So it was then onto and into Cataluña Spain after 5 lovely days at Sainte' Marie.
To Cervera
When we left it started to rain and as we drove west it steadily became worst, we arrived in Cervera and it was lashing down and blowing a hoolie, the rain did not relent for 6hrs, and I can honestly say I can't remember it raining that long and hard even in Wales! the noise in the van was nothing like we had heard before, it was like sitting in a tin shed, and with the TV up nigh on full blast we struggled to hear the film we watched that night.
To Agreda
Tuesday we awoke to bright sunshine, we did not look the town over so cant say what it was like, maybe on the way back, the Aire was free with services N41.678101 E1.283900. Our plan was to do another 4hr drive to Agreda a place we visited earlier this year for a day and ended stopping two. We are doing longer drives this time around such is my need to get further south to the warmer climes. Agreda is also a free Aire and worth the visit N41.847431 W 1.930020 again with services.
Wednesday 6th Nov we left Agreda and travelled to Aranda de Duero, a nice drive along the Autivo, when we got there, there were road works and the bridge across was closed the diversion took us thru some narrow streets and then the satnavs tried to take us up a side street with balcony's that with one look was a recipe for disaster, we stopped in a car park and had lunch and then put plan B into operation and drove to Cuellar.
To Cuella
Not for the first time on this trip we were the only van parked overnight.
A free Aire parked next to the castle with services N41.400829 W4.320000. Unfortunately when we got there the heavens opened up again so we cracked a few tins and had our supper finished with a few large wines.
Thursday was a better day so a walk around the castle and town, we then set the satnavs for Zamora, probably our final day in Spain.
To Zamora
Once again the drive was a doddle, the roads in Spain are first class. Zamora is a busy city and it was a relief to find the Aire on the other side, it's a shame we did not stay on the Autivo for a few more junctions instead of having to drive through the city!
There are two Aires in Zamora for some strange reason both have no services, but both are free, the one we stopped at is adjacent to a large park N41.503601 W5.755430. One small setback was that the park seems a meeting place for trumpeters, and there was a god awful racket that went on for a few hours while they practised.
To Freixo
Well it's the 6th November and we entered Portugal 20days earlier than last year, our first stop is to Freixo de Espada a Cinta 41.088507 -6.817337, we stayed here for two days in May, and one of the reasons for our return is to pick up a set of van keys I lost in the supermarket, they were waiting in the check out till for us. Freixo is a nice town the Aire is free along with EHU, it also has some nice bars. the weather is much better, quite hot. We spent two days there then drove down to the city of Coimbra 40.198540 8.428050, it is the 3rd largest city after Lisbon and Porto and it is a very nice place with plenty of old buildings and roman history.
To Coimbra
When we got here the weather was scorching, there was plenty of people enjoying their Sunday afternoon along the river, and in the many bars and restaurants. The Aire is again free and for 20 vans, although I counted over 50?
The following day we set off for another place we stayed at last year Peniche 39.35389 -9.36083 we will again be staying at the municipal campsite 5.60e per day inc EHU and wifi in the new bar.
It's nice to be back here and we are thinking of stopping again for a few weeks or more, the weather is fantastic, the beach to die for and a surfers paradise, now where did I put my board!
To Peniche
I also want to put the van into a garage while we are here, as it has been loosing power up hills and blowing black smoke, possibly EGR valve?
There are many spots to wildcamp in Peniche
Clear blue sky's
I'm pleased to find out the new bar still has a happy hour from 5-7pm
2 pints = 1.80e
