Beech's Euro Tour Part Deux (2 Viewers)

[Helen Ariel]

Double post

 

[Helen Ariel]

Well after a beautiful day today it's gone like the end of days! It is crazy windy and it has turned dusk like but with the maddest orange glow. It's really eerie and surreal.

We're sheltering in the lee of a big hill near Cape Palos. Well that was the idea but the wind is roaring over the roof vents and shaking the van at times. It is meant to be just as windy tomorrow so not the best for visiting Cartagena.

Could be a disturbed nights sleep tonight

 

[jumartoo]

After we left Cabo de Gata we headed inland to explore the Sierra Espuna regional park after a quick resupply in Lorca. We’d seen that there was good hiking and biking to be had, and the forecast was pretty good.
Motorhomes are banned in the park between 22:00 and 08:00 so we found a nice quiet park up near a picnic area just outside the park limits.
After an early night Helen and I left Beech in the van whilst we headed out for a hike. Beech was tired after a couple of exciting days and was happy with a shorter morning wander and a lazy day.

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Our aim was to circumnavigate a military installation at the top of the hill. The van is parked on the saddle in the middle of the photo.
Lots to see including some old ice making buildings in various states of repair.

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Back to the van and a drive on some exhilarating mountain back roads towards Alhama de Murcia where we planned to go MTBing the next day.
We found another great park up just outside the park and had a quiet night.
The next day was cracking with not a cloud in the sky as we headed of to do a Wikiloc bike ride. The gradient was not as severe as the Alpujarras but we still gained height quickly.

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The water in the storage aquifers we cycled past was the most amazing colour.

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And we got a different view of yesterdays hike.

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Came across some interesting buildings on the way up.

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And found some cracking trails on the way down.

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Great views out over Murcia. It’s a region that’s growing on us a lot.

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Then back to the van to pack up before a drive down to Puerto de Mazarron where we stayed last night and will stay tonight also. Sea views, bar nearby with the view below, recycling bins handy. What’s not to like? Had a lovely beach walk with Beech towards the marina and had a roast dinner.

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Were you parked on the junction of the canal and the road between Alhama and Espuña? If so we rode right past you. I did see a black dog outside the motorhome.

Shame we didn't know. We could have given you some biking tips although you did find a route anyway.

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[Mikey RV]

You will wake up with a orange van covered in Sahara sand.

 

[KiwiKampers]

Other threads on here are also commenting on the Saharan sand storms in Spain. Sorry, I can’t link to them. It has been suggested that people wear masks because of the poor air quality. Perhaps best to keep Beech inside.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Were you parked on the junction of the canal and the road between Alhama and Espuña? If so we rode right past you. I did see a black dog outside the motorhome.

Shame we didn't know. We could have given you some biking tips although you did find a route anyway.

Yes we were! There seemed to be a bit of a road cycling event on when we arrived and it was quite tricky getting parked. Are you based local to there? I'll be sure to drop you a message for some tips next winter when we're there as whilst we did find a route the descent wasn't what we were expecting as we had seen some more interesting singletrack trails on the pedal up but ended descending on a double track gr route. Though it was very scenic and a fun fast blast back down. I really liked the gradient of the road climb for getting up high at a nice rhythm. We're now at the Sanctuary on the hill South of Murcia where we stayed on our way down in November but sadly the weather isn't looking like we'll be able to get much more riding in.

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[Helen Ariel]

You will wake up with a orange van covered in Sahara sand.

Everything has a light covering. Awaiting the rain due overnight and for the rest of the week

 

[Helen Ariel]

Other threads on here are also commenting on the Saharan sand storms in Spain. Sorry, I can’t link to them. It has been suggested that people wear masks because of the poor air quality. Perhaps best to keep Beech inside.

It doesn't seem that bad tbh but we're limiting our outdoor time. Rain due tomorrow onwards so really need to get out whilst we can or I'll go stir crazy!

 

[Helen Ariel]

So we cut our losses and left Cartagena for a future trip as it would have been pointless with the current weather. We moved on to a spot we stayed in above Murcia in November next to a huge church though we stayed in a spot slightly up the road this time to avoid the repeat of teens in cars with loud music doing donuts round the carpark.

