THE LAST THREE MONTHS

I promised myself that the first rainy day would be the day for me to update my blog. Here it is 27th. September. It has tipped down since early morning and looks likely to stay for the rest of the day.

 

We left Spain at the end of June to escape the worst of the Heat. Our journey took us into Portugal out to the most westerly point then on up to Evora. This looked like a good place to stop for lunch. It took us rather longer than expected to reach Evora and my planning of only one night there left us with no time to look around this interesting city. It is now on our list of places to go back to.

 

 

Our first planned two night stop was Tomar with the intention of visiting Fatima. The site Pellinos 77 for those fellow campers out there this is a little gem. Its owners are young Dutch couple. They left their busy lives in Holland to live their dream. Their love for their site and their friendship made our stay memorable.

 

Fatima is a place of pilgrimage for Roman Catholics the world over. It is built on the site where three children had a vision and saw the 'Lady with the white rosary' It was only in 1917, two of the children died young the other became a nun by the name Lucia who only passed away quite recently. The jewel encrusted crown was a gift from the ladies of Portugal who believe their faith in her kept their country out of WW2.

 

Of course there is profit being made on every corner selling candles and the like, some in the shape of body parts which are taken to be blessed then burnt with a prayer for healing.

It can only be said that this place is truly remarkable and I hope from the photographs it is possible to grasp the sheer size of this place.

 

 

 

 

 

We left Fatima and Tomar heading out to the coast of Portugal to avoid going through Lisbon. 

 

           

Next stop Spain. we try not to use motorways in the hope that we will see and find more interesting places to see and sometimes stop at the roadside to stock up with lovely local produce.

 





 

The ancient city of Campostilla de Santiago was our next place of interest. It rather reminded me of York perhaps because it was raining!

 

 



 

 

 

The Regions of Cantabria and Asturius in the north of Spain are very scenic the climate is just right for July and it is easy to see why so many Spanish people including the old King Alfonso chose to reside here in the Picos mountains during the summer months.

 

 

 

Our tunnel crossing was booked and it was now time to press on into France with one more planned visit. Oradour sur Glane. We had planned to visit Byonne and Bearitz it wasn't to be this time and headed off for Dax. One of the things we look forward to in France is the pavement cafes.

 

 

 

 

Dax is a spa town famous for its healing waters which leave the ground at 65deg. C.

 

 

Leaving the road to find somewhere to park up for lunch is sometimes quite a surprise! We stumbled upon Chateaux Rochefouauld.

 

 

A good parking spot by the river along with a couple of other motor homes a walk up to the Chateaux and some chocolate for later.

 

 

 

Ourador Sur Glane is a town near Limouges which was wiped out by the SS during WW2 all the inhabitants were massacred and the town burnt. It now remains as it was as a reminder of the horror of war. The underground visitor centre offers a very interesting account of what happened there and Why.

 

 

 

 

This concludes our journey through Portugal, Spain and France and a final push through the wheat fields to Calais.

 

 

Once in England we spent time with family. A day out in Frinton on Sea Alice found George was quite useful on our long walk along the seafront.

 

 

 

Up to Lancashire to visit friends and family there. Would it be nice enough for a day at 'The Open'

 

 

Well we did go and had a lovely day it was very cold but no rain. Another fine day and a day out with Lisa Dan and Nate.  A picnic in the Lakes.

 

 

After spending time wandering around the Essex countryside and a few days in Dorset we spent the Bank Holiday Saturday at Folkstone with a tunnel crossing booked for Sunday.

 

 

 

 

We have been back in Spain now for 4 weeks. The return journey is still in the camera. Perhaps a job for another rainy day.