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!