Two Go Exploring Spain

[DBK]

It’s a Pedenco, they are very popular with Hunters that run them in packs to disturb the wildlife for shooting particular on a Sunday which is a day to never go into the Campo.

When socialised they make loving Pets as they are highly intelligent hence the ability to service in the wild once abandoned by the hunter.

My own dog is a Bodequero which is often used the same,he was too young to run with the pack and was abandoned at three months when we found him as we have a Spanish property near the Campo.10 years ago.

Many thanks! Most of me knew it was a dog of some sort, the other part of me hoped it was a wolf. In my defence they are very odd looking dogs! But the fact I was able to get close enough to see it in daylight near houses should have told me it was a dog after all.

 

[DBK]

We are sitting outside and are clearly acclimatising. The temperature is 27°C and Mrs DBK has put on her wooly cardigan!

 

[DBK]

I'm interested to see how you carry fruit in your motorhome.
It looks like a string bag, is that by plan or just what was available ?
I like my fruit, but I've struggled to find a good way to store it without it brusing or prematurely going off.

Yes, it's a perforated plastic bowl sitting in a string bag, hung from the catches on the lockers/cupboards. When we travel they sit in the sink. Seems to work well.

 

[DBK]

A quick post tonight as there isn't really anything to report as we haven't done anything - and we have thoroughly enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.

The only notable event was we have met two Funsters, Mike and Jan, who are doing a similar trip to us but going anti-clockwise around Spain.

But there is always gossip...

This place, Little Texas, has been up for sale as I mentioned in an earlier post. On Saturday a prospective new owner paid a deposit so if all goes well Little Texas will carry on under Dutch ownership. Nick, the current owner is both relieved to have found a buyer and sad health and residency issues have forced him away from his dream. Bitter sweet as the saying goes.

On the MH front...

A CH registered VW camper arrived about half an hour ago. It's a 4*4 version of the VW California Ocean with I think self-levelling air suspension. It parked at an odd angle but when I looked again it was level. I'm not sure what other extras it might have but the owners probably didn't get a lot of change from €100K I think.

We are off to the Alpujarra tomorrow for, if it's not too hot, some gentle walking among the white villages.

Beyond that I'm unsure as the weather further north in Spain isn't great so we will be staying down here in the south for quite a bit longer I think.

 

[Spara4042]

A quick post tonight as there isn't really anything to report as we haven't done anything - and we have thoroughly enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.

The only notable event was we have met two Funsters, Mike and Jan, who are doing a similar trip to us but going anti-clockwise around Spain.

But there is always gossip...

This place, Little Texas, has been up for sale as I mentioned in an earlier post. On Saturday a prospective new owner paid a deposit so if all goes well Little Texas will carry on under Dutch ownership. Nick, the current owner is both relieved to have found a buyer and sad health and residency issues have forced him away from his dream. Bitter sweet as the saying goes.

On the MH front...

A CH registered VW camper arrived about half an hour ago. It's a 4*4 version of the VW California Ocean with I think self-levelling air suspension. It parked at an odd angle but when I looked again it was level. I'm not sure what other extras it might have but the owners probably didn't get a lot of change from €100K I think.

We are off to the Alpujarra tomorrow for, if it's not too hot, some gentle walking among the white villages.

Beyond that I'm unsure as the weather further north in Spain isn't great so we will be staying down here in the south for quite a bit longer I think.

We've driven from Benicassim to Jaca, close to the French Border, today & the weather's been cracking. 16c at 20:25hrs but dipping to 4c overnight.
Sun & 26-27c predicted up to the weekend, so not too shabby

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[DBK]

We've driven from Benicassim to Jaca, close to the French Border, today & the weather's been cracking. 16c at 20:25hrs but dipping to 4c overnight.
Sun & 26-27c predicted up to the weekend, so not too shabby

Thanks, I think it is the north west where the rain is. Still warmer than UK though!

But that was some drive! 400km?

 

[Spara4042]

Thanks, I think it is the north west where the rain is. Still warmer than UK though!

But that was some drive! 400km?

