Day 58 - The Journey Home

We woke this morning at 5:30am. After the usual cuppa we washed, dressed, walked the dogs and had breakfast. We were ready to drive round for the train at 6:30am.

We pulled up at the dedicated pet checkin and it was closed. We checked in at the information office and the dogs were scanned and the formalities of bringing the dogs back to the UK completed. My nuts are still intact ... See earlier posts.

We then drove around to the main checkin where we were offered the next non surcharge slot at 8:20am...90 mins earlier than our booked departure.

The train departed the terminus on time and we soon arrived in the UK with 'my nuts' still in tact. The drive home was in driving rain followed by sunny intervals. The roads were very busy compared to what we had been encountering since we left the UK in early January.

Walking into the door at home Tina was able to take in her new kitchen and flooring. She is very happy indeed.

Another holiday over and lots of adventures and experiences to talk about. We have travelled just over 5000 miles in the time we have been out of the UK.

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Day 57 - City Europe

Left a little later this morning as we know what we need to do. We were on the road by 09:30am.

Arrived at Auchan in Calais by 1pm and filled up for the trip home tomorrow. Had lunch sitting in the car park before letting Tina loose in Auchan. Fortunately we didn't spent too much on groceries but more on presents for the grand children.

Moved around to the car park at City Europe and relaxed for the afternoon.

We went into the shopping centre for the first time and were amazed at the size of it. Tina did her usual thing of wandering around the kitchen section in Carrefour. She bought salt and pepper pots for our new kitchen. She is really getting into this kitchen design thing. I might have to try and hire her out. Lol

After dinner we watched "After Earth" on the laptop. Not a bad film even though our copy had a few places where the sound was not as good but still watchable. Thought of Jo & Jan. Really wouldn't be Jan's type of film.

We watched our neighbours bring back loads of booze and load it into an already overweight Autotrail Cheyanne. I do hope they don't get stopped.

We had 6 vans overnight with us on the car park. Up early in the morning for our final journey home.

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Day 56 - Pont De L'arche

Once again we woke up early and on the road by 08:30am. We stopped en route at a HyperU and Tina bought a few more bits for the kitchen.

We are making our way towards Calais for the crossing on Friday so tonight's stop is about halfway towards the port. Tina had a rest in the afternoon.

We are now trying to use up the last of the food we have been carrying with us so Tina made a tasty macroni cheese for dinner. Later that evening we sat and watched Riddick on the laptop. Really surprised that she enjoyed the film even though in parts it was a little vivid.

Last push tomorrow to Calais.

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Day 55 - Lamotte Beuvron

I thought that today we would have a trial run of how it might go on Friday so I got up and gave Tina her morning cuppa at 7:00am. She was most put out, as it was the light was just breaking through dawn. What it did allow us was an early start.... We were on the road at 8:30am.

We stopped en route for coffee at an Aire by a river in a small village. I am sure that this would have been lovely in the summer but today all the services were turned off. Later we clocked up 20000 miles in the van on the D16 at a village called Le Vilhain. We have already done approximately 4000 miles since leaving home after Christmas.

Later we stopped at Lidl and bought a few more supplies and I filled with diesel at a filling station a little further on.

Our overnight stop was in a small village next to a Boules club, lake with fountains and a small river. When we arrived we had the pick of where to go... Nobody else there. By the time we went to bed there were approximately 12 vans staying the night.

Tina and I played TouchRummy again but the honours were even at one game each.

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Day 54 - Saint-Pardoux

Up early this morning and packed the van ready for travelling. We were ready much earlier than expected for our 10:30 Vet appointment so we thought we would get round there and see if they could fit us in earlier. We arrived at 9:45 and they saw us at 10:00. It took 30 mins and we paid the minimal €8.80 asked of us and left. The dogs have now got their passports ready for getting in to England so there will be no need for another stop en route. Quick visit to the supermarket to get some bread etc and then we are off. Stopped on the motorway for some fuel and gas and travelled on up through France.

We decided that we would cross the Millau bridge as it is supposed to be spectacular. We were not disappointed. We stopped for lunch at the Aire but unfortunately it was raining so we didn't stay to have a look at the view etc.

