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.