Little treasures…..

September 12th 2014

Finally we have made our decision as to which way we are going to travel for the next few weeks. Having looked at the weather forecast and the length of time that we have left, we have decided to head South, along the Spanish coast and then into Portugal…seeing as much as we can.

We left the campsite yesterday and, after a brief visit back to Windkind…we had forgotten to turn the gas off…we stopped overnight, on the top of a hill, overlooking Albinyana. You could see for miles and miles in every direction.

[caption id="attachment_2415" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Camping on the hill above Albinyana[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2417" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Looking over Albinyana[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Breakfast for the farmer and his dog….[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2419" align="aligncenter" width="427"] By the church atop the hill[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2420" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A view of Albinyana from the road…we stayed the night on the hill behind.[/caption]

Our plan today was to travel towards the Ebre river and then on south towards Valencia. The inland route to Mora d'Ebre was a green, scenic route, which we tend to choose if we can. By the time we arrived there we were desperate for a coffee and loo stop, and happened upon a market beside the river where we found a cafe for breakfast

[caption id="attachment_2421" align="aligncenter" width="427"] The river Ebre at Mora d'Ebre[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2422" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Looking down river towards the sea[/caption]

As we wandered the streets back to Bluebelle we could hear noises that sounded like a cement mixer coming from a garage. Being nosey (inquisitive) we poked our heads into the garage only to find an old guy shelling almonds….





He was quite happy for us to take his photo…but didn't offer us any almonds to try!!

Moving on from Mora we followed the river towards the delta. Trusty Tom Tom nearly bust a gut when we yet again turned off of his planned route and followed our noses to the river. You never know what you might stumble across when you go 'off piste' and this time we had a wonderful surprise! BT's eyes nearly popped out of his head and the biggest smile grew by the minute across his face as we discovered this amazing 'car ferry' across the river...

It has no engine and uses the downstream current to make it's way across the river. No more than 3 cars can cross at any one time and it costs only 3 Euros!

[caption id="attachment_2425" align="aligncenter" width="640"] View across the river[/caption]

We had to wait our turn to cross the river, and having watched several cars load and unload Billy was very sceptical about travelling on this unlikely craft at all, but BT was wanting an adventure…..so on we went...

[caption id="attachment_2429" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Driving aboard[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2430" align="aligncenter" width="640"] SO excited...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2431" align="aligncenter" width="427"] 'Safely' loaded[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2427" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Not sure these boards are up to Bluebelle's weight![/caption]

The ferry consists of two Iluguts….Catalan riverboats…called Isaac Peral and Montruiol. These to boats were built especially for use as the ferry in 1946 and have been running ever since, however there are records of a ferry at this place as far back as the 12th century.



 





[caption id="attachment_2428" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Rudders had seen better days...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2433" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Just laughable….the inside of the boats![/caption]



 

[caption id="attachment_2434" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Once we reached the far side, the difference in height from the ferry to the land was significant. however, the ferryman just went to his shed, retrieved a crow bar and moved the landing pontoon further into the river, causing it to drop and therefore enabling BT to drive Bluebelle safely off….[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2439" align="aligncenter" width="640"] One final look back...[/caption]

It was an awesome find and one that we won't forget in a hurry!.

Just around a bend in the river we came to the local town…Minavet…..This stands on the river with a castle standing proud over it all...

[caption id="attachment_2440" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Minavet[/caption]



We took a wander through the streets of the town...





 

[caption id="attachment_2442" align="aligncenter" width="640"] View of the river from the town...[/caption]

then drove up to the castle and took in the stunning view ...

[caption id="attachment_2445" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A view of the Ebre from the castle...[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2447" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pretty imposing...[/caption]

This has been one of our most favourite days so far…discovering treasures like the ferry and a gorgeous little town.

As we still had a long way to go, we decided then to get some miles under our belt. We found a beachside spot at a place called Pucols…just outside of Valencia…to stop for the night.