The Snowbird - Run 2011 Blog

[XCovlov70]

Awesome!

Thanks, and we ain't finished yet!!!

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

France – Spain Page 6.

Gave some thought last night to the possibility of seeing if we could get into Spain today depending on how the traffic and road conditions fared while going South.

Well we made it and here is the update…..

Left the campsite in Chassagne at 07:30 this morning and headed off in the dark to make our way South.

I used to enjoy ‘Night Driving’ partly because of the ‘quite roads’ but now with the build up of traffic, especially the overnight freight trucks it’s not ‘Fun’ anymore and you really need your wits about you.

On the road ‘EARLY’!!!



Sunrise on the N10 Southbound





Just get into Bordeaux and find ourselves in a Luverly Traffic Jam, but it was around 09:20 so I think we have a few Late Arrivals for work on the road!



Nearly as bad going the other way.



Around 3 years ago there were some horrendous Storms that ripped through forests just North of Bayonne that destroyed very large areas, the clean up operation and replanting is still going on and here are some pictures of the progress…..

Still collecting fallen trees that are cut into logs and stacked waiting collection.



Behind the trees in the picture below are part of 5000 Tons of Tree Logs brought in from the forests that were destroyed by the storm. The logs are being continuously sprayed with water just in case of any potential fire hazard!



Old trees that survived and new trees that have been planted



Meanwhile and also, there is a large road widening scheme going on at the moment on this road that is the main link between France & Spain also for traffic going to and coming from Portugal of which a very large portion is Freight Lorrys (Trucks). This time of year is getting quite but I hate to think what it will be like in Summer with ‘Vacationers’ and the road works will not finish till the middle of 2014!



Not much further down the road and we see the Pyrenees of Spain as we are getting very close to the border





Over the France – Spain Border and the Sun really comes out with the temperature reaching 20C (68F) It’s not long before I have the Air Conditioning on and the Seat Cooling Fan running as I am seriously leaking with the heat coming through the windscreen!



Shortly after crossing the Border and having made our way around the outskirts of San Sebastian via a maze of roads that without TomTom we would have become hopelessly lost we hang a Left and start heading off on the l o n g climb up over the Pyrenees, then Flamenco Red starts the Low ‘Growling’ and we are going like a ‘medium rocket’ past all the BIG Trucks who were just about crawling up with their loads!

The only ‘downside’ was the ‘Instant MPG’ readout was showing between 9 & 15Mpg depending on the frequency of the ‘Growling’ coming from Flamenco Red!

But still the scenery and the views were excellent!









9 Hours later we arrive at our next campsite in the town of ‘Haro’



Nice cold drink and it’s time to start preparing the evening meal, so I BBQ some Pork Chops and while cooking them I am serenaded by the Bell Ringers at the Church on the Hill in the picture above, a rather nice end to a good day!

Buenos Nochas!

Next stop for tomorrow will still be in Spain at the city of Caceras.

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Spain Page 7.

Well after for us a HOT Day, and a FREEZING night when the temperature swung between 20C & -2C which I felt at 03:00AM when ‘it’ woke me up and not being able to find my Thermal Hat I then pulled the bed sheet over my head and found it quite stiff, but it worked and stopped my nose snapping off!!!

Breakfast was 07:15 and we were ready for the ‘Off’ at 07:55 even with my nearly frozen fingers from packing things outside away.

As we set off from the campsite at Haro and made our way out of the town we saw these rather nice Sculptures placed on Traffic Islands, but I must say that Haro is near enough the centre of Rioja Wine production in Spain.

A Bunch of Grapes



Treading the grapes



This one is for Giorgio (XC Volvo & Wine Connoisseur!) in Italy as it shows the Rioja Vineyard in its full colour with no fruit!

Salud Buena Giorgio!



Now on the main road and heading for Caceras



Sadly TomTom misled us and we ended up going through this rather nice ‘Hole in the Wall’ before we could turn around and get sorted out for the correct way!



