Thursday 20th February
Eggy bread for breakfast – always a winner.
On top of the bike rack situation, this morning the habitation door got stuck half open/half closed, with us on the inside. It has done this before and, usually, with some locking/unlocking it eventually opens. This time the door/lock wasn’t playing ball. Eventually, it fixed itself but the handle was in a dodgy condition.
It’s funny what you notice if you move yourself a few yards. Yesterday afternoon we chose to park near to the river so we had a nice view; we should’ve realised that other motorhomes had parked further back because, if you do that, you can see the river and the snow-capped Pyrenees.
And so we set off for the border – we had been driving for some time when – replicating my confusion from yesterday, I suddenly thought we must’ve passed the border and I’d missed it. I ask JW “have you seen a big sign saying Spain?” He’s not sure either!! How disappointing, we’ve missed it! However, after several more miles, we pass the sign …………… we’re in Spain!!
I’ve had Gaslow fitted to the motorhome instead of Calor Gas. You can’t get Calor Gas in Europe so going away for 7 weeks on two Calor Gas canisters is a worry …….. even if it doesn’t run out, it’s a worry that it might! With Gaslow you just fill up at any petrol station carrying LPG. However, there is an issue with my tanks which never seem to fill to the 80% level and then stop, which is what they are supposed to do. Also, included in the deal was a bag of adapters, none of which fitted the Spanish pump – the service station seemed to be used to that problem and came out with an even bigger selection of adapters.
Some sort of Grand Prix event in Barcelona – Em mentions it on WhatsApp and we immediately see some lorries leaving the services.
We’ve arrived at Vilanova Park, near Barcelona – Yay!!
This is a big site, and I mean enormously big – various types of chalets, caravans, mobile homes etc., as well as the touring pitches. Two separate areas containing swimming pools, plus an indoor pool. The best site supermarket I’ve ever seen and a great restaurant, used by locals so must be good.
Because I booked through the Camping and Caravanning Club we are part of their rally here. We receive a warm welcome from the rally leaders who say we can choose our own pitch. Yup, we circled the whole area a couple of times, tried to park on one – I didn’t like it, drove round again and chose another pitch. Own water and waste on each pitch and, as some people are here for several weeks/months, it is fascinating to see the Heath Robinson contraptions they have made to carry their grey waste away!
The downside of the site at this time of year is the trees which, in Summer, would create some lovely shade but, in February, they produce a constant flow of yellow pollen (dust) which covers everything in a film. It is best brushed away, if you wet it you’re in a worse situation than before.
Our pitch is nice and spacious, although there’s a wood-cutting works behind that wall!
We ate in the site restaurant, aiming to get out well before the ‘entertainment’ started. But they did start and the duo were brilliant – rock ‘n roll songs from our era – we stayed until 10.00 p.m.!! It’s a ‘best bit’!
https://www.vilanovapark.com/en/
Mileage – Le Barcarès to Vilanova Park, Vilanova i la Geltrú = 159 miles
Total mileage – from Storage = 1180 miles
Total mileage – from Potters Bar = 1138 miles
TiddleyOmPomPom on Tour 