Our Spanish summer adventure - part one

Our strategy, therefore, was to divide and conquer.  The girls in the back with myself in-between and Finn riding shot gun with Andy.

Packing the caravan for our trip to Spain threw up all the usual challenges – what clothes should we take, how much food and what food, where should everything go – bearing in mind we were going to be stopping overnight in France. Luckily, the Nissan Navara was able to fit larger items such as, the awning and the kid’s bikes, leaving plenty of room for our worldly belongings in the Pegasus Grande.  We travelled with the dinette made up as a bed, meaning that the awning chairs could be stowed underneath. The fridge and freezer were both fully stocked.

Finally, we set off for Portsmouth to catch the overnight ferry to Caen. Shortly after leaving home, we realised we’d left behind the awning table, the awning cupboard and Finn’s swimming shorts (obviously that went down like a lead balloon!), hopefully that was all we’d left behind.

After a smooth journey, with no raised voices, we arrived early at the ferry port and waited to board the ferry. As we drove up the steep ramp to board the ferry, Andy was a little nervous that the Pegasus might bottom out but luckily this wasn’t the case. Once the caravan was stowed snuggly on deck, we headed on board to find our cabin and were soon tucked up for the night.

The drive through France was much better than anticipated, not even one “Are we nearly there yet?” was muttered.  The overnight stop at Château Camping La Grange Fort was a welcome break, providing us with a dip in the pool, a restaurant meal and a good night’s sleep, before continuing our journey the following day.

The drive through the South of France had been eagerly anticipated, particularly as it meant driving over the Millau Bridge.  Along the way we were treated to some spectacular views and the Millau bridge did not disappoint. As recommended by a friend, we stopped at the Aire just before the bridge.

Finally, we crossed the border into Spain and before long we were arriving at our home for the next two weeks, a fully serviced pitch surrounded by palm trees. Thankfully, our pitch was only four rows back from the seafront and the sea breeze was most welcome.  Note to self: If travelling to Spain regularly, purchase air-conditioning unit!

First impressions of the site were good. Despite its size, it was very clean and didn’t feel overcrowded.  I’m not sure our neighbouring caravanners would have had the same first impressions of us! The kids clearly had cabin fever and spent the first few days winding each other up. I’m sure it wasn’t long before we became ‘That family’!.  Fortunately, after a few days everything settled down, apart from the tweenager who would rather have been at home with his Xbox!

Our first few days were spent relaxing between the pool and the beach and I can honestly say I don’t think the Morleys have ever spent so much time at the beach.  The girls even had their first proper swim in the sea.  It would have been quite easy to stay on site for the duration of our stay, as it was equipped with everything we needed for a relaxing break; beach, pool, supermarket, shop, mini golf, take away, laundrette, several restaurants and evening entertainment.  Although we made the most of the facilities on offer, we also wanted to explore the surrounding area and so planned a few day trips out, much to the annoyance of our tweenager.