2024

Countries/territories visited: .gr, .al, .me, .hr, .at, .de, .ch, .fr, england, .es, .ma

We begin the year in Stavros.

Stavros Bay Parking

No services, great view.

035.59263

024.09502

There are fireworks - Zoa not too happy.

We walk the winding road and the gorge at Seitan Limania

The walk is in sunshine and takes about an hour, not bad for an old fart.

Marathi Beach Parking

Beach parking near a couple of restaurants (closed) and a toilet (French classic design)

035.50383

024.17425

There is time for swimming, short walks and some impressive views.

We also have one night of wind, forcing us to move, and then move back.

6-JAN is orthodox Xmas day.

Then shopping back to Chania

Chania Beach Parking

Two beaches and a running track. Toilets in the café

035.51331

023.97767

Before expecting rain back in Kalyves.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Beach parking off the main coastal road, with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

035.45170

024.17584

15-JAN - we head south to Paleochoria to the other campsite

Grammeno Campsite

All services, but very scruffy. Run by Chris and not reasonably priced for the winter.

035.23455

023.63580

As we drive, there's this:

There are balmy days and then the wind arrives, rocking the van without the concomitant pleasure. Haha.

The campsite doesn't offer many good walks so we move

Palaochora Beach

Water but not much else. In the village, beside the beach

035.23347

023.68610

We do a couple of walks and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and sunshine.

Then we head north over the snowy mountains and on the beach near Kalyves for a few nights

Beach Parking

Nothing on this beach, but a view of the entrance to Souda Bay.

035.46064

024.16081

then back to the Kalyves carpark to wait out the bad weather.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Beach parking off the main coastal road, with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

035.45170

024.17584

We head off south over the pass with superb views of the White Mountains. And emerge with a panorama of the South Coast.

Vouvas Beach

Quietly lapping waves, no services.

035.20006

024.19039

Lots of background noise from the crashing waves, but a good place.

Onwards to following day to Frangokastello with coffee close to the Venecian Castle. Up to the Killikrati Gorge to walk up, but stymeed by goliath boulders which I can't overcome, so back to the beach for a night.

Vatalos Beach

On the road next to the sandy beach, unusual on the South Coast.

035.19191

024.21658

We then head up and over to Plakias, but after shopping we decide the "No Camping" signs where we usually park are not something we enjoy, so onwards to a small beach for the night.

Amoundi Beach

Cute place with a stream.

035.17106

024.42097

We adventure up to the chapel for a lovely view. There is also a cage with quiet a lot of phesant, maybe a local speciality for the orthodox easter?

Onwards as the sun re-appears to a favourite, quiet port for two nights.

Kikkinos Port Parking

Only water

035.08310

024.73759

A delicious meal at one of the taverna before we head off to wash Ruth and get me a haircut before we head to the hills and the Lake of Zoros.

Zaros Lake

A waste container and a café open during tourist hours.

035.13957

024.91038

We walk to a local monastry and back. One of those magnificent days, sunshine, stillness, majestic mountains and beautiful wild flowers.

A couple of days then spent beside the beach again in Rethymno

River Taverna Parking

Quiet during the night

035.37047

024.52380

Dog walks and coffee in the mornings. And at the café these two doors:

Georgioupolis port

Quiet with fresh water.

035.36413

024.26101

A few chores need to be done in Xania, including an engine wash for Ruth the van.

Back to a local beach as the rain arrives.

Beach Parking

Nothing on this beach, but a view of the entrance to Souda Bay.

035.46064

024.16081

Then back to our favourite haunt to spend time with friends.

Kalyves Beach Parking

Beach parking off the main coastal road, with a few shops and good coffee at Fresh & Cool.

035.45170

024.17584

26-FEB - Another week or so, then it's time to leave on the ferry (Kissimos) from Xania to Piraeus.

We arrive and drive straight to Camper Camp.

Camper Camp

Currently, basically a motorhome sales and repair site. But the infrastructure will soon be upgraded to a full service site.

037.99317

023.89745

The fridge gets fixed by Stasios and we drive on for shopping before we hole up beside the water.

Agean Beach

No services, very quiet

038.33678

023.76354

This area is built on a swamp, and so (even if it's winter still) there are mozzies, so after a quiet night we move on.

Parnithos Beach

No services, dusty, boat starage, a broken swimming pool and some kids playground equipment.

038.3379

023.7224

Did see some processional caterpillars, a bit too late, but Zoa didn't (apparently) sniff them. Just as well.