Definitely warmer than North Yorkshire at the moment

Yes, it was about 400km, with some beautiful scenery & a few interesting diversions. No more so than following a young, inexperienced Officer, armed with a map, on an Active Edge call out

 

[DBK]

Definitely warmer than North Yorkshire at the moment

Yes, it was about 400km, with some beautiful scenery & a few interesting diversions. No more so than following a young, inexperienced Officer, armed with a map, on an Active Edge call out

Was I that officer? I've just spotted your cap badge!

 

[DBK]

The bill for our 5 nights at Little Texas worked out at €20/night with EHU which was very reasonable for a place with a swimming pool. After paying we stopped in Tabernas to visit the Día "supermarket" for supplies. It isn't really a supermarket, more a large Spar shop.

You won't starve and we found all we wanted except grapefruit and the range of cheeses was very limited. But these little shops in Spanish towns have all the basics and you don't have to drive out of your way to find some giant hypermarket.

As you leave Tabernas you see signs for the various Wild West themed attractions. The biggest is Little Holywood I think, we could see the extensive Wild West town they have in the distance.

An hour later we approached our destination, Camping Almócita. There are a few aires in this región but none sounded attractive. We let Google Maps lead the way which involved going to the village of Almócita. This seemed sensible as the campsite is about a kilometer outside the village.

The warning signals were a lack of signs saying "camping" which you usually see and the route chosen by Google appeared to take us through a no-entry sign. We baulked at this the first time but could find no better alternative. So we gave it a go... (Ignore the date stamp. The dash cam is as lost as we were.)



A bit more studying of the map suggested the better approach might be from Padules, the village the other side of the campsite we were heading for. This we tried and eventually we found the place. But this is not a destination for big MHs, the route is narrow and the pitches small with awkward stone corners and sharp ramps.

But we got here in the end.

And this is where we are. Blue blob lower centre.

Zoomed in. The site is the blue blob near the bottom in the middle. The two local villages, Almócita and Padules are either side.

We wandered back to Almócita this afternoon, at about 5 o'clock when it was a comfortable temperature. The road we walked on looks like cobbles.

But it's concrete. The clue were the dog paw prints in it we came across! I can only guess they lay the cement then drag a roller over the top which makes the impression of cobblestones.

On the walk critters observed us from the shrubbery...

Approaching the village. If you zoom in there is some impressive old terracing on the left of the shot.

Entering Almócita confirmed we would never have got through if we had pressed on. Parked cars made the road too narrow. The ninty degree bends weren't helpful either!

A typical view of the centre of the village.

What looked like two fighting Loch Ness Monsters! It was a "water feature".

This was intriguing. Was it brought here or did it crash?

We took a different route back to the site. It was mostly old olive groves, some of which are well looked after, some less so.

Old olives from last year covered the roadside at one point. Unharvested I assume.

It's a dry and inhospitable region and you can see why so many leave to find work elsewhere.

Tomorrow we we will visit the other local village. It has a bodega!

 

[Figaro]

Good job there wasn't any other traffic in that village.
That would have been interesting

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[Grianan]

Great photos - I always find the detail in your posts interesting.

 

[Spara4042]

Was I that officer? I've just spotted your cap badge!

If you were a 2nd Lt in 1986, posted to 20 Electonics Wksp, then it might be you

 

[DBK]

If you were a 2nd Lt in 1986, posted to 20 Electonics Wksp, then it might be you

You had a near miss, I was in Germany in Münster in my first postings in the late 1970s. Tanks and heavy stuff like that.

 

[Spara4042]

You had a near miss, I was in Germany in Münster in my first postings in the late 1970s. Tanks and heavy stuff like that.

Sennelager for me, playing with M109A1’s

 

[PhilandMena]

You had a near miss, I was in Germany in Münster in my first postings in the late 1970s. Tanks and heavy stuff like that.

I would be in Berlin, early 70. Mk12 Centurions. Converted to Chieftains in 72, Mk 3. A game changer, from the turret upwards, it was so ahead of the rest, especially with that 120mm Gun. The engine was an issue, mainly because it was multi-fuel and prone to leaks of one sort or anouther. (9/12 Royal Lancers . Sadly no more, like most of the main battle tank regiments.