We pressed on and eventually found an Aire out in the country of the beaten track. It's right by a fishing lake and we are here all on our own. Very quiet and peaceful. The borne has been destroyed but we do not need any of the services today.

Tina and I played Touch Rummy against each other on the IPads. It was very competitive and she won 3 games to 2. How dare she?

Making our way up past Orleans tomorrow and we will be more than half way to Calais in two days.

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Day 53 - Leucate

This morning  started like most others with breakfast etc. we then went across to the house and chilled in the kitchen. We both had a lovely shower, our last with continuing running water, before we get home.

Next came the moment of truth ... Could I get the van out from its current location. I was dreading this bit. With girls placed on all three corners that could have hit something I maneuvered the van. It was a lot easier than I had expected.

Mid afternoon we said our goodbyes for now and went down to the Aire at Leucate. We drained the final drop of Moroccan water from the tank and filled with fresh. The afternoon sun was streaming in and was warm out of the sun. Tina had a nap.

Early evening the girls came and picked us up and took us to a local cafe where we had a final meal together. It was a most enjoyable treat. It then came time to say our proper goodbyes until we'd meet again in the UK. Let's hope it won't be so long next time.

Up early tomorrow for the dogs visit to the vets before a full days driving. We are on our way home......

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Day 52 - Feuilla third day

We spent the morning relaxing and enjoying some good conversation over coffee and cake. We discussed some of the times and events that we had enjoyed over recent years.

Jo was also busy preparing a homemade carrot and tomato soup for lunch which we duly devoured. It was delicious. We discussed what Tina and Jan were going to do whilst Jo and I spent the afternoon listening to our favourite teams football commentary. Eventually they decided it was a shopping trip to one of the bigger stores. Jan and I retired to the lounge with laptops at the ready. It was then that Jo found out that here team, Aston Villa, were not playing Saturday but now Sunday. Not to worry she used the time to catch up on the videos posted on the official site to get herself ready for tomorrow. AFC Bournemouth lost unfortunately against Derby but it was no disgrace thankfully.

During the day we spent time updating the Tom Tom Sat Nav, adding some films for them to watch on their laptop when we depart and a few other things. They also showed us their new Camper van. I helped to get the tracker app on their smartphone working so that it would report the latest position of the van if ever needed.

Evening meal consisted of once again a homemade chicken curry followed by a sweet with wine and nibbles to start. How do we cope with life!!! lol.

Tomorrow we are moving down to an Aire in readiness for our appointment with the Vets on Monday morning and then our journey back up through France to Calais….. our journey home.

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Day 51 - Feuilla second day

So glad we wrapped up warmer last night. Had a really good nights sleep and woke refreshed unlike last night.

We had some breakfast in the van and then wandered over to the house for a shower. Having the copious amounts of hot water was a real luxury we haven’t enjoyed for a while. Showering in the van is sooooo different. We then went into the local town to meet others for coffee. It seems that this was the place to enjoy a morning coffee with your dog alongside. No moaning from the shop keeper. Jan & Jo then showed us around and the different Aires. We made an appointment for the dogs to see the Vet on Monday morning before we make the 600 mile journey back to Calais.

After some shopping we returned to the house where we spent some time together where I was teaching Jo how to make a poster in WORD and a few other things

We had a delicious meal of Duck with Dauphinouse. Tina got the recipe for the Duck so I hoping that this can be added to the meals we eat.

Another very enjoyable day with good company enjoying the chilling.

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Day 50 - Feuilla

How cold was last night. At 5am I was so cold I got up and put on the heating even though I would use some of our precious battery power to run the circulating fan. I had already checked that the electric we had hooked up to did not come on and so had not charged our batteries in any way. But when you are cold and cannot sleep drastic measures had to be taken.

We slept in until 10am mainly because we were not meeting Jan & Jo until later in the afternoon but also because of the disturbed night. Before we left the site I took the opportunity to take some photos so I thought that I would let Woody out without a lead on. BIG MISTAKE. When I had finished he didn’t want to come back. He finally ended in the middle of the main road and stopping cars. He was so close to being left behind. We are fed up with him not returning when called and not being trusted. We left the site at around 12:00 midday.

