Motorhomecamping

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/27376

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I had four gas roof light window struts re-gassed at SGS Engineering Derby.

They did them whilst I waited

Nice and friendly people

Would use them again.

Hoping to have a go at Iceland in 2013. Best time to go is summer.

Another van to go to Dahkla with us we will travel and do what each individual wants to do you can go off on your own if you want.But we will not be in each others van all the time.

Contact -michaelleivers@hotmail.co.uk

New Gpl station at Marbella on the N340

The forecourt is utter chaos cars entering from all directions going in between the pumps etc.......

N36.51030,W04.89672

Make sure you have French/Italian they screw one into this,or EURO  adapter theres is a funny one. They do not have a Euro fitting here(not when I was there) 

Phone 952.821.307

IN A NUTSHELL

12.40 dirhams to the pound. Can get 13.5

The ferry is 180€ return same as last year!!!!

Don't drive in the dark in Morocco because donkeys, people and mopeds are likely to be on the road with no lights(it scared me stiff)never again.

Anything with two wheels and two legs have priority so be careful they will ride and walk straight out in front of you.

Diesel is 62p a litre and when you get as far as Ma Fatma its about 45p.

Food is dirt cheap also a kilo of potatoes is 40p we had a piece of Turkey for 70dh and made 7 meals, you can get a fresh chicken pick your own!!(you dont see them kill it).

We use gaslow LPG in two 13k bottles we take one bottle out and put Morrocan 13k bottle in gaslow pipe fits. A 13k Moroccan gas bottle is 116dh to buy full, 45dh to exchange and when you have finished with it hand it back and get 116 dh back.

Buy a little dumpy gas bottle for 40 dh full, and then exchange for 11dh.

If you haggle cut their price by three quarters and start from there. They talk stupid money.

Most of the roads are good especially Motorways which are tolls (quite cheap) some of the dirt tracks leave alot to be desired.There is a lot of free camping in Morocco south of Agadir keep out of the way of the police. We feel very safe in Morocco and leave our stuff out all night even on freebies by the sea in the middle of nowhere.

Don't get caught out by people selling trips if you don't want it say no and walk away a bit fast before they have chance to change your mind. The Moroccans can talk the money out of your wallet and you don't know.LOL

You can get Moroccan money outside the country you can get some at Carlos the ticket man at Palmones and in Gibralter all be it not top rate. My TOM TOM Map was good to say it is only a small map, it took us close enough to where we wanted to be.

When you are over there you have to use evasive driving because they are crackers, no idea about driving really.

Setting off for Portsmouth for ferry to Santander 4th October @17:00.

Finally got away at 1900 the ship was late due to a medical emergency at sea helicopter had to land on deck.. arrived at Santander at 1900 in rush hour and dark!!!!!!

5th October, we stayed at Llanes where the parking was taped off for some reason but there is still room to park.(Found out since we were at the wrong place)LOL

6th October, was at Cangus de Onis campingcar park nice town with a Roman bridge, you can also walk along the river, it is also near the Picos de Europa National Park.

7th October parking at a little cove with a restuarant over looking the sea at Caravia.

On the 8th we set off for A.Pontenova but when we arrived here it was blocked off because the fiesta was in town. So we moved on to Lugo on arrival this also was blocked off for a big fair, we ended up in a carpark down the road.

9th October  we are at Milladoiro  camping car park  and the sun is shining. You can get a bus to Compostelo de Santiago (the pilgrimage centre) from here.

The 10th of October we where at a place called Bueu this is a nice little place with a picnic area and BBQ's. Also two beaches to use 2mins walk 15 mins to town.

12th October we went to Esposende which is a nice place spoilt by a bloody siren going off day and NIGHT...2 nights of it. .off again to Vila do Conde 14th parking by the river in the day and parking at night 300yds up the road in car park. This place has got a aquaduct that fed the Monastry there must be 100 arches, worth seeing and an old pirate ship.

