2021

Countries/territories visited: .pt, .es, .fr, .ch, england, scotland, .de, .it, .gr, .tr

The year begins as usual every other year in Portugal, in theAlgarve. This year the weather is not as good, very cold during the night, but warm if and when the sun arrives.

Imortal Football Club Aire

Large ex-field populated with about 90 European motorhomes. All services, though an upgrade would make a lot of sense.

37.09877

-08.24270

Another time-absorber

Not the temperatures we bargained for...

11-JAN - we move to another site nearer the coast.

Figueira Aire

Friendly people. Some hippies with wood stoves and dreadlocks, but all calm.

37.07324

-08.84570

with a really nice, small isolated beach, sand and waves of glass-clear water.

Nice walk.

The mornings are cool

A walk in the hills.

Then over the hills to see a mehnir and the bay

And here's why I am moving towards becoming a vegetarian.

Then after 4 weeks it's back to Albufeira, not because of the weather. We have grey and rain.

Imortal Football Club Aire

Large ex-field populated with about 90 European motorhomes. All services, though an upgrade would make a lot of sense.

37.09877

-08.24270

Walks, shopping, the TV system breaks and gets repaired. My teeth get done too.

22-FEB - and we start the trip back to Prison Island with a Covid test in Faro, some shopping and a stay (until the test results come in) in Tavira Motorhome Park.

Tavira Motorhome Park

Large ex-field populated with about 90 European motorhomes. All services, though an upgrade would make a lot of sense.

37.13290

-07.63157

Local salt production. I do wonder how much plastic this stuff now contains.

23-FEB - and it's time to leave Portugal. We are stopped at the border - a consequence of Covid and drive into

Spain

A long drive to Sevilla and then, this time towards the north on the E-803 and we find a place to stay at Aljucen for the night

Aljucen Aire

Above a small village. Thank you to the locals for this quiet official aire just off the main motorway. Water and trash

39.04170

-06.33024

The drive northwards means stops at

Simancas Aire

An offical aire built by the locals 6 places, water and trash

41.58743

-04.82322

and back again to

Cabaceno Nature Park

Just a carpark above a small village. Thank you to the locals for this quiet place just off the main motorway.

43.35865

-03.81873

We then take the fast roads in the hills to the east with a stop to get a PCR test at Zarautz, arranged by the man at the campsite.

Zarautz Campsite

Spectacular site high above the town. Great walks (a few steps, haha) and all facilities

43.29027

-02.14803

And of course the mandatory video on the beach.

28-FEB - We leave in the morning and head to

France

where there are no controls at the border. After some shopping and a long drive on minor roads we end up beside a lake.

Azur Aire

A scruffy site, but very quiet. Good Wifi as well as water and electricity

43.78887

-01.34024

Then more small roads to the next stop beside the ocean and that unending beach.

St. Julien Aire

Run by the local community under trees. No Wifi.

44.09350

-01.31971

After a very early walk on the beach again, still with crashing waves we head northwards. But, not finding a nice place for the night before Archachon we bypass Bordeaux and end up in a Camping-car Park in Libourne.

Libourne Aire

The usual, high standard. Water, Wifi and leckie.

44.94785

-00.24421

We walk around the rowing lake in the morning and then another hop for a night beside a lake.

Lac du St. Pardoux Aire

Quiet, no services (off season).

46.03162

01.29544

And then a long drive on the N145 and the N79 - which is still getting massive surgery to the next overnight place... A new place.

Saint-Trivier-de-Courtes Aire

Wifi, water, leckie at the Camping-Car Park

46.45907

-05.07741

The town had a brickworks

with which they built a few places.

Then we spend a few days at Zoa's breeder a good man and friend. To be conformant with Covid rules we need to spend 10 days in Frans Comte if we want to get to Zurich.

Then we rest up for walks in a village aire

Bucey-les-Gy Aire

Water (in/out) and leckie, next to a shop and bakery.

47.42450

-05.83985

11-MAR - we head on to L'Etang Joli to see friends and walk in the woods.