Just before the French border we stopped and took a look around an Outlet shopping centre. We did a little food shopping but it was a major disappointment. Soon afterwards we stopped and had some lunch and then carried on to our designated meeting place of an Aire at Leucate. The girls were already there waiting for us.

We followed the car back to their village up in the hills. After a little discussion we decided where we would try and site the van for a few days. It was really tight getting it through the entrance way. I am really not looking forward to trying to get it out again.

We were made most welcome by the girls and enjoyed a very tasty evening meal with them. It was good to catch up with them after we think some three years. I think that tomorrow we have an offer of an electric hook up which will be most gratefully received.

Tonight we ensured that we wrapped up warmer for bed time as we did want to get a good nights sleep. I will let you know tomorrow.

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Day 49 - Sant Hilari Sacalm

We left this morning around 10:30 and made our way to the site. This was a new Aire I obtained from the Camping Car Infos site and was shown to have 8 hours of Electricity for €1. We were in need of ensuring that when we arrive at our friends village we had fully charged batteries.

The Route was picturesque as we climbed through the mountains. We stopped at a Lidl to do some shopping and get some fuel. The filling station wanted me to pay before I filled up. Stupid system as I wanted to fill completely but didn’t want to pay more than I needed. Therefore they lost out as I only filled to three quarters of a tank. Lost business I would say. We have come across where in the supermarkets we had to show our passport before we could use a credit card. The system is not consistent as in this Lidl the girl was not concerned. I wish I understood why!

We arrived at the site and it was a large car park next to the towns sports arena. We were the only van there and we hooked up. There were no signs I could understand that showed when we could expect the electric to start to flow. I thought that it would be available at night. There was no sign of where to put the euro coin. Oh well we shall see in the morning if the electric did come on.

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Day 48 - Delta de l'Ebre second day

Chilling out day today. Had BBC Solent on through the internet for most of the day. Interesting to catch up with local news and weather.

The day has been very overcast and windy so the batteries will be well down by tomorrow morning. Looking in the books and on the net to where we might get to tomorrow. I think that we will need to get onto a electric hookup as we are likely to be stood for 4 nights at our friends village before we move on Monday morning. We have a couple of alternatives.

Tina suggested that we go across to the Cafe / Bar for lunch. We each had the smallest omelette and chips I have ever seen and a coffee each all for €10. Expensive I think.

This afternoon did some research on the internet and this evening watching the football on line. I will miss the internet access when we leave here in the morning. There are 15 vans on the site this evening.

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Day 47 - Delta de l'Ebre

First thing in the morning I got chatting to the english guy who was on his own in his motorhome but due to meet his dutch partner who was travelling down from Holland in her own vehicle.

We left at about 10:30 and decided en route to change where we would stay tonight. Looking through the reference books I have we chose a ‘free' site at a restaurant. The book states that we should have a meal in the restaurant in consideration of it being free. We duly obliged in the late afternoon.

The menu consisted of many seafood dishes which neither of us like so we ended up with Sirloin steak for Tina and a Duck breast for me. The restaurant was high quality with prices to match. It would have been cheaper to stay on a site with electric. Hey ho … you only live once. They did give me the WIFI code so once again I have access to the internet. We may stay an extra day as the setting here is delightful.You can see more at www.restaurantestany.com

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Day 46 - Ibi

We started our journey today at around 9:30am. The intention was to do about 250km however it didn’t quite work that way. We ended up taking a wrong turn and joining a toll road. What was worse is that this road took us away from the coast and up into the mountains. We were unable to turn around so had to continue on. It sure got cold especially in amongst the low cloud. The temperature got down to 6*C at one point. Some days ago I did look at this route and planned for a tsp along the way however I didn’t know how high the road was at the time. We opted to continue on towards the coast at Alicante.

Some 512km later (318 miles) we arrived at the parking area. The drive along the shore line gave us a feeling that we could be staying at an interesting place. It was because it was a building site. We made a meal and ate it and during this time I locked on to an unlocked WIFI signal and got Tina another book from the Kindle store which we downloaded to the iPads. The kindle screen got broken many days ago and we cannot use it at present.