Sadly no nice hike with the dog this time as it's too steep for her here now that her mobility has changed and no bike ride as the air quality is terrible.

We woke later than usual this morning to the gloomy sepia skies again and the added joy of sandy rain plastering everything it touches.

That's 3 days now and rain forecast for the rest of the week. I wouldn't mind a bit of rain if this awful sandy air was gone but we can't really do anything outdoors so feel a bit trapped. This is not what we thought the end of our trip would be like! We have been incredibly lucky until now though and perhaps this will make our return to the uk even sweeter.

Drastic times call for drastic measures so we've gone to a big retail park for some window shopping and internet! Not our idea of a fun day out usually but i did find some nice and bargainous 3/4 length shorts in Decathlon and I checked they are the same price in euros as they are back home in pounds so I achieved something useful today

Now sitting on some comfy sofas in the mall downloading Netflix stuff.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

It's a shame the weather and sand has finished your trip on a downer and you couldn't make Cartagena.. Something to aim for next time maybe?

 

[125BEER]

You could download "Dune".....

Safe journey home.

 

[jumartoo]

Yes we were! There seemed to be a bit of a road cycling event on when we arrived and it was quite tricky getting parked. Are you based local to there? I'll be sure to drop you a message for some tips next winter when we're there as whilst we did find a route the descent wasn't what we were expecting as we had seen some more interesting singletrack trails on the pedal up but ended descending on a double track gr route. Though it was very scenic and a fun fast blast back down. I really liked the gradient of the road climb for getting up high at a nice rhythm. We're now at the Sanctuary on the hill South of Murcia where we stayed on our way down in November but sadly the weather isn't looking like we'll be able to get much more riding in.

Yes, we are local to there. Our address is Alhama, but we have an apartment on a golf complex between Alhama and Mazarron.

We know most of the tracks in Sierra Espuña (and many of the other mountain areas) , even if some of them are now too tricky for us to do.

Get in touch next time

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[KiwiKampers]

When the rain combines with the sand on your motorhome it’s going to turn to stucco. I don’t fancy cleaning that off.

 

[Helen Ariel]

After our mall experience yesterday where I also purchased some sunglasses after mine broke I seem to have jinxed us completely with the weather. It's absolutely peed down all night and still is and the forecast here is for the same for the next 7 days!! At least most of the sand has washed off the van.

We drove on into Valencia region yesterday afternoon to a quiet spot in the woods near Jarafuel hoping that we might get a short walk in today but that's not happening. Beech isn't doing too well either with a few squeaks/squeals of pain when getting in the van so I'm starting to wonder if we should cut our losses and come home early. The only issue is we can't move into our house until the 1st but at least we could get Beech to the vets sooner as I think she needs stronger pain medication than what's she's currently on and she could probably stay at my Mum's so she doesn't have to manage the van steps multiple times a day.

We're going to keep on driving today and see how we feel.

 

[KiwiKampers]

Look on the bright side. Every cloud has a silver lining - at least all that rain is washing your van.
However, Beech's joints probably don't like the damp atmosphere. My knees are the same!

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[Four of us]

Oh poor Beech and poor you to end your trip this way. I’ve loved this blog as it brings back very happy memories of our trip to Andalusia 8 years ago. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Nirvanauk]

Oh poor Beech and poor you to end your trip this way. I’ve loved this blog as it brings back very happy memories of our trip to Andalusia 8 years ago. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Safe journey home.

 

[Audturn]

Safe journey home and thank you for the thread.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

Have a good trip back and trust the weather improves for you and Beech of course.At least it will acclimatise you all for when you get home ,although we have a few nice days coming up.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Have a good trip back and trust the weather improves for you and Beech of course.At least it will acclimatise you all for when you get home ,although we have a few nice days coming up.

Yes the weather looks better in Brighton for the next 10 days!

 

[Helen Ariel]

New plan we are abandoning the Med Coast and winging our way due North aiming for Bilbao/San Sebastian by Saturday where the forecast is sunny and 21 for the weekend. We save some driving miles this way and avoid a lot of rain.

