SPAIN - Part 2 - Feb. 21, 2013

SPAIN - PART 2

FEB. 21, 2013

We’ve had amazing weather even warmer than last year with no rain during an eleven week period. Temperatures running from 20 to 25C!! And with the winds not as strong as last year, incredible for cycling. But just after mid-January a massive storm covering all of Spain and beyond hit us. Some rain but mainly winds…very powerful and extremely gusty. Three people were killed in the southern part of the country. We had to tie our kitchen tent to a large steel pole while a neighbour had a number of us help him take down his enclosed awning on his caravan. The next day we heard the chainsaws dealing with the damaged trees throughout the campground. Here and there people were repairing, reinstalling, fixing parts of their equipment. Some things were damaged enough to be brought in for repairs. Some have been here for over fifteen years and they all say this was the worse windstorm they had ever experienced here. Our van certainly was rocked during the night…or was that caused by some other action inside?

The black cat who befriended us is still hanging around and has evolved to actually getting on Dawn’s lap for a nap. Or was it the other way around?

As seems typical in this place numerous and varied events trigger a celebration, mini party, or drinkfest. “Drinkfesting” is now a verb and an official activity soon to be recognized by an internationally famous organization. Said organization has agreed to replace the five rings on their flag with five liquor glasses. These activities can be triggered by things (the erection of John…and Margaret’s awning), people (the very late arrival of Chris and Sylvia, trouble makers extraordinaire), or friends coming in for a visit (Paul and Sue).

 

The weather continued to be exceptionally warm and dry. On January 30 we went off about 1 ½ hours west of us to meet good friends Chris and Mike from England. It was fantastic to see them again and to catch up. Later in the afternoon goodbyes were then said and they headed off. They weren’t out of sight when I turned the key in our van…notta!! Dead battery! Bummer! So we called the insurance assistance number. Help would be there very soon we were told. Unfortunately we apparently couldn’t be found and it was almost three hours before we were. The battery was boosted …twice…to no avail. The starter is broken, the mechanic said. No, it’s the battery, I said. Being on a sloped street we gave the van a push, popped the clutch and the engine fired right up. The mechanic looked at me and said, “It was the BATTERY!!”. Ya think! Off we finally were eventually on a high-speed auto route with heavy traffic outside a city when suddenly the traffic in front went from 120 kph to a full stop! Four-way flashers (Dawn) and heavy breaking (Dan), no crashing noise and we were also stopped. A three car pill-up just in front was the cause. After slowly and gingerly getting around the mess we were off again getting back to camp by eight o’clock.
 

Two of the repeat offenders (ie returning campers), Chris and Sylvia, are a musical duo. Not long after arriving they were begged, conned, pushed, prodded and threatened into performing…for free! They are as awesome musically as they are personally. One loco local, not wanting them to even slow down, even gave Chris a drink while he continued to play. The crowd in the campground restaurant responded by singing along, clapping widely and refraining from throwing eggs. It was a great evening.

 

We again went to an area near here where Clint Eastwood and others filmed some of their most famous western movies. The original sets are now used as attraction parks with teepees and all!

We always stop at the same spot for a picnic high up the mountain side with a majestic view toward the Mediterranean. This photo doesn’t show water…these are greenhouses as far as the eye can see. This region has the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world and they can be seen from space. The narrow winding road is especially magical this time of year with all the almond trees blossoming with white and pink petals.

Being a desert, the vegetation is unique and different from what we are used to. Some of the flowers are gorgeous.

And the good ole (or is that old?) contingent decided to put on a Shrove Tuesday (didn’t have a clue what that was…maybe like Groundhog Day in North America?) pancake festival open to everyone on the campsite. Worked out great with amazing pancakes and singing/music provided as a freebie by Chris and Sylvia Extraordinaire.

But to put things in perspective, the next day we all got up to a power failure in the area followed by a grass fire not far from the campground. The BBQ invitations were going out with the fire expected on site within the hour. Some did not find that humourous…doubt they believe in cremation.

And to make sure that we would not change our minds about leaving, a ‘goodbye’ party was held for us; it was also used as an excuse to roast us a bit and have a few laughs at our expense….all in good fun or so we were told.

 

Two days later this was followed up by this foolish lot escorting us out of the campground, in some cases actually pushing the van to speed things up.

We will miss southern Spain, the area, the Los Escullos campground, the weather and the cycling. But as is always the case, it is the people who make a place extra special. And this lot did exactly that. Thanks so much for all the laughs. And of course, our livers say “MUCHO GRACIAS!!”.