Back home

Three fairly easy days on the road, stopping at Caceres which has a stunning medieval centre and then at Burgos for a look at the world-famous cathedral. It was 17 degrees when we got home, but forecast to be much colder as from tomorrow.

Leaving Portugal

A few chilly nights (around 4 degrees) have shown us that our little caravan is not good for long-term winter camping as we spend a lot of time in the awning. Short days and long nights don't help. So next time we think we'll rent somewhere and have a bit more comfort. But the few weeks of winter sun have been great.

Anyway, it's been a good trip, we've walked in the hills, along the coast, lain in the sun on beaches and visited some interesting places - but there's plenty left to do another time!

We've also been astounded by what some Brits get up to while "camping" - one had even brought her own washing machine! And they all seem to have dogs.

Heading home tomorrow in three easy stages (we hope!).

The Algarve

We spent a couple of nights at Alvor, a nice fishing port on an estuary, but the camping was just too basic. So we're now on the huge camping at Albufeira which is much more comfortable. We like the old town where we were tempted by an English breakfast. Walked to the new town which was not nice - very kiss-me-quick. Will probably be here another week or so. Weather better than either Montréal or the UK although a bit mixed.

Last days in Spain

Left Cabo de Gata for a few days in Seville, negotiated the traffic only to find the camping closed as the road outside was all dug up! Carried on another hour and a half to El Rocio which is a bit wild-west with sand streets and lots of horses but a very famous Madonna statue and great bird-watching.

Then on to visit Judy's sister at Sanlucar de Guadiana on the Portuguese border. She lives a 40-minute walk from town so we stayed with her friend Ray in town. It suddenly turned cold. Moving on to the Algarve tomorrow.

Spanish New Year

Left the high-rise and tight camping of Calpe for the wide-open spaces of Cabo de Gata just east of Almeria, pausing for coffee and cake at the IKEA in Murcia on the way.  Did the tourist bit in Almeria - lunch, cathedral and great fort. This is where lots of spaghetti westerns and other films were shot. The Cabo de Gata park is spectacular in places but with lots of plastic greenhouses. Large camping with lots of space and a preponderance of Brits, some of whom organised a New Year Eve party. Spent New Year's Day on the beach.