Today Ronald Tschalär left us, after a long time with lung cancer. He helped me so much in the 1990s. A gentle soul with his heart in the right place alongside his politics. I miss him.

18-MAR - we leave and drive to Basel and into

Switzerland

We stay at the campsite and chat with my sons and other familly and friends.

Zurich Campsite

All services, beside the lake and just within the city bounderies (Single ticket for public transport).

48.35217

05.69816

25-MAR - After getting a -ve PCR test for me and the necessary treatment for Zoa we then leave and head back into

France

which means a dash across country stopping at Charmes which is nice and quiet.

Charmes Aire

Municipal facility with fresh water and electric. Beside the canal next to the Moselle.

48.37432

056.29441

then on the main roads back to Sangatte for the night

Sangatte Parking

Public carpark now being updated with some services.

50.94081

01.74156

View of La Manche

26-MAR - before the chunnel

England

and some shopping to prepare for isolation for 10 days, but first a night in the wind.

Southbourne Beach Road

No services

50.719351

-01.788225

+

Then a dash to glorious Devon.

and walks without people.

Then a few weeks in Totnes

Before it's off again around the country. First Exmouth

Exmouth Parking

Behind the beach, huge marked out slots especially for motorhomes.

50.61267

03.39927

Then Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury Parking

Water in the Church Yard and public toilets not far away in the back Street.

50.66524

02.59736

Before Portland

Portland Cliff Parking

Lovely view of Chesil Beach

50.55740

02.43758

Durdle Door

and Lulworth Cove.

And then a few days in and around Corfe Castle.

Corfe Castle Campsite

Not far from the village. Great for walks.

50.63712

02.07249

Devizes awaits with one night in a carpark which used to be where the railway station came through.

Devizes Station Carpark

Very close to the town, £4.50 for 24 hours, no services.

51.35253

02.00030

A convemient laundrette in the center of town too.

Devizes Campsite

Somewhat isolated, but great walks for Zoa. Very friendly people.

51.35610

02.07170

Where we meet friends, talk, eat and go for walks. Up the lock system

and to the pub on the canal.

15-MAY and onwards to a place we haven't been before with a stop (in the rain) in Swindon for more supplies.

Chipping Norton Campsite

Somewhat isolated, but great walks for Zoa. Very friendly people.

51.91718

01.54243

Conkers Campsite

Not far from the village. Great for walks.

52.73901

01.55097

The area is an old coal mine with a disused canal and any number of paths. There is also a test track for the engine manufacturing facility to the north.

We stop again at "The Lady of the North" to admire her outline. Unfortunately they are still ripping coal off of the land.

Northallerton Rest Area

This is just a place to park at the weekend in a quiet industrial area. (Apart that is from the frequent trains dashing by.)

N54.35021

W1.45166

The wind is still very much in play as we head into

Scotland

21-MAY For 3 nights at

Dunbar Campsite

A large site on the coast.

055.99371

002.48399

and while the wind attemps to turn over Ruth the van, this visit there is wifi, until, that is, the wind takes it away, or so I assume.

On the walk to the beach we see a host of swifts in the lee of some trees feasting on something - probably flies ..

The next day the wind has gone and we can see the full glory of the ex-quarry.

The time has come to let go of the US art pieces I picked up in the 1970s. They get off loaded at a gallery in Edinburgh for an auction in August - fingers crossed. The rain then accompanies us to Anstruther where we park up.

Anstruther Campsite

A small site for a few tourers on the coast. Very, very expensive.

056.22918

002.68135

A walk along the coast with a hooley.

And under instruction from a local guide we walk around a local wood and farmland before a dose of what is described as the best Fish & Chips in the land - my analysis is it probably is, especially taken beside the harbour in good company.

Tayport Parking

A free public carpark right on the coast, wide views and quiet.

056.44232

002.86872

Rather a sweet spot with a good walk along the flat coastal path peppered with tank traps.