16th October We called in at Paramos but the weather was not too good so we moved on again without stopping. Finished up at Torreira (free aire) all services and toilets, this too is a nice little seaside town two places to park here.

The 18th October we arrived at Costa Nova Do Prado for 5 nights, 22nd October we moved a couple of miles to Barra seaside and a few shops here. Weather changed now a bit crap.

24th another night at Costa Nova and the 25th at Praia do Mira nice quiet place but weather is terrible. Now we are at Figueira da Foz 26th weather is crap high winds and heavy rain. We had 5 days here.

31st Was spent at Batalha there is an old Monastary here.

1st  November was at Bargem Pegar do Altar this was nice but spoilt by the weather.

the 2nd of November was spent at Praia Santo Andre where it lashed it down and nearly tipped the van over with the wind so another nice place spoilt. 3rd of November we where at Ingrina there wasn't another van there possibly due to the crap weather. We moved on to Praia da Rocha 4th November plenty of vans here we had 6 days of changing weather. Went to Claires on the seafront for a meal and it was very good(cheap). We are at Silves now 5th November and weather rain and sunny. Might get up to the castle tomorrow.

6th November Quarteira you cannot park on the waste ground anymore they are using some of it as a games area. Praia da Rocha and 7th November Alagoa we like it here although there are some long stayers setting pitches up like a campsite.

19th November At Castro Marim today, and what pisses you off most!!!! No room and 2 caravans parked and a car, an english caravan and car with tables and chairs out and a small motorhome pulling a twin axle caravan with a car along for good measure parked length ways taking four bays,f*** me. The best thing about this now is they charge  for water that stops the free loaders from Vila Real  coming and clogging up the borne. Cleared off from here to Matalascanas 20th never seen so many holiday apartments in my life, close to the Donana National Park the town and sea. Went out in the morning and was nearly eaten alive by the mozzies. Next time I go there I will take a bucket full of insect repellant. 21st we are at Benalmadena Costa nice here next to park with animals and chickens running free also  emu's and mountain goats in pens.Had a week here. Another English dickhead here  letting his water drip all over the parking area and locals walking in it to get to their cars!!!! WHAT THE F****S UP WITH THESE PEOPLE. He was an older bloke too. Moved to Fuengirola 28th November for seven days we love this place. Then to San Pedro de Alcantara 5th December for another seven days. We liked it here next to the sea and a little walk to the town. 

December12th One night at Lidl Palmones for ferry ticket and stock up with liquids!!! and food of course. The 13th we had a night on the motorway looking over Casablanca and saw a beautiful sunset over the city. The 14th and we are at Atlantica Park campsite at Imi Ouadder(Agadir). A day and a half Tangiers to Agadir straight down motorway £40 all the way. Had another picture painted on the van. Sitting outside suppin wine.

After 4 days 18th we moved to Tiznit camp site all crammed in but we wanted to find the Blue Pool which we did but unfortunatly it was a funny greeny colour!!! typical Morocco. We had a day at Aglou Plage to see the fishermens houses built into the rocks, and where I spotted the radiator leaking!!! off to Tiznit to get some Radweld.We are now at Sidi Ifni (drove in the dark it put 10 years on me)22nd for Christmas and New Year with Friends from Wales, this campsite is a right shit hole the toilets are filthy(Camping Municipal). January 2nd Abanayou This campsite is part of the thermal springs this is my kind of pool luvly and hot and always changing the water.

January 4th Just south of Tan Tan Plage(El Ouatia) right at the side of sea spent two weeks here.17th January we moved to Chebika  word has it that this parking is going to be a golf course!!!! January 24th we were at Ma Fatma 80p a night 7 miles from here diesel was 5.20dh - 44p a litre. January 28th back to just south of Tan Tan Plage again.February 3rd Foum Daraa at the mouth of the river Draa in the middle of nowhere very windy here. February 8th came Tiznit but the campsite was full so we parked on waste ground opposite.  February 9th From Tiznit we went to Taliouine in the mountains warm in the day but cold at night. 10th February Taborhate on our way to the film studio's at Ouarzazate were films like  Gladiator, Cleopatra and the Mummy were made I enjoyed it seeing all the sets etc guide in English, entry 50dh. February 11th at Zagora until March the 5th then start for home.. Bought internet dongle here 200dh for 1 month unlimited will buy a dongle on entering Morocco next time.

