on water because there are few filling points in this area of Spain. We therefore topped up our tank from the air and water machine at a petrol station. Whilst we've filled from regular taps at petrol stations before, we've not used one of the points designed to service radiators and windscreen wiper reservoirs, but it had been recommended on Park4Night so fingers crossed we won't suffer any ill effects!

It was Good Friday and the small aire Will had picked out was packed with young families. It was all a bit too noisy and cramped feeling, so after lunch we decided to move on, emptying the recycling before we went. Getting out of the van with the recycling box, Vicky alighted onto some large concrete blocks and walked along them to get to the bins. Stepping onto the last one, her foot caught and the next thing she knew she was on the floor with a broken box, broken glass and some very sore bits. She had taken the skin off her right knee and cut her ankle. There were scuffs from her left knee half way down her shin and she had bruised palms, so was out of action for the rest of the day. She was very glad not to have got tangled up with the glass and of the medical ice pack we keep in the freezer for such mishaps.

Our backup stopover at Arriates was reached by a rickety road with piles of rubbish at the sides. We passed a large number of unhappy looking sheep and goats penned in to a muddy field and a few people pushing wheelbarrows full of logs. The smallish, compacted earth car park was right on the beach. The tide was in and sea was very close; within 15m! The strong, cross-on wind forced the waves to roll and crash into sandy coloured surf.

Will gave body boarding a go, but the shape of the waves just wasn't conducive to a good ride. A young guy with a full sized surfboard gave it a go too, but found the same thing. In late afternoon an older surfer, who we reckon must have been a local, came along. The tide had gone out and this person knew exactly where to go for the best waves, entertaining us with several successful stand-up surfs.

As the day wore on the wind strength increased. Luckily it was hitting the van head on so we weren't rocking too much, but it was very difficult to open the door and the sand particles pelted us around the ankles whenever we got out. Still, we were pleased we'd chosen to move on from the busy aire we stopped at for lunch!Read more