We stayed here overnight before. Today 2-MAR is a saturday, very calm water, few people and sunny with 20 degrees. Difficult, but we manage.

Then a lovely drive over the mountains

For a night at Thermopylae.

After a coffee in Trikala we go to the old waterpark for a night.

A quiet night with a lovely sunrise. We then drive through the town and on the main road to Kastoria where we settle down in the main carpark. Some shopping and walks along the lake.

Kastoria Parking

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

040.520199

021.261299

The following day we head into

Albania

I get insurance for Ruth the van - they insist on 15 days and cost €90. Not a good deal if one only really wants to drive through. We take the route up to the lake at Pogradec.

Lake Parking

Scruffy beach, no services.

040.90003

020.68380

Then it's up and over the mountain (beside a disused, single-track railway line) and down into Tirana. Bit of a traffic mess, how unexpected? And we go on to the once-capitol town of Kruje.

Concrete Parking

Restaurant and car wash run by two brothers. Toilets and lekkie.

040.90003

020.68380

We get a lift up to the castle (well actually a bakery called - George W Bush) and then walk back along the road to the campsite.

I bought a Vodafone SIM card as we entered Albania with 10Gb. After 1.5 days it had all gone. Something really wrong with this.

We leave and head up the mainly straight roads to

Montenegro

Ulcinj (Miami) Campsite

Just on the water with a beach for dogs and swimming.

41.90789

19.25091

The campsite is closed, but the boss is there monitoring a gardner, so we get to stay with lekkie and water. Lovely walks on the grey sand much appreciated by Zoa. Unfortunately the Wifi password doesn't work, so I'm still off-net. The next morning we head off northwards and cross the border into

Croatia

We picked up a seaman who had missed his bus at the border and took him to Dubrovnik and the continues on the motorway with a stop to admire the bridge

and then further north to a place we found in the hills on park4night.

Abandoned Road

Nothing here, next to what looks like a gas junction

43.64875

16.20548

After a cold night we head up on the 1 road to near Zagreb

Juraij Church

Just a church carpark, with a view

45.58749

15.58130

Just one night and then fill up with diesel (€1.45) and on into

Slovania

Where we don't stop but get a few things in Maribor and take the back road over some hills into

Austria

We take the main road (not motorway) towards Graz for a night

Kalsdorf Sports Center

Busy with school and sports traffic until the evening. A Billa supermarket.

46.96123

15.47642

Then some shopping and a dog walk.

Achtersee New Wiener Neustadt

Quiet, but this place has been destroyed from the delight it used to be for bathers and dog walkers.

47.81642

16.20524

WWe walk around the fields in Weikerdorf - to the sound of a speckled woodpecker and larks in the fields doing their "lift" flying.

Erlach Healthfarm

A couple of good walks in the woods.

47.73208

16.20772

Nice walks in this location. Then on up the hill to

Semmering Skilift

No services, not even water.

47.73208

16.20772

Then onto Mürzzuschlag for more walks in the woods.

Mürzzuschlag Carpark

No services, not even water. There is an aire here open 1-APR to 30-NOV.

47.73208

16.20772

And up to Krems, awonderful drive up and down the mountain in glorious sunshine to the river.

Mautern an der Donau

Right next to the aire which is €25 per day.

048.3958

015.5860

And to wait for a friend - and drive westwards with stops in Linz and Füssen. He then leaves by train to Geneva from St. Gallen.

Switzerland

A quiet night is spent next to (a still closed) swimming pool near Winterthur.

Wiesendangen parking

Walks in the woods.

047.52860

008.78950

Then time with family, good talks, walks (including beside the Zürisee) and food.

After a few visits to the city we head to a parking spot before

Hüttekon parking

Beside the woods.

047.43980

008.38650

Then for a night at Fischer's Fritz Campsite with a visitor from Crete.

Fischer's Fritz Campsite

Full services.

47.33644

08.55054

Germany

Hohentengen am Hochrhein

On the brow of a hill with views of the Alps and the ocassional airplane floating by.

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E08.4332

And a few nights above the river - all quiet, and a view of the Alps. Then back to

Switzerland

Zoa and Asi drag me up the Uetliberg - makes me feel my age.

Hüttekon parking

Beside the stream and the sewage works. Nice dog walks.

047.45050

008.38860

Time then to head off to

Germany

and the van dealer for some spares. The Oyster system also gets a check (some part of the receiver had fallen off) at the best Oyster service center in Europe.

