Wednesday and a few more jobs. Washed the car, more shopping and in the afternoon, we cycled into Conil centre for a coffee.

Paul and Andrea arrived from Malaga and we hosted a BBQ in the evening. Food was excellent – but of course I would say that – the discovery of a wine – El Governor at 2 or 3 Euros a bottle is simple outstanding. Headed back to Mercadona and cleared the shelf.

On Thursday we drove to Vejer and spent the day watching the show jumping on the Sunshine Tour.

Vejer de la Frontera in the province of Cadiz, Andalusia, hosts a new edition of the Sunshine Tour, comprising international dressage and show jumping events. The Sunshine Tour lived up to its name with temperatures topping out at 24C.

The Montenmedio Riding Centre brings together riders from all over the world in February and March for show jumping and dressage events as part of this Sunshine Tour.

It’s free to get in, lunch was reasonable and a very warm and sunny day to watch the show jumping. This is, by the way, a huge event.

Monday and it’s day 43, time for some chores. First up is a trip to the Repsol garage in Chiclana to fill up the gas bottle with Autogas. This goes smoothly and no-one takes issue with us filling a cylinder on the forecourt. Admittedly we are at the back of the shop and no prepayment is currently required. ?Prepago? – Do I prepay?

We have some tapas for lunch at El Cailife in Vejer – always a pleasure to visit this fine “white” village and El Calife was a good choice for lunch.

Dinner was Beef and oven potatoes at the restaurant, a mere 8 Euros per person.

Tuesday was a full day out with the walking group – this time as we headed in the direction of Cadiz and the Port of conil. It’s between 9 and 10 miles round trip and we were out for much of the day. Lunch was a picnic on the rocks at the port and then a coffee at El Pastor cafe / restuarant.

Whilst we continue to enjoy warm, dry and bright weather it has become rather windy of late. Not the ideal conditions to set off on a 20+ mile bike ride but the roads were all quiet and much of the route was off road.

We headed west to the Port of Conil, capturing the graveyard of anchors and views from the lighthouse back across the sea towards Conil de la Frontera.

The anchors look as though they have been abandoned but apparently, they are all utilised during the Tuna fishing season.

Views from above the port at the location of the lighthouse.

We continued to head along the coast, through Roche and then along to Nova Sancti Petri.

The invasions to which the province has been subjected to (as a result of its strategic location between two continents) have left a legacy of military constructions that are still standing today.

This is the case of the torre del Puerco, strategically located on the boundary between Conil and Chiclana de la Frontera. These towers were built in the 16th century and fires were lit on the upper part of the towers to indicate the presence of invading pirates.

As we headed further along this rugged coastline, the beauty of this un-spoiled region of Spain never disappoints.

Finally, we picked up cycle trails which actually run all the way into Chiclana but we stopped at La Barossa for a picnic lunch and then headed back to Conil, our return route taking us along the cliffs between the port of Conil and Conil itself.

On our return, I watched a great game of rugby between France and Wales in the six nations. It could probably have gone either way but for the odd dubious decision but probably in the end, France just about deserved it. Let’s see what Ireland England brings tomorrow.

It was late for the BBQ, the new lights showing off our awning!

This was the route we took along the coast today.

The Roman exvacations at Baelo Claudia are located next to the town of Bolonia, some 60 minutes drive north along the coast.

Baelo Claudia is the name of the ancient Roman town, located 22 kilometres (14 mi) outside of Tarifa, near the village of Bolonia, in southern Spain. Lying on the shores of the Strait of Gibraltar, the town was originally a fishing village and trade link when it was settled some 2,000 years ago. Although prosperous at the time of Emperor Claudius, it went into a decline hastened by earthquakes and was abandoned by the 6th century.

Entry through the visitor centre reveals a model of the Roman town.

The study of its architectural remains shows its Roman origin at the end of the 2nd century BC, already observed since that time a great wealth that makes it an important economic center in the Mediterranean area.

It is possible that Baelo Claudia had some functions of governmental administration, but tuna fishing, salting, and the production of garum were the primary sources of wealth. The city was eventually successful enough to be granted the title of municipium by Emperor Claudius.

The life of the inhabitants reached its greatest splendor during the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. In the middle of the 2nd century, however, the town declined, probably as a result of a major earthquake which wiped out a large part. In addition to such natural disasters, by the 3rd century, the town was beset by hordes of pirates, both Germanic and Barbary. Although it experienced a slight renaissance later in the century, by the 6th century, the town had been abandoned.