Then through Dundee (the V&A was closed even if it is Wednesday) and a number of other rainy towns to spend the night at the Skiing area of Glencoe.

Glencoe Ski Parking

A small site for a few tourers on the coast. Very expensive.

056.63474

004.82790

The view from this skiing Center is amazing. And the following morning we look back up the valley too.

We don't stop in Oban, far too many people but continue down a peninsular to Easdale for a couple of nights.

Ellenabeich Motorhome Parking

A small site for a few tourers on the coast. Very expensive.

056.29556

005.64916

We climb the local hill for a special view

I write a few postcards and send them off

No mention of an (english) monarch - nice!

The parking is owned by the company which runs Seafari and costs £10 a day for motorhomes. It turns out (as told to me by a local resident) that this comapny bought a large house which was previously an arty colony and a couple of other properties too. They then decided to develop a full motorhome facility, water, electric, etc. But, the locals rejected the idea. A couple of houses in the villiage were also sold off, but not before the owners had blocked off a public footpath with a couple of fences. Should I win Euromillions I would correct this sort of behaviour in any way I could and hand ownership to the community.

Slate mining was what sustained the village for many years with workers living in cottages built on the remains.

Because there isn't much room, each cottage has a seperate garden, how nice...

And Zoa takes on a familiar pose.

Then it's off to see good friends in Prestwick - always a real pleasure. Two nights on their drive and then down the "main" road to

Dalbeattie - 7stanes carpark

The forestry commission in Scotland now allows motorhomes to stay overnight at their carparks. This one was quiet. Nice!

054.91347

003.81822

Drive through Dumfries and Gretna back to

England

A long drive down the M5 and across towrds Leeds for the night.

Park carpark near Leeds

Very green and really quiet. No services

053.854785

001.604222

Then follows two very enjoyable days, one to visit friends and fellow political minds in Sheffield, always a pleasure and educational for me. Then to a flatmate from way back when in the 1970s and his wife near Leeds. Lots of laughs from when we were immature young men, well at least I was.

Braunstone Town Parking

Very quiet carpark beside a park and childrens' playground. No services

052.614236

001.177919

Then back to Base Camp

18-JUN and we head off to Woolacombe for a Viz Whizz..

Woolacombe Bay Twichen campsite

An "industrial scale" campsite. All facilities and full of happy children, lovely.

051.18210

004.19519

Industrial level campsite, probably won't be staying again.

an aging bench...

We walk down to the town and around Morte Point.

Then the actual Viz Whizz on Sunday.

Followed by another coastal walk on Monday.

We then spend a few days near Lynton and Lynmouth.

Lynton and Lynmouth campsite

Lovely staff, all facilities, very quiet, mostly oldies.

051.21732

003.85786

The walks are wonderful with a bus back up to the campsite from Lynton.

We have two nights back on Exmouth

Exmouth Parking

Behind the beach, huge marked out slots especially for motorhomes.

50.61267

03.39927

to get an haircut, see a family friend and walk on the beach

The farm welcomes us back for a few days

Then back to Base Camp

8-JUL We set off to the East intending to stay overnight at Southbourne, but it was too early to stop to we headed on to The Hamble.

Southampton Water Parking

Beside the water, very quiet, no services

50.61267

03.39927

There are also people parked along the sea road. Then it's on towards Brighton for a few nights to an area we have nover been before. Shingle beach and a few local shops in Lancing. I bet it used to be a thriving local community before out-of-town supermarkets gained the upper hand.

The Barn Campsite Lancing

Behind the beach, huge marked out slots especially for motorhomes.

50.82718

-00.30956

Then a day and a night at Windsor as England lost in a penalty shoot-out.

Windsor Parking

An occassional train, but otherwise quiet. £2 the night.

51.48513

00.61711

12-JUL and we go to meet friends down near Chicester

Woodfarm Campsite

A huge field, a CL site with water. The only dog walking is in a wood on the site

50.84885

00.82689

We initially got stuck on a wet part of the field, but were pulled out by the farmer on his tractor.