You can tell you are in Spain, just look at a certain size of his ‘anatomy’ (In between the branches)



OMG! We just get on the Spanish ‘Trunk Road’ (Non Toll A62) and run into FOG that stayed with us for some time, temperature was between 2 & 4C, not good!



When we got to a clear section we saw the ‘Storks Nest’ on several poles including the Power Line structures but as they could not plug in their Electric Blankets they had all flown off to warmer climates!





As it was nearing lunch time we decided to find a Garage and have a sandwich will giving Flamenco Red a short rest and a fill up of Gazol as the tank was getting a wee bit low!

We turn off the ‘Trunk Road’ (4 Lane road, 2 lanes each way) and see this contraption on the garage forecourt…..



It turns out it is used for making Wine! I am sure though with a small ‘modification’ it could be used ‘Up in the hills’ for Moonshine?

Nice Beef Sandwich, with a cold drink, at the ‘Tin Tent’ followed by our first Spanish Coffee in the Garage Cafeteria, and it was nice!



Back on the road and what’s that in the distance that looks rather white in colour?



Well, “There’s SNOW on them thar Hills”



We did think about a small detour and see if we could use the Kayak as a Snowboard as it’s got 3 seats, but decided to keep going to Caceras as we wanted to get there today!

Interesting to see that while there is the Snow, there are still the Autumn Colours on quite a few of the trees as we travel by.



Bit further along we come across this Lake/Reservoir, not sure of the name but it was quite low on water





Not long after, and another 8 hour day driving we get to the campsite for the next 3 nights.

Before we set off we set up the ‘Slow Cooker/Inverter’ again with some Chopped Pork, Hot Pot Sauce Mix, Onion, Sliced Potatoes, Carrots & Peas, some Herbs du Provence, a bit of Salt and Ground Pepper all mixed up!

We then hooked it up and let Flamenco Red do the cooking as we travelled along & it was GREAT as our evening meal!!

Tomorrow is a day off for Flamenco Red and we are on the Local Bus for a day sightseeing in ‘Old Town Caceras’!

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Spain Page 8.

A day ‘Exploring Caceras’, but before we set off, a couple of pictures of the campsite.

The little building at the side of your place consists of a Gas Boiler Powered Shower, Toilet (WC) & Washbasin which was very nice and saved hiking very far when you got caught short at 02:00AM!



Each and every camping pitch has its own facilities!



Set off from the campsite for the Bus into Caceras that runs every half hour and costs €0.75/Person One way which is a heck of a lot cheaper than Bus fares in the UK!



On the way into the centre we pass this statue but cannot find any information about it on the Tourist Map!



Old Ships Anchor in the middle of a traffic island which considering the city is a long way from the sea seemed a bit strange!



Pass through a park running down the main street with some more statues in



The we start making our way to ‘The Old Town’



Passing this Church with a couple of strange figures outside!



While opposite was this Lady selling her Newspapers



On the way to ‘Plaza Mayor’ and every city in Spain has a Plaza Mayor!



‘Plaza Mayor’ which is on the edge of the Old Town





Main entrance to the Old Town







San Francisco Javier’s Church with the Plaza de San Jorge in front



In the centre of the back wall of Plaza de San Jorge is a statue of St George slaying the Dragon



While up the steps and into the Church we are confronted after paying the entrance fee of €1 with…..



I could not resist the offer to climb up, as it offered memories of a climb up 299 Steps that a guy called Chuck Bish (Who sadly passed away last year) and I did at a memorial to the Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston (USA).

When we got down I was wheezing like a stuck pig, but Chuck was a lot better, so I dedicate this to him and the GREAT Memories we had together, and off I went, the first stop being the Balcony with a nice view down into the church itself



While tucked away in the corner was the second ‘stairway’ of concrete steps



So up I went again (Apologies as I took the picture looking down the steps!)



