A blog that has evolved over the years from simply about motorcycle trips, to include action against discriminatory legislation from the UK and EU. Then included football, dogs and motorhoming!!!
24 October 2007
Lunch - Pie & Mash!
11 October 2007
Andalucia - Day 6
Casares is perched on the side of the mountain and comes into view as you round a bend in the road.
Well worth a visit.
10 October 2007
Andalucia - Day 5 Medina Azahara
9 October 2007
Andalucia - Day 4
On arrival the GPS had is perfectly on route but it can't plan for local drivers blocking the road. After a detour and a bit of maneuvering we arrived right by the Mezquita. Coppers everywhere. The reason was some European conference on intolerance to Moslems. Didn't see too many delegates that looked vaguely Arabic etc. That's the EU for you.
The hostel I had chosen was recommended in the Rough Guide to Andalucia. The Hostel Santa Ana is a short walk to the Mezquita. After parking in the private garage, we set off for lunch and then into the Mezquita. We even went back to the hotel to get another couple of Nikon batteries for the still camera.
By now it was time to change for dinner. This was taken in a Moroccan restaurant near to our hotel.
Now it's time to delete the chaff off the cameras before tomorrow's trip to Medina Azahara and then back to Cala de Mijas.
8 October 2007
Andalucia - Days 1-3
No problems at all getting there and none leaving the car. The reason we went so early was due to the expected (and reported in the papers!) long delays at the security check. In the end we were through in 8 minutes!
Luckily there were no delays on the flight and we arrived on time. We had hoped to meet brother's party on their way out, but an hour and a quarter queuing to get the hire car put paid to that.
In the end we got a diesel Focus instead of the booked Fusion. Not a bad car, although damned heavy and I keep stalling it when on the hill out out the apartment parking!
At night we went into Fuengirola for dinner. I can recommend the portions at the restaurant. If only I could remember the name!
Day 2
Whose idea was it to go to Malaga to shop and have chocolate and churros?
The traffic even after 11am was horrific! The 25 miles from the apartment took over 75 minutes and we were finally parked in the cool of El Corte Ingles car park. This is one hell of a department store. It sells everything. Even Piaggio scooters!
Our first stop was the market for fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes that taste like they should, and everything on a scale about 50% bigger than at home.
The chocolate and churros part of the deal was thwarted as we couldn't find the little back street where we had enjoyed the thick chocolate and sweet doughnut like churros the last time we were there. Instead we had to make do with a coffee.
The drive out wasn't as bad as the drive in.
After another swim we decided to eat out again!
Tomorrow it is our longer trip to Cordoba. I even borrowed a digital movie cam for that!
5 October 2007
Charity Pet Food Run - Spring 2008 - April 13th
The date is
The main meeting place is Hein Gericke car-park in Maidstone at 1100. Hein Gericke GPS co-ordinate is N51.280168 E0.521644. The aim is to depart HG at 1130.
The kennel we will go to is primarily for dogs looking to be re-homed. They are using part of a kennel at Boxley near Maidstone. Please bring along dog food and your wallets!
**** Destination has been changed by the RSPCA from this kennel to another in the Maidstone area. Sadly this new kennel doesn't have any facilities to make drinks and food. (amended 25/3/08) ****
What do you get out of it? A cup of tea, maybe a biscuit or even a piece of cake, plus the warm feeling that comes with helping to keep the dogs and puppies in the kennels alive and well. Hopefully the lucky ones will be fostered and adopted rather than seeing out their days in the kennel.
The event has been advertised to the clubs I am a member of and later in the year I hope to get some flyers made up to place in dealerships around the county. I have also written to all the UK monthly motorcycle magazines and the BMF's "Motorcycle Rider" hoping to get a decent turnout!
If you are reading this from a link from one of the bike club websites and forums I have posted on, or from a club magazine, please feel free to pass the details on to any other riders you meet and see if you can recruit them to come along!
You can see more about the local group on their own website - http://www.midkentrspca.com/
Thanks.