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[DBK]

I would be in Berlin, early 70. Mk12 Centurions. Converted to Chieftains in 72, Mk 3. A game changer, from the turret upwards, it was so ahead of the rest, especially with that 120mm Gun. The engine was an issue, mainly because it was multi-fuel and prone to leaks of one sort or anouther. (9/12 Royal Lancers . Sadly no more, like most of the main battle tank regiments.

Three Quarter Lancers, at least a sensible number unlike the 16th/5th who were known as the Vulgar Fractions.

I joined 4 RTR as their emelet. They had Chieftains but still using Centurion ARRVs.

 

[DBK]

This morning we walked into Padules, which is the other village within easy reach of the campsite.

Approaching the village.

The vines on the left are interesting. They are being grown as what in horticulture would known as standards. They have a straight "trunk" then branch out from the top. Wires are strung at about head height and along these the grape bearing shoots are trained. I guess this provides shading both for the grapes and the soil, conserving a bit of water.

Padules is a more prosperous village than Almócita, which we visited yesterday. It has a bank, although it is closed this week as they have gone on holiday according to the notice in the window! There are also a couple of tiny shops and a bodega. The latter had a retail entrance but it was closed. The warehouse bit was open but guarded by two large and unfriendly dogs. Charlie tried to bring them into line but fortunately I dragged him away before any blood was spilt.

As we entered the village we couldn't help but notice various images stuck to walls.

It looked like historical re-enactment stuff and things became clearer when we reached what I guess is the local council building.

In May 1570 the town was retaken after the surrender of the Moors in the area, hastening the end the War of the Alpujarras. We couldn't see anything about another re-enactment this month but I hope they do. The last one was held in October because of covid.

But as a major digression does any nation do gates like the Spanish? This magnificant set stand in front of a tiny one or at most two roomed house.

Another look at the local scenery: dry, steep and rocky sums it up. This is the barranco below the campsite. A little further downstream there are pools and waterfalls and a bar apparently. Whether it has any water this year will remain a mystery. The concrete road will remain a mystery too. On Google Maps it shows as a dirt track. Is someone refurbishing a house down there?

 

[jumartoo]

If you're talking gates, how about this one. Also access to a tiny house, up a small road to Sierra Espuña. We cycled past there the other day and it still looks in as good a condition as when we first saw it. Good quality, if not in good taste

 

[Figaro]

I

If you're talking gates, how about this one. Also access to a tiny house, up a small road to Sierra Espuña. We cycled past there the other day and it still looks in as good a condition as when we first saw it. Good quality, if not in good taste

View attachment 747436

I think the local drugs Don may reside behind those gates, I hope you didn't linger too long

 

[DBK]

Before leaving the site this morning we gave Charlie a bath at the MH service point as he was very dusty.

We now have a clean dog! He will grow to appreciate his new smell I'm sure.

From the site we drove more or less due north, initially taking the same route through Padules we arrived on. I don't think there is a better approach to the campsite.

The route was mostly climbing for the best part of the first hour. It was on what I call a "wiggly white road" in the Michelin atlas but it wasn't at all difficult and larger MHs could do it. The AL-4402 took us through Beires then to Ohanes pictured below before we turned off onto the AL-3404 just outside Ohanes.

Almost every scrap of land has been terraced, you can just see traces of what must be long-abandoned terracing above the village on the left. From my reading it was the Arabs who cracked how to grow crops here when they introduced irrigation systems.

The road topped out at 1350m when we started the descent down the other side, eventually stopping at Guadix to do some shopping at the Mercadona there. It also seemed everyone else in the area had the same idea as I've never seen a shop so busy!

The area around Guadix is famous for troglodyte houses dug into the soft sandstone, we saw many over a wide area as we drove through.

Guadix

A guide to the Guadix area, information on places of interest in Guadix and history of the area

choose-almeria.com

We have stopped for the night at the free aire at La Peza. Blue blob in the middle near the top of the map below.

The aire is extremely well constructed.

