Spanish rehab thrournal (3 Viewers)

[sedge]

Another pair of landscaped roundabout fans here Jon. Is the difference between a country supporting the work of skilled artisans/craftsmen and one that doesn't give a.

 

[Boldly]

Think the 70 is a minimum speed to allow you in that lane. I always pull over but we do struggle a bit on hills. From Bordeaux to the Spanish border we always pay the tolls as it seems to take forever on the other roads and by then we are quite excited about going back to Spain.

 

[suavecarve]

I m having trouble copying the photos over to this thread from the journal.

A simple solution is to just put a link to the journal here. Journal entry 'Via Verde del cidacos' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/via-verde-del-cidacos.427/
All you have to do is click that then use a back button if you want to point out that my glasses only seem to have one stem.

You can also look within the journal on the banners at all the other entries, the map which shows you where we have been and I keep a record of ongoing costs.
To get to the map, just click the "Spanish rehab thrournal" link at the top of the link above.

The continental tours map is also available and if you hit a link it takes you to a blog of that place

So you can see there are 64 available blogs near Barcelona

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[suavecarve]

I have updated the Calahorra journal with photos of the inside of the church

Journal entry 'Calahorra' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/calahorra.426/

 

[suavecarve]

I tried and failed again to copy the photos over but here is the link.
Journal entry 'Hot Springs, cycling, cascades, vultures and dinosaur footprints' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ascades-vultures-and-dinosaur-footprints.428/

You can of course read it below without the photos by carrying on reading


We set off early (0930) and made our way up the valley to complete the second part of the disused railway.
Slow journey right through the centres of towns with humps at 30kph limit.
The Aire at Arnedillo is up a big hill. It is definitely a push your electric bike and need 2 breaks kind of hill.
Barrier entry and exit. ANPR so you pay having out in your reg and paid 42 cents an hour.
Lovely views over the town, good free water, showers and toilets and wifi.
To top this you could just get your chair out with your bi knock you Lars and watch the vultures. Photos are all off an android phoneIMG20240304102139.jpgIMG20240304102150.jpgIMG20240304102245.jpgIMG20240304102357.jpgIMG20240304102419.jpgIMG20240304105632.jpgIMG20240304105648.jpgIMG20240304105703.jpg
Off to the cycle route for us with freshly charged batteries.
It starts and you immediately go into a tunnel under the town. Tunnel lights up. When you get out you are next to the river with views up and down. IMG20240304111828.jpgIMG20240304112134.jpgIMG20240304112139.jpgIMG20240304112151.jpg
About a KMs down the route is a vulture watching point which we did on the way back. It wasn't open ! But you can see them all anyway it just might have cameras and/or cameras. IMG20240304113555.jpg
Another couple of KMs down the road is a viewing point IMG20240304113604.jpgIMG20240304113826.jpgIMG20240304114420.jpgIMG20240304120338.jpg
Then there is a branch line to Pajerno which is uphill but great views. The bit to get to it is push the bike up steep then probably 2 per cent for 4 KMs. Picnic facilities and water fill ups all readily available.
Through the tunnel and about a KMs to another lovely picnic area and cascade. You can then walk (wheelchair unfriendly) about 5 mins to dinosaur footprints imprinted millions of years ago and very recently covered in a tar like substance. If you go another 15 minutes the photo of further dinosaur prints is more impressive but I limited myself today.
Upon return lunch was at yet another picnic stop with mining stuffIMG20240304120640.jpgIMG20240304122211.jpgIMG20240304122413.jpgIMG20240304122904.jpgIMG20240304122950.jpgIMG20240304123733.jpgIMG20240304124601.jpgIMG20240304125047.jpg
We went back to the mainline and followed it all the way to the free Aire at Arnedo then turned back so we have completed it twice. Stopping off at vulture placeIMG20240304131039.jpgIMG20240304142504.jpgIMG20240304145602.jpgIMG20240304145616.jpg
Then we went back through the tunnel immediately turning left and followed the path to some free hot baths that can go up to 52c. No changing facilities.
The trek back up the hill to the Aire was hard work.
We decided to move on late to a free Aire as 42 cents an hour would cause me sleeplessness. We paid our 2.71 euros and moved on under a IMG20240304152538.jpgIMG20240304152548.jpgIMG20240304152600.jpgIMG20240304152608.jpgIMG20240304153520.jpgIMG20240304153950.jpgIMG20240304154151.jpgIMG20240304164445.jpgIMG20240304173106.jpg
Report •••