I decided that we would look for somewhere else to stay so we arrived about half an hour later at Ibi in the dark. There was one van there who happened to be english. Over all we travelled 560km today which is the longest I thick we have done in a day in the van. However all of the roads were motorway standard so it was easy driving.

I did pick up some free unlocked WIFI in the evening until I think they turned the router off at around 10pm. Time for bed me thinks.

On to Valencia in the morning.

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Day 45 - Golf Noria second day

We are on a large car park next to a golf complex. Much of the car park is hard standing but some is covered in grass which is where we are. Last night Tina countered 35 vans here whilst she was walking the ‘boys’.

We awoke this morning to find a market being set up on the other side of us. We had a wander around and bought some fruit and Tina some underwear. Much of the market is similar to any you would find in the UK. However, what was extraordinary was there seemed to be more british voices than locals and all of the traders could speak some english. It must be popular with the tourists visiting the hotels nearby throughout the year.

Listening to local radio in the afternoon and the Bournemouth match commentary. Its a shame it was a draw as it sounded like we deserved the win.

Moving on tomorrow towards Alicante

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Day 44 - Golf Noria

We woke after a good nights rest. Behind us were some english vans who were about to leave to get the midday ferry to Morocco. I was able to share some of our experiences and gave one chap a card for the garage we had used. He had made a hole in the rear of his van the day before.

Tina and I had a look around Leroy Merlin (B&Q type shop) and I bought a couple of adjustable spanners so that I can refit the gas bottles. We then moved down to Lidl where we did a weekly shop. Good that we could get lots of the things we like but missed from Morocco.

We traveled along the coast to Golf Noria and parked up for the afternoon. The sun shone and the temperatures were high. Lovely. I was able to lock on to unlocked WIFI signal which may well come from on of the local hotels. It allowed us to make internet calls to the family. The grandchildren couldn’t understand why we were in the computer. Only two weeks and we will be home.

I set up a blog site for a friend we met on our travels who is spending the next couple of years traveling around Europe. The van they are using is smaller than ours so they are having to be very organised to cope.

Decided to stay on tomorrow and have a relaxed day before we start travelling everyday to get up to the south of France.

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Day 43 - Left Morocco

The morning started with a quick service of the Van … filled with water, empty waste and cassette. We are heading for Asilah before getting the boat. However close to our destination Tina suggests that we go straight to the port as we were short on cash.

During our drive through Rabat I failed to notice a traffic light was flashing amber (or at least thats what I told the policeman). I was immediately flagged down and pulled to the side of the road by the local police office. He tried to explain what I had done wrong in arabic and french but I failed to understand … I really did know! The instant fine was 700dh (about £55) and I then proceeded to try and explain that I did not have any money and that we were on our way back to Spain. I showed him my wallet with just about enough for the tolls and a little more. He finally took out of his breast pocket 100dh and exchanged it for my only 200dh note left. This was now my fine. No paperwork but I was grateful for a reduced penalty payment of £8.

We stopped for lunch at some services just before reaching the port. We finally arrived at the port at about 2:30pm and was told that we might get on the 4pm boat but then an official told us to come back at 5pm for our ticket. After getting our ticket at the allotted time we proceeded through a mobile x-ray scanner, sniffer dogs, police checks for our vehicle export and passport checks before finally arriving at the dockside. The 7pm boat arrived a few minutes late but we didm’t get loaded until nearer 8:30pm and it sailed about 30mins later.

In the cafe we met Richard, a biker on holiday with his friend Yves, and returning to Perpignan after a two week holiday. He has lived in france for 20+ years and spoke perfect french. We also met a Moroccan truck driver who wanted to practice his english. He treated us with the cost of one meal with a voucher he had. During the voyage he gave me the best directions through Spain to France and even gave me an old copy of a map for me to use. At around 10:45 pm european time we landed at Algeciras.