Excavations have revealed the most comprehensive remains of a Roman town in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula, with extremely interesting monuments such as the basilica, theatre, market, and the temple of Isis. The spectacular setting in El Estrecho Natural Park allows one on a clear day to to see the coast of Morocco.

The water supply of the city was carried out by means of four aqueducts.

The industrial area can also be seen with remains of the garum manufacturing facilities, streets, aqueducts, remnants of the sewerage system, etc. In no other Roman site of the Iberian Peninsula is it possible to extract after the visit such a complete vision of Roman urbanism as in Baelo Claudia. In this lies its main interest, highlighted also by the spectacular landscape that surrounds the city.

The Romans certainly knew how to pick a stunning location for their towns.

It was a full-on day (and another day from beautiful sunny weather) as the restaurant laid on one of its communal nights – A Magical Arabic evening with Belly Dancing. We thought it a little expensive at 25 Euros per person (not including drinks) but the drinks only added a further 16 Euros and I’m sure the belly dancer required some remuneration. Ahmed, the life and soul of the restaurant operation is from Morocco, speaks about 6 different languages (fluently) and roped his wife into cooking the Moroccan food. I wasn’t keen on the desert but the rest of the meal and the entertainment was excellent.

I asked Ahmed if the Belly Dancer was also from Morocco to which he smiled and replied “of course not”!

A fairly early start as we would join the regulars from the walking group for a trip out to El Palmar and a hike back along the beach.

I’m going to try and remember everyone’s names. Leslie and Stan from lower down Margarita along with their two daughters, Helen and Julie. John and Lorna, next door but one higher up on Margarita. Sue and Margaret, Katerina (from the Netherlands), Rachel and Trevor. Finally of course, Joe and Moe.

We left the campsite around 10:15 for a 1.5 mile walk to the bus station and then a short bus ride to El Palmar. We stopped for coffees at the same bar we had enjoyed beer and tapas a few days earlier. The sea is still busy with surfers.

The waitor captured the following:

Another short walk along the front at El Palmar and it was time for lunch. Special treat – I had a Tuna pasty!

Half way along the beach to Conil, we detoured and headed to the tower. Here there are a number of breeding pairs of Northern Bald Ibis, which is a member of the Threskiornithidae which includes Ibis and Spoonbills.

The Northern Bald Ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa and central Europe but disappeared from Europe some 400 years ago. It is now considered critically endangered and one of the 10 most endangered birds in the world.

In 2004 a re-introduction project began in Cadiz province using birds bred in captivity. The first successful breeding of the released birds took place in 2008 at Tajo de Barbate and by 2011, a wild colony had established at La Barca de Vejer. It was in 2014 that two pairs started nesting in this tower. These birds are rare and in great danger of extinction so it is important to avoid disturbing them during their breeding season which is March through June.

As luck would have it, we managed to capture this fantastic picture of the birds, with one just landing.

A mile or two further and we reached the eastern outskirts of Conil, not quite as refreshed as earlier in the day.

And then we reached the Shack for a well-earned beer but still another 20 minutes walk back to camp.

All in all, just short of 10 miles, mainly on the beach so it wasn’t easy going.

Wednesday we walked into Conil, to check that the micro-brewery is still in operation. It is!!

Thursday and a trip to San Fernando and my favourite DIY store in the whole world – Leroy Merlin. Managed to purchase yet more lights for the caravan / awning!

Another glorious day with wall-to-wall sunshine and the daily high just above 20C.

Late morning we set out for the port of Conil, equipped with picnic and drone. This was our routing across the cliffs.

It’s a wonderfully clear day and perfect for some aerial coastal shots. What we hadn’t figured upon, was the curse of the seagull – just like home in East Devon.

As soon as the drone took off, seagulls appeared from all over the cliffs, making a huge racket and flying at the drone. The first flight ended prematurely without any footage but the drone returned to earth minus seagull damage!

The second flight was a little more successful and we gained some nice aerial shots of the coastline between Conil and the port of Conil.

Some of the pictures are stunning and really high definition. If you click on the picture, I’ve enabled these to load up at full resolution.

Finally we made it to the Port and refreshments at El Pastor, located within the perimiter of the working port of Conil. The place was packed and some of the fish dishes, looked, well, to put it politely, exotic.

Saturday evening and we had a BBQ back at the caravan.

Sunday and another lazy morning followed by a post lunchtime walk into Conil along the beach.

Even time for a beer on the way back at the “Shack”. Another beautiful day.

On the way back to the campsite, we noticed this rather pretty hedge. According to “plantnet” it is some kind of Jasmin, Probably “Common Jasmine”

In the evening, we booked tickets to see our favourite band – Pendragon – alas we miss most of the tour launching their new album because we are over here in Spain. All the European gigs are happening when we have guests in town. Hey ho, Manana.