The only issue is there was no water coming from the tap when we arrived although now in later afternoon it has worked itself up to producing a dribble, nowhere near strong enough to fill up tomorrow unless we leave the hose connected all day and stay another night! None of the reviews I read mention this so it may be temporary or a recent change due to the drought. A reservoir we saw today was looking very depleted.

But in compensation the views from the aire of the town are good. The little field in the lower right has sheep and goats in it!

It's a well guarded aire. This piece of ordnance overlooks the aire.

What it is used for I'm not sure. Next to it was a small memorial to the events of 15th April, 1810 when Napoleon's troops attacked the town. There is a re-enactment every August when the local folk dress up and generally have a good time as only the Spanish can.

But obviously over time hostilities have subsided and we are currently parked near a French MH which was allowed in without any shots being fired.

We went for the obligatory walk around the town. This is the town hall with a stage in front of it.

Other parts of the town were not so neat.

Just above the aire next to an olive grove was a tiny ermita.

Through a grill in the door I could see the tidy interior.

In the olive grove I saw something I've seen elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Italy, olives planted in pairs.

We will continue our westward plod tomorrow.

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[3DOM]

I really enjoy your posts and photos. I rarely leave a comment
but i use the like button a lot. I do appreciate those of you
who take the time to log their travels. Thanks

 

[Grianan]

How much of your tour have you planned in advance DBK? You always seem to find such interesting places!

 

[jumartoo]

Before leaving the site this morning we gave Charlie a bath at the MH service point as he was very dusty.

We now have a clean dog! He will grow to appreciate his new smell I'm sure.

View attachment 748029

From the site we drove more or less due north, initially taking the same route through Padules we arrived on. I don't think there is a better approach to the campsite.

The route was mostly climbing for the best part of the first hour. It was on what I call a "wiggly white road" in the Michelin atlas but it wasn't at all difficult and larger MHs could do it. The AL-4402 took us through Beires then to Ohanes pictured below before we turned off onto the AL-3404 just outside Ohanes.

View attachment 747979

Almost every scrap of land has been terraced, you can just see traces of what must be long-abandoned terracing above the village on the left. From my reading it was the Arabs who cracked how to grow crops here when they introduced irrigation systems.

The road topped out at 1350m when we started the descent down the other side, eventually stopping at Guadix to do some shopping at the Mercadona there. It also seemed everyone else in the area had the same idea as I've never seen a shop so busy!

The area around Guadix is famous for troglodyte houses dug into the soft sandstone, we saw many over a wide area as we drove through.

Guadix

A guide to the Guadix area, information on places of interest in Guadix and history of the area

choose-almeria.com

We have stopped for the night at the free aire at La Peza. Blue blob in the middle near the top of the map below.

View attachment 748009

The aire is extremely well constructed.

View attachment 748012

The only issue is there was no water coming from the tap when we arrived although now in later afternoon it has worked itself up to producing a dribble, nowhere near strong enough to fill up tomorrow unless we leave the hose connected all day and stay another night! None of the reviews I read mention this so it may be temporary or a recent change due to the drought. A reservoir we saw today was looking very depleted.

But in compensation the views from the aire of the town are good. The little field in the lower right has sheep and goats in it!

View attachment 748026

It's a well guarded aire. This piece of ordnance overlooks the aire.

View attachment 748025

What it is used for I'm not sure. Next to it was a small memorial to the events of 15th April, 1810 when Napoleon's troops attacked the town. There is a re-enactment every August when the local folk dress up and generally have a good time as only the Spanish can.

But obviously over time hostilities have subsided and we are currently parked near a French MH which was allowed in without any shots being fired.

We went for the obligatory walk around the town. This is the town hall with a stage in front of it.

View attachment 748027

Other parts of the town were not so neat.

View attachment 748042

View attachment 748043

Just above the aire next to an olive grove was a tiny ermita.

View attachment 748044

Through a grill in the door I could see the tidy interior.

View attachment 748030

In the olive grove I saw something I've seen elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Italy, olives planted in pairs.

View attachment 748028

We will continue our westward plod tomorrow.