The next part of the journey was again torturous as we had to wait in line whilst the police search all the vehicles. Finally we got through the port which was a great relief because of the concern of bringing the dogs back into Europe. The officials neither noticed or cared so I was not about to be castrated by Tina for losing the dogs. Next challenge will be Calais.

We made our way back to Algeciras Lidl where it all started and once again there were 40+ vans on the car park. We finally rolled into bed at 11:45pm (European time) exhausted.

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Day 42 - Mohammedia second time here

Up early again and set off at 09:30am.

We had a discussion last night and decided that we would make our way to the port on Thursday instead of going to Fez etc. Tina has been increasingly finding the culture here in Morocco difficult to deal with. She sees donkeys being beaten and the abject poverty and wants to get back to Europe so that she no longer is reminded of these things.

Whilst driving along I was reflecting on the english guy who came into the van yesterday. His name was Andy and was married to Assma and they had a new born of 2 months named Hind together with the sister Marouane. During the conversation he mentioned that Assma’s hair was breaking at neck level and Tina suggested a few causes. It turns out that she heats it too often and damages it. He also said that in the moroccan culture he “owns” her hair and he is the boss. Tina felt offended by these remarks on behalf of the woman. It seems that he is going back to the UK when his visa runs out at the end of March. I expect that Assma will have to return to her fathers house as she can’t speak any english and has no chance yet of getting a wife visa.

Andy talked about her family and the village where her father and uncles lived. They survive on a diet of bread and sweet tea made with lots of sugar. They don’t have meat or vegetables in their diet as a rule.It is a meagre existence they live.

This afternoon had another sort out in the van and created some space in the garage so that we could empty the shower. It will make it so much easier to use whilst we travel up through Spain. Our friends are expecting us in about a week and we hope to take the dogs to the vet for their checkup for the pet passport on the following Monday. Then the final sprint up to Calais for the tunnel.

On a hookup tonight and making use of the free WIFI offered by the site. The cost tonight is 90dh (£7)

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Day 41 - Oualidia

We had a good nights sleep even though I did hear the guardiens behind us during the night.

I woke Tina a little earlier than usual and she has been feeling a little better today. We stopped en route at a Marjane (Supermarket) and bought a few essentials and she also went into a pharmacy and got something for her chesty cough. Lets hope it works.

We stopped for lunch at a small beach site at El Beddouza. It was a lovely spot and would have been good to have stayed the night. We were right by the sea with the Atlantic waves crashing in however they had put up signs saying that Pets and Camping were banned. Real shame.

We moved on to our intended over night stop of Oualidia. Big car park close to the beach and 25Dh a night (£2). No sooner had we put the handbrake on we had all of the street vendors trying to sell their wares. We had Crab, Sole, Fruit and even someone taking orders for his wife’s home cooked Tagine. We declined all offers.

This evening we had an english guy come around looking to see if there were any brits here. He is married to a Moroccan girl and they have just had a baby. They also had the wives sister who was 15 with them. He is renting an apartment here during his 3 month stay and is looking to use his tent and perhaps stay on some guardien parking areas. It was interesting to hear some of the background to how they met and married. He could speak arabic which he has learnt over the last couple of years but his wife could only speak arabic. She could not read or write in her native language and could not read any of the road signs. Neither of the sisters could speak french. We gave him some tea bags and a tin of baked beans for them to try and they went on their way after an interesting couple of hours.

Tomorrow we plan to go to a site in Mohammedia we used on day 16. We might get some washing done here.

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Day 40 - Essaouira

It rained in the night which was the first rain we had seen for many days. However the temperature during the night was warm compared to the coolness in the mountains at night.

We set of for our destination to the north. Before we reached Taghazout I was stopped for speeding. I was doing 72 k.p.h. in a 60 k.p.h. stretch. The police here give out an instant fine which in my case was 300 Dh (about £22.50) but I pleaded that we were on our way home and didn’t have a lot of money. He let me off with a fine of 200 Dh (about £15). No receipt or paperwork was offered or given so not sure where the cash will end up!

Next stop was Taghazout village where we obtained some more bottled water, bread and yoghurts. Then on with the journey. The road followed the coast for part of the way before turning inland. It was twisting and up and down mountains. It took about 3 hours to reach the town of Essaouira.