 

[gus-lopez]

purchase golden Virginia for 121 pounds

Why? you are going to spain.10 x 50g packs are 88,50€

If there are 2 lanes in your direction on a road and one in the opposite direction and your sign shows 70 for the middle of the three lanes. Do you drive on the right lane or the middle lane ?

As said the minimum speed for that lane is 70kph. I'd always be in the right lane even at greater speeds except if having to pull out to overtake.

Another thing most people are not aware of is that there is a minimum speed on ALL spanish roads of 50% of the posted limit.
This is why on long inclines underpowered lorries always use hazard flashers,if under the 50%, as it mitigates the problem if someone hits them.

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[suavecarve]

Why? you are going to spain.10 x 50g packs are 88,50€

Bums.

 

[bobnick]

You must have gone through/around Bordox the same time as us......................didn't see you

 

[suavecarve]

You must have gone through/around Bordox the same time as us......................didn't see you

We were on the rocade for about an hour about 1000 hrs. It was dry at that stage ! And fairly chocker

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[bobnick]

Last week the weather was the worse i've seen it in France/North Spain.
Now in Porto, it's a lot better.
Safe travels.

 

[suavecarve]

Another fail to copy photos so here is a link.
I think links without explanation in future

Journal entry 'Cascante to Tarazona.' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/cascante-to-tarazona.430/

IMG20240305111940.jpg
Both our bums are hurting plus our quads and calves, but this is all muscle fatigue which is good for me in getting nerve ends retrained. Possibly not to the point of jelly legs but hey ho.
We got to Cascante then noted several people have stopped here whilst traversing Spain. The Aire is in a car park where there is a spa. It seems you are allowed to take up 4 bays between the entry and the nursery with service point straight ahead from the entrance.
It was a very q night and not really woken in the morning with children being dropped off.
The disused railway line runs from Tudela to Tarazona. It must have had 2 tracks and one is compact grit and the other half is tarmac. The grit was a smoother ride.
Our choice was to go to Tarazona mainly because as we drove in last night we could see on a map where the railway line went and it appeared very very flat with little no points of interest. We thought Tudela could wait for us.
It was 1.5 km to the railway station from the Aire and a map is really not required to check yourself. IMG20240305111940.jpgIMG20240305111958.jpg
Picnic stops are absolutely plentiful on the route which only has a minimal gradient but is very straight. It helped with vistas both sides and a snowcapped mountain in front of us. Plenty of bunny spotting and very limited other users. Finish is at the train station. IMG20240305112955.jpgIMG20240305113000.jpgIMG20240305114302.jpgIMG20240305114734.jpgIMG20240305115022.jpgIMG20240305121819.jpg
Tarazona has its good points. Plenty to see, convent church cathedral monastery bull ring Jewish quarter but what was really annoying was the complete and utter lack of bike parking facilities. Tourist information will be having one rebuilt but didn't know of anywhere in the town so I asked if we could park against railings and had to ask police next door. No was the answer and they couldn't give us an option so we just parked them on metal guards around trees. We didn't see another bike parked while we were there !IMG20240305123932.jpgIMG20240305124853.jpgIMG20240305125322.jpgIMG20240305130053.jpgIMG20240305131601.jpgIMG20240305132124.jpgIMG20240305141701.jpg
The cathedral was a bit of a let down as well as they wanted money to enter. We are used to just popping in to churches and alike.
The wind was with us on the way back and didn't take long. Under normal circumstances cycling into Tudela as well would have been well within our range as we clocked up 28 K

 

[suavecarve]

Have updated the above journal with the outside of the basillica

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[suavecarve]

Title of the journal says it all. Daroca is pretty (in our view)

Click the link for the entry.

