Adventures of the three in 2015
June 2nd-6th, 2015 - stage 1 towards france
A trip to Italy was something my friend Lourdes and I had spoken about for years. Piaggine is twinned with Sayalonga where we both live. I was due to join a deputation in 2000 travelling to visit the Italian town, however I wasn't able to go due to a family crisis. Lourdes went on this trip, however she had to call off a second trip a few years later also due to a family crisis. We'd always wanted to fulfil our cancelled visits and circumstances combined to make a journey possible this year. Lourdes and I left Sayalonga on June 2nd to travel to northern Spain and cadge a bed with my brother before heading to Girona the next day to pick up our hire car and friend Jayne arriving from the UK, who was joining us for the adventure.
June 4th
Having met Jayne at Girona airport and spent another night with my brother, we headed towards the Spanish/French border. En route we found ourselves behind a lorry with a mirror-like circular rear end in which we could see our reflection - a selfie with a difference was in order!
We were three experienced drivers and we all took a turn to get used to the car, the roads on which we were driving and French drivers. The journey was uneventful although full of laughter and high spirits. Before we knew it we'd arrived in the area of our first place of stay.
This arrival at our destination involved our first contact with the locals as we couldn't spot the entrance to the hotel even though we knew we were near. We stopped at one of the numerous horse trekking places to ask for directions. Obviously making a good impression and speaking Spanish/French rather than English/French, the offer soon came to follow behind the guy who would show us where the hotel entry was. His companions gave a few sniggers, however he was probably quite an astute businessman as he ran a trekking business and maybe hoped for some more customers. What he didn't mention however, was that he'd also be towing a trailer load of manure! Of course, we never do things in a normal way, do we! Such a novel way to arrive at the hotel with bits of shit over the car and the smell inside and up our nostrils! We'd made it though and it was a superb location too.
After settling into our room which looked out onto a communal grassed area we wandered around to the swimming pool which we had all to ourselves. Cooling down at the pool I became aware of the amount of wildlife around and it wasn't long before I could lay down and simply point my camera upwards to capture some images.
Later on and as it cooled we went to the local town for something to eat and have a look around. It was surprisingly empty although we could imagine it heaving with tourists in a few weeks time. There was a merry-go-round onto which Lourdes and Jayne just had to try out as there were horses they could mount and truthfully say that they'd riden on a horse in the Camargue! Needless to say the two operator guys were greatly amused. We also came across a huge monument to a bull named Vovo. He was evidently notable from 1947 to 1954 in the bull running which takes place in this part of France. It is outlawed generally throughout the country although areas with a strong historical tradition of this sport are allowed to continue. The bull isn't killed and in fact is revered as the statue of Vovo testifies.
We spent some time on the beach away from the town and were treated to the sight of horses enjoying a run out on the sand. As the wind was blowing quite strongly, I was able to capture some images with the sand rising from their hooves.
As the light began to fade we headed back towards our hotel to catch the sunset. What a spectacular we were treated to as well. The light was simply incredible and numerous birds flew past, some in formation, others on their own. Everywhere we looked there was something going on. It was the horses though, which really made that time special.
It was a tired but very happy group which drifted back to the hotel and an anticipation of what the next day might bring.
June 4th
Having met Jayne at Girona airport and spent another night with my brother, we headed towards the Spanish/French border. En route we found ourselves behind a lorry with a mirror-like circular rear end in which we could see our reflection - a selfie with a difference was in order!
We were three experienced drivers and we all took a turn to get used to the car, the roads on which we were driving and French drivers. The journey was uneventful although full of laughter and high spirits. Before we knew it we'd arrived in the area of our first place of stay.
