There always seem to be a few issues when we arrive on site, particularly after a long journey through Spain.
The first issue was the fridge – the door was stuck closed. It turns out that the bottom hinge has moved or bent downwards slightly, so the catch doesn’t release the door. It seems to be a bit of a known problem with the Dometic RMS 8551 3-way fridge.
Anyhow, here is a link to the door repair.
We had also brought some Sikaflex 522 sealant adhesive to reseal above and below the awning rail. The warm dry weather should assist with the curing of the adhesive.
Finally, on Wednesday, we were ready to pop up the awning. We had driven to LeRoy Merlin in order to buy some weed barrier in an attempt to cover the muddy bits of our pitch.
When we are away for this length of time, we always wonder what we have omitted to bring with us. That’s apart from the myriad of jobs to fix all the broken bits of caravan. Most of the screws rolling around on the floor can be identified and re-inserted but there’s always a couple of bonus ones!
The first omission is that Joe didn’t pack any contact lenses – or maybe he did but just doesn’t remember where. The nearest optician in Conil was “Centro Optica la Bodega” and the chap was ever so helpful. He explained that he didn’t have any lenses of my exact power in store and it would take nearly a week to get hold of my Acuvue Oasys dailies. I ordered them and then he asked if I had enough lenses for the next week, which I didn’t. He handed me two trial packs of Mincon lenses, the left eye slightly stronger in power but he say’s that won’t be a problem.
The NEXT day I get a Whatsapp at 09:00 from him to say the lenses have arrived. What a stunning service. Can you imagine approaching an opticians in England with two empty contact lens pods, no prescription and seeking a 3-month supply? Thought not!
Thursday, and the weather continues to be set fair – no wind, high of 21 degrees and lots of sunshine. We drove to Chiclana to fill one of the Safefill gas bottles and then in the afternoon took a walk down to Conil beach.
Later in the evening was our first communal meal at the Rosaleda restaurant – Christmas dinner – despite not a Turkey in sight it was nevertheless a hearty offering.
Entertainment provided by “Spanish Elvis” although his repertoire of “covers” stretches way beyond Elvis…
On Christmas eve we set off on our bikes – after spending the morning making them ready for the road. Another sunny day, highs around 20 Celsius, no wind and a stunning ride out.
*****
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
*****