Day 4 – Friday 23 February
We awoke to 5 degrees of warmth, the sun shining and a blue sky. Before we left, Steve had the idea of taking a herb garden with. We needed a trough and I thought I had a brilliant idea to put the pots of in a Fish Kettle. Using the lift out plate as a base I thought if I overwatered them, the water would drain straight in the base and not stain any surface. In fact they drained so well, I hadn’t realised through the journey the plants were actually dry and needed watering. Having rectified the situation last night and apologising profusely to each of the pots our herb garden is cheering up. I know you’re wondering how the herb tray stays in place at the front so let me solve your curiosity. It’s on a non slip mat, and tomorrow it’s going out on the front of the caravan to enjoy the sun’s rays as much as we will.
Our last leg of the journey to Benidorm. We’ve got something called an ACSI card. Set up in the 60’s by a canny Dutchman, It’s to use off season for mega discounts. So far we’ve used it successfully for the three campsites we had stayed at; each virtually empty, no prior booking needed. Not the case in Benidorm. Using our ACSI guide books, Camping & Caravan Club Membership, Caravan & Motorhome Club Membership, as many camping groups as possible on Facebook, internet and mobile it took over an hour to secure a booking in the co-pilots seat. The place is bursting with Retirees, sun chasers and of course and Ex Pats. I had no idea we’d need to pre-book for February. Lesson learnt
Approximately 268 miles driven today and we’ve arrived. Not in Benidorm but a charming nearby village! We’re at a campsite called Caravanning Paraiso, a few miles South of Benidorm in Villayoyosa. Compact and I’d say more Spanish than English. Speaking to a neighbour, who happens to be a young Swiss, he told us the entire area is absolutely ram packed, despite the cold temperature. He said we were incredibly lucky to get in within a 300 km radius. We can’t believe it either! I suppose its wanting to be nearer to the sun and by the coast. Anyway, we can see the sea from our pitch which is a hop, skip and a jump to the beach and even closer to the apparently heated outdoor pool. We’ve already tested the bar. Spanish, reasonable priced, good spirit measures, tasty snacks and superb service. Could be heaven.
Caravan is set up. Steve’s done the outside and I’m taking stock check of food stores. Here’s a peak of what we’re living in –
The other question you want to ask is how Steve and I have we got on during our four day journey. Couldn’t be happier campers. He’s been a superb safe driver, especially considering he’s towing over 8.3m of portable home behind the Discovery. We’ve had the car sat nav supported by the Waze app on my phone and of course back up maps. We took extra special concentration to avoid low bridges, width restrictions, dead ends and of course especially u turns!
Well, time for a well earned chill and relax before we begin exploring the area over the weekend.
Written, Edited and Posted by Blanche