This arrival at our destination involved our first contact with the locals as we couldn't spot the entrance to the hotel even though we knew we were near. We stopped at one of the numerous horse trekking places to ask for directions. Obviously making a good impression and speaking Spanish/French rather than English/French, the offer soon came to follow behind the guy who would show us where the hotel entry was. His companions gave a few sniggers, however he was probably quite an astute businessman as he ran a trekking business and maybe hoped for some more customers. What he didn't mention however, was that he'd also be towing a trailer load of manure! Of course, we never do things in a normal way, do we! Such a novel way to arrive at the hotel with bits of shit over the car and the smell inside and up our nostrils! We'd made it though and it was a superb location too.
After settling into our room which looked out onto a communal grassed area we wandered around to the swimming pool which we had all to ourselves. Cooling down at the pool I became aware of the amount of wildlife around and it wasn't long before I could lay down and simply point my camera upwards to capture some images.
Later on and as it cooled we went to the local town for something to eat and have a look around. It was surprisingly empty although we could imagine it heaving with tourists in a few weeks time. There was a merry-go-round onto which Lourdes and Jayne just had to try out as there were horses they could mount and truthfully say that they'd riden on a horse in the Camargue! Needless to say the two operator guys were greatly amused. We also came across a huge monument to a bull named Vovo. He was evidently notable from 1947 to 1954 in the bull running which takes place in this part of France. It is outlawed generally throughout the country although areas with a strong historical tradition of this sport are allowed to continue. The bull isn't killed and in fact is revered as the statue of Vovo testifies.
We spent some time on the beach away from the town and were treated to the sight of horses enjoying a run out on the sand. As the wind was blowing quite strongly, I was able to capture some images with the sand rising from their hooves.
As the light began to fade we headed back towards our hotel to catch the sunset. What a spectacular we were treated to as well. The light was simply incredible and numerous birds flew past, some in formation, others on their own. Everywhere we looked there was something going on. It was the horses though, which really made that time special.
It was a tired but very happy group which drifted back to the hotel and an anticipation of what the next day might bring.
June 5th
Having slept well I was awake before the other two and so gathered up my camera and Nell to try and slip out quietly. There were two doors and I wasn't able to open either one with the key and eventually stood giggling at the scenario unfolding. Eventually, Jayne came to the rescue and without a word opened the door and let me out!
The sun hadn't yet risen, so I made my way out of the complex and across to the marshes. There was a beautiful mist hovering above the water and the horses were close to where I positioned myself to watch the sun rise. It was simply magical; exactly as I had imagined and hoped.
I made my way back to our room to find the other two getting ready for breakfast. When they saw the photos I'd been able to take, there was a a definite intent to get up early the next morning to share the experience.
Breakfast was interesting and plentiful. It was a buffet and we helped ourselves and went outside to eat. I had to go after the other two as Nell wasn't allowed into the dining room. When I came out with my fayre, Nell was looking a bit dishevelled and Lourdes was crying with laughter. She had taken two eggs, not realising that they needed to be boiled, she assumed they were already hard boiled. Cracking one open it went everywhere including over Nell! After that experience, Jayne was put in charge of boiling eggs in the future.
Once replenished we decided to head for an Ornithological park we'd seen advertised. Setting off, we kept seeing different birds and animals. All of a sudden we spotted flamingos on a lake right beside the road. It was an amazing sight and we could walk almost right up to them without them getting disturbed.
Eventually pulling ourselves away we carried on to the park. Reading about what was available to see, we realised we'd seen most of the wildlife for free, one way or another in the short time we'd been in the area. Deciding to save our money, we headed towards the town of Arles to have a wander around.
It was hot! Keeping in the shade we managed to explore some ancient monuments. An old Roman ampitheatre shimmered in the heat although the bull ring seemed to fare better with more shaded areas. We didn't go into any of the sites, contenting ourselves with simply wandering around on the outside. There were several establishments which were emitting a fine spray in an effort to keep things cooler. We eventually settled in one of the parks to watch the world go by.
Then it was back to our hotel to cool down in the pool. When stomachs once again needed filling we headed into town and a walk around the still opened shops. We arrived back at the hotel in time to capture the last of the sunset and listen to the cacophony of sound as the wildlife settled down for the night.