March 6th stopped off at Source Bleue de Meski nice site which has shops on it, you can trade your stuff here but be prepared to pay money also.(another fiddle for them)outside is a ruined Kasbah.

March 7th at Moulay Idriss nothing here at all just campsite.

March 8th back to Palmones Lidl.

March 9th had three days parked outside Gibralter.

March 12th was supposed to be at Estopona but youngsters were racing about in there cars so it was back to San Pedro de Alcantara.

March 15th back to Fuengirola, and Fuengirola showground there is a big carboot on Saturdays here.

March the 19th two nights at Benalmadena. We called in at Malaga for GPL and thier euro adapters threads were knackered what a performance this turned out to be.

March 21st we went right across to Javea on the east coast of Spain for two nights, we went to Scallops Restaurant here the meal was 3 courses for 7.95€ with a bottle of wine per person. I called in at Benicasim aire to empty the toilet, and a French man was using a watering can to fill up and his wife was doing the washing he told me I had to wait till they had finished!!!! I told them to B*******X and emptied my toilet and left for Blanes

March 23rd one night at Blanes.

March 24th one night at Le Boulou in France to do washing, have to pay for water here now.

March 25th Sainte Porcain Sur Souile this is a very good aire.

March 26th  we had a night in the little village of Buchy it was nice and quiet.

March 27th was Wissant ready for Calais and ferry home on 28th.

Total Milage  5987

Total expenses for 6 months - £2806

Next years trip will be to Dakhla.

Northumbrian Coast the 8th August.

We used the Caravan and Camping Club THS's.

Seaburn which is right next to the beach and Morrisons and near the town this is a dog friendly beach you can use half of it.

Beadnell a field away from the beach and a little walk into town this is a dog friendly beach.

 Beal this was near the causeway to Holy Island but too far to walk to the island so we drove across and parked up for £4.20 all day(broke my heart to pay) we spent all day there to get my money's worth.

Will do these one again.

DOMETIC FRIDGE FREEZER

Model No - RM 7605L

Whilst we were at Calpe, Spain the fridge started giving off a terrible smell through the vents. We travelled a week like this and then we bumped into a Belgian camper with the same model vehicle as me and the same fridge, he had been to a dealer to have it done and had been shown what to do.

Firstly take the little aluminium guard off just loosen the screw and slide it out, then take out the little grub screw that holds the flame in place(don't lose the screw its tiny, then get grips on the square part with the hole in it and undo the nut to free the end piece BUT be very careful as the piece you want is in there and it is Tiny, a little ferrel with a hole in it get it out and clean it thoroughly even if it looks clean. Then just clean the flue with a brush or the cleaner that is in the flue I did not put this bit back it is in the fridge compartment behind the grill. This will cost about 30€ at dealers. Fridge is like new now.

Any questions or advice - michaelleivers@hotmail.co.uk

Don't be put off with what I have written it was an experience and we are doing it again.

Don't let other websites put you off going on your own we did it and we saw everything we planned (without paying a fortune, there are plenty of others for info) the next trip is just to do odd bits we missed and plenty of rest and sun.

Exchange rate was 10.90 dirham for 1 euro. OR 12.95 dirham for  1GB pound yes you can change your pounds. So things are quite cheap.