Journal entry 'Daroca and laguna de gallocanta' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/daroca-and-laguna-de-gallocanta.431/

 

[bobnick]

Title of the journal says it all. Daroca is pretty (in our view)

Click the link for the entry.

Journal entry 'Daroca and laguna de gallocanta' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/daroca-and-laguna-de-gallocanta.431/

Used to stop in Daroca many times. As you say lovely to old place. 60ks down the road Calamoocha is also ok.
The new road has taken a lot of the business away from that road.
Grat place for the ham leg things. You have to get the black foot for the best.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Meanwhile ....

View attachment 870293View attachment 870294View attachment 870295

Walking in the mountains in tee-shirts yesterday.

Ooh, I could must fancy a round on that course! Thankfully we have also had some sun the past few days but not t-shirt weather . The mud in the dog walking field is more like soft fudge now instead of watery gravy

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[Riverbankannie]

I tried and failed again to copy the photos over but here is the link.
Journal entry 'Hot Springs, cycling, cascades, vultures and dinosaur footprints' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ascades-vultures-and-dinosaur-footprints.428/

You can of course read it below without the photos by carrying on reading


We set off early (0930) and made our way up the valley to complete the second part of the disused railway.
Slow journey right through the centres of towns with humps at 30kph limit.
The Aire at Arnedillo is up a big hill. It is definitely a push your electric bike and need 2 breaks kind of hill.
Barrier entry and exit. ANPR so you pay having out in your reg and paid 42 cents an hour.
Lovely views over the town, good free water, showers and toilets and wifi.
To top this you could just get your chair out with your bi knock you Lars and watch the vultures. Photos are all off an android phoneIMG20240304102139.jpgIMG20240304102150.jpgIMG20240304102245.jpgIMG20240304102357.jpgIMG20240304102419.jpgIMG20240304105632.jpgIMG20240304105648.jpgIMG20240304105703.jpg
Off to the cycle route for us with freshly charged batteries.
It starts and you immediately go into a tunnel under the town. Tunnel lights up. When you get out you are next to the river with views up and down. IMG20240304111828.jpgIMG20240304112134.jpgIMG20240304112139.jpgIMG20240304112151.jpg
About a KMs down the route is a vulture watching point which we did on the way back. It wasn't open ! But you can see them all anyway it just might have cameras and/or cameras. IMG20240304113555.jpg
Another couple of KMs down the road is a viewing point IMG20240304113604.jpgIMG20240304113826.jpgIMG20240304114420.jpgIMG20240304120338.jpg
Then there is a branch line to Pajerno which is uphill but great views. The bit to get to it is push the bike up steep then probably 2 per cent for 4 KMs. Picnic facilities and water fill ups all readily available.
Through the tunnel and about a KMs to another lovely picnic area and cascade. You can then walk (wheelchair unfriendly) about 5 mins to dinosaur footprints imprinted millions of years ago and very recently covered in a tar like substance. If you go another 15 minutes the photo of further dinosaur prints is more impressive but I limited myself today.
Upon return lunch was at yet another picnic stop with mining stuffIMG20240304120640.jpgIMG20240304122211.jpgIMG20240304122413.jpgIMG20240304122904.jpgIMG20240304122950.jpgIMG20240304123733.jpgIMG20240304124601.jpgIMG20240304125047.jpg
We went back to the mainline and followed it all the way to the free Aire at Arnedo then turned back so we have completed it twice. Stopping off at vulture placeIMG20240304131039.jpgIMG20240304142504.jpgIMG20240304145602.jpgIMG20240304145616.jpg
Then we went back through the tunnel immediately turning left and followed the path to some free hot baths that can go up to 52c. No changing facilities.
The trek back up the hill to the Aire was hard work.
We decided to move on late to a free Aire as 42 cents an hour would cause me sleeplessness. We paid our 2.71 euros and moved on under a IMG20240304152538.jpgIMG20240304152548.jpgIMG20240304152600.jpgIMG20240304152608.jpgIMG20240304153520.jpgIMG20240304153950.jpgIMG20240304154151.jpgIMG20240304164445.jpgIMG20240304173106.jpg
Report •••

Were those dinosaur footprints made in 20th century concrete? That ride sounded like quite a long way, you needed an ice bath after that not the hot springs.