Still, paid by 20 dollars and downloaded “Love over Fear, Pendragon”. Another timeless classic.

Monday was a total chill day. Some work in the morning, sun-bathing in the afternoon and guess what – our first communal meal this year at Rosaleda – Paella!

I’ll report back on it tomorrow…

We headed past El Palmar and almost as far as Barbate to cycle the new cycle route from Conil. It isn’t quite finished but it provides around 10 miles of predominantly “off road” and segregated cycleway.

We turned around short of reaching Barbate as the cycle route ended and the roads were a litte busy and narrow.

On the return, we headed into El Palmar itself and grabbed some Tapas and a beer at a bar opposite the surfing beach. Even at this time of year, there are many people surfing (wetsuits compulsory!).

As it’s valentines day, we detoured to the Mercadona in Conil and purchased some refreshments for the evening ahead.

Another nice day ahead, little wind and highs around 20C. We left Valle Niza around 10:00am and arrived at Camping La Rosaleda, Conil de la Frontera just before 2:00pm.

Ester was in reception and we were greeted like old friends. Our usual pitch had been vacated in time for our arrival and we spent the day setting up. We should be here for a few weeks so the proper awning is erected and all the toys full in place.

We still had some food left from the UK – Waitrose Thai fishcakes – which formed the basis of our dinner. Remarkably we also have a selection of English sausages and bacon. When they run out we can always plan a day trip to Morrisons on Gibraltar!

Wednesday was another fine day, spent relaxing and completing the setup. Evening was a couple of jars in the campsite restaurant, listening in to the English quiz.

Thursday, a busy day washing and chores. Yet more warmth and sunshine – this is certainly the best weather we have experienced in Spain during the Jan – Feb months.

In the evening we ate at the Campsite restaurant. The Sirloin steak kebabs are my favourite and they never fail to impress.

It’s been another whistle stop stay at Camping Valle Niza, Torre del mar, Malaga but this is our last full day and another full-on day it was.

In the morning, Paul and I cycled along the coast and back for a total of 20 miles. Weather was good again and a coffee much appreciated on the way back along the promenade at Torre del mar.

Packing up was quick and painless as we had only erected the sunshade awning.

That left a couple of hours to drink beer and play Paul at Table Tennis. A surprise win for me at 4 games to 2. I’m going to ache in the morning.

The four of us ate dinner at the campsite restuarant (Monday night).

We had to leave Palomares early as we had some technical issues with the business email server (also preventing access to the Caravan Ramblings blog) – our daughter, who was left access to the server room, happened to be away on a training course. There was no alternative but to head back to blighty and brave storm Ciara.

This wasn’t the original itinery. The plan was to travel back to Malaga late Sunday afternoon but Network rail posted a timetable cancelling ALL trains on the Sunday. This was later replaced by a alternate timetable but by now, I had already changed plans and would stay at Bristol airport in the evening and travel back early the next day.

Timings worked out really well. The take-off with storm Ciara whipping up gales in excess of 80mph was somewhat scary. I even managed to get back in time for a BBQ hosted by Paul and Andrea, as well as watch the six nations (France v Italy) in a sports bar in downtown Torre del Mar.

This is how it worked out:

Date	Time	Location
Saturday 8th Feb 2020	05:30	Depart Campsite
	06:10	Arrive Malaga airport
	07:30	Flight departs ontime to Bristol
	09:00	Flight arrives 20 mins early at Bristol
	09:15	Board bus to Temple Meads station
	09:35	Arrive Temple Meads
	09:45	Depart Temple Meads
	10:45	Arrive on-time at Exeter St Davids
	10:52	On-board train to Exmouth
	11:20	Train arrives Exmouth and Taxi is already waiting
	11:45	Arrive Budleigh Salterton
	17:16	All sorted, server fixed, paperwork dealt with
	17:24	Arrive bus-stop
	17:24	Bus departs for Exmouth
	17:44	Arrive Exmouth
	17:44	Pie and Pint at Wetherspoons
	18:26	Train departs Exmouth
	18:58	Train arrives Exeter St Davids
	19:00	Train departs Exeter St Davids
	20:16	Train arrives at Bristol Temple Meads
	20:30	Airport bus A1 departs Temple Meads
	20:40	Arrive at airport hotel
Sunday 9th Feb 2020	05:20	Depart hotel
	07:00	Flight departs Bristol
	10:10	Flight arrives Malaga
	11:10	Arrive at Camping Valle Niza
	11:30	Moe asks if I'd managed to water the plants. oops.