Out through the little doorway and I am in one of the two Belfry’s





Rather glad they had taken the ‘Gonger’ out, but some nice views were to be had from the windows









Back down I go and make my way to the rear of the church while my thigh muscles are killing me from the trip downstairs and into a small room that is full of very nice Icons





The back outside looking across the Plaza de San Jorge



Some views of other churches







Then we find ourselves in the Old Jewish Quarter





After walking down the road in the picture above we found ourselves at…



This is the only Roman Gate that exists in the fortified walls nowadays and is called Christ’s Arch





Then following the walls we come to…





While a bit further along, and for this you have to use your imagination…



Imagine looking inside the Horn of a Bull and seeing a set of very steep stairs that bend like the Horn…..?



While walking further around we saw….





Then we saw the door to the Palace of los Toledo Moctezuma open and no one around, so we went inside, got into the courtyard but could not go any further!



We then made our way back to Plaza Mayor, and sat there while we ate lunch, then made our way into the newer part of the city with again some nice scenes…



Seed Pods on the branch of a tree, never seen them this BIG!



As the city came to life they turned the fountain on. Nice touch



Finally stopped for a ‘Coffee con Leche’ in this bar and found a very nice backdrop along the bar!



Then made our way back to the Bus Stop for the return to the campsite after a very nice day in Caceras.

Tomorrow we are off to Merida for another adventure as we understand that this city is full of antique Roman bits!

Buenos Nochas!

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Spain Page 9.

A day ‘Exploring Marida’

But first…. The End of a perfect day in Caceras.

Sunset at the campsite last night!



We set off at 09:00 today for the short run to Merida as it is listed as a World Heritage Site and when you get there you can see why with all the Roman/Arab buildings that are in place!

Entering the city we pass over the ‘Guadiana River’



With a city view shortly after…



Followed by a rather nice ‘Traffic Island’ that we think is a War Memorial…



After finding a parking space near the Roman Bridge, we get to an information plaque that gives the story of Merida, hope you can read it…



We then admire the Roman Bridge, built some 1700 years ago and while requiring a bit of ‘maintenance’ has stood the test of time…



Then up on the bridge and the 1Km walk across it into the city…



Part way over is this nice view down the river of one of the Road Bridges…



While from one of the small offshoot side roads to the bridge was this nice view of the central span…



While on the opposite bank was the old Roman/Arab main Fort…



We made our way to the entrance to the Fort and having bought our tickets for the sum of €6/Person, we then found that it covered the entrance to 5 other ‘exhibitions’ two of which you will see later!



Now inside the Fort/Gateway to the city…



After the Romans came the Arabs who modified the Gate to one entrance directly into the city and the other entrance into the Fort/Castle…



The second ‘modified’ gate into the Fort/Castle…







Now having passed through the Arab/Muslim gate we are now inside the Fort/Castle…



Some more information about the ‘Barracks’…



Then the overall view of the ‘Barracks’



Now for a very ingenious Fresh Water Supply!



The building…



Entrance door…



Having entered the doorway, you go down a few steps then turn right…



Follow the steps down again and you come to the Fresh Water supply complete now with Goldfish but not sure who feeds them…



Meanwhile back outside…



I also saw several Black Olive trees in the grounds but when I tasted the fruit it was very sour, which I soon regretted!



Then walking around we saw other stones from the buildings that have not been re-constructed…



The remains of other buildings…



And finally a wall…



But just look at the size of the blocks of Granite!



We then made our way up through the city to our next stop with some nice views as we went….







A lone Stork who hasn’t yet migrated!



Then one of those ‘Fab Four’ got remembered!





It was interesting watching all these guys trying to get this sculpture through the door!



At the end of ‘Calle John Lennon’ we hung a left and went onward and upward to our next destination…



Which was…



The Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro)



A bit closer…









The Theatre (Teatro)…



A bit closer…









The Roman Relaxation area, and the black hole in the middle was where the fire was lit…





The floor of the Roman Basilica…



Walking area…



Another building close to the Theatre



View across the Theatre from one side to the other…



We then made our way out of this exhibition only to be accosted by several ‘Restaurant Sellers’ offering us the ‘Menu of the Day’ at a few restaurants for a very good price, but then we saw the other Pensioners on the left with the sign outside the café….



