Agreda, province of Soria, in the autonomous community of Castile and León

We survived the night in The Badlands. It turned out the frogs were not our only immediate neighbours. Before we retired to bed last night, John stepped outside of Marge. Who was more shocked. The Wild pig accompanied by it's piglet or John?

Around eight thirty this morning we were on our way. We'd stayed the night around three miles from the main road, now to find our way back again. Because it is so hot here it was important we visited the The Bardenas Reales UNESCO Biosphere Reserve this morning. Situated in the semi-desert there would be nowhere to shelter from the sun. It was a wonderful morning.

The scenery fitting for a western. Being so dry, there was a lot of dust. At lunchtime we opened Marge up and the dust had even permeated inside. Marge, you dirty girl. On the way around Bardenas Reales we'd seen a couple in an open top Porsche. It did say no sports cars to drive through, I bet now this couple had taken note. There's probably dust in every crevice. Not sure of the fuel situation in this remote area we stopped to top up. The man who served us told us the temperature is normally 25c at this time of year. That would be perfect. We understand from home that we are now experiencing the same temperatures as the U.K. Not wanting to drive too far this afternoon we found a place half an hour away. It is just off the main road to Madrid on which the lorry drivers have little patience, so it's going to be a little testing for them tomorrow being stuck behind Marge. Our park up is on the outskirts of town on the site of a small former campsite. Toilets and showers are available all for free. The showers have no doors, so Angela opted for a pat down in Marge. John however was unfazed at anyone seeing his full Monty. Angela did however use the toilets. Two had doors that wouldn't shut properly, the third closed and locked. But it wouldn't unlock. 34c outside, a lot more in this small confined space. Now was not the time to play escape room. After much panic and by moving the lock to varying positions she was free. This is the third time since we've left home Angela had had a problem releasing herself from a locked toilet door. Ageing is not for the faint hearted.

Bardenas Reales de Navarra, Navarre ( Spain 31500 )

What a magical sunset last night. Whilst most people sat outside on the campsite they didn't notice the sky turn pink. Angela did, and walked down to the nearby bridge to watch the sky alight with colours of red, purple, pink and mauve.

Just her, and the trout fisherman who stood in the moving waters. Why would you want to miss this glorious spectacle? Before leaving this morning we walked up to the market.

Bought some fruit and veg before returning to Marge to pack up. Who sets off on a very warm day at midday? Well us and Marge of course. We've already decided, that tomorrow we must leave earlier, much earlier. Had we made a mistake? The road from St.-Jean-Pied,-du-Port took us high into the mountains, winding and steep. Motorcyclists  thinking they were invincible took risks that one day might not work out.

At the viewpoint, elevation now around a thousand metres we stopped for both us and Marge to take a break. Amazingly, Marge wasn't fazed by the climb, despite the outside temperature being 91 f. Then downhill towards the border with Spain, which we crossed without even realising. Sorry Marge, there's more slogging up hills. This time she became a little hot under the collar, but pulled through. Well done Marge! Once we left the mountains the drive became quite boring. Open plains as far as the eye could see.

We did however spot a number of storks feeding in a field, and then others nesting beside the road. Always love to see these birds. So here we are in the badlands of Spain. Hot, bothered and tired. The heat of the day so intense we had to stop for John to take a break from driving. We are in the area to visit the Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert national park. Overnighting, unless at one of the official sites is not allowed in the park, but there are a few places near to.

So after a drive of a few miles along an unmade road we arrived at a park up for 4x4's. It is remote.

COMMUNITY OF BARDENS

Bardenas Reales

PARKING SPACE NO. 47 FOR HUNTERS

LOCAL HUNTING AREA NA-10.042

Just us, the frogs in the nearby pond, a few birds and the cicadas. Peaceful you might think? Frogs and cicadas kicking off all night. Time to teach for the earplugs!

St. Jean Pied de Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Driving through the Landes early morning was pleasurable. Peaceful, scenic, a land of nature. Our onward drive would take us to Dax, and then into the foothills of The Pyrenees to Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port. An early morning mist clung to the pine trees, soon sent on its way by the warming sun.

Today was going to be another hot one. A quick stop at an Aldi, where a french lady, her car resembling one that has just returned from banger racing, decided to park in the space next to Marge. Just one problem, we had her doors open. So with haste, accompanied by some strong language from everyone, we managed to shut them with seconds to spare. And yes, you've guessed it. There were plenty of other spaces in the car park. By late morning we crossed into the department Pyrenees-Atlantique. The fun begins now Marge.

Arriving at the campsite by lunchtime turned out to be a very good call. It was hot, unbearably hot. So we changed into cooler clothes and spent most of the afternoon sat in the shade. At one point, cloud began to build, the sky darkened, and a rumble of thunder was heard. But no storm. The air a tad fresher, we walked into town early evening for a walk.

We had no need to explore as we stayed two nights here when we visited two years ago. The campsite is very popular. It is right in the town centre, and very reasonably priced. Just under £11.50 for the night for us and Marge. Bargain. The campsite is run by the municipality. At the reception all details are written in a ledger, and then transferred to the triplicate receipt book. We think John's father would have very much approved of this efficiency. Not so sure everyone in the queue did. There was a lot of tutting. Tomorrow we will cross the border into Spain. The mercury is rising though, and we are going have to be careful to watch our health. Keeping hydrated, resting and eating regularly.