Flamingos, Flamenco and Friendliness

Blog 36 it is then, and hoping I've still got at least one or two readers out there enjoying our tales and adventures!

The last blog saw us on our last day at Miramar, near Miami Beach about 30km from Tarragona in Spain. The final night there was again very, very windy as had been the pattern for a lot of our stay at Miramar both this time and before Christmas. Still, a very broken nights sleep confirmed that moving on would be the right thing to do. So Saturday morning (26th January) we unplugged the hook up, stowed away the washing up bowl and prepared for at least a couple of off grid nights.

Our initial plan was to head our via Lidl for some supplies, and fill the van up with diesel (€1.05 a litre!) and then head into the hills a bit to Miravet.

We'd planned to visit this place as it has one of the oldest Knights' Templar castles. The journey was picturesque all the way, and with the wind all but dissipated, we were left with a stunning sunny day, without a cloud in the sky. We gave a nod to Kempo's Col on our way out, sad that we'd not been able to ride up that way again, due to the wind.

On arrival into the village of Miravet we found a super parking spot which had also been included on Park4Night as a potential overnight stay. We parked up and set about exploring, first heading down to the River L'Ebre and then into the village itself for an explore. The views were simply stunning, and with this being one of the first days the sun felt like it had some real warmth we enjoyed a lovely picnic and afternoon river side.

The evening and overnight were a much calmer affair too, we had a couple of other vans for company, and only the odd bit of traffic passing us by. All in all, for our very first off grid experience in Spain, it had all gone really well.

Sunday morning and another sunny one and the plan was to head back towards the coast and slightly further south to check out a nature reserve known as Delta L'Ebre. We'd spotted a bit of unwelcome news on social media the previous evening about crime being rife in this area, with a UK motorhome having been broken into the previous day. We decided to head there anyway, but be extremely cautious about where we parked, and avoid leaving the van unattended if at all possible.

On arrival on the Delta, Jase headed into the Information Centre, while I sat guard. Map in hand we headed towards the various viewing points and bird hides to see what we could see. Our first port of call was at the end of the Delta where you can see the river meeting the sea. I went out first and took in the stunning views out to sea, and across the flatlands which become rice fields later in the year. I then headed towards a bird hide and was thrilled to catch my first sightings of Flamingos in the wild! There were plenty of them too - much easier to see than kingfishers, and meant I could make good on one of my resolutions, to actually use my tripod!

Being on the coast though, it was again very windy and cold too. I headed back to the van to warm up and then after a spot of lunch, Jase went out for a look. We'd not see any signs of crime until this point - on my way back I'd spotted a couple fishing - I thought this was odd as a) it was extremely windy and b) it was an nature reserve so I wasn't sure that would be allowed. They had also parked their van in an odd place. Now the timing of the next bit isn't 100% clear (hence why we've not contacted the police as it could all have been very innocent) but when Jase came back from his viewing, he said 2 cars further up had had their windows smashed in during the time he'd been away- and surprise, surprise, the fishing couple had gone! More than sent a chill to be honest. Anyway, glad we'd taken such a cautious approach, and determined not to let this get in our heads, we carried on travelling around the Delta, looking at the various look out points, and enjoying the spectacular views.

Once we'd had as much cold wind as we could take we headed for the Aire which was located near a restaurant - essentially designed to drum up a bit more trade, and fair play to the owner as there were in excess of 40 odd vans in there. The overnight stay was free, but with a small charge for servicing.

We'd also decided to give our inverter a trial run and Jase had been putting the hot water on to warm while I'd been off bird spotting. By the time we parked up and left it another 1/2 hour or so we had enough water for a good shower, plus power for me to dry my hair. All this, without the battery crashing which was great news. The whole experience was noted as a complete success!