I would recommend coming over here because it is nice and warm and cheap where else could you go on a campsite for 2 or 3 Quid. If you come over bring old clothes(the ones you would take to charity shop)you can trade them for things. Things to remember when driving is always stop at halt signs at junctions and at police check points DO NOT FOLLOW CAR IN FRONT wait at the sign for the policeman to wave you on failure to stop is 700dh fine. Do not speed they are out with camera’s 400dh fine. And be prepared to take evasive action because they are maniacs on the road, Kamakzi!!!! The roads are mostly one lane in the countryside and they come straight at you until the last minute and then swerve off to pass you. Keep your wits about you because they can talk the money out of your wallet as easy as pie. Before you know it you have bought something you might not want you could only be looking BUT!!!!!! Just keep saying no and walk away. The kids are a pain in the A**se forever begging as soon as you stop it’s either kids or someone trying to sell you something. You have to be rude with them sometimes and ignore them whatever they say to you.

Booked a ferry to France but not back.  Well were on our way first night on Dover seafront for 08:30 ferry Wednesday 22nd. The first night in France was at St Cecile just below Boulogne the weather was brilliant went on beach etc. We moved on to Brezolles nice aire at the side of a lake. Off down the A75 to a place calleed St Amand Montrand this aire is at the side of the canal on the edge of town, we stopped at Le Monastier railway station which was very quiet for it's position. Sete Beach is a good stop but I don't know for how much longer as they have put a new road in and have dug some of the old one up. Another one we headed to was Leucate Lake which used to be free and nice amongst the tree's etc but they have made it into a new aire with a 6.50€ a night price tag we did not stay there!!! went to Port Bacares for free. Had a night at Canet Plage and one at Le Boulou free water etc. From here we went to Playa D'Aro in Spain for three nights and one at Sant Feliux de Guixols, we where going to have a night at Blanes but changed our mind because of the weather waves on the sea as high as buses? we set off and just kept driving because of the rain  and ended up at Vineros Port for two days and now we are at Peniscola a lot of sea damage at these two places. Leaving for Alcossebre on Tuesday 19th Oct The rough sea had taken the sand off the beach and left pebbles, and then Benicassim people measuring up the parking area for something. Arrived Benicasim to nice weather leaving again on Monday though. We moved to Daimus for 2 nights very nice next to sea, then we had a night at Denia now on to Javea before we move to Llidl at Calpe (Nov 29th to Oct-1st Nov. Had a night at Albir (Nov 2nd) and moved on to Benidorm (Nov 3rd) where we saw the infamous Sticky Vicky still can't believe what she did. We then moved on to El Campello where they had blocked the usual parking place, this is where our friends turned and headed back north.Thanks to Frans and Rita & Boy the dog, Hope Noel and Martha had a good time!!!, the fridge started giving off a terrible smell everyone kept saying it was a gas leak it got so bad we eventually swithed it off, we did the fridge ourselves when we met a Belgian with an Arca and he'd had the same problem so he showed me what to do SEE BLOG, we went to Santa Pola (Nov 4th)for one night then looked for la Marina but could not find any campers so off to Mar Menor for four days, Puerto de Mazarron(did not find) we moved to Aguilas but the police had moved them on so we went to Vilaricos for a look, this is a nice big parking area, but stayed at San Jaun de los Terroros(8th Nov). From here we headed for Carboneras(Nov 10th-11th) 2 nights and then Agua Amarga we called at San Jose town but the parking area was full 2 vans!!! so off to La Fabriquilla(14th Nov) and Cabo de Gato. Almerimar(Nov 15th) for a night and got moved by police(they were ok about it) mind you an Englishman had been there nine weeks!!!!! Calahonda sea front was next very nice position next to sea. At Salabrena near town and sea and on to Torre del Mar for two nights . Moved on and had two nights at Benalmadena next to the park but it 'P' d down all the time so had a quick run down to Feungirola parking in between tower blocks but it is still 'P' ing down so sitting in shopping centre on free wi fi. We left Fuengirola because it was raining been here a week and it rained, it rained all the way to Algerciras where we parked at Lidl and at the beach, whilst we are here we got our ferry ticket to Morocco for 180€ open ticket. 