We are parked in a guardien parking area for the night. I have had the van washed for the price of 70 DH (about £5) by an enterprising young man. We have had the usual band of street vendors trying to sell us all sorts of things - Car wipers, Jewellery, Carpets, pictures. We have yet to have the fruit offered…. they may still be around yet.

Been making plans for our trip home when we get to Spain / France. We are going to visit some friends we met a few years back who live close to Perpignan. Should be there over the weekend of 22nd / 23rd Feb. They are going to make an appointment for us to take the dogs to the vet on the monday morning so that they can get back into the UK. It will then leave us just over 3 days to get back to Calais. Lots of driving but it should be a good end to the holiday.

Had a fry up for dinner and we used the last of the fresh strawberries. Not bad for winter eh! Starting to eat out of the stock of food we brought with us. Really do not want to take it home.

Tina has been a little better today. Had a sleep this afternoon whilst I had a short walk around the Medina. Would like to spend a little more time here but that is something we don't have now.

On to Oualidia tomorrow - another guardien parking area. Tonight cost 25dh (£2). Where else could you get this value for money.

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Day 39 - Agadir Plage

Its finally come … the day we have to start to make our way home. We made the van ready for travel and left the site at around 10:30 am. We said our good byes to the friends we have met over the last few weeks and had some wonderful laughs. It was sad but we are now ready to go. The sun was shining and once again starting to raise the temperatures.

We travelled north through the mountains on a scenic route which was made up of two halves. The first was twisting up and down the mountains on single track tarmac road with compacted gravel sides. Our progress was steady and the scenary breathtaking. We stopped once to let a few children have some sweets. Tina decided to give them the rest of the tin of heroes which was almost half a tin. Not satisfied they asked for pencils which she duly obliged. I am sure they thought that all their christmases had come together.

The second half of the journey was on the plain where the roads were wider and faster to travel. We stopped in a large town and purchased some bananas and strawberries. It is so nice to have fresh strawberries in Winter. We pushed on and arrived at Agadir around 1:30 pm.

We could have pushed on to reach our final destination but we hadn’t had lunch and the journey was at least 3 hours so we made the decision to stay in Agadir. I looked for some guardien parking near the beach and we stumbled upon the sport which by a hotel and only 50m from the promenade.

Later in the afternoon we strolled the promenade with the dogs. Many locals were out as well as it was Sunday and their day off. There were one or two brave souls swimming but lots of activity on the beach.

Tomorrow we will push on to Essaouira

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Day 38 - Tafraoute third day

Needed to get up early thus morning to try and get on the internet before everyone else as I needed to help Carol book a flight home from Malaga to Liverpoole mid March. All completed before 9am.

Later in the morning I added Tomtom poi files to Macolm tablet running Copilot navigation software. First time I have done this but was easy as it turned out. The software was able to covert existing TT files into its own format.

Quiet afternoon and in the evening all of strolled to the town. After looking around the shops we met up at the cafe and bought fresh doughnuts across the road ... All for 7p each. What ever will slimming world say when we return. We then decided to taste the food a chef was cooking alongside us. It turned out to be very tasty and the chef was a bit of a comic as well. A great evening with some superb company ...it's a shame that Tina was not well towards the end.

Tins and I walked home before the others and she struggled to make it. Retired to bed early so hope that she will be better in the morning.

We are leaving here tomorrow and starting to make our way north. First stop is up through the mountains on our way back to Agadir. We might stay at Taghazout over night or push on to Essouara depending on how much time we have. The aim is to get back to the port around mid month.

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Day 37 - Tafraoute second day

Tina woke up this morning feeling awful. She had not had a good night with her persistant cough and sore thought. Later in the morning after some Lem Sips she did get up and we had some breakfast.

Today was going to be a chill day in the sunshine and warmth. There was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature by around midday was 35 *C. It was very hot. We had moved the van round so that our doorway received some of the suns warmth. Later we needed to get some shade so Malcolm started to bring out various things from his van to try and eventually we had shade. It made so much difference to enjoying the outside and chatting with friends.