 

[suavecarve]

Used to stop in Daroca many times. As you say lovely to old place. 60ks down the road Calamoocha is also ok.
The new road has taken a lot of the business away from that road.
Grat place for the ham leg things. You have to get the black foot for the best.

I tend to use the search button prior to using an Aire or stop and noted your advice on here. Ta

 

[suavecarve]

Were those dinosaur footprints made in 20th century concrete? That ride sounded like quite a long way, you needed an ice bath after that not the hot springs.

We did feel cheated a bit ! But further up about 15 minutes the photos showed some non recently made tarred over dinosaur prints on the flat that fill up with water. Just a tad too far for me atm.
I suppose I could have tried the freezing river next door, but then again, NO

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[Wanders from Glos]

I missed this. I have always enjoyed your previous throughnals. We have two European trips this year and will probably do journals too. The first is in France and might be a bit dull because for a week of it, we are staying at a friend’s house on the shores of Lake Annecy. But the second might be more interesting as we plan to tour Portugal

Anyway, enough about us back to your wonderful trip in Spain. Have a great time.

 

[suavecarve]

I missed this. I have always enjoyed your previous throughnals. We have two European trips this year and will probably do journals too. The first is in France and might be a bit dull because for a week of it, we are staying at a friend’s house on the shores of Lake Annecy. But the second might be more interesting as we plan to tour Portugal

Anyway, enough about us back to your wonderful trip in Spain. Have a great time.

Having sussed out how they work (pretty simply) it's dead simple and I like the idea of having our own journal. Obviously people can read it but I don't care and it might help others perusing the area and we LL have already made the mistakes for them !
Looking forward to yours.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

Having sussed out how they work (pretty simply) it's dead simple and I like the idea of having our own journal. Obviously people can read it but I don't care and it might help others perusing the area and we LL have already made the mistakes for them !
Looking forward to yours.

I meant to add, please do go careful. Cordea Equina can be so serious, glad you are on the mend.

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[suavecarve]

I meant to add, please do go careful. Cordea Equina can be so serious, glad you are on the mend.

It appears I am incredibly lucky and the debilitating shooting pains appear to have gone.
Only left with decreasing numbness on outer quad.
I don't put bikes in or out of garage, no toilet emptying, long walks I take poles, physio has slowed down but I still do stretched for flexibility, still use back cushion for resting and knee cushion for sleeping. The chilli hemp cream makes a daily appearance on my quad to try to get some feeling in the leg. I ve decreased my only med(amitrytriptelyne) to 10 mg and only Paula insisting I take it otherwise that would be gone.
6-24 month recovery period is quoted and it's day 48 today.
Many others have it return but I carry little excess weight which appears to be a factor as many can't walk after op.
One person has run a marathon (about 3 hours) and another has done the 3 peaks challenge. So there are people who live a good life with it and it looks like I might be one of them.
Going to see how I do this week and if all good I LL ring work up and bring forward my OH appointment and return to work day after holiday in a reduced capacity.
I don't want to wear body armour though, which I m sure they will accommodate me on

Just an aside, I am paying for this holiday with my annual leave and not on sick leave ATM.

 

[bobnick]

It's bloody lagging it down in Porto.
Glad we did our touristing the last few days whilst it was nice.
Onto Coimbra today looking for a Lidle.

 

[suavecarve]

It's bloody lagging it down in Porto.
Glad we did our touristing the last few days whilst it was nice.
Onto Coimbra today looking for a Lidle.

You're getting moister than damp for the next 3 days.
Looks like we get it overnight

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[Wanders from Glos]

It appears I am incredibly lucky and the debilitating shooting pains appear to have gone.
Only left with decreasing numbness on outer quad.
I don't put bikes in or out of garage, no toilet emptying, long walks I take poles, physio has slowed down but I still do stretched for flexibility, still use back cushion for resting and knee cushion for sleeping. The chilli hemp cream makes a daily appearance on my quad to try to get some feeling in the leg. I ve decreased my only med(amitrytriptelyne) to 10 mg and only Paula insisting I take it otherwise that would be gone.
6-24 month recovery period is quoted and it's day 48 today.
Many others have it return but I carry little excess weight which appears to be a factor as many can't walk after op.
One person has run a marathon (about 3 hours) and another has done the 3 peaks challenge. So there are people who live a good life with it and it looks like I might be one of them.
Going to see how I do this week and if all good I LL ring work up and bring forward my OH appointment and return to work day after holiday in a reduced capacity.
I don't want to wear body armour though, which I m sure they will accommodate me on

Just an aside, I am paying for this holiday with my annual leave and not on sick leave ATM.