Monday morning (28th January) and after another blustery night, we'd decided to head to a new campsite closer to Valencia. We'd decided to move south hoping for warmer weather and to get away from so much wind! After another brief food pit stop we headed down the coast for about an hour to Camping Didota at Orpesa. On arrival at the campsite the weather was lovely and warm, and much calmer than the previous few days. We initially booked in for a week, and had the pick of about 4 spaces!

The initial impressions of the campsite weren't great, as it felt very hemmed in and extremely busy. However, it is an ACSI site so a very reasonable €16 a night to start with, reducing every week you stay. They also informed us of the programme of activities during the week - everything from Spanish classes, through to Latin Dancing, Zumba and Yoga plus the TV schedule for the football too! We noticed a real mix of nationalities though with some Brits, French, German, Dutch, Swiss and the odd Swede too. But moreover, what was plain from day one was how friendly everyone was. Barely a soul passed without saying hello in whatever dialect suited, and this was repeated at wash up, showers, laundry etc. Its for this reason that we'd stayed put ever since!

We are now on our 13th night, and running at €13.71 per day. I've done Yoga, Zumba, tonification (a weights workout) and a total of 8 classes so far, plus Jase and I have done a couple of Spanish lessons. Jase has also managed to get his riding legs back, exploring the local area both along the coast and up into the hills. We've made friends with a couple from Ilkley who do a lot of the classes with me, had a cuppa with another couple in a T2 Bay to whom we've acted as the Canadian Tourist Board to give them tips on their up coming trip. I can totally understand why people stay for months at a time, the site is just great.

We've walked to Opresa (about 8miles return) to the Thursday market, and have a great supermarket within 10mins walk as well. We also have a great cycle path that runs all the way to Benicassim - we took that in last Saturday (2nd February).

Just up the coast is also a stunning garden which has been designed I think with a Gaudi influence. Plenty of bird life enjoying it too with some very exotic looking ducks and a load of peacocks.

We were also treated to a brief view of a water bomber that seemed to be practicing up the coast.

On Friday we had to move pitches - a bit stressful as our first one was a bit tight on the exit, but Jase managed it with ease. We used the opportunity to take the van out for a big shop and also to fill the LPG tank. The journey was stunning, with cherry blossom at every turn.

Yesterday (9th February) there was a pro cycling race (Tour of Valencia) passing very close to our campsite. Jase had been out and recce'd the Queen stage climb - a brutal 20% in places! We took the bikes and rode the 25km up the coast with a lovely coffee stop in Alcacebre. On arrival at the finish hill we also found our friend Geert who drives the CCC team bus and had a quick chat.

We then rode/walked as far as I could to find a good viewing spot. By the time the sea mist had cleared, we had a stunning view down towards the coast. After a lovely picnic, the race came by - it was a steep hill so it wasn't the usual blur, although still way faster than anything you'd think was really possible! As the race passed us we had one lone leader (Dillier of Switzerland) but he was being closed down by an elite group of chasers (including the new world champion, local hero Valverde and also Britain's Adam Yates who went on to win the stage).

I also managed to grab a decent shot of Britain's Geraint Thomas for my nephew Ben (7) who told me this week that they've studied G at school in Cardiff, being the Welsh treasure he is!

We also spotted new pro Harry Tanfield, who was in DFL place, but looking happy to be riding in the sun, and as he told us he had 30minute to get to the line!

Being a summit finish, and a narrow one at that, the pros then had to all descend back the way the came - a master class in descending in traffic! I did manage another shot of G - albeit with the our shadows in the way!

With the sea mist cleared, the ride back was truly stunning.

And so to today, Sunday 10th February. We've had a busy morning so far, washing, cleaning the van and sorting the finances. We've got this pitch until 3rd March, and will probably plan to move on then. I've just booked my classes for the week - 6 this time and Jase has discovered there is a mountain bike enduro event in Opresa this coming week, so we have more than enough to keep us entertained.

So that's us, I'll probably blog next when we hit the road again. We plan to do a lot more touring once we leave here which hopefully will make for interesting reading.

Til then, stay safe all

J&J x