Author: CaravanRamblings

As we aren’t relocating frequently, particularly at this point in our travels, the postings have become a little less consistent and this blog entry will cover a full 9 days.

Friday, and Day 20 saw us conclude our short break in Seville. Before checking out of the hotel, we walked a few miles along the river bank and then headed back to Conil via the Carrefour at San Fernando, near Cadiz.

Friday evening was a 3 course meal at the restaurant and we were seated next to the folks on our adjoining pitch. Perfectly nice couple but they don’t speak any English and it’s been some time since I used my limited French. It made for an interesting evening. Food was good.

Saturday and Sunday weather was rather chilly and very windy. We caught up on the washing, I watched the Tottenham v Arsenal game at the bar and later we walked into town.

The weekend saw a motorbike rally in Conil which we visited both days. Sunday was mothers day so Mo was treated to one of my special BBQs!

 

Monday brought further inclement weather with rain until after lunchtime. Walked to the beach in the afternoon and another organised meal at the restaurant (Iberian BBQ meats). This time we were seated with several Dutch, a German lady from Bavaria and a couple from Blackpool. It must be something genetic about the Germans and their love of meat as this German lady not only cleaned up her own plate but the meat leftovers on TWO others!

Tuesday saw us return to Chiclana for the market and then a relaxing afternoon back at the caravan. BBQ of lamb chops in the evening.

The Wednesday plan was to visit the restaurant at the Port of Conil. It was closed a week earlier because it was a Tuesday but today we had high hopes of enjoying a nice meal overlooking the harbour. It’s a pleasant 8 mile round trip.

Anyhow, we hadn’t managed to leave the car park of the campsite when Mo started what can only be described as “fiddling with her Alpine walking sticks” and as she swapped one to her other hand, she entangled it in my feet and proceeded to trip me up. I performed an almost perfect belly flop, landing directly on my lower left rib cage.

I was then transported to the local trauma hospital in Puerto Real, with suspected broken ribs, in the back of a Ford Transit van, which appeared to have undergone a low-budget conversion into a Spanish ambulance.

Fortunately, Xrays revealed no broken bones so I’m now back at the campsite; sunbathing, reading and relaxing. Mo’s punishment is to carry out all heavy lifting duties including the emptying of the chemical toilet.

 

 

 

It is also important that Mo keeps Joe thoroughly hydrated…

 

Of equal concern is the ability to maintain our fitbit progress. Prior to Joe’s injury, the 7-day rolling total was in excess of 110,000 steps. This record is now in tatters.

 

Day 19 was spent at the Alcazar – Spanish for Palace.

From the outside, the building appeared somewhat underwhelming but once inside, the rich architecture and magnificent gardens kept us enthralled for a full day. We finally left at 17:00, which is the closing time for the building and gardens at this time of the year.

 

 

 

 

Apart from the buildings and garden, there was an interesting pair of birds – a peacock and it’s guardian, the duck. The duck, clearly suffering an identity crisis followed the peacock around the gardens all day, and anyone who got too close had their feet aggressively pecked!

 

 

Later in the afternoon, the garden filled with artists – some were really quite talented.

 

 

 

In the evening, we dined at Puratasca, also in Triana (we were too tired to walk back into the centre of Seville). Food and service was just excellent. If you came across this establishment, it looks like a cheap café and likely you would walk right past it.

It was however recommended by the hotel and is actually ranked about number 63 of all Seville restaurants on Tripadvisor. It was such a nice evening and meal that it compelled me to post my first Tripadvisor restaurant review!

Although our waitress was not fluent in English, she patiently explained all the menu options. The menu is not extensive but that’s often a good sign. We had a Risotto to start followed by a large steak (to share) with fries. The house wine was also very pleasant and remarkably inexpensive.

It also turned out that our waitress is very familiar with the Conil area and we came away with 3 recommendations for restaurants near us. I will be sure to post our findings.

We decided to spend a few days at Seville, arriving at the Hotel Monte Triana mid afternoon.

First impressions of the hotel and its location are excellent and there is sufficient underground parking at the Hotel priced at 14 Euros per night.

The lady on reception spotted we had a large car and provided us with an oversized parking space. Most places would have been just too small for the Sorrento.

