"A Year in Spain" My "last gasp" attempt at posting (informative info).

[jumartoo]

Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza - Calasparra

El Santuario de Ntra. Sra. de la Esperanza, patrona de Calasparra, está situado a seis kilómetros de esta localidad del noroeste murciano. Es un hermoso lugar a orillas del río Segura, donde la naturaleza ha creado un bello rincón de oración.

santuariovirgenesperanza.com

 

[Les]

We drove to Calasparra to have breakfast and faster Internet to wile away an hour or so before we went out on the bikes. Neither of us was inspired, so we donned walking gear and went to do the easy 8 km walk.
That Olive trees had a serious pruning
We climbed up to the castle, and then descended through the tunnel. We did a bit of road walking, and then a lovely path back, taking us through the valley of the Rio Argos.

We then couldn't decide whether to go back and park alongside the reservoir of the same River, or to go to the Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza. Or rather in the area above the Santuario, which is where I lit a purple candle for our departed friend and funster, Anthea M. I'd like to go and light another in her memory. I'm hoping to do so later, or tomorrow.

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The 1000 year old Olive Tree. See above. Edad mas de 1000 años.
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[Jez1966]

May be an idea to do as a Journal as well as you can go back and edit, which you can't after a few minutes with these threads.
I have this one: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/categories/americas.82/
and also Polarsteps it a great way to chronicle a journey if just in pictures.
This is ours: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/blog/1-year-usa-road-trip-late-gap-year.310/

 

[jumartoo]

May be an idea to do as a Journal as well as you can go back and edit, which you can't after a few minutes with these threads.
I have this one: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/categories/americas.82/
and also Polarsteps it a great way to chronicle a journey if just in pictures.
This is ours: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/blog/1-year-usa-road-trip-late-gap-year.310/

I'll have a look at the journals. Keeping a reminder for me is the most essential part of posting. My Facebook, posted for my mum to see we're still in the land of the living, soon gets sooo far back it's not easy to recap.

 

[jumartoo]

Today, after another quiet night (we know how to choose them

) we decided to get some shopping and then ride yesterday's aborted route.
We were so happy that we did. The first part was so lovely, and totally new to us, although we'd had it in mind to do for a few years. We had views back down to the reservoir and then, after the tunnels on the road, both our Garmins played up and said route completed! Martin reset his device and I kept mine running to record our own route.
We did a section we knew (the most tricky bit, as it turned out, but still not difficult) and then we finished on another new part.
We're now back at the Embalse near Valentin, where we stayed a few weeks ago.

Our ebikes are soooo worth what they cost us to buy. How, otherwise, could we get ourselves into such stunning mountain terrain.

I have a new bike, delivery imminently. How imminently will, remain to be seen.

But today ... starting with last night's overnighter.

I couldn't find a purple candle, so I'll light one elsewhere, and make sure I bring one next time we come here.

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[jumartoo]

On today's ride. And possibly a smorgasbord of photos ...

Oh yes, all out of order, but all of the same ride.

We're thinking that maybe another ride tomorrow, and then back home, via Mula Camperstop service point. The weather is looking to be less than normal for the time of year, although we DO NEED some rain!

 

[jumartoo]

Last night we went back to our quiet spot next to the Embalse de Argos, where we'd stayed quietly a few weeks ago.

We thought we'd made a booboo for our final night, when a car full of very chatty kids pulled up near us. They stayed, and chatted, but left within a short time, and peace descended.

We had a nice sunset

and sunrise.

We then headed homewards, via the motorhome area of Mula (11 motorhomes there when we got there) to empty our loo.

We took a short detour to Decathlon at Alcantarilla to spend some dosh and got home in plenty of time to unload, take an aperitif, and have lunch of fish n chips (well salmon, prawns and chips) out on our terrace.

The washing will now be dry, so I'm now about to go up on the roof to collect it, whilst Martin is making a brew.

 

[Tony50]

Do I need a Emissions sticker for Spain as I live in UK

 

[jumartoo]

Do I need a Emissions sticker for Spain as I live in UK

You can't register for a Spanish one. If you have one from another country they are acceptable. There aren't many areas yet in Spain to avoid, mainly the biggest cities, so you should be OK if you don't have one.

 

[LittleJaffa]

I always read the travel threads, just don’t comment much. More the quiet, thoughtful type but really appreciate the info others gift.

I read them too and it all sounds exciting as I have never campervan Rd abroad!

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[jumartoo]

This morning before 8 o'clock our errant storage box was delivered. We then went for a pleasant, local ride. Home, showered and off to Puerto de Mazarron for an Asian Fusion meal at Yaho. Its Martin's birthday today, so we went up from a MDD and had the set meal for two. It was delicious, and just a bit spicy.

The set meal.

And some of our food.

 

[jumartoo]

After stuffing ourselves, we walked down to the Port to watch the Three Kings arriving. Last year we were in the small village of Molinicos in the Albacete region, and went to watch their "celebrations". Puerto de Mazarron was a step up from last years, but still only a small affair when compared with some of the city Parades. The kids enjoy it as much I'm sure.

We had a wander around the boats while we were waiting.

From a seat on the waters edge we could see things were getting ready to start.

So we walked to a spot on the early part of the route.

Not very good photos as my camera battery died, so I had to use my phone.

We had a lovely day.

 

[Jays2]

Happy Birthday to Martin, looks like you had a good day.

We have just enjoyed the three kings in your home city.

It was very good and very enjoyable for all of us.

Our granddaughter is in out van tonight, and still quite chatty and awake! we did a dance routine on our walk home from the parade, as a she was impressed by all she saw

 

[f6c]

Happy Birthday Martin

 

[daveinspain]

Belated Happy Birthday, Martin, looks like you had an enjoyable day.