Left Algeceras at 1300 on 14th December for Tangier the new port.  What a performance trying to get through customs you have to get  immigration done on the ferry(Tangiers only). Then when you get off the ferry you drive to the gate and customs for your importing of the vehicle just pull up and wait for a man to come to you he will take your papers and stamp them  and bring them back to you. Then you get stopped at the gate to be checked again. Once cleared by customs etc you are straight out onto the motorway. We went down to Larache which was 81dh. We were told a ferry company owned a site and it was free BUT when we arrived it was 50dh a night and the toilet block was diabolical. Next day Dec 15^th we went up into Larache for a look round the Medina and town and had a tanjine and a coffee. Thursday Dec 16^th  We moved on to El Jadida Camping International 74.75dh a night with electric but again the toilet block was a bit delapitated the electricity on site  was reverse polarity. The site itself was ok and quiet until 0600 when the mad mullah starts wailing. We walked along the seafront to the walled City(Old Portugese City). You can walk around the souks as well. 2 nights here. Oualidia on the coast is a nice place to park lovely views over the lagoon, 20dh a night for the guardian it was very windy  here so we and another English decided to move and the guardian demanded payment and stood in front of the van I told him I was going but he did not move so I drove off and he had to jump out of the way, he tried to get in the other English van by opening the side door but she slammed it shut again nearly trapping his fingers I do like it when a plan comes together.!!!!. We stayed about five streets away in a sheltered area. Sunday Dec 19th  An eventful day this, we got a puncture just after setting off I started to get the jack out and all of a sudden out of nowhere there were 5 kids come to take the wheel off they were  taking the nuts off without the jack under!!! Maybe Allah was going to hold the camper up for them, after sorting them out we got it changed ok. We took a wrong turn in Safi and ended up miles from where we should have been so we decided to take a road across country to where we wanted to be for 20 miles it was a reasonable road THEN we came to a section that was under water(how deep she says?? Get ya shoes and socks off I says??? ****** she says) we’ll try our luck and plough through it, half way up the wheels it came but we managed to get through without getting stuck and so we got to  Souira Kedima (half the village are very poor, goats and sheep running in their streets )we were going to park on the seafront road because they had built on the parking area but a policeman said go and park outside the police station for your safety and we can keep a watch out for you. 

Monday 20th    A good run down the coast road to Essaouria with great views, we were in the middle of nowhere when we nearly run over a tortoise which had made a dash across the road. First to the tyre place and find out about a tyre yes we have one at 1500 dirhams after having oxygen I told him too much don’t want it. This is a nice town to visit the usual guardians are in the  car parks there wanting 30dh to park too much I said, ok 20 dh then we did not pay that either so we parked in a side street for free there was an almighty storm that night and a lot of the roads where flooded because they have no drains!!!

Tuesday 21^st  called in at Sidi Kaouki for a look but nothing there only beach. Onwards down to Imi Ouaddar near Agadir (Atlantica Park) spent a fortune here because this was our Christmas present, staying on a campsite. We bought a mat, coat, big satellite dish and had a picture on the side of the van. A lot of campers where there for the winter and had brought fairy lights and all sorts with them nothing really happened on Christmas Day(not like Christmas really with the sun belting down) I did have a paddle in the sea.  Stayed here 11 days to make it cheaper  from 105dh to 95dh

 Saturday 1^st Jan Moved on to Sidi Ouassai campsite next to beach 100dh a night  but you have the Sous Massa National Park next  door to walk around(worth doing) ha d a day fishing and still waiting for the first bite.

Monday Jan 3^rd  called in at Tiznet but the campsite was full I think they were trying to stack them on top of each other. We parked opposite the campsite and had a walk into the Medina which was rather dirty and scruffy, she managed to buy another carpet though.