As we had already had our lunch while sat on the steps inside the Theater we continued back into the city…









To our next stop which was the ‘Cripta Santa Eulalia’ underneath the Basilica…





The Basilica was actually enlarged over a number of centuries which is difficult to show as the picture below had different coloured LED’s fitted to show the different times, but did not come out on the picture, sorry



Now underneath the Basilica and in the Crypt…





I think the next picture gives an idea of the different centuries due to the graves, some direct in the earth while others were in sarcophagus



And then we see the remains of a little Chapel…





With the burial chamber outside of a Roman Soldier



The Basilica itself was closed but I managed to get 2 pictures one direct and the other a copy of a picture showing the inside…





Then we made our way back into the city…



And the City Market…





When we saw the SIZE and PRICE of the Broccoli and compared it to the price back home we nearly fell over in shock it was that much cheaper and so much fresher!



Then making our way back to Flamenco Red for the trip back to Caceras…





While on the Roman Bridge again we look over the side and spot….



Who got disturbed and took off!



Only to land again a short distance away!



Well that’s it for today, but it was very enjoyable and like good explorers we have left a bit to see for the next time we come!

Next stop tomorrow is Portugal.

Buenos Nochas!

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Spain - Portugal Page 10.

On the road again!

Finally left Caceras at 09:00 this morning after the Security at the campsite allowed a camper to arrive and start ‘banging around’ at 00:05 this morning! I did ask them as we left to consider a specific place for late arrivals that was some distance from folks already here, but if we come back, and I would like to then we will opt for ‘the far corner’ as I had around 2 hours sleep last night!

On the road it felt like Sunday & not Saturday as once again there was very little traffic on our way to Portugal, and the first section consisted of crossing over the ‘Sierra de Don Pedro’ a not very high mountain range, I say 'not high' as Flamenco Red was not 'growling' as much.









Heading for Badajoz which is not far from the Spanish/Portuguese Border we pass by a couple of villages that specialise in Olive Oil and the Olive Groves off up the hills



After taking a wrong turn we ended up just on the outskirts of Badajoz when we should have given this a miss and gone round the city!



Managed to call in for a ‘Gazol’ fill up before we got to the border which was quite close now and spotted some more Storks on various structures



Next we pass over the border, but no security or formalities as both countries are EU Members



You can always tell when you are in Portugal because 90% of the houses are painted white to reflect the Sun in Summer!



As we trundle along we spot this rather strange ‘Wall’ and as we got closer we could see that the blocks were in fact Marble which is to be found in this area of Portugal at a city called Estremoz



It also has a ‘Walled City’ which we thought was interesting and carried on



Having gone a little bit further we spot this campsite at the side of the road not far from Estremoz and decided on the spur of the moment, like you do, to take at least 1 day/night out, stop over and go and have a look at the city, so we turned around, came back to the campsite, checked in, got set up, met the owner and learned that there was a market in the city, so off we went….



This is the ‘Faturas Chef’ which was for us a ‘snack’.



It looks after cooking like a Catherine Wheel which is then cut into pieces and dipped in Sugar and tastes ‘Yummy’ so needing a ‘fix’ to keep me going we got a couple!



Finished that and then we set off around the rest of the Market and came across these ‘Bells’ for Sheep and Goats



Then around some more of the Market





Spotted this ‘contraption’ which was manufactured in Manchester (UK) but haven’t got a clue what it was used for, and neither had the stall holder!

We think it might have been for the Yarn Industry but not sure. Any ideas would or knowledge would be most welcome?



But more Market….



Then off to the Castle, via a Marble Statue to the Volunteer Firemen of the town…





With a view of the Castle as we continue on our way…



Entrance archway…



Then the other side looking downhill !