The cathedral of Seville looks magnificent in the late afternoon sunshine as we enjoyed a several hour stroll orientating ourselves around the town.

Dinner at the Sol y Sombre. This is recommended on a Seville Traveller website. It was certainly an experience.

 

Anyone with local knowledge of Berkshire / Oxfordshire may be familiar with a pub called “The Bell” at “Aldworth”. Time has stood still at this particular drinking hole and the same can be said of the Sol y Sombre. Great evening although Mo’s selection from the Tapas wasn’t the best.

If you are visiting Seville, head out of the town centre to Triana and give this place a try.

We don’t even know what it is called! Still, it’s the only restaurant at the Port of Conil and situated in a lovely position. The only slight problem is that they are closed on Tuesdays.

This made our near 8 mile hike something of a wasted journey. And being the only restaurant at the Port, we returned to the campsite shortly after our arrival and enjoyed a late afternoon BBQ.

Better luck (ok, planning) next time.

 

The weather has changed and the forecast is for at least 5 days of un-broken sunshine. We took the opportunity today to dust off the bicycles and head off to Cabo de Trafalgar.

It is off the coast here, back in 1805 that the Battle of Trafalgar took place. All that is visible is the “Trafalgar Lighthouse”, a few information prints about the battle itself and miles of stunning beaches.

Evening was Fish and Chips in the restaurant. Camping La Rosaleda really do know how to spoil us!

Yes we know. It’s been a while since our last posting but to be honest, not a huge amount has been heppening.

Thursday (Day 12) was a general clear-up day. Land grab for multiple washing machines first thing and then a freebie Andalucian lunch at the restaurant. Not impressed – far too many beans! Had a nice BBQ in the evening to make up for it and then watched the line dancing.

Later that night the caravan heating packed in just half an hour after commenting on its reliability. Hmm. Did finally get it working again though.

DIY shopping at Leroy Merlin on Friday and from lunchtime the storms arrived. Thunder lightning, rain and yet more rain. Saturday was similiar but only rain. Watched England
play Rugby in the evening in a very packed bar…

Sunday was Andalucian day, so lots of activity in the town with street artists and musicians.

Yes we know. It’s been a while since our last posting but to be honest, not a lot has been happening. The weather has been poor for a few days but today was glorious – enough for a 20 odd mile bike ride.

Now, I need to know who’s been paying attention to my Ramblings so a little question – post a comment with your answer – I’ve left comments open this time.

www.caravanramblings.co.uk.

First correct reply gets to buy me a proper beer… like an Abbott…

Why is this bit of sea famous?

Internet access appears to have returned again so here’s a dual posting for yesterday and today.

Yesterday was a failed trip to the market at Chiclana de la Frontera. It would have paid for us to carry out a little research first as Chiclana turned out to be a much larger town than expected and we didn’t actually find the market! Still, next time and we will be better prepared.

The afternoon was hot and sunny and another BBQ in the early evening.

 

Today we walked to Puerto de Conil.

We were a little late departing so took the slightly more direct route via the minor roads.

 

 

The return journey was via the coastal paths. Far more pleasant but nearly an hour longer to walk.

 

 

 

 

Lunch was at the restaurant at the port. Fantastic grilled Tuna and we’ll definitely visit this one again. The views across the little Harbour and along the coast to Conil  make this a lovely settting.

 

Another nice day was forecast for Monday but the morning remained a little hazy and quite chilly outside of the sun. The intention was to set off cycling in the direction of Cabo Trafalgar. Apparently a historic event took place there some time ago.

We weren’t really sure how long the ride would be nor how difficult – still, taking the wrong road out of Conil ensured we made little progress whatsoever. Lunch was taken sat on the bridge over the motorway!

We should have gone straight on from Conil, not headed for the Autovia…

Finally arrived back at the Campsite in the late afternoon and the weather is beautiful again.

Entertainment in the evening was at the bar where an excellent buffet was provided.

Internet is working again so no excuses for not posting yesterday’s entry!

 

 

A late start to the morning and then a six mile walk called the Sendero de Roche.

 

 

 

 

 

Some nice scenery on the final 1km on the way back from Roche to the Port of Conil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful afternoon and everything was all in place for the first BBQ of the season.