Ardales, Andalusia

Today we'd planned to visit and stay overnight in Cordoba. But reviews about the aire, that cost 24.50 euros a night, didn't fill us with confidence. There was no security, and a good chance Margery might be broken into. So we abandoned Cordoba and decided to head to Ardales near El Chorro. We stayed here six years ago, and as it was on our route we decided to return to this pretty area. As we left Granada, we were delighted to catch a sight of The Alhambra up on the hill. What a perfect end to our 24 hours in the city. As of the past few days, fast moving dual carriageways which ran up and over the hills, carried us to our destination. This was olive country. The lower slopes of the hills a patchwork of green. The sun was out, and the temperature rose, baking the already thirsty soil. By lunchtime we'd left the main road and climbed a narrow road lined with beautiful wild flowers on either side.

Sadly the spot by the dam that we'd parked Margery in all those years ago was no longer available. But we found another, so all was good. As with all tourist attractions in the area there were many visitors in the village. And as with all tourist attractions in the area no ticket, no entry. There was no chance of buying any of the cheaper individual tickets to walk The Kings Little Walk. Only guided ones at thirty euros each. They could keep them at that price. The main attraction is a cliff side walk including crossing the water 100 meters below. The whole of the The Kings Little Walk, officially known as the Caminito Del Rey is nearly eight kilometers long, and you can walk a section of it for free.

It is a beautiful walk through leafy shady trees over a loose uneven surface. But it's not a difficult hike. As we passed high above the hydro electric station John spotted some rosemary and wild garlic growing. Obviously we know have a bag of fresh herbs in our fridge. Back in the village we stopped for refreshment before returning to Margery.

Ten large carp gracefully swam in the green water of the resovoir. This evening the tourists now left, the village is peaceful. There are two other vans here with us, it is very peaceful, the quiet disturbed now and again only by the geese squabbling with the ducks in the water behind us.

Granada, Andalusia

Baza had been a nice overnight stop. The interesting town and the backdrop of the mountains that surrounded us stunning. Being close to Granada now, just an hour and a half away, we were keen to be away early this morning. The area we were heading to was close to the city by bus, and a real plus was there was a toilet and shower on site. Really unusual for an area. By eleven paperwork completed at the reception.

 Margery in her chosen spot, we paid our one euro each for a five minute hot shower. The aire had cost sixteen euros because of its location closed to the city, and the fact it was gated for security. We were fine with that. From our spot we have views towards the mountains, some of the higher peaks frosted with snow.

Over the fence beside us is a field of artichokes. Thousands of them almost ready for harvest. Taking advantage of the hot water on offer we washed some items of clothing. Angela decided today might be a good day for a bra change, so with abandon she stripped off. In the field of artichokes a man tended the crop. 'Watch out! That man's got his hoe out', remarked John. His lucky day then. Angela was very excited we were in Granada. There were two places she definitely wanted to visit on this trip, one was the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​​​the other The Alhambra in Granada. Armed with information on which bus to take into the city we packed our rucksacks with lunch and began our afternoon of exploring. A second bus journey on a smaller bus took us up the narrow streets to The Alhambra. The place was heaving, mostly with Americans. There were no tickets available to visit inside or walk around the gardens, these were all sold out until the end of May.

But the unticketed areas we could access accordingly us time. We walked around the outside walls, peered into the gardens and marveled at the buildings we could access. Especially the renaissance building of Carlos V, which was stunning. After a few hours we caught the bus back down and went in search of the cathedral.

What a fantastic building. The amazing architecture. We'd been on our feet for five and a half hours, but we felt rewarded from seeing so many wonderful sights. Just after six, we were glad to see our return bus arrive at the stop. Let's talk Spanish bus drivers here. Irritable, miserable, obviously don't enjoy their job would sum them up. This evening we are exhausted, the traveling of the last few days now catching us up. We also feel we have a 'touch of the sun'. Today the weather has been beautiful with the temperature at 25c. Yesterday it was 9c. All quiet in the field of artichokes this evening. No men peaking through the fence. Angela knows that you get to an age when peeking at her breasts is no longer a spectator sport.

Baza, Andalusia

Angela didn't realise she'd set her alarm for 4.45am. Neither did she realise she had Spanish music for a ringtone. She hadn't, and she didn't. A car had pulled up outside the sports centre adjacent to the aire. And the people in it were in party mode. Music so loud you couldn't hear yourself think, let alone sleep. Singing, shouting, smashing glass bottles. Fortunately we weren't the only van on the aire, there was a Spanish couple next to us, otherwise we would have felt more vulnerable. Half an hour in, a second car arrived. Nightmare. Please God don't let there be any more. Angela hoped that around six o'clock clock as the day broke they'd leave. Did they hell. At ten past eight a couple arrived to use the sports centre, then they left.

At nine we got up after a night we don't want to ever repeat. If anyone reads our blog who is thinking of staying at Ontur. Please don't. Before leaving the town we walked down to the church. Today is the end of holy week here and we knew a  procession was going to take place.

The church service had just begun and we didn't linger, keen to leave this awful town and be on our way as we had a two hour, forty five minute drive ahead of us. And that drive took us on really good roads that cut through the rugged limestone mountains. At times it seemed like we were driving through the lake district, and others Scotland. The rain played cat and mouse with us, and the temperature dropped to 9 c. We can't tell you how relieved we were to reach the aire at Baza.

Thankfully there was some space for Margery. The aire is in an enclosed area, and we feel much safer than we do on some. After a very late lunch, and waiting for another rain shower to pass over, we walked into town. 

There were a lot of empty shops and properties, but once we walked a while we found the old town and some interesting buildings.

The clothing and shoe shops fascinated us.They were straight out of the seventies. On the walk back to Margery we came across a small lingerie shop. We were surprised this retail outlet selling stockings, suspenders and underwear really not suited to the climate here, hadn't been driven out of town by the winceyette brigade!