Estepona

FIRST AN APOLOGY - Due to a number of reasons, lack of internet being one, I haven't been able to keep the blog updated for a few days. However problems now hopefully sorted and I'll endeavour to catch up,plus some piccies, over the next few days.

We settled in to Parc Tropicale, a full camp-site with all facilities. The plan was that the group of Funsters travelling together to Morocco all meet here to get to know each other, get sorted with washing etc. and make sure the motorhomes are properly watered and waste disposed of, ready for a few nights "off-grid". We arrived a couple of days early, due to the poor weather conditions across France and Spain and rather hoped that we could use that time for ourselves.

However there always seemed something to do, especially trying to make some sense of packing in the van. Perfectly adequate before, the introduction of a dog has turned everything upside down, the biggest item being his travelling/sleeping cage which, when not being used, was always in the way. Coupled with two boxes and a bag of his food, toys and other essentials it descended into chaos - as bad as having a couple of kids! By further re-arrangement we managed to stow a few more things away and as time went on it did in fact improve once we'd got a routine together.

As to the days, Sunday became washing and drying day utilising the camp-site machines and our portable airer until gathering clouds forced us to find yet more room in the van to finish off - but we've been here before and had a system.....

Monday morning revealed the promised rain but it never amounted to more than a light drizzle which, in the warmth, didn't have much effect. However today was when the group were supposed to arrive so keeping an eye open, chatting to others on the site and signing up a few more Funsters meant the day passed quickly. One couple, who had said they were definitely coming but then failed to respond to our communications, turned up first (an internet based problem it seems) followed by a "normal" arrival. We'd managed to hold several pitches together for our use so they were slotted in. Late afternoon a phone call revealed another couple couldn't find the site so a bit of help was needed before they too joined our happy throng.

Which left one couple who, once darkness had descended, we thought had been delayed. But on Terry's final walk with Jamie he spotted a vehicle at reception which turned out to be our missing members, who also had had difficulty finding the site, eventually employing a taxi driver to bring them. All safely gathered in, and it had also stopped raining.

Tuesday was thus our get together day and once everybody had got themselves sorted we got together and managed to block off the service road whilst having our getting-to-know-you meeting and discussing plans. A somewhat mixed group all with different ideas of what they wanted to do, which is exactly as it should be - not that it turned out that way.........

But we answered all the questions, made sure everybody understood what was to happen and ended the day happy.

The next couple of days are going to be busy!