Penn Street Parking

A huge field, a CL site with water. The only dog walking is in a wood on the site

51.656569

-0.666267

Then on to friends in Hockley in Essex for a few days. I arrange a test for travel to France, we walk the dogs in some lovely country and the seaside. Good conversations.

20-JUL and we drive over the Dartford Crossing (having pre-paid this time) and around into Kent for shopping before we end up in the Eurotunnel area before going to

France

We spend the night at Sangatte parking and walk on the beach a couple of times.

Sangatte Parking

Public carpark now being updated with some services.

50.94081

01.74156

We then spend 2 nights again at the mouth of the Somme.

Hourdel Camper Van Parking

Free, right beside the seashore.

50.21435

01.55209

We take a different route towards Amiens then park beside the canal in a small village

Chateau Thierry Parking

€12 a night with leckie and water services

50.21435

01.55209

Beside the Marne river with a pleasant walk into the town and a few showers.

in the morning we walk up to a US Army memorial

I really enjoy the D373 which is a quiet, straight road towards the south.

We end up at Camping-Car Park, which is new, but seems not to work.

La Halte

A new site Camping-Car, but nothing worked.

48.54792

04.14442

Then off to Troye, but first we take a look at a roman bridge

and a walk beside the Charles de Gaulle memorial.

to take a look before heading further south on another straight road to a town on the hill. We stay beside the canal for walks both around the town and along the canal.

Chaumont Parking

A municipal site managed by a very nice lady. €8 with leckkie

48.11915

05.15404

Langres Parking

Another municipal site with leckie €11

47.85473

05.33562

Onwards to the next stop for 2 nights

Corre Marina Parking

A field next to the canal marina. Services with leckie and Wifi (weak) €11

47.913300

05.993260

Quiche for real men with salmon.

31-JUL And we go to a good friend's place for a few days. Good talks, some exercise too.

6-AUG and we move on to be between the Rhine river and the Rhine canal at Vogelgrun

Vogelgrun Camping-Car Park

This site has the usual services and includes Wifi. €11

48.02057

07.57982

There is water in the river

16-AUG - we head to

Germany

and the dealer near Freiburg and have a few things done to Ruth the van before heading into the Black Forest to meet an ex-colleague and her man for coffee. We decide to spend the night at the restaurant parking.

Kandel Parking

This site usually has toilets and lekkie. €20

48.06483

08.01589

17-AUG - and so onto

Switzerland

and Zurich to stay with Clare for a few days and spend time chatting and eating. Before we head off to the Arbon Openair Kino to see more family, specifically Dustin, Jolanda and Rick.

Arbon Harbour Parking

No services but there is the "Wunderbar" which has Wifi too.

47.51306

9.43960

We also get to see Dustin's latest film on the big screen - "Signs", "Wanda my Wunder" and "Nomadland".

Then back to Zurich for another few days before heading off to the mountains together with son Barney and his machine.

Glarus Parking

Close to the sports center. Water dump and fresh, electricity too. SFr. 5,- per 24 hours. Water SFr. 1,- for 30 liters.

047.05123

009.0612

All is well, we walk along the river, through the stone, well chalk, quarry and back. Much chatter and good food. The following day we head farther down the vally to Tiefed and park.

Tierfed Parking

No services, just a gravel parking.

46.878891

08.979975

There is a new cable car replacing the one I have taken 3 times in the past, once with Freddy Forster, again with Dustin and Barney and the third time with a German lady.

Yes up we go with the dogs, walk 2750m to the dam, walk around and then head back.

The following day son Barney then has to leave earlier than expected, so Zoa and I head to Bündnerland on the Chur motorway and drive up the hill past Churwalden to Lenzerheide.

Lenzerheide Parking

A temporary aire for bikers. A complicated booking process. Services, no lekkie. SFr. 26

046.73316

009.54728

There are a lot of bikers. It seems the town now likes to refer to itself as Bikerheide.