Having slept well I was awake before the other two and so gathered up my camera and Nell to try and slip out quietly. There were two doors and I wasn't able to open either one with the key and eventually stood giggling at the scenario unfolding. Eventually, Jayne came to the rescue and without a word opened the door and let me out!
The sun hadn't yet risen, so I made my way out of the complex and across to the marshes. There was a beautiful mist hovering above the water and the horses were close to where I positioned myself to watch the sun rise. It was simply magical; exactly as I had imagined and hoped.
I made my way back to our room to find the other two getting ready for breakfast. When they saw the photos I'd been able to take, there was a a definite intent to get up early the next morning to share the experience.
Breakfast was interesting and plentiful. It was a buffet and we helped ourselves and went outside to eat. I had to go after the other two as Nell wasn't allowed into the dining room. When I came out with my fayre, Nell was looking a bit dishevelled and Lourdes was crying with laughter. She had taken two eggs, not realising that they needed to be boiled, she assumed they were already hard boiled. Cracking one open it went everywhere including over Nell! After that experience, Jayne was put in charge of boiling eggs in the future.
Once replenished we decided to head for an Ornithological park we'd seen advertised. Setting off, we kept seeing different birds and animals. All of a sudden we spotted flamingos on a lake right beside the road. It was an amazing sight and we could walk almost right up to them without them getting disturbed.
Eventually pulling ourselves away we carried on to the park. Reading about what was available to see, we realised we'd seen most of the wildlife for free, one way or another in the short time we'd been in the area. Deciding to save our money, we headed towards the town of Arles to have a wander around.
It was hot! Keeping in the shade we managed to explore some ancient monuments. An old Roman ampitheatre shimmered in the heat although the bull ring seemed to fare better with more shaded areas. We didn't go into any of the sites, contenting ourselves with simply wandering around on the outside. There were several establishments which were emitting a fine spray in an effort to keep things cooler. We eventually settled in one of the parks to watch the world go by.
Then it was back to our hotel to cool down in the pool. When stomachs once again needed filling we headed into town and a walk around the still opened shops. We arrived back at the hotel in time to capture the last of the sunset and listen to the cacophony of sound as the wildlife settled down for the night.
June 6th
The next morning I was up slightly later and the sun had already risen. However, there was no mist and the magic of the previous morning wasn't repeated. Just as well the other two preferred their beds! I took a few last photos of the marsh horses and as I headed back, was amused to see some ducks perching on poles.
We were ready to have breakfast as soon as the buffet was open, keen to be on our way. Jayne took charge of boiling the eggs and we made up some rolls to take with us on our journey towards Italy. Unfortunately, our logic and that of the hotel differed! We could eat as much as we were able as long as we sat at our table. Once we started to move away however, it was discretely pointed out to us by the proprietor, that we weren't allowed to take food away and would have to leave it behind. We would've happily paid extra even though the cost of breakfast was high anyway, however we weren't offered this option and rather chastened, took our leave!
The next stage of our trip was to begin.........................!
The next morning I was up slightly later and the sun had already risen. However, there was no mist and the magic of the previous morning wasn't repeated. Just as well the other two preferred their beds! I took a few last photos of the marsh horses and as I headed back, was amused to see some ducks perching on poles.
We were ready to have breakfast as soon as the buffet was open, keen to be on our way. Jayne took charge of boiling the eggs and we made up some rolls to take with us on our journey towards Italy. Unfortunately, our logic and that of the hotel differed! We could eat as much as we were able as long as we sat at our table. Once we started to move away however, it was discretely pointed out to us by the proprietor, that we weren't allowed to take food away and would have to leave it behind. We would've happily paid extra even though the cost of breakfast was high anyway, however we weren't offered this option and rather chastened, took our leave!
The next stage of our trip was to begin.........................!