These guys are simply the best.

France

and then to Fessenheim to relax.

Fessenheim Parking

Water and dumping with good dog walks.

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E07.53146

Before visiting a good friend and working our way back to Züri via

Sermamagny Parking

Several good dog walks beside a couple of lakes.

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E06.81485

I close the door with the engine running (for the heat) and Zoa inside and the door locks. A local Frenchman helps with a portable drill, we drill out the lock and I can get back in. This is the second time this has happened, silly me.

It turns quite cold in the mornings and wet too, so we go back to

Fessenheim Parking

Water and dumping with good dog walks.

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E07.53146

Then to

Switzerland

and time parked at

Rupperswil - Aarauerstrasse Parking

Parking just near a river and canal with good dog walking. (On the lead sadly.)

N047.40920

E008.12190

Then dog walks with Zoa and Asi and visits to friends and family in the Züri area.

Before a few nights

Hüttekon parking

Beside the woods.

047.43980

008.38650

Then into Züri and back to

Germany

for a few nights in Lauchringen

Lauchringen Parking

Quiet for the night and good walks.

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E08.3149

and a few more observing the planes approaching Züri airport.

Hohentengen am Hochrhein

On the brow of a hill with views of the Alps and the ocassional airplane floating by.

N047.6006

E08.4332

And back to Züri for a few days for son Barney's wedding to Kim. An overwhealming event for me.

27-May - and off we go to

France

For a night beside the Rhein at Fessenheim

Fessenheim Parking

Water and dumping with good dog walks.

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E07.53146

Then up the German motorway towards Strassbourg and then across to Nancy for the night

Richardménil Parking

Water and dumping and free lekkie. Nice walks too.

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E06.16120

Not far from Nancy. And a good walk for Zoa.

And after a quiet night on to a favourite overnight stop beside a canal.

Canal Parking

Lovely and quiet.

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E03.2557

in Calais we get a new rabies jab for Zoa and the usual (totally unnecessary) de-worming for the UK. and a quiet couple of nights before we take the ferry back to the island.

Aire du Sémaphore

Windy with access to the beach - dog walking seems to be allowed.

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E01.77152

At Sangatte, the other parking now has a 2m barrier - they don't want us. But this parkup is actually better, and closer to the beach which seems is OK for dogs.

We also visit the beach in Calais

England

We drive to Hockley in Essex to stay with friends for a few days, walk and talk.

Then another night at the Penn parking

Penn Church Parking

Quiet, no services with good dog walks.

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E00.66635

On to a lovely, quiet place with teriffic dog walks.

Bulford Camp Parking

A huge field for walks. Very quiet - lovely in the morning.

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W001.7463

And we also spend time in Exmouth visiting a very old family friend.

Exmouth Parking

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

50.61267

03.39927

Early morning above the beach.

Before heading to Totnes where I need a real service session - looks like i'm not as sick as i feel.

Time on the beach at Slapton

And even Paignton for a prawn salad sandwich and a smell of the 2-6-2.

before meeting family in Bigbury.

There are many walks, trips by bus and then a few days on the edge of Dartmoor.

Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock

Full service site, very friendly staff. Apparently open all year. Not too difficult for dog walks. Bus to/from the town.

50.55420

-4.09406

Then a few days in and around Barnstaple, including Crow point - such fun

Before back again to Exmouth

Exmouth Parking

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

50.61267

03.39927

From the farm Ruth the van parking near Kingsbridge we also walk into Salcome

But, being of mature years I opt for the bus for the journey back up the hill.

Then time spent in Totnes

Before heading off to Minehead. for a few rainy days.

Camping and Caravanning Club Minehead

Full service site, not very friendly staff. Apparently open all year. Not easy for dog walks. Couldn't find a level place to park on the grass.

051.2140

-003.4941

Then onto a favourite place on the Somerset flats.

Environment Agency carpark

Just a place to park. Some places for dog walks. Lovely and quiet.

051.0530

-002.8920

A week in Totnes before Ruth gets some more work done (she's getting old in the tooth now) and we head to Plymouth to catch a ferry to

France

In spite of the early arrival in Roscoff

we do a long drive (with stops) all the way down to Saint Nazaire and park up overlooking the bridge which we (the four team) cycled across on the way to Biaritz in 1999.

Environment Agency carpark

Just a place to park. Some places for dog walks. Lovely and quiet.

047.2681

-002.1678

Then we see this gem by Eiffel

before taking the ferry from

and spending the night along the coast next to a CCP site, but on the road for free.