What a superb attitude. I’m glad it is looking positive.

 

[Lenny HB]

But then you have to pay another 6.50 then 6.60 then 4 euros. I d had enough of this unlenny like behaviour and got off as soon as we could and that even cost 1.11 euros ! This was hurting more than my back.

 

[suavecarve]

Teruel. Disused railway line was lovely, and the town was as well

Journal entry 'Teruel with disused railway line.' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/teruel-with-disused-railway-line.432/

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[SaandCliffy]

It appears I am incredibly lucky and the debilitating shooting pains appear to have gone.
Only left with decreasing numbness on outer quad.
I don't put bikes in or out of garage, no toilet emptying, long walks I take poles, physio has slowed down but I still do stretched for flexibility, still use back cushion for resting and knee cushion for sleeping. The chilli hemp cream makes a daily appearance on my quad to try to get some feeling in the leg. I ve decreased my only med(amitrytriptelyne) to 10 mg and only Paula insisting I take it otherwise that would be gone.
6-24 month recovery period is quoted and it's day 48 today.
Many others have it return but I carry little excess weight which appears to be a factor as many can't walk after op.
One person has run a marathon (about 3 hours) and another has done the 3 peaks challenge. So there are people who live a good life with it and it looks like I might be one of them.
Going to see how I do this week and if all good I LL ring work up and bring forward my OH appointment and return to work day after holiday in a reduced capacity.
I don't want to wear body armour though, which I m sure they will accommodate me on

Just an aside, I am paying for this holiday with my annual leave and not on sick leave ATM.

Good luck with your recovery makes me feel ungrateful just complaining about a botched bunion surgery pales in comparison to what you have gone through. Loving your journal so far, I love the hot springs. I am going to Spain (Bilbao ) on 19 April for 4 weeks after a 4 year gap. I am unsure whether to stay and explore Northern Spain or head to chill in my maté’s apartment in Denia depending on the weather as I am fed up with the cold & rain and haven’t been on a bike in 4 years too.
What is chilli hemp cream? At present I use 5% Fenbid gel on my joints thanks Shirley

 

[suavecarve]

The first one is for nerve pain. The 9.5/10 shooting through the body pain that makes you wince. Only apply it to the source of the pain as it will hurt your insides using it all down your leg (in my case) as it is the size of a lip balm for a tenner however it works almost immediately.

The second 2 I use on anything soft tissue which is causing me pain. Eg my quads and glutes get it every night (calves most nights) because of the cycling (I literally only walked very small distances for 4 months prior to coming away) I think when I started to walk again I was walking properly and this caused ligament pain in the ankle (as I hadn't borne any significant weight on it for 4 months) and they took away the pain (with a tens machine and cold compresses at different times). The cream is my favourite at the moment but there is nothing inferior about the lotion.

I had plantar fasciitis for 35 years and used normal hemp cream on it couple of years ago and now I only bother with it if I remember which is a couple of weeks.

I also replaced all the pain killers immediately with a CBD oil. The jury is still out on that one as I was using so many different methods I couldn't say it did anything. I used to take 2-3 drops before sleep but haven't bothered since coming away.

A footnote to say I am not a medical practitioner I am only saying what worked for me. I should be on a 6-24 month nerve end recovery plan. It's now day 49 and all the pains are under control and my left quad (whole leg to start with) is the only place left where it is numb and that is diminishing.
I came off the amitrytriptelyne last night so now no prescribed meds

 

[suavecarve]

A ride from the Aire at Geldo up the via Verde 19 KMs to Jerica which is extremely pleasant.

Major league mistake occurred somewhere....probably me....wait one

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