Then up to Savognin and over the Julierpass

to St. Moritz and Pontressina to meet friends. No room for the first night at their campsite so we stay for the night.

Diavolezza Parking

At the cable car lift. Not cheap with services and lekkie. SFr. 33

046.44106

009.98260

The price of the overnight stay includes a free ride, both up and down, in the cable car, so we take advantage of this offer.

The next day we take a side trip to Livogno in Italy, down part of the Berninapass and up the valley for a walk, lunch and duty-free diesel. Then back up and down to the campsite.

Camping Morteratsch

Full service site, not cheap but a lovely location

046.46129

009.93672

We meet and greet friends, walk the dogs along the river and eat too. We also go to the demo dairy where they produce Alpine cheese, yummy.

And I see the Swiss take electric biker seriously.

30-AUG and off we go on our travels. First some re-victualling and then up past ST. Moritz to the Malojapass and all the way, with careful braking, into

Italy

Almost as soon as we arrive the sun is out - shorts, sandals and sunnies again. Phew, it's quite warm this side of the alps.

Alzano Lombardo Parking

Next to a dam and the river Serio. Leckkie from a new dispenser, use €s.

045.73379

009.74228

A quiet night beside a park and riverside walk.

The following day it's off down the motorway and a nice SS434 to Castelmassa

Castelmassa Parking

On top the dyke, ovelooking the Po. Water dump, local cafés.

045.01394

011.31073

26 degrees beside the Po river.

Then it's a long, long drive via Ancona to Termoli for a night beside the Adriatic including a blockage on the motorway.

Beach Parking

Bare bones linea parking beside the beach, but with leckkie. €15 for the night.

042.02463

014.88741

And another night closer to Bari so we won't be to overstretched for the ferry to Greece

Trullo Beach

On the beach (stones) for €15 with leckkie

041.19509

016.62400

3-SEP and so we board the ferry, Camping-on-Board to

Greece

We arrive early and, after shopping for victuals, diesel and Wifi we head to the usual beach for the night.

Igomenitsa Bay Parking

A lovely beach with a few restaurants and water.

039.51488

020.21283

The police come by on Sunday morning ..... to pick Sand Lilies..

8-SEP - After a few days with very warm sunshine, eating, walking, swimming and sleeping we head off to the hills of northern Greece. First stop is a small cafè en route for delicious food, then on, over some very high roads, all of which are very good to Konitsa.

Konitsa Old Stone Bridge Parking

A lovely spot for the night, no services, but a cafè/restaurant.

040.03619

020.74491

Reminds me of Mostar...

We then turn back and visit the Vikos Gorge

before driving back to Konitsa and taking another spectacular high road to Kastoria where we spend the day and night. On the way we see field after field of what I think may be hops on canes a couple of meters high.

Kastoria Parking

A busy town with lots of geese and oher wildfowl on the lake.

040.520199

021.261299

Kastoria is a bustling lake side town which does eventally close down around midnight and becomes very calm, especially as the geese are asleep.

Then it's a long drive again up and down to Florina. Won't be doing this again. We descend then to a wide plain, past two huge power stations (coal) and through a series of tunnels on the main road towards Thessaloniki and then Athens stopping at the small fishing port of methani

Methoni Port Parking

No services, some early activty - fishing. A few Tarverna in the village

040.452960

022.596209

We then spend a night on the wild beach just north of Paralia with the sun rising over the water and Mt. olympus emerging out of the clouds.

A few issues need to be addressed with Ruth the van so we drive through Thessaloniki (traffic not too bad because it's a Sunday) and park up beside the sea after a satisfying lunch

Perea Parking

Another scruffy place.

040.513517

022.937082

Then on Monday to Zamparoni Camping Service for the night with a walk to the local village for lunch. Excellent food and nice people. We chat with a few fellow campers and have the tap fixed in the toilet. Instead of a replacement at €90+ the greek guys take it out and put it back in - €30

Zamparoni Parking

Free, under the flight path (depending on the wind) with Wifi, water, shower and toilet.