Next to the CCP Montalivet

Parked on the road just back from the beach . Zoa loved the sand.

045.3755

-001.1576

Then a long drive to

Spain

and on the main road (free) to Victoria Gasteitz where a couple of P4N places are now closed, so we park on a road in a new development.

On road in urban area.

Parked on the road in the middle of yet to be developed green area. Dog walkers and lit all night.

042.84701

-002.64206

We then drive down to the windmills

Alcázar de San Juan

Quiet night, great view.

039.3707

-003.1918

Up in the dark and drive all the way to Cala de Mijas and parkup

Cala de Mijas carpark

Dusty and they have turned off the water. Probably to do with the water shortages.

036.5049

-004.6840

Meet friends for Sunday breakfast (not too good, not the usual place) and then drive onto another favourite stop

San Pedro de Alcantara

Quiet night, undisturbed.

036.4811

-004.9820

The following day we go on to buy tickets at Carlos', do some shopping and wait for friends to get dog documents.

Palmones next to the hardware store carpark

Quiet for the night. a number of vans - probably waiting for the ferry. Walk beside the river.

036.1792

-005.4388

Not cheap once the ferry and dog documents are taken into account. Oh well, probably only once.

Then for the leap to

Morocco

We arrive in Tangier Med and wait a while as the scanner is checked. At least we were on the first ship arriving. Later there are 5 ships going in and out simultaneously, the wait for a scanner must be miserable.

We drive straight to the campsite.

Camping Miramonte

Won't stay here again - the hill. Very friendly people. Swimming pool too.

035.7914

-005.8323

Saw a man in a Mercedes burn out his clutch up the hill. He then crashed going backwards. We walked on the beach.

The following day we walk around the city with friends. Good food too.

Then it's off to the east coast via Tetouan and the costal road - great views, to end up at

Camping Abdul

Exceptionally friendly but basic, rough and (grey) sandy.

035.43658

-005.08298

With good friends we pay a visit to Ackhour, waterfalls and many eateries. Dogs enjoyed the walkies.

Camping azila

Not as difficult a drive up the hill. All (basic) facilities - including cold shower. Michael Morsley was right, not too bad.

035.1755

-005.2668

Then onwards down to Fez

Camping Dianant Verte

A veritable Oasis, with all facilities, good ones - hot showers

033.98772

-005.01907

I speak to some neighbours and we take a taxi together to the Old Town and slog around on foot to see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the sites. (Tannery - oh my gosh.)

I'd walk a mile...

A rest day and then on towards Meknes and a campsite.

Camping Sidi Ali

Another dusty one, with lekkie and facilities

034.0153

-005.5625

We walk to a small hill (150m higher) above the site for a grand view. Middle Atlas to the left and High Atlas further south.

And growing wild:

Then, the weather turns and we spend 2 nights near Azrou.

Euro Camping Emirates Tourist Center Azrou

Up a hill, gravel, all services.

033.4432

-005.1905

Then a long, lovely drive down straight roads to a canyon

Hôtel Camping Jurassique

Very friendly, all services.

032.1540

-004.3755

One night working on the riverbed before we went past a massive lake and an oasis

To Merzouge

Auberge Camping La Liberté

A walled site, rough and quite sandy. All services

031.09366

-004.00390

A couple of days walking in the sand

Then on to Tinghir

Camping La Soleil

Off the main road, lots of trees. All services - Moroccan style!

031.5477

-005.5904

There is the gorge

and a walk in the oasis.

Before we go further Westwards to Quarzazate

Camping La Soleil

Off the main road, lots of trees. All services - Moroccan style!

031.5477

-005.5904

With a visit to The Atlas Studios - no spectacular

and the hilltop settlement at Al Ben Haddou

Camping Ouarzazate

A dusty site with all services.

030.9232

-006.8867

Then the lovely drive up to the Tik N'Ticnit pass and down the long and winding road to Marrakech

Le Relais De Marrakech

Supposed to be one of the best campsites in the country. Even has a swimming pool.

031.7069

-007.9900

What a dreadful mess we humans make of these mega cities. One night is enough so we head down the motorway to Agadir (another large, hot development) for provisionning. and down the coast to the arch at Legzira for just one night.

Camping Legzira

Above the cliff, no real services.

029.4462

-010.1148

And also one night at Sidi Ifni with it's long beach.

Camping El Barco

Right on the beach with all the basic services Dim 70

029.38290

-010.17595