Tina had a sleep in the afternoon as she was devoid of strength. I made a feeble attempt to help Malcolm construct his super-duper solar shower consisting of a black dustbin on the van roof and pipework that had a shower head at the other end. Tomorrow the shower curtain will be constructed and a test run I am sure will ensue.

Quiet day but what else do you need when it is warm and dry.

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Day 36 - Tafraoute

Up early this morning so that I could get a hot shower before the French used all the hot water. I then added Points of Interest files to Eddies Tomtom sat nav and all this before I got Tina up.

Tina went across for a shower and yes all the hot water had been used.

Carol insisted that we take some pictures of the shower block to post on the forum as the facilities were  well above normal Moroccan standard. I duly obliged.

Leisurely breakfast before we set off just before midday to Tafraoute. The road was initially like the roads we had been used to but soon became a single Tarmac land with gravel edges you could use when someone was passing. It just meant that more care was needed driving to avoid any on coming vehicles.

The road went up through the mountains and we enjoyed the views that this gave us. We stopped at a local town and bought a whole chicken which was then chopped up and gutted in front of me. On route we also purchased some drink and water.

Finally after several hours of steady driving we dropped down into Tafraoute. The town was a buz with activity. We made our way through and arrived at the guardien parking. This us on an open piece of land just on the outskirts of the town.

Cathryne was desperate for some fresh doughnuts as she remembered these from last years trip. Tina and I round the bikes in to town with the others walking. We purchased the doughnuts and sat eating them with coffee. We came back before the others because Tina was not feeling well.

Tina seems to be suffering from the flu and has gone to bed early. Let's hope she will be better in the morning.

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Day 35 - Tiznit

We left Taghazout around 9am as we wanted to get some fruit and vegatables from the weekly market in Bananna town (local knickname). The market was just setting up as we arrived. We bought our provisions and on the way out I bought another carpet. I had previously paid 190dh for 4m x 2m but today I managed to get on for 200dh and it's 5m x 2m... A good deal at £15.

We were due at the garage at 10am and we were there shortly after. Our propane refill was sitting waiting for us. The guys finally came to a decision about our blind. It was too risky taking the whole roof down so they made a Morocco style repair with a strategically placed screw. At least it is back working and no worse than before.

Daiboy was still having problems with his boiler and so we left him and John there and went on our way at around 10:30am.

We travelled down to Tiznit to meet up with Eddie and Carol who had only just arrived. The intended campsite was full but we were given a leaflet of a new site 6km south. At 4pm we made our way there and was later joined by Malcolm & Cathryn. The campsite has modern facilities and is well presented compared to other sites here in Morocco.

In the evening I demonstrated to Malcolm that it was possible to enter co-ordinate into his gar in sat nav. I then set to and converted some points of interest files into gar in format and loaded these on to his machine. Something else I have learnt to do!

Moving on to Tafraoute for the Almond Blossom festival.

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Day 34 - Taghazout Third Day again

Our usual routine in the morning is for me to get up and make a cup of tea and give this to Tina with her pill. Well this morning it didn't work as we had run out of gas. We couldn't heat any water  for a drink or washing....

Our neighbour, Carol, kindly made us a drink and we were soon on our way to Mustafas garage again. Primarily to pick up my repaired 4G MIFI but I have already identified a few more jobs which now include getting us some gas. For those that are reading this and don't know there are no LPG stations here in Morocco. However local butane bottles are plentiful and very cheap. Some of the Brits however are suggesting that this gas is not very clean so it is better to try and get your own bottles filled with propane. This is what I have asked Mustafa to organise. However, it does involve a trip to another town and we are not likely to get the bottles back until the morning.

We have now had the base plate of the table re-sprayed and it is looking good. Waiting for a specialist to come and fix the panoramic window blind and then later the gas man to collect my bottles.

On taking out the bottles we discover that one is empty but the other is still full. I suspect that the automatic change over valve is not working correctly. We have now taken off one bottle in readiness for the gasman.

We are now having to come back in the morning to get the blind refitted after being repaired away from the van. I am hoping that the gas will arrive eerily tomorrow but will not be surprised if it wasn't after all this is Morocco.

