Adventure b4 DEMent1a

In Níjar. As I’ve put elsewhere on the forum, it’s reputed to be the driest place in Spain. It’s pouring down, only cos I’m here of course.
I’ll stay here tonight, then move on tomorrow towards the Costa del Sol. I’m a bit disappointed really. There have been names of areas I’ve had tucked away in my brain for years. Vera, pronounced Bera, plain as anything, no redeeming features at all. Bit like Northampton. Then there was, Mojácar, pro Mo Haka. Beautiful ,White village. Be great if you were a mountain goat ?. Honestly, it was the steepest hill I’ve ever seen with a town on it. The sainted Nik would take one look and say, “ You are ‘ aving a larf “. Took a photo from the road leading up to it. But didn’t venture any further, for fear of never getting out again. That’s one lesson I’ve learned.
Tea tonight will be, even though I’ve got a fridge full of salad, will be, Spaghetti boll. To cold for anything else. Learned that last night. Where’s the Spanish sun gone? Don’t say I’ve left it on the Costa Blanca.
More manana.
 
What guide book are you using? The DK Eyewitness Travel ones are good for seeking out interesting places. Bera only gets a brief mention, under 'Los Cinco Villas del Valle de Bidasoa' as one of the 'five attractive Basque towns lie in or near the valley, the most northerly being Bera (Vera)' - that's it. Mojacar has more of a write-up but based on the description not one we would go out of our way to visit. Nijar also only gets a brief mention its 'fame stems from the pottery and the handwoven jarapas - blankets and rugs - that are made here'. Lots to see in Andalusia. Hope the sun returns and brightens your days.
 
I’ve got the Vicarious Media, “ All the Aires. Spain and Portugal”. I’m also using the “CaraMaps” app, Terry ( Tezza33) recommend.
I used tha CaraMap throughout France, and it’s been great. Like any wild camping, you should be aware of what’s around you. Having said that, I’ve moved on only twice. Once, on Deippe sea front , because I was being cautious after a visit from a young lad asking for some water. Just didn’t feel right. And then again yesterday, I moved on simply to get a better view.
I’ve been using the book for most of the Spanish sites, because they’ve been free. Now I’m further south, entering the Costa del Sol, free sites in the book seem to be at a premium. I’ll check out the app sites before paying up. Obviously, I’m going to have to find waste dumps, black/grey. €10 every 4 or 5 days won’t break the bank.
Hope this helps.
I’ll keep an eye out for the DK eye witness guide. I’ve run out of mifi atm, having to use my phone. I’ll go shopping tomorrow and get another SIM card.
 
Southern Spain and Portugal have been overrun by northern Europeans setting up camp for the winter so there has probably been a backlash against this - more regulations and having to pay to stay overnight. However this is mainly on the coast - go even a mile or two inland and there are more overnight opportunities and fewer motorhomes. The WildCamping POIs also cover Iberia.
 
Southern Spain and Portugal have been overrun by northern Europeans setting up camp for the winter so there has probably been a backlash against this - more regulations and having to pay to stay overnight. However this is mainly on the coast - go even a mile or two inland and there are more overnight opportunities and fewer motorhomes. The WildCamping POIs also cover Iberia.
I’ve answered your PM.
I’ve not noticed many East Europeans, I’ve only seen one SK registration so far, of course the D , NL, and F reg’s could be anyone.
Going inland for the night is my plan, or was. Blinking chilly down here atm. Cold in them there hills. Going to be better next week. That reminds me of the Highlands, when we were up there. “ You should have been here last week , the sun shone every day “, the site manager said from under her brolly.
 
Arrived in Roquetas de Mar, after a trying day. My internet failed on Tuesday. I thought it had gone quickly, but there you go.Tbh I wouldn’t know what 10.5 go looks like if you hit me over the head with it. Went to a shop to get a replacement,in a town I’d no intention of visiting. Just followed the sign for Lidl >. Didn’t realise the > was 10kms. Any way, bought this SIM card, and a load of grief. Needless to say.€20 down the drain. Doesn’t work, won’t work,has no intention of ever being any thing other than a chocolate teapot. Three different phone shops, left them all scratching their heads.
Finally, found this spot , right on the sea front. Cooked dinner, ate dinner, and thought,what now ? I had a text from O2 telling me I had used 80%. of my internet phone data. Omg, I’ll be cut off from all of the known world.In an effort to do something, anything, I tried the orange sim that had not worked since Tuesday, low and behold, it’s working. Pretty much a whole day wasted. Maybe some kind soul reading this can give me a clue as to what went on.

All of the above sounds like a total whinge. And it is. So are we enjoying ourselves? Course we are.
I’m using a royal “we”.?
 
