Wednesday 9 May
We left the house, having cleared the kitchen into the dining room and moved furniture around so that pipes could be reached, in the hope that the kitchen would be taken out and a new central heating system put in during the time we were away. Time will tell on that!.
After a good flight we went to collect the hire car and made the short ride to the hotel. Car was parked (free on road parking) and we managed a quick beer before bed.
Thursday 10 May
A 5 mile stroll around the old part of town.
Then another three mile stroll along the banks of the former bed of the river Turia which dried up. Everything very green and verdant - and very well used for all kinds of sports and play activities.
We were curious to try the euro cafe where you wrote down your order then went to collect it. It was very busy and very popular but the only thing that impressed us was the lovely small btead buns - they were very nice. The food was ok but we won't be rushing back there.
Friday 11 May
A breakfast stop at Sagunto on our way to Oropesa.
My first time here was in 1977 when Paul, Yvette and I came to see the Fallas in Valencia. They were fantastic and we were very impressed. We spent the night in Sagunto sleeping (or trying to sleep!) in Yvette's little car on the beach.
Arrived at Oropesa to meet Ana Rosa and Pedro then out for a meal.
Walk along the beach to the next little village with its tiny fishermen's houses.
Saturday 12 May
Leisurely breakfast then a walk the other way from the flat towards Oropesa and lunch at the same restaurant as yesterday.
Siesta then out to Benicassim for walk and supper.
Sunday 13 May
Ana Rosa and Pedro left after breakfast.
We walked back to the restaurant we'd been to (by car!) the last two days. It was further than we thought!. On our way back Mike realised that he'd left his fleece there we had to turn around and go back for it. Luckily we were only half a mile away - but that was still another mile on top of our long dustadis walk!
There was also a triathlon taking place so we had to dodge the runners.
In the evening we set off to walk to the little fishing village we'd been to before but we realised that it would be very late when we came back so we gave up and had a burger at a nearby bar.
Monday 14 May
Journey to Cuenca via Teruel. About 4 hours but not much traffic. Found the Posada San Julian and took the car down to the Sports Centre to leave it in the free parking there.
Popped round to see Amparo and Bernardo.
Tuesday 15 May
Out to Las Majadas to see Miguel. Walk round the village then meal in the local restaurant. Very nice!
Out to have a look at the Mirador then a drive to Uña lake on the way back to Cuenca.
A stop off at Ventano del Diablo.
Back to Amparo and Bernardo's - Julia and Alexandro were there. Rodrigo and Laura arrived later, followed by Martha.
Wednesday 16 May
Chocolate con churros for breakfast then a walk up to the Plaza Mayor and a visit to the cathedral.
Meal with Amparo, Bernardo, auntie and Martha. Auntie wasn't very good.
Met up with Martha and Maria Isabel (who had come over from Alcalà) and went out for drinks and supper. Athletico Madrid won the UEFA cup 3-0.
Thursday 17 May
Walk to the Plaza Mayor and then breakfast - then chocolate con churros.
Walked back down to the family to eat the leftovers from yesterday.
Another walk up to the castle. Ready for a beer when we got to the top.
A slow amble back down, beer and bed.
Friday 18 May
Packed up ready to leave and as we went back to the car (left by the sports centre about a mile away as it was free parking) it started to rain.
Thought we'd got a ticket but it was just a note from Bernardo saying that he and Piero (dog) had found the car. Our own security system!
Arrived back to sunshine in Oropesa and did lots of washing.
Lazy afternoon then went to pick up isabel and Fernando from the train station in Castellòn.
Nice evening chatting, eating and drinking.
The bottle crisis!..
Saturday 19 May
Went to the old fishermen's village for bit of sunbathing and lunch of black rice.
Siesta then walked into Oropesa for supper.
Sunday 20 May
Lazy morning then bit of a walk and sunbathe before coming back to eat lunch in the flat.
Took Isabel and Fernando back to the train station in Castellon.
Monday 21 May
Walked back to the Concha beach for last meal at the Chulvi restaurant. Very hot!
Tuesday 22 May
Drove back to Castellon to meet up with Agustin and Justina.
Wednesday 23 May
An early start to get the washing dry before we took the hire car back.
Then home to a lot of dust and chaos as the central heating was being installed.
One night at home then off to Liverpool and Southport to keep out of the way whilst the bulk of the central heating was fitted.