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[jumar]

Belated Happy Birthday, Martin, looks like you had an enjoyable day.

Thanks...I sure did.... couldn't believe Mazarron put on a huge procession just for me... Floats, bands and dancing boys and girls...crowds lined the port and streets...
I had no option but to share this great effort with the 3 Kings arrival...Thanks Mazarron...we all enjoyed it..,

 

[jumartoo]

Yesterday we took the motorhome to the motorhome hospital. Or rather a nearby Spanish garage. The last place we took it to seem to have made more than a few oooopsies. A Brit place, as well.

Before we left we were treated to a lovely sunrise. Then I met a friend to go out together. Unfortunately, she realised her bike battery hadn't been charged, so we limped along together, trying to conserve the battery. Unfortunately, a headwind on the last 5km, made the remaining 7km on the battery work harder and and we didn't quite make it back. We only had less than 1 km to walk though, so no rescue was necessary.

I found a flashing light on the via verde. I picked it up and popped it in my bag. Martin inspected it when I got back and it appeared to be a light, alarm and tracker system. We left it on the window ledge when we went out and it was still there on our return , but we then got a call from one of our neighbours about a guy following a tracker signal. She sent him up to us and they were reunited.

We collected the van at 7 pm. It goes back tomorrow for new brake pads and track roddy doobry work. On the left side, not where we thought we could hear the noise on the right side.

We've had a day at home today, except for Martin going out for new bike chains and some food shopping.

It's grey, with some precipitation forecast (can't call it rain, because it's unlikely to be heavy enough to be called that name). We need some wet weather, the land is far too dry. I'll not have any lovely spring flower photos to show.

And a photo of the, pristine, efficient garage. Sorry, its just a "makeweight" in lieu of any other piccies

 

[Mikey RV]

You can still ride an Ebike without power, it’s just harder because of the weight of the bike. Glad you never had far to go.

 

[jumartoo]

You can still ride an Ebike without power, it’s just harder because of the weight of the bike. Glad you never had far to go.

Mine had loads of power left, it was poor Kay that had to ride without. Lesson learnt, I think

 

[jumar]

You can still ride an Ebike without power, it’s just harder because of the weight of the bike. Glad you never had far to go.

Tried it and for me it's not practical, we have eBikes powered by Shimano, Bosch and Fazua....
It's only the Fazua system that does not have any resistance when the power is off...in fact the bike rides like a anologue model without power...
With Bosch and Shimano it's like riding in Treacle...not that I've ever experienced this.

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[Jays2]

When we used to cycle as a family years ago.
I fitted a loop on the front of our daughter’s bike and strapped an extended dog lead to my seat post.
When she got tired and a bit annoyed she would hook the lead onto her bike for dad power!

 

[jumar]

When we used to cycle as a family years ago.
I fitted a loop on the front of our daughter’s bike and strapped an extended dog lead to my seat post.
When she got tired and a bit annoyed she would hook the lead onto her bike for dad power!

Good idea....but jumartoo is a 53kg 68 year old experienced cyclist...the lady who's battery expired isn't..
The bottom line is..."Check your battery level before setting off"

 

[Tigertom]

Haha, there you go Judith, take a tow rope with you next time and you can tow ‘powerless’ friends home

 

[jumar]

Haha, there you go Judith, take a tow rope with you next time and you can tow ‘powerless’ friends home

Brilliant idea....I would be up for that..

 

[jumartoo]

Brilliant idea....I would be up for that..

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[jumartoo]

Our motorhome is still in motorhome hospital. It went back in yesterday morning. No message meant it was staying overnight.

Martin had a text to say some bike supports he'd ordered for our Dutch neighbours, had arrived and awaiting collection in Cartagena, so we decided to have a morning out there. We went to visit some of the old military ruins.

But first, we took part in our resorts DRIVE SLOWLY campaign, trying to get drivers to drive nearer the 30km rule to the 70km they normally do. We were waved at by most, but some were not at all happy.

Anyway. Photos from Cartagena.

We spoke to the garage. The wrong part was sent today, so we've said we're happy to wait until tomorrow. Better than turning out in the dark to collect it tonight. It also meant we could have a glass of wine with our lunch

 

[jumartoo]

Brrr it was a cold ride today. We've had recent rain, so the tracks are now muddy, so we went on a road ride.
We parked in Librilla and did a ride with a canal, a volcano, wavy solar farms and finished with views of the Badlands and the tracks that we're normally riding on!


Not a bad road route for mountainbikers when needs must!

The motorhome is now home. Bank balance lowered, and after having worn parts replaced, we still have the noise that began the need for having the work done . We're looking at a trip away again on Monday, so we'll see whether the work has been worth it. Martin said the steering was much better and lighter when he drove it home. What's causing the noise is still a mystery

 

[Peavy]

Brrr it was a cold ride today. We've had recent rain, so the tracks are now muddy, so we went on a road ride.
We parked in Librilla and did a ride with a canal, a volcano, wavy solar farms and finished with views of the Badlands and the tracks that we're normally riding on!


Not a bad road route for mountainbikers when needs must!

The motorhome is now home. Bank balance lowered, and after having worn parts replaced, we still have the noise that began the need for having the work done . We're looking at a trip away again on Monday, so we'll see whether the work has been worth it. Martin said the steering was much better and lighter when he drove it home. What's causing the noise is still a mystery

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That looked different, nice route!

 

[jumar]

That looked different, nice route!

Great area without the need to go into Sierra Espuna....some very unusual terrain ....

 

[Mikey RV]

Those solar panels look like they have just been thrown in the area.

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