Javea + Benidorm

So there I am, snug in my little spot sheltering from wind whistling around the lighthouse on 'Cap de St Anton' overlooking 'Javea' and beyond. I've used the spot before and have had no bother either from the regular stream of tourists or the authorities. But this time I spy another motorhome approaching. I briefly note its French number plate and take no further notice until that is, a tanned and white bearded face unexpectedly appears at my open door and a very English voice asks if it is safe to park up.

Such was my introduction to Mike, a French citizen who left England some forty years ago. A fellow wanderer too, having obtained his tanned features during a recent three month trip to India. An intended, by both of us, overnight stop turned into two days of delightful sharing of food, history, poetry, music, experiences, beliefs and, lifes forever journey. We finally, with some reluctance, parted this morning, he going North back to France while I continue my Southerly meandering. I think Tanya is missing his dog Tarka too. I'm sure we will meet again, perhaps even on this trip as I travel back thru France. Who knows.

The last ten days have certainly been 'people' time. I stayed at 'Rugat' alogside my friends Wyn and Lenny outstanding villa amid the terraces of pink almond blossom. They've had a tough winter with unseasonable weather causing damage to the property and Wyn being floored by a vicious dose of flue. To lift their lowness we all took a trip in Foxy10 down to the coast. They stayed with me overnight and scored a first by using the big double overhead bed. They reported it as really comfy. I think our brief trip really lifted their spirits and helped them formulate a plan for the coming year involving possible downsizing and purchase of a 'Foxy10' type of motorhome. They already have a very old Hymer motorhome which at present is in bits and unusable. Good luck guys and may the plan come to fruition.

My next 'people' stop was Benidorm where two motorhoming friends were happily tucked into their slot on Camping Villanova. Personally I am not a Benidorm or a campsite dweller. However; I freely confess to being the odd one out as every campsite in Benidorm was full and the whole place was heaving. I roadside parked for one night and enjoyed a remarkably cheap, but very good Chinese meal with Phil and Linda.

I took Tanya out for a walk after the meal and noticed another British registered motorhome parked round the corner from me across several herring bone car parking slots right on the main road. He had ramps out to level the motorhome which is a definite no no if you wildcamp. It immediately alerts the authorities you are camping not parking. Worse still they had opened their gray water tap (Dirty sink/shower water) letting it flow across the road for all the traffic to splash thru. I shook my head in disbelief and sadness that another UK motorhomer could be so arrogant and disrespectful.

I thought, 'thats it, we'll all be moved on now'.

He was, about an hour later, and rightly so too. I thought I had got away with it as I was neatly and correctly parked on a quiet side street and no Policia Locale came a knocking at my door. But no; next morning as I opened my window blinds I saw an ominous large yellow sticker firmly stuck to a side window.

"Uh ho, we've got a fine I think".  muttered I as I removed it.

Now; do you remember how messrs Universe are mostly very kind and tolerant of me and my misdemeanours? Well, I am going to put Benidorms Policia Locale in the same category. The notice was just a warning notifying me I was parked in a 'forbidden place'. There was no fine. Phew! I was actually quite impressed at the subtle and different way the local police had dealt with a blatant offender, our arrogant dirty water draining friends, and a mild offender, yours truly. I was allowed an undisturbed nights sleep whereas our 'friend' was upsticked and moved on. Not pleasant when your settled in for the night. Let's hope he gets the message and learns the lesson.

Floored, Trumped & t'internet

Wow! At last bright warm early morning sunshine. Up quickly for an early morning Tanya walk and  contemplation on the day ahead. First morning out in shorts too.

Hmmmmm; never pays to get too cocky does it. An hour later the sun disappeared and a violent storm rocked Foxy10 off her wheels and all around on 'Camping Ribamar' chaos ensued as campers in various modes of early morning dress ran about securing awnings, rescuing chairs and catching washing gleefully set free to fly in the wicked and from all directions wind.

Long trousers plus central heating are back on and the sun? Well; it doesn't look like we're going to see it's shiny face again today. Not that I am particularly bothered as I am snug, warm and plugged in to electricity for the time being which is good as I am recovering from my second bout of illness this trip.

I had been wild parked at one of my favourite spots near Peniscola. Right on the rocks with blue sea just thirty feet away. Warm and sunny it was too plus an extra bonus in the form of Isobel, a local resident, and her newly acquired just four days previously, standard Poodle Raymond. We enjoyed a couple of good doggy walks together while catching up on current and historical gossip, as you do. At our age there are always rich pickings from 'historical gossip'. However; just lately, and wait for it, here's the punchline, it's been well and truly 'Trumped' by current affairs gossip.
Sorry all. Just couldn't resist it.

Tanya and I also had our first outing on the bike. Thought I had better prise it off the bike rack, show it some oil and see if it still worked after all the dreadful weather we have travelled through since leaving the UK. Ten K we did all the way along the lovely flat prom to Benicarlos Marina.

Washing, shopping, van cleaning and Tanya grooming were all due so I decided to move on for a few days TLC on 'Camping Ribamar' at 'Albacosse'. As I drove away from my rocky haven by the sea I felt a small stomach area twinge but thought nothing of it.

You know; I have to tell you this. Messrs Universe Ltd, as I've often said before, is so very kind and considerate to me. She allowed me to arrive at said campsite, drive onto a pitch and then, and only then, she floored me. Literally, floored me.
As we stopped I remember turning to Tanya and saying.

"Y'know Tan, I aint feeling right".

I then swivelled my seat round, went to stand up and found myself sprawled across Foxy10's floor sweating profusely and confusedly wondering what the hell had hit me. There I stayed for about two hours until the initial bout of severe delirium left me.

Thankfully that was the most severe it got and after another couple of hours bed rest a compromised and weak  functioning resumed. Domingo and his wife, owners of the campsite, were very helpful plugging my electric cable up for me, making sure I was OK and waving aside all booking in procedures until I was 'of normal function'.

I slowly recovered remaining at Camping Ribamar for four days before moving on further South to 'El Saler' where I am now. I am much, much better although taking it very easy. Sun is out though, shorts are on and beach walks with Tanya are order of the day.
.......

T'internet is a wonderful thing is it not? Yesterday I Arrived at 'Cullera' which is a large open motorhome parking area.  I parked up and boy was it windy. I also noticed how the recent bad weather and storms has altered the place. My spot of two years ago is now a salty lagoon behind a newly formed sand bank. Good job I was not parked there on whatever night it was the storm hit.

Out came the phone just to check e mails etc and there on 'WhatsApp' a photo of a Motorhome Truma central heating control with a request as to how to set it to give warmth. I quietly chuckled as I replied to my Sister and Brother in law all the way over there in New Zealand. They were on their first night of a very special retirement adventure in a hired Motorhome and it was cold. I am sure my involvement was more to do with confirming steps already taken and re-assurance. With a fully time served Chartered Engineer in charge I have a feeling the mechanical intricacies of a Motorhome will present little problem once they are past the initial settling in stage. It was a good feeling to be able to offer help though and a real testament as to the power and ability of today's mobile phone technology.

Have a good trip guys.