Wednesday 28th March

We heard a commotion coming from next door this morning. It turned out that old Pierre had just bludgeoned a snake which was about to crawl under his caravan. It was on display for all to see at the entrance to his pitch - a tiny(dead!) grass snake.
Today & yesterday have been mixed weatherwise, much more like the UK!
On Sunday we went for an excellent walk up a "rambla", a dry river bed. This is a huge one being used as a dirt road except where the road deviates to avoid rocky stretches. The first few miles was through a gorge with high mountains on both sides and containing a profusion of plants and wildlife. We saw several sorts of rock rose and lavender, rosemary, curry plant, fennel, shamrock, genista. broom, margerite, and others. Birdwise, there were serrins, black wheatyear, sardinian warbler, crested lark,goldfinch as well as the ususal blackbirds, robbins, sparrows etc. Also saw many unidentified butterflies. We picnicked at the edge of an almond grove. The whole walk took nearly 5 hours and was most interesting.

Sat 24th March

This week we've been to two huge local markets with excellent fruit & veg, plus cheap clothes & shoes etc. Poor old Pierre, our french neighbour had his pocket picked at one of them a week ago, so we were extra careful.
Also had an interesting walk around the port of Cartagena, which is also a naval base. Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians - hence the name - in pre Roman times, so it has lots of history. We walked up a hill behind the port which is a park with a lovely view of the city and the port.
Weather still excellent.

Sat 17th March

In this last week we've had a really nice walk along the coast to a fishing willage. There's still a bit of the old Spain left - but not much! We also had a day out to Mojacar, an ancient white perched town. Unfortunately, there was a local fiesta and everything was closed. The fiesta was interesting, though, as it involved all the families heading off into the countryside for a picnic and taking with them large, handmade paper dolls. Some sort of pagan festival, perhaps.
Weather as before, so lots of sitting about and swimming.

Sunday 11th March

A lazy week, but we did move pitches to an adjacent one which has a nicer view of the mountains and the sea. We are now next door to an 80+ year old French couple who have driven down from near Nantes. He's really doddery and it's a miracle that they got here in one piece. He has aleady run over and demolished their shopping trolley and nearly collided with a tree between our pitches. They are, nontheless, charming.

We went bird watching today and saw flamingos & stilts & other unidentifiable birds. The weather has remained beautiful all the time with temperatures 18 to 23 degrees.

Mon 5th March

Running short of gas, but Calor gas is not refillable or exchangeable in Spain. So, you would think, just go and buy a brand new bottle of Spanish gas. But no, if you want a brand new bottle,your caravan has to be officially inspected - cost,400 euros! But, predictably, there's a fixer on site who got us a new bottle for 32 euros, and a visit today to the local Aladin's cave for a regulator has resulted in gas supplies being resumed. Weather still excellent.

Sat 3rd March

Arrived here at Camping Los Madriles,near Cartagena, last Tuesday. Brilliant site, completely full, with large heated swimming pool (30 degrees). Weather has been superb since our arrival, 20-23 degrees and sunny. Sunbathing,swimming and walking, so far.