040.502602

022.970501

Ierissos Beach Parking

Quiet beside the water. Any number of really nice tavernas

040.39842

023.88363

A lovely drive up and around the coast with spectacular views

And lunch at New Irakleitsas is most enjoyable.

followed by a dip in the water

Then onwards through a rain shower to Erodios past many fields of maise and, for the first time cotton.

Erodios Beach Parking

At the beach, a couple of taverna, too many dogs.

040.93059

024.94436

16-SEP - And then onto Fanari

Fanari Port Parking

With it's own small beach and shower.

040.96260

025.12602

Onwards over a delightful motorway and smooth back roads to Alexandroupoli

Alexandroupoli campsite

Services but scruffy.

040.84596

025.85477

I take Brompton to the town, which is busy with lots of cycle paths. A few days elaxing, walking in 30 degree sunshine, admiring the moon reflected on he water and doing all the admin to enter Turkey

20-SEP - Yep, up we get, do shopping at LIDL and head for the border to

Turkey

Country number 45 I think? I buy some Turkish Lira, vehicle insurance and we then drive to Kasan to get a data SIM from a couple of helpful people at Vodafone. Then off down remarkably good roads towards Gallipoli. Mind you the road has a strange habit of making an interchange every so often, even without a road joining?

First we take a look at some memorials of Chirchill's disaster.

Respect to Mehmetçik Monument (Anzac soldier injured in the arms of Turkish troops)

We also drive down to the point. All very sad. Back to the town for the night past a couple of fields of lavendar. I suppose the climate is just right.

Up early and we take the car ferry to Canakkale

before driving down he coast to find a campsite, which we do.

Cunda campsite

Services and almost empty, out of season. Lecckie and Wifi Tl 100,-

039.33217

026.62238

Lunch with a view of Lesbos.

And I get to meet Fatma and Kenny who are lovely people. With an evening view which makes the heart purr.

After a quick dip and shower we head off southwards on another good road before hitting the new motorway which is an impressive earthworks project. On the way we see an amazing thing, within the space of about a bit over one minuite we see 7, yes 7, mosques. What on earth is going on? I find this really crazy, worship of "some higher being" is bad enough, but what an extraordinary waste of resources which could be used for schools, hospitals, scientific reaser - the list is endless.

A few hours later we drive right around Izmir - what a huge city this is (third largest in population of the country) composed mainly of high rise 5-10 story and a few skyscrappers. I can't imagine the pollution people living there are subject to with a 6 lane motorway practically on all sides bustling with trucks spewing out clouds of particles. (Not too sure if there is much emphasis on regular engine testing.)

En route we see a group of women in headscarfs litterally hoeing a field. Not long afterwards we see another group of women attending to some large poppy seed heads. I assume they were making an incision in order to promote the juice coming out - early stage heroin.

We end up on the coast not far from the ancient city of Ephesus.

Deneli campsite

Services and lots of sand and dust, right on the beach, out of season. Lecckie and Wifi Tl 60,-

037.93898

027.27669

Nomatter where I look I can't seem to be able to find a vehicle ferry between Turkey and one of the Greek islands such as Chios or Kos. We may have to drive all the way back aound the north again.

First we stop at the Ephesus ancient city site, walk a bit, take some photos.

Then on down the motorway and the main road towards Denizli but turn off to Pamukkale and park up for the night.

Pamukkale Parking

Off a dusty road with a swimming pool and lekkie.

037.91944

029.11741

Time for lunch and a short walk to see the sights from below.The carbonic deposits are spectacular.

Then in the evening the wailing takes a bit longer than it has elsewhere, or maybe it's my imagination. I can't remember what it was like in Mostar. Just as well I have no comprehension as to what is being communicated, saves me tittering.

So then onwards. I had originally wanted to go much further east, but even with the price of diesel at around €0.70 the vastness of the country is too much and we curtail the trip and head down to the coast, through Mugla and end up in Akyaka.