In Almerimar #124 in the book. Nice enough. Certainly handy for the shops, if you’ve got a bike. The bike has actually come off of the van. And been used. Still reckon it needs an electric motor, one day, maybe.
Price here has gone up since this years book was published. Now €10 a night, up from €8 in the book. €9 for more than one,or €55 for a week. Cheaper than the harbour #123 and not so central.
Freebies are getting scarce this far south. Can’t really complain, nineteen nights in, and this is the first I’ve had to pay for.
Here today and tomorrow. Moving on, on Sunday. Keep going clockwise, I’ll find my way home eventually.
Think the weather is finally warming up. Still a fresh wind off the Med. Must remember my hat. The solar panel, were there used to be hair, is becoming crisp.
 
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Correction to the above. Although it says Almerimar in the book, Polarsteps has it as El Ejido. Make your own choice . I’ve left anyway. Was thinking of having a third night, along with another couple, Sandie and Phil. ( who I’ve tried to introduce them to this forum. Not sure I succeeded). Weather turned grotty again, so moved on. The weather has been the one fly in the ointment. Hopefully it will improve now.
Initially, I intended to go inland, again looking for freebies, heading for Granada. Stopped for fuel and lpg , and froze. May have said a rude word. Bit the bullet, and then decided to head back toward the coast.
I’m at Rota, # 158, to the north of Cadiz Bay. I’ve got to slow down, I seem to be halfway round, in only three weeks, with nine weeks to go. Love the drive, the roads are a pleasure to use. Think I’m going backtrack east over this week,then move on into Portugal next weekend.
 
If you do go to Granada don't make the mistake I made. A late breakfast, leisurely drive, pleasant lunch, and I turned up to find the daily allotment of tickets were all sold out hours ago.

I tried buying tickets for the next day, but they didn't like that idea.

I drove on.
 
If you do go to Granada don't make the mistake I made. A late breakfast, leisurely drive, pleasant lunch, and I turned up to find the daily allotment of tickets were all sold out hours ago.

I tried buying tickets for the next day, but they didn't like that idea.

I drove on.
Been advised,‘tis b cold. Don’t do cold, and culture is wasted on me. Didn’t used to be like that, living in Northampton does that to you ?
 
Still on # 158. Rota.
Much better day, moved ,oh! I don’t know, at least 500 metres. From the overspill, overspill park, to the real parking area. Tis a bit popular. TBA it’s probably one of the nicest freebie I’ve been on.
A Wildcamping sticker wearing, Motorhome Fun user?, suggested getting here by lunchtime, if you want to be on the proper site. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of room. As I said, the overspill has an overspill, and two more around the football ground. Water, grey and black water disposal available. The beach is just over the road. What’s not to like. Don’t think there’s a limit to how long you can stay here. So if the weather stays pleasant, I’ll chill and top up the tan. As I’ve said previously. I’m weeks ahead of schedule. No tachograph to worry about ?. Scarily, I’ve been out on the bike again. That’s 3 days out of 4. The way I’m going, I’ll be so fit, I’ll not need to put the leccy motor on it.. or maybe not.
 
If you do go to Granada don't make the mistake I made. A late breakfast, leisurely drive, pleasant lunch, and I turned up to find the daily allotment of tickets were all sold out hours ago.

I tried buying tickets for the next day, but they didn't like that idea.

I drove on.
You can buy tickets for the next day (same day really) if you go online and purchase after midnight there are normally a few allocated.
 
Thanks for that, but sadly in our case, it was in the days before the net got going!

Never gone back...... Yet!

:)
 
Yet again, the van wheels have not turned . Taking my own advice and slowed down. Took the time to do a bit of housekeeping. Something I’ve been neglecting. The bike had another trip to the shops. Into the wind all the way down, coming back, top gear, no problem.
The wind has been an issue over the last few days, very overcast. But then again, the solar is keeping the batteries up. When you consider I’ve only got a 100w solar panel. It’s working well. Thought I’d have to run the engine to top up via the ctek. But not so.
Bit chilly, yes. Cold not at all. I don’t know what I expected when I came over here, I didn’t expect this. Combination of wishful thinking, and listening to, maybe, exaggerated, reports of Spanish springtime. ‘Tis all an experience, and one I’m glad I’ve had the chance to have. I’m aware not many wives would be so understanding as the sainted Nik.
Stationary again tomorrow probably. Weather forecast doesn’t seem to have improved.
 
Well done, Del. Sounds like you're still enjoying yourself, regardless of fickle southern European weather.

It's still only March. The weather is usually reckoned to be coolish & a bit fickle at this time of year in Spain/Portugal - that's why there probably aren't huge hoards of holidaymakers over there with you, lucky boy! ;) :)

Anyway, Pauljenny's posts from Portugal haven't requiring too much smug-filtering lately, so it can't be blistering hot over there just yet otherwise he'd be in full boast about it by now :rolleyes: :cool:
 

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