That looks a really nice parking area, one we haven't been to. I'm bookmarking it.

Thanks.

 

[DBK]

How much of your tour have you planned in advance DBK? You always seem to find such interesting places!

Only the general idea of going "clockwise around Spain" was planned in advance. And it was only clockwise instead of anticlockwise because of the time of year - we love the north coast but not in March/April!

Otherwise it really is a hand to mouth or day by day plan!

 

[DBK]

Some good news this morning - there is water coming out of the tap at the aire. Just filled up and we will be away soon.

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[gus-lopez]

It's a well guarded aire. This piece of ordnance overlooks the aire.

There is a small house not far away from me & the late owner has one of those by the front door. Son owns the house now & it is still there. tyres have always been flat though-

 

[DBK]

A last look at La Peza from the aire using the night mode on my phone. The white spot in sky is Venus.

As mentioned above the day started better than expected when I discovered water had returned to the tap at the service point. I don't know where it went yesterday, perhaps it was diverted by the local council to water some trees?

As we left the town I spotted a curious feature installed by a junction. It was a large tree trunk with a hole down the middle. An oddity except a wooden cannon played a part in the defence of the town in 1810. I've never heard of wooden cannons but presumably reinforced with some iron hoops they could do damage at short range.

Our first destination was a big Carrefour on the outskirts of Granada. These are not the cheapest places to shop but they do have a good range of stuff.

The fish counter was enormous, this was only the middle part.

We bought some raw prawns in their shells (langostinos crudo) which we are having tonight fried with garlic and chilli. We bought them loose giving me a chance to crank out my limited Spanish by asking for half a kilo! "Medio kilo" may not be perfect but it seemed to work.

It was only looking at the photo later I saw they had tuna steaks (probably not fresh) for what seems a reasonable €8.99/Kg - we would only want another medio kilo I think making it a cheapish supper. We must try some the next time we see them for sale. Tuna steak recipes gratefully received - I would just fry them in butter with a bit of oil but I am sure there are other ways.

From the supermarket it was only 10 minutes according to Google maps to the Repsol garage for a top up of LPG - except it took a little longer as Google doesn't know about the no entry signs on a road it wanted to take us down.

Our destination for tonight was Camping Bermejales which is by the half-full reservoir of the same name.

Zoomed out a bit. Blue blob a bit left of centre is where we are.

It was warm this afternoon, probably around 30°C so a visit to one of the two swimming pools here was perfect at the end of the afternoon.

We will visit the lake tomorrow but have to be back in time for something on the TV. Mrs DBK has brought some Union Jack flags which may get an airing.

But what of the prawns? When I first cooked this recipe I left them in their shells, the flavour is better I think but it does make the eating very messy. Mrs DBK peels them first. They were yummy and the shot below was just before we ate the last of them before diving in with crusty bread to mop up the pan.

Tonight we are watching a red sunset with The Hairy Bikers on Corsica - trying to identify the places on the programme we visited when we were there.

 

[f6c]

I hope Mrs DBK enjoys Tomorrow

 

[monzer]

Prawns are weird, huh? My favourite food, I love them. But could I eat them on their own with nothing else? Not a chance.

Yours look lovely and I agree about the shell, can be worthwhile when you get the meaty bit out but by god they are messy.

 

[DBK]

We went for a gentle walk this morning around part of the lake after doing the usual fresh, grey and black waste chores. The fresh water was easy as there is a tap within reach so I didn't have to move the van to fill up. The grey was just a couple of short trips with our collapsible buckets.

There is a path which goes all the way around the lake, it would have once been at the water's edge.

I read today a reservoir suppling Barcelona is only 7% full. I think this one isn't down that low but it must be under 50%.

This photo of a section of the path looks almost like a snow scene, so dry is everything.

It was only a short walk as we had to be back by 1200 local time for...

Not sure what Charlie thought of it all...

We have been listening to loud music, including the Sex Pistols on full volume from the pitch next door for a while now but they have just wandered off somewhere. No doubt they will return.

Spanish campsites on a weekend are an acquired taste...

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