Izci Kampi Campsite

A forest site with separate areas for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Scruffy and only walking access to a few swimming places.

037.04932

028.29543

We take in Bordrum for a drink and the view

before heading back up north via Milas past Bafa Gölü and Kusadasi to

Deneli campsite

Services and lots of sand and dust, right on the beach, out of season. Lecckie and Wifi Tl 60,-

037.93898

027.27669

Then a long drive back to Canakkale and the ferry. Driving on a Sunday on the mostly very good Turkish roads is a pleasure - almost no trucks!

for a walk on the beach and a quiet night, well, apart from the yelling.

27-SEP and after a long detour we head back into

Greece

and park up again beside the water.

Fanari Port Parking

With it's own small beach and shower.

040.96260

025.12602

Swims, good food and sunshine.

Then a drive around to the Olympic Beach, just for one night.

The new motorway southwards is very good, but expensive. We take a side trip to Volos, which is a mad mess of traffic before then deciding to take a back road where we fund a lovely place to stop for he night.

We conquered the local hilltop. The next morning it's through Lamia to Thermopyle for 15 minutes in a stinky pool, then up the winding mountain road to the next wide valley and a pleasant drive down to Thiva before an amazing back road to the coast for the night.

A windy night, but all good before we drive into Chalcis to get a new mobile data SIM and then on to Eritrea again after 8 years.

Harbour Wall Parking Eritrea

At the end of the town, not far from the ferry terminal. The lapping of waves and fishermen driving past.

38.38792

23.78995

Another Greek salad and a quiet night.

And, in the village there are numerous tavernas and even a laundry . Clean 4U.

At the "Retro Barber" I get a new look.

7-OCT and so we get coffee, fill up with water and take the ferry to he other side. A bit of shopping and lunch before we settle down for the night.

Agean Beach Parking

Big, dry carpark, nice beach, showers

038.33678

023.76354

There are grey clouds overhead to we decide to head down towards Athens where the Oyster system might get a going-over next week. We park for a while on a beach where Zoa has a great time chasing small fish. But, I then notice it isn't too far to what appears to be a spectacular temple, so we drive there, arriving as the sun sets and the lights go on. Wonderful!

Poseidon's Temple Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road

037.65077

024.02691

A strange night with some folk spending time in the carpark even without any access to the temple. The following morning I get coffee and visit the temple including a chat with one of the wardens. So helpful.

Later we head back up the coast and decide to spend some time beside the bay with a large number of people returning from fishing trips and their boats being put onto trailers and taken away with the people still sitting inside.

Fokaia Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road

037.72315

023.93354

We walk around the bay because a local triathlon is in progress, such a variety of people puffing and panting. As a storm arrives we head off and spend the night in a small carpark.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road

037.79059

023.87908

Then it's off to the Fiat Service garage to make a very significant donation to their annual turnover. Oil, oil filter, 2 x brake shoes and (sadl) also 2 x shockabsorbers - front. Still they do a good job and repaint both mirrors and both windscreen washers so hey look like new. Then off to Stavros - a place with a quiet atmosphere, even when the wind off the sea is doing its thing.

Stavros Bay Parking

No services, great view.

035.59263

024.09502

Good food, a few walks, sunshine and quiet nights. Then back for a few issues to Kalyves and coffee at Fresh and Cool.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road

037.79059

023.87908

Next stop, as usual in Rethymno

Old Rethymno

Jasmine

Camping Elizabeth

A great location, right next to the warm Med, with all the facilities, in a lot of dust, (haha) and a very ecologically sustainable environment.

035.36890

024.51538

The White Mountains with the Moon.

28-OCT - off again, this time to Heraklion before spending the night beside the ruins of the Palace at Milia

Milia Palace Parking

A bit noisy late and early because of the parked coaches. No services.

035.29205

025.49212

Onwards to

Agios Nicolaos Port Parking

Paid parking €6 for the 24 hours.