Tuesday 4^th Camping Municipal in Sidi Ifni was only 37dh a night,  when you got in you could see why it was like Beirut I would not put your bum on the toilet never mind mine!! There are other campsites in Sidi Ifni at 60dh a night and 15dh for electric but we are tighter than tight and I have my own toilet(clean). The town itself isn’t much better than Beirut, nice beach though. The gaffer said let’s have a walk out tonight, so off we toddles and ended up at the Souk(market)8 0’clock at night? And still going  on, we only went for a look !!!!!!!! 204dh later we are coming out with a kilo of  fish 4dh(40p) and a dress for her 200dh not going looking again. Ended up 2 nights here.

Thursday 6^th At last found a freebie at La Plage Blanche on top of a hill overlooking the sea very nice did a bit of walking. Kids take orders for bread if you can call it that and bring it to your camper each morning still hot.(5dh) also free range eggs and fish come round.( you won’t be jogging after it I can tell you, if you drop it on your foot you are in trouble).   4days here.

Monday 10^th Oude Chbika is another freebie, nice and quiet next to the sea and a lagoon, we arrived here and it is cold and windy it seems to be colder right down here. There is a fresh water spring here on the second visit we saw flamingoe’s on the beach.  The sun did come out and it was hot.(Spring water here for washing only).

Tuesday 11^th Was the Parc National Khenfiss you have to get a permit from the Parc office at Akhfennir which costs 40dh now(it used to  be free) a bit disappointing as there were not many birds about. This is at the side of a lagoon.

Wednesday 12^th Oued Ma Fatma another freebie overlooking the sea and beach, find your way down to the beach and follow the cliffs on your left and roughly at the edge of the sea in the cliffs you will see a fossil of a crocodile? It was 10dh a night here collected by the owner, 25dh gets you 100ltrs of water and 10dh a shower.

Thursday 13^th Back to Oued Chbika as above10th.

Saturday 15^th Stayed for 3 days on another freebie just south of Tan Tan Plage next to sea and a spring for water. (washing only).

Monday 17^th Went to Tafraout and stayed on Camping Trois Palmieres 35dh a night here it was very nice and the people were friendly and spoke English, you can park inside the walls or outside amongst the trees we parked outside we thought it was better. Went on a 4x4 trip from here to the Gorges d’Ait Mansour , Painted  Rocks etc. There was no way that it could be done in a motorhome it cost 600dh for the 2 of us and a meal halfway. Can recommend it.. we left on Thursday as the King was coming to the village on the 23^rd. All that poverty and they put up banners, lights and flags never seen so many. The expense of it!!!!!!

Thursday 20^th Taroudant in the car parks with a Guardian(sort of security man) 20dh next to the city walls. There is a very good souk here, massive. You can have a trip in a horse and trap for 50dh for two people barter them down it started at 100dh. It was quiet to say we were close to the road. Wife got a pair of sandals here for 100dh.

Friday 21^st At Zagora in the Draa Valley a lot of good scenery and places to stop and look at on the way. Had two nights at  Camping Auberge Oasis Palmier which was 45dh a night. Lovely site but too many tree’s for us it is the only site that had toilet paper and soap and towels. Being plagued by swarms of flies they are driving me nuts, I keep killing them and feeding them to the ants only got another 400 million to kill..

Sunday 23^rd Mhamid – Camping Hamada du Draa 60dh a night electric was 15dh, with internet free, right next to the desert and town which we walked out onto. Plenty of 4x4 and camel trips here. Be careful when you enquire because we were quoted 900dh each, but some friends of ours did it for 700dh for both of them from Zagora.  Auberge Khaima campsite next door was only 50dh with electric.

Monday 24^th .Back at Zagora now at Camping Sindibad not 5 star but cheap 30dh a night and electric 15dh. Not worried about facilities as I have my own 5 star shower and toilet. Will spend a few days here.  The site is next to the town,  souk on Sunday and Wednesday.

