Winter in Spain - Week Seven

Sunday 8th January
Barbecue

We drove to Javea town for Lyn to go to the Baptist church while I drove up to the Montgo Park and took Button for a walk. Despite the bright sunshine there was a cold wind.

I picked Lyn up after the service and we went back to the villa where we had a barbecue. It was pleasant sitting in the sun but as soon as the shade came we were too cold to sit outside.

We had a Skype call with Bob and Family. A bit chaotic with a lively three year old but it is nice to stay in touch while we are away.

View looking north from the Montgo plateau

Monday 9th January
"New" coats

We took a trip down to the Arenal to see if we could find some coats to replace those stolen. We found good quality coats in a charity shop which fitted us well. We also bought a temporary replacement for Lyn's handbag. All in all a good bargain at a total of €17 for all three items.

We went on to Spasso's for a drink and tapas then took Button for a good run on the beach. The beach was nearly empty as the children are back at school and families have returned home. On the way back to the villa we called at Nigel and Maggie's to borrow Maggie's Pilates mat as Lyn is going tomorrow with Sue.

The Parador from The Arenal beach

We had a fry-up for tea to use up some of the stuff in the fridge. Afterwards I took another star trail photo.

Star trails from the roof terrace at the villa

Tuesday 10th January
Pilates and Music

Lyn went to the hairdresser down the road from the villa while I took Button for her morning walk.

After a snack lunch we drove to Sue and Andy's to collect Sue for the Pilates session in Benitatxell. We had some difficulty finding the place but arrived just in time for their class. While they were Pilating (?), I drove down to Moraira to take Button for a walk and have a beer.

Iron sculpture on Moraira beach

And from the other side

In the evening we drove back down to travel with Sue and Andy to a bar in Moraira for an acoustic music evening. There were some good performers there and we all did a turn at singing. We had a really good evening.

Wednesday 11th January
The Cowboy and the Witches

We went to El Gaucho for lunch with Sue and Andy. The food and service were excellent. We all had very good steaks as our main course - the El Gaucho speciality. We were served with several extra taster courses as well as our chosen starters and desserts.

The El Gaucho restaurant

Lyn, Sue and Andy enjoying our steaks

Lyn and the cowboy's horse

After the meal we took Button, who had been waiting patiently in Morag, to the beach. She did her usual playful running and digging. She was a little reluctant to go in the sea as the waves were rather fierce.

Big waves at the Arenal

Sue and Andy came up for a game of "The Witches" in the evening. Lyn won.

Thursday 12th January
Scallops and DVD

We spent the morning doing some preparation of Morag for our journey onward on Saturday. We went down to Scallops for lunch and sat outside in warm sunshine. Button got another run on the beach. The sea was much calmer today.

Button digging again

Back at the villa we had a simple tea and watched a DVD, "Johnny English". It was quite funny but not a great film.

Friday 13th January
La Boheme 

We continued loading up Morag for our journey tomorrow. We'll still have some more to do in the morning but it shouldn't take too long. 

We returned to La Boheme for our lunch as a celebration farewell to Javea. The meal was just as good as last time.  We both had fish as our main course; Tempura Cod for Lyn and Thai Green Curry Fish and Seafood for me. Button got her last run on the Arenal beach after lunch and we returned to the villa after doing a little shopping for our onward journey tomorrow.

Saturday 14th January
To Cartagena 

We spent most of the morning finishing  packing Morag and tidying the villa with lots of dog hairs to remove! We left at about 11am to meet our friends at Scallops for brunch. Next time we see Sue and Andy they should have completed their move to England. 

We made our way to Cartagena following the coast road. The road was busy and progress was slow,  particularly through the towns. We found the motor home park in Cartagena very easily. It was small and rather cramped but surprisingly well equipped  with free Wi-Fi, electric hook up, dog walking area, toilets and showers and laundering facilities.  There was even a visitor lounge with TV and books; all for €10 per night! When we started to make our tea we realised that we had left all the contents of the fridge at the villa! No cheese, milk, fruit juice and white wine! We found a nearby shop and restocked. We asked Sue and Andy to go and raid the fridge in Javea.