035.18686

025.71720

Elounda Port Parking

Quiet during the night

035.26332

025.72281

Zoa and I did the same walk around the bay I did with Miloš in 2013, with a view of the Elounda Beach resort where I took the two boys almost exactly 30 years ago.

We head to Plaka where the boat awaits to take me - no Zoa, no pets allowed - to the island. The cemetry, unmarked graves with stone covers.

The following day, after a night of showers in Elounda we head back to Plaka for a walk up the hill.

And a quiet night beside the beach.

Plakia Stone Beach Parking

Free parking at this time of year, no services.

035.29918

025.72718

We go back to Elounda Port and spend time with some lovely locals. What a grand place!

Elounda Port Parking

Quiet during the night

035.26332

025.72281

We move to a small village Ammos a bit farther down the coast for a night of quiet under the stars, next to the lapping waves.

Ammos Port Parking

Nobody here, no boats either. Water tap.

035.11162

025.80363

Then on to a gravely beach on he southern coast at Koutsounari.

Koutsounari Beach Parking

Quiet during the night with lots of stars.

035.00790

025.82762

Quiet with a few skinny dippers. I join in as one does.

A night beside the Bramiana Dam is very quiet because we walked all the way around the reservoir, making me quite tired.

Bramiana Dam Parking

Nothing here but the stars and the hills at night and in the morning.

035.00790

025.82762

On leaving we attempt to walk up the Sarakinas Gorge, but after a short distance the boulders are simply too big and the way is blocked.

Then on for a bit of shopping in Moires and Ruth gets a real wash (also the top) before we head to Matala for food. And a walk.

The parking there is now closed for overnight stays so we head a little way up the coast.

Komos Beach Parking

Directly above the beach. Rubbish Bins

035.01252

024.76045

Back to matala for another walk

And another chat with a Dutch man who has this whole motorhoming thing completely sorted and who makes excellent coffee.

Festos palace Parking

Directly above the beach. Rubbish Bins

035.05160

024.81110

Kikkinos Port Parking

Only water

035.08310

024.73759

Agis Galini Campsite

All facilities, hippie-ish as is usual on Crete.

035.09981

024.69443

Nice beach and site

And a closer look at the sign...

Then back for a few nights in Kikkinos, with walks along the beach

Kikkinos Port Parking

Only water

035.08310

024.73759

Before two nights in Plakias, beside the beach, where the water is still warm. No spanners here.

Plakias Beach Parking

Only water ad a warm sea.

035.18669

024.39911

Chania calls for more mobile data and washing before we settle down (again) in Kalyves

Kalyves Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road but with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

037.79059

023.87908

30-NOV After a few days we head to Rethymno for shopping and then settle down again at

Camping Elizabeth

A great location, right next to the warm Med, with all the facilities, in a lot of dust, (haha) and a very ecologically sustainable environment.

035.36890

024.51538

Sometimes rough, others wonderfully calm and sunny, with walks to the gorge and to the town.

And then we decide to head off east where the weather is generally a bit better.

Milia Palace Parking

A bit noisy late and early because of the parked coaches. No services.

035.29205

025.49212

And then a few days walking in the area of Elounda

Elounda Port Parking

Quiet during the night

035.26332

025.72281

Before heading back to Heraklion to discuss a new battery system before a quiet night in Rethymno

River Taverna Parking

Quiet during the night

035.37047

024.52380

Before collecting a few things in town and then back to our "local".

Kalyves Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road but with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

037.79059

023.87908

20-DEC - I get a -ve PCR test (took less than 2 hours from the swab to results being sent) and checkin to the flight to Athens and onto Zürich for Wednesday.

21-DEC and Zoa goes off for a well-deserved break with a delightful Canadian couple up the hill. While I fly via Atens to Zürich to visit friends and family.

27-DEC - I return to Chania to wash, then beside he beach for a night

Xania Beach Parking

At the point, not far from the campsite.

035.51239

023.97831

before we are back in Kalyves for the rest of the year, with much rain and wind.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Scruffy beach parking off the main coastal road but with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

037.79059

023.87908