• Spain and Portugal via Devon, Wales and Ireland …

    Matthew, our local butcher, says that our route to Spain and Portugal would win a prize for the strangest journey to the sun. Logical people would head to their closest port, Newhaven, for a ferry to Dieppe. But we are heading west to Topsham in Exeter, to visit our son and his lovely family. Driving…

  • Glendalough Again

    We’re back in Glendalough, Seán’s family home, but because we love van life so much,  we’re camping in front of the house. A woodpecker wakes us up each morning, with its knock, knock, knock and the house martins chirp from the nest in the eave of the house. The stars at night are unbelievably bright,…

  • Wexford’s Kilmore Quay – Back in Ireland!

    We’re visiting Seán’s mum in hospital, but due to restricted visiting hours, we’re not allowed in until 6pm. So as the ferry docks at 7am we head for Wexford’s Kilmore Quay.  Still dark, a soft rain falls on patchwork fields, hedgerows and twisting lanes. Dawn is a grey marl as we weave by Kilmore Quay’s…

  • Newark-on-Trent – Here we Come…

    Fran the Van has to have a minor operation and health check due to her conversion being rushed during the Pandemic when companies couldn’t keep up with the demand for motorhomes. So we set off to Newark-on-Trent, to camp at Brownhills, the ever-helpful dealers. Van Magic The magic of our home-on-wheels starts as soon as…

  • Sardinia’s Fertilia to Barcelona

    On our last morning walk in Fertilia, we discover Porto Conte Natural Park’s Arenosu area. There’s an 11.6 kilometres cycle and walking trail around three mountains, under the umbrella pines. A noticeboard gives us simple exercises to maintain flexibility. I immediately do as I’m told but Seán skedaddles off in horror. The ground beneath the…

  • Alghero and Fertilia

    Alghero on Sardinia’s north west coast is a favourite. A fortified town, its ramparts rise up from the sea. Its Catalan influence dates from the king of Aragon’s rule. A heady blend of Italy, Sardinia and Catalonia. A sunset of violets and pinks viewed from the ramparts not to be missed. The streets wind, the…