Monday 31^st . Onto Merzouga  camping right next to the Erg Chebbi Dunes of the Sahara but further west than Zagora, just checked temp gauge 23 degrees we have done 4244 miles so far. Came across the desert road from Zagora and stopped for coffee and out of nowhere there was 8 kids standing at the door  begging and wouldn’t take no for an answer so I started up and did a runner covered them all in dust ,LOL. Arrived at Merzouga the dunes are fantastic.  Going on 4x4 trip, 3^rd Feb  for 600dirham a meal and a night free camping thrown in. Bit of a cool wind today only 15 degrees. Some fantastic sunsets here.

Saturday 5^th Feb.   The Gorges du Todra at Tinehir .  The drive through the Gorge was out of this world, and the scenery is spectacular, campsite 80dirham at least £7.50 and moaning(see campsites Morocco).  The Gorges were great and well worth going to see.

Sunday 6^th Feb.  Gorges du Dades some hairy roads up here right on the edge of the cliff face with a 200 foot drop!!!, she’s been under the dashboard(ha ha) these were totally different from Todra we  got the usual load of kids as I was taking a photo  I turned round and there were six kids it was a sheer drop of about 200 feet where the heck they popped up from who knows.

Monday  7^{th Feb}.  Travelled  to Taborhate today stop of on our way to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.

Tuesday 8^th Feb. Ait Benhaddou Kasbah was worth a visit to see how they live you can go in some of the houses which looked pretty grim. They filmed some of the film Gladiator here.

Wednesday 9^th Feb.  Come over the snow capped High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech and been to the Bab Agnaou gate(the most famous of the city gates) and Djemaa el Fna square with all the entertainers.  Called in at Marjane supermarket before we left just like Tesco’s.

Thursday 10^th Feb. The Cascades D’Ouzoud this is the highest waterfall in North Africa at 110meters high you get a good view from the top but it is a long way down to the bottom and up again. You have to run the gauntlet with the little stall holders again here. The falls are worth the trip out didn’t see any Barbary Apes though. The waterfall was fantastic 110metres high didn’t see no Barbery Apes.  We called in at Bin el Ouidane to see the old boatyard you can park at for the night the scenery was great.

Saturday 12^th   Feb.   She’s picked a good spot here at the side of a lake at Ouaoumana  middle of nowhere might be killed here!!!!!!   Got away with it.

Sunday 13^th  Feb. Azrou  Euro Camping a campsite built by a Shiek and it looks like Disneyland the main building ceilings are out of this world. We walked to the Cedar Forest and saw the Barbary Apes they came looking for food.

Monday 14^th Feb At Fes next to the Medina had a walk and found the Tannery which was quite interesting how they do things, no chemicals used timber for colouring for the red skins, poppies for reds, saffron for yellows and ???? for blues. There was a man there still working at 90 and never worked anywhere else, if you go in here be prepared for some high pressure sales talk the guy that tried me had to go for a cigarette to calm HIS nerves I had him going(LOL). Pigeon droppings and water to clean them.

Tuesday 15^th Feb. Chefchaouen the blue town  most of the houses are painted blue.Unfortunatly it's peeing down so not going into town

Wednesday 16^th Feb. In Assilah now and it's tornado weather winds, rain and thunder and lightening, thats it going to catch the ferry. We have come north too soon.

Over in Portugal now at Castro Marim, in library with wifi for a change(one that works ok) and the sun is shining.

We went on to Vila Real de Sant Antonio and Altura(Alagoa), Manta Rota, Pedras D'El Rei and Quartiera.

On this trip it was the worst I have seen for people saving places whilst they go out at Altura the GERMANS had marked their picthes with bottles of water, a bit like the sunbed and towel lark they did at the hotels(the ba*****s) also at Castro Marim people had thier Awnings out taking up spaces this is an Aire for F****** sake. Sorry for the words but it winds me up when you cant get on for this reason.....dont do it when I arrive or I'll flatten them.

On the way home we stopped at Caceras, Palencia, St Jean de Luz, L'Clerk at Biscarosse, Chaunay, Neuille Pont Pierre and Mailleray sur Seine.