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[Helen Ariel]

After driving through the Rioja region we got to Bilbao yesterday afternoon and parked up near the main beach and harbour. It was busy but we had a quiet evening after a walk along the beach. Had a lovely beef casserole with Rioja in it and mash.

Today is very mild at 20 degrees but a bit overcast. We walked out to the lighthouse and back with Beech then moved the van up to another carpark up on the cliffs a bit further from the main drag as it's Father's day in Spain and very busy with families out. Great views up here of the surf breaks and we did quite a long walk, without Beech, east along the cliffs and saw loads of surfers out. We've missed the surf being on the Med Coast so that's a bonus of our route change.

We're thinking of cycling into the city tomorrow to have a look at the Guggenheim from the outside and then probably drive on to a scenic overnight spot at Irun.

After that we have 5 days to get to Calais. The weather forecast is great for Bordeaux so we're thinking of aiming around there for Monday.

If anyone has any recommendations for nice little towns or villages with aires on the route between there and Calais that would be great. Perhaps on a river for Beech as a nice flat riverside walk is good for her these days.

Also need to work out where to get her worming done on route.

 

[scousebird]

If anyone has any recommendations for nice little towns or villages with aires on the route between there and Calais that would be great. Perhaps on a river for Beech as a nice flat riverside walk is good for her these days.

La Mailleraye sur Seine near Rouen is a nice stopover, parking right by the river with a flat riverside walk. Bar, bistro, boulangerie, small supermarket & vet in the town.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Blaye is a nice stopover,there are three Aires at Blaye.
Chateau Verdan which is free with electric ,water and dump.
An Aire beside the ferry point in front of the citidal. Used to be 3 euros but always out of action at the pay point ( French don't like paying)

And an Aire across the road from the chateau at the Rugby club,which I believe is about 6 euros.

Blaye is a small town ,there is a market day and a few large supermarket type shops .The citidal is well worth a look. Built to protect Bordeaux from marauding British privateers.. cafes and a couple of restaraunts in the Citidal.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

Forgot to say it's just north west of Bordeaux on the river Gironne

 

[Helen Ariel]

Forgot to say it's just north west of Bordeaux on the river Gironne

Great thanks i think that will be our destination for Monday. I've suddenly got a craving for moules frites!

 

[Helen Ariel]

La Mailleraye sur Seine near Rouen is a nice stopover, parking right by the river with a flat riverside walk. Bar, bistro, boulangerie, small supermarket & vet in the town.

Thanks. We are going to try to book the vets for here for next Thursday. Chunnel is Saturday morning.

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[Helen Ariel]

So it turns out we were actually staying in a place called Getxo, opposite where the ferries dock. Stunning location to park up watching the sunset and the ships, with views along the Basque coast.

Early start today as we cycled into see the Guggenheim. It was just over 10 miles from the park up to the museum along the river. Excellent cycling infrastructure made it a really nice ride with loads to see including the Puente de Vizcaya which is a UNESCO listed bridge.

Beautiful buildings along the banks too, and loads of boats out on the water.

Came across a car show as we span along the river. A real mix of metal on display including some lovely old Seats.

Not too many GT5 Turbos left now!

A very original 911 Turbo

Spotted an amazing lion sculpture atop a building.

Guggenheim lived up to expectations! A simply fabulous piece of architecture.

The Jeff Koons “Puppy” was excellent too.

Found a lovely cafe for lunch. 2 cracking toasted sandwiches, a huge slab of tortilla and a coffee for €10.

Ultra modern football stadium dwarfs the traditional buildings below it.

We rode back quickly to let Beech out as it was a very balmy 22c today. She was in top form!

Checked the Med coast forecast and we definitely made the right decision to come up north. Wet, wet & more wet on the Med!

 

[jumartoo]

Checked the Med coast forecast and we definitely made the right decision to come up north. Wet, wet & more wet on the Med!

You definitely did make the right choice, it's still cool, damp and grey down here.

Love your photos and the blue skies!

We'll have blue skies back ... soon

 

[KiwiKampers]

Don’t tell UNESCO but there’s a transporter bridge like the Puente de Vizcaya in Newport, South Wales and another in Middlesbrough/Stockton-on-Tees.

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