Friday 31st January

We're moving on today towards Faro.  The internet here is so weak that I have not been able to post on the blog.  Signal improved this morning hence this text post only.

We are well, the sun has come out again and I will post again as soon as practicable.  Tara x

Tuesday 28th January

I'm just checking out the WiFi at our new Aire really.  We moved this morning 7 miles West along the coast to Manta Rota.  This is a small village by the sea with a large 'paid for' Aire which costs €4.50 a night and has inclusive internet (but very slow).

This afternoon we cycled to Cacela Velha, a really pretty village that largely remains uuspoilt and original.  This was in complete contrast to Cabanas a couple of miles further along which was the complete opposite, full of holiday apartment blocks and kiss me quick bars and cafe's.  We won't find ourselves going back there in a rush!

The weather today has been fairly cloudy and a little cooler.  We even had to resort to wearing our new cycling jackets!

Monday 27th January

We've just discovered that the local library has free WiFi !

I'm uploading the last few days 'draft' blog entries today and possibly a few photo's later.  You have probably looked at the previous days entries already but this one was type first (confused? I am!)

After a cloudy start it is another beautiful day in paradise!

Sunday 26th January

I have decided to update the blog less frequently.  On Friday morning we set off for Caseres.  After a foggy start the sun came out, the sky turned blue and we were again launched in to Spring!  What has surprised us is how high this part of Spain is, we have spent most of the time above 3000 feet!

After stopping in Caseres for a couple of hours we decided not to stop overnight but continue South so we made our way to Zafra.

Spanish FOON in Caseres (first one of the season, it HAD to be done!)

The next morning (Saturday) turned out to be another blue sky day as we continued our mission towards Portugal.

Now THIS is the kind of temperature we are looking for!

Entering Portugal

We got to the border mid afternoon and after filling up with (very cheap!) Diesel we found the Aire in Castro Marin and parked up.  This was much to the displeasure of a German who had put his chairs out to keep the space for him to sit in the sun!  The chap next to us moved them for us and the German came along and was, shall we say, confrontational !

Anyway, our mission was complete, we had made it to Portugal in just under 600 miles (from Gijon in Spain).  Once settled we got the bikes out and went for a 2 hours ride around the local area.  The temperature was around 18 degrees centigrade...…glorious!

Sunday morning, another blue sky day and it feels just like an early summer's day in the UK!

We cycled to Monta Rota, Monte Gordo and Villa Real St Antonio, about 17 miles in all. 

It is lovely to be out and about again, without getting cold or wet!

Nine weeks of fun filled blue skyness, oh yes!

On the beach at Manta Rota

Central Square in Villa Real San Antonio

A view towards Castro Marim

Up in the castle battlements at Castro Marim (can you see Grahame?)

Salt lakes and Spain in the background

A perfect FOON (oh the pleasure!)

Thursday 23rd January

Woke up early and drove around the corner to buy diesel then set off for Leon.  About 15 mins into the journey we decided to miss Leon and go straight to Salamanca, a total of 222 miles.

The drive was quite delightful and much to our surprise we found ourselves high up in the mountains above the snow line! (GPS showed us at nearly 4000 feet above sea level).

The sun was out, the sky blue and the outside temperature 11degrees, which in view of the fact that most of the journey was above 3000 feet was really quite warm.

The motorway was lovely and quiet and very well maintained (especially the toll section at €13.05).

Upon reaching Salamanca we went into a big Carrefour and stocked up and plenty of local Spanish food and wine!  Then we drove to the Aire about 8 miles Southeast and parked up, feet up, kettle on and wine on standby!

We weren't expecting THIS !

It IS beautiful though…..

Now this is a BIG bull!

Tuesday 21st January to Wednesday 22nd

After a fair night sleep we prepared for the day ahead and drove to a nearby garage to top our propane tanks and check tyre pressures etc.

At 14:00 we boarded the ferry and settled into our cabin.

Due to delays with the lifeboat safety checks we did not set sail until 20:15!  However we were offered a free meal in the bistro.

The crossing was uneventful and we arrived at 22:00 local time the next day (after another free meal!).  As it was so late we drove around the corner and parked in the harbour Aire and went to bed!

Monday 20th January

We decided to drive down to Poole today so we could avoid any 'panic' delays on Tuesday.  After stopping in IKEA and Tesco we got to the port around 19:30

The ferry terminal area allow motorhomes to park overnight for £5.00.  This was great and we were one of only 2 vehicles in the terminal.  The toilet block was heated and very clean with showers too.

Wolfy's on the move again!

It's Sunday 19th January 2014 and we're getting ready to go!