And now back home.

Total Milage was 6800

Three months and we did not pay to park once.

We set off on January the 27th and stayed at the early arrival services on the M20 for early train 28th.

After setting off in France we made good time and stopped at St Mauere de Tourain aire. Another good day on the 29th saw us cross into Spain and stop at the aire at Hendaye railway station(water on). On the 30th we got down as far as Palencia stopping at the aire for a look round the town. The 31st we were at Caceras aire for two days (free water and electric here) looking round the old town and the storks. Zafra aire was on the 2nd February only worth a stop here. Feb 3rd was at Valverde del Camino this also was only worth one night. We finally got to the coast at Isla Cristina and parked in a picnic area for 12 days (Playa del Hoyo) the police were ok. The new aire (all free) at Castro Marim was on the 16th Feb looking round the two big forts and town. Two days here. Vila Real Santo Antonio was on the 18th for one night. Faro Beach was next on the 19th and Faro Centre on the 20th next was Tavira for one night on the 21st and back to Faro Beach on the 22nd. On the 23rd we were at Quartiera parked next to the beach for three nights.

At Armacao de Pera (26th) we were moved by the police. Ended up at Silves (26th)  next to swimming pool for four nights.

Praia da Rocha 3rd March 4 days (free) but had a burglar trying to get into the camper front doors luckily we had all our doors locked and cab door internal locks on so they did not get in. (knackered door lock) did five vans but one French woman had left her handbag on front seat smashed quarter light and got 1200€. The bastards came back on the sunday night at 2 AM. Alvor was next 8th March for 4 nights one in town and three next to the beach. Back at Silves (12th) at the moment for the week end fill up with water and have wifi.

Now it's Boca do Rio (15th) nice little cove for walks and just relaxing, on the 18th we went to Ingrina another nice place out in the countryside.

Now this was a place and a half beautiful cove 3kilometers down a very bumpy road but well worth it Praia Barranco (23rd) a few new age travellers there but they were no bother. Sagres was next on the (29th) up on the cliffs you can also park at the fort car park. Bodeira (30th) for one night was next to the beach and if you walk to the sea you can walk round the spectacular cliffs and see the sea crashing in on the  (31st) we were at Odeceixe up on the cliff top or you can go  down by the river, On the (1st) of april we were at Vila Nova de Milfontes this was nice there was a fair on the weekend we were there 4 groups on the friday night we were parked 300yds away. Porto Covo was a nice place with plenty of little coves and a nudist beach (4th) april. From here we went all the way across Portugal to Mina de Sao Domingos (7th) parking is by a very large lake with a beach and all facilities(water etc). Travelling north we stopped at BGEM Lucefecil for one night then tohave a look at Cabeco de Vide could not park here tree's too low so off again to BGEM Caia this was a bit scruffy litter everywhere SO off again to Terrugem all services here but nothing else SO off again this time was lucky we went to BGEM de Povoe this had toilets, BBQ's, taps and plenty of picnic tables we parked out near the water but during the night and morning it P'd down and spoilt it.

SO off again this time we ended up at the Holy Place of Fatima this is well worth a visit there is a good parking area for overnight with toilets and taps but we spent the night at Batalha aire all services free we even got free electric, there is a massive cathedral here. We arrived at  Nazare (15th) April next to library for free wifi did not see any taps here had a couple of nights here. Figueira da Foz (17th) was a nice place parking in the town on a big car park. Parking in Vagueira (18th) on the big car park it was ok until night time when a flippin dog started barking through the night. We moved to Gafanha da Encarnacao(19th) this is a pretty little place with houses painted in stripes. Time to head home now and we got as far as Salamanca (21st) parking in town centre we had a good look round here. Not in a hurry we stopped off at a few little places in France Vivonne, Roullet st Estephe, Chaunay and Vendome. We had one night at Le Touquet Airport and then off to the Vet at Le Portel for the dog to be sorted. We did 6515 Kilometers this trip