On Tour
My aim is to travel from the most Westerly point in Europe to the most Easterly point in Asia.
I am starting at the Thames Head on the 2nd January 2016, my ferry crossing is from Portsmouth to Caen on the 5th January.
My Family are coming to see me off we will have a good breakfast before saying our goodbyes.-
Tuesday 5th
Great crossing, smoothest ever didn't feel like you were on a ferry most of the time. Stayed close to Caen for the night.
Wednesday.
Very dull raining had a short walk, In the early hours of the morning I saw a Short eared Owl. Drove to Near Nantes. Rained most of the day.
Thursday
Found out that Calor gas is only available in the UK, took most of the morning to sort it. I now have a better alternative which is on sale in France, Spain and Portugal.
stayed the night near Arcachon, Saw a Sparrow hawk take a wood pigeon, Red Kite.
Friday. Stayed near Biarritz
Brought some mobile Data (not a good buy) Travelled though some fabulous country side and stayed near Jaca. Ate a great fish curry for dinner.
Saturday
North of Jaca in the Parque Natural Valles Occidentales. The Geology of the area is fantastic Some rock strata almost upright. the valley where I'm staying was glacial.
Rock Thrush, Red Kite Rock Bunting & Citril Finch
Poor shot of a Rock Bunting
Sunday
A new meaning for stuck in Spain. Not a strike at the airport. Van was between a rock and a hard place. I couldn't go forward or back. A sheep farmer was kind enough to help by moving his car & opening his gate so that I could turn around. He the watched me out of an incredibly tight spot.
Rained until 16.00 hours
Saw griffin Vulture, Red Kite, Golden Eagle,
Found a great place to stop for a while just outside Jaca. At the Repsol garage take the exit after Pamplona which is the mountain road to Huesca. After about 8K turn left.
Monday
European Badger, Rain most of the day.
Tuesday
More rain. Griffin Vultures, Lammergeier,
Wednesday
Jaca to Sierra de Guadarrema, White Stork 100+ European Crane many hundreds. Griffin & Black Vulture,
Thursday
Sierra de Guadarrema Griffin & Black Vulture, Cattle Egret, Stayed overnight at Terazone.
Friday
Sierra de Gredos Arenas Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle.
Sat
Sierra de Gredos Arenas to Portugal. Zebreira. Black Redstart, Hoopoe, Azure winged Magpie many. Crested Lark. Marsh Harrier,
A wonderful end to the day with my new family & friends at the Cafe Pimba. Only place for miles for Wifi and a friendlier place would be even harder to find.
Thursday A shopping day Travelled to Flix on the C12 to buy some fishing tackle. Had to wait a couple of hours. Spent the time in a very pleasant bar called Cafe de Mari Talking to a very pleasant young lady behind the bar.. Birds seen today, Three toed Treecreeper, Sparrow hawk, Black Redstart, Spotless Starlings. Friday Invited to Manolo Bar for a Meal with some off the local Brits. All the food was good but the Paella was outstanding. A 4 course meal for 10 Euros. Saturday Derik an Austrailian living in Spain repaired my Fridge, what a great guy. Saturday. A trip into the local mountains was stunning and this immature Black Redstart was a star, I showed no fear and was happy to pose. It was great to be driven and I thank Brian for taking the time and trouble to take me. Imm Black Redstart Sunday Lesser Kestrels
Common Sandpiper
The press didn't find all of Boris's water cannon.
Overlooking Xerta
Manolo y pili
Imperial Eagle
Greater Flamingo Ebro Delta
If only the fish were as keen on halibut pellets.
The Kingfisher is a regular companion.
This Iberian Ibex was about a mile away.
A new species for me.
Thank you amanda for the card I've used it as a link to your web site.
Amanda I Hope your career continues to soar.
After some great days in and around xerta, I'm leaving for Barcelona. Brian as ever helped by giving me a lift to Tortosa. First night in Barcalona was great superb company and great food and drink.
Sardinian Warbler etc in Parc de Montjuic
A new bird for me Monk Parakeet.
The more familiar Ring-necked Parakeet.
Some stunning architecture.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk.
This church is near Carrer de Valencia.
Lucky to have survived four days in Barcelona without a hang over.
Had a great time with Akshey, Komal & my new friend Oz.
Met some interesting Nigerian gentlemen. 26/02/2016
Last day in Xerta
Crag Martin
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