Then outside the Church at the top was this Marble Statue of ‘Rainha Santa Isabel’



View out of the wall…



The Tower which is now an extremely expensive ‘Luxury Pousada Hotel’



Another archway & gate on the other side of the city



Another view ‘Over the Wall’



Some of the City Wall…



The Church of Santa Isabel…



On our way back to Flamenco Red…



We then travel back to the campsite for some long overdue lunch and get set up properly, and find that the campsite was only opened last year and is a really nice place so have decided to stay 2 nights and ‘explore’ a bit more tomorrow…



Ultra clean and modern toilet block



Bom Noite!

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Portugal Page 11. (AM)

HOT & Cold!

After a really quite HOT day yesterday, well it got me in a pair of shorts! The temperature plummeted last night to around 3C (-16 F) but I did have a good night’s sleep, however when it came to breakfast this morning then all I can say is ‘Thank God’ for Porridge Oats as they are truly the ‘Central Heating for Pensioners’!

After a bowl of that with some honey and a good shower I fell ready to face another interesting day, but first I have to clean me teeth, and after the COLD Night I had one heck of a job getting the toothpaste out of the tube, it was like it was FROZEN!!

Put a few sandwiches together and we are off for a look around ‘Evoramonte’ (A Walled Town) which is a World Heritage Site & by all accounts really interesting place…..

The Model in the Castle



Coming in via….





But before we go through the Sun Gate a few views from around the outside…







Then having climbed up on top of the Sun Gate where ‘Health & Safety’ left it to what you had between your ears to look after you as there were no handrails which I found quite invigorating…



I got this view….



While up the main street…



The views around the area were quite breathtaking….













While looking left from the Sun Gate….







Climbed back down the steps and started to make our way up the main street to find….





We then get to and enter the Castle which was FREE Entry but I think that was because it was Sunday….

Ground floor (There are 3 floors)





Up the stairs to the 2nd Floor Entrance…



While the main central room was the same as the previous floors the outer rooms were slightly different…



Looking into the central room…



Side room with fireplace…



Then up on the roof…



With the view through the castellated top….





As we got to the bottom we saw some information about the ‘build/defences’ of the castle…



Then about the ‘Knots’ you can see on the outside walls which I hope you can read…





Then we set off down the other side….





Next stop was the Church, but sadly it was not open….





As that took care of the morning we then went back to the campsite for a bit of lunch with a view to going over to Estremoz for a look at the Food Festival in the afternoon, which turned out to be a nice experience as I am sure you will see.

[XCovlov70]

“Snowbird Run – 2011”

Portugal Page 11. (PM)

OK so lunch is taken care of and we are now on our way back into Estremoz for the last day of the ‘Food Festival’

After following the signs for the festival on the outskirts of the town we find ourselves in the car park of a large hall. Flamenco Red seems to be getting a lot of attention, but I think it is the kayak on the roof that is making people curios!

Meanwhile inside the hall we find…

Restaurants serving local produce, and in effect you could have ‘Sunday Lunch’



Along with a number of side stalls displaying local produce which was for sale…





Then we spot this ‘Little Cutie’ along with her Mother and another member of her group….



Around 30 minutes later they are all making their way up on stage for an exhibition of local dance and song…













The next routine involved the Men using sticks which they smacked together with some force!



Not to be outdone, the Ladies then had a go, and I am glad I was NOT on the receiving end of one of their ‘Thwacks’!



All too soon it was the end of the performance and the end of the festival…



We then made our way back to the campsite, and as the time had really shot forward I fancied a nice drink, but while we were at Evoramonte on our way back to Flamenco Red, I spotted a Lemon Tree with some fruit overhanging the public footpath, so detached a Lemon from the tree….



It made my Cuba Libre really special and very nice! Cheers!!

Tomorrow we are back on the road to Evora but it is not far so a short drive is on the horizon!

Bom Noite!

[Forkster]

Wow - looks like a lot of sunny days. What's the temperature like?

Ed

[XCovlov70]

Wow - looks like a lot of sunny days. What's the temperature like?

Ed

Anything from 16C (60.8F) during the daytime to 3C (37.4F) at night when the Thermal Hat appears!

This morning though it is quite misty outside which I think was a left over from yesterday, possibly cause a short delay in us moving off to the next place while we wait for the Sun to burn it off!