Now come back to Taghazout and parked up in front of a Dutchman. I understand from our friends he has paid some Germans 100 euros to set up his satellite dish on the ground and this has been going on all afternoon. I have now blocked his signal. What a shame! I did finally move forward a little and he now has a picture.

So tomorrow morning it will be the sixth day of being at the garage but we are having so many little jobs done it is worth it. We then hope to move south for an overnight stop at Tiznit.

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Day 33 - Taghazout Second Day

We decided that we would tidy the van today and both have showers so that we could fill with water in readiness for the next stage of our adventure. Whilst out talking to Eddie I spotted a really nice mat. After some expert haggling by Derek the price dropped to 190dh ...just under £15. I'd been putting of a purchase because I wanted to get a 2.5m wide mat but then realised it would have to travel inside as it is wider than the van. Oh well the thought was there.

After breakfast I strolled over to Malcolm van and finished off the training session from yesterday. He now has Dropbox fully installed and integrated together with a blog site. Tina had borrowed a washing machine from Malcolm and was busy rinsing through clothes and bedding.

In the afternoon I returned to John and Margaret and started to explain what technology they might need on returning to the UK.

Leaving tomorrow to go back to Mustafa so packed away all of the external things possible...just the levelling ramps in the morning. Sorted out our possible route to Tafraoute on Wednesday with Eddie so all set for the next couple of days.

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Day 32 - Taghazout - First Day Second Stint

This morning we decided to move down to join the other Brits and found ourselves back on the same spot we had left on Wednesday and all this before breakfast. As we drew up the others were off to catch the bus into Agadir to go to the souk. Tina did some washing whilst I was talking to Daiboy. We were discussing satellite tv and he offered to see if we could get Astra 1 or 2 with our set up. Well after trying for sometime we came to the conclusion that we were not going to get anything. Following this momentous decision we decided to give Portugal a miss but spend more time here in Morocco. We are going to join Carol & Eddie and travel to the Almond blossom festival at Tafraoute. Following this we will make our way up through the mountains to Fez and Chefchaouen and then the boat home around mid February. Later I joined Malcolm and helped him set up his MIFI and get connected to the internet. We then started to install Dropbox on his various devices. We will continue in the morning. Tina cooked a beef tangine and it was very tasty which was followed by fresh strawberries. Later I joined the others for beer o'clock.

Note to self:

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  1. We really don't need to bring as many tins of baked beans and Mug Shots as we did. We have hardly used any. The fresh vegatables are plentiful and the weather means we are eating more salads


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  2. Bringing the scooter would have been an advantage to getting around and saved so much more walking. The electric bikes albeit are a good idea but the roads here do not lend themselves to safe use.


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  3. A portable twin tub washing machine would be a good idea to bring if there is enough space - less beans, more space!

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Day 31 Agadir - Forth Day

This morning the gas specialist came and looked at our cooker and hob. The rings should now light and stay on and the oven should get hotter....time will tell. We also had a visit from the upholsterer who returned our cushions and proceeded to staple some fixing strips into place. This should cure the problem of the creeping cushions. It seems to be working. Most of the bulbs in the van are now LED and the awning light is now very much brighter.

We were all completed by mid afternoon but couldn't get out of the alley as there were two other vans in the way. Whilst we waited I listened to the AFC Bournemouth commentary using the neighbour's unlocked wifi.

Tina was much better today and managed to get back to near her usual self. No more visits to the souk I think.

When all the vans were complete at around 6pm we headed off to find a supermarket. At the first there was no suitable parking so we went on to another which happened to be the biggest in Agadir. All 5 of us went and ate a meal in a fast food restaurant and then proceeded to buy a few things. I think Tina was disappointed that she could not get her washing machine for the van. Looks like we will have to continue the search.

We arrived back at Taghazout beach in the dark at around 9 pm. On the drive home the dashboard was telling me the outside temperature was 16c. Amazing!

Drinks in with John & Margaret and left them still drinking at 11:30. Tina went on an hour earlier. We will probably reposition the van tomorrow.

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