Lorqui

Friday 14/12/18
https://goo.gl/maps/TMUTfcawk8o
38°04'44.3"N 1°15'35.3"W

Bokkie in the Aire in Lorqui

We didn't move yesterday; when we looked at the weather forecast we decided we were better off staying in El Palomera.  Shortly after we woke up it started raining and it continued, on and off, for the whole day so it was the right decision.  We got another load of washing done and then hunkered indoors for most of the day, only emerging after dark to stretch our legs with a walk through the village.

It was a nice, peaceful day and gave us a chance to gather our thoughts - we played Scrabble (Toni: Andrew still continuous to beat me regularly), read books and just discussed the journey so far.  

This morning we were on the move at 0830, driving around to dump our grey and black water and fill the fresh water tank.  We also sprayed out the grey tank to keep it as fresh as possible before hitting the road.  (Toni: it's interesting to note how much time we spend on keeping Bokkie in good working order, as I'm coming to realise that the better we look after her, the more pleasant the daily journey is.)

Once on the road it became clear that the winds forecast for yesterday were happening today as well, and we were buffeted from pillar to post, all the way from Alicante to Murcia.  We also had our first sighting of snow on the peaks of Spain before we descended out of the mountains.

We were headed to a village called Lorqui, just outside Murcia to stay in a municipal Aire for the night.  Mercifully the site has a large wall and some trees behind us forming the perfect wind-break.  It's fairly unpleasant outside but we are baking in Bokkie, sheltered from the worst of the wind.

We have taken a walk around the village and that's probably it for the day - the wind is relentless, and not much fun
  

The river behind our Aire with the high banks
protecting us from the wind

Pretty arches made with the pruned trees

Tomorrow we are planning to do the big Christmas food shop at a nearby Lidl,  and then head back to the coast.  It is interesting to note that we are seeing very little of the frenzied pre-Christmas shopping and buying that we've become accustomed to in the UK, possibly because we are avoiding the bigger cities.  It all does feel more peaceful and relaxed though, which is lovely.

Bonus pic - we filled up with diesel and got 3l of free water
and a running shoe, I am hoping for the right foot next time.