So, the Nyerrio del Conflent festival in Prades, was basically crocodile clipping fireworks (the roman candle type) to the top of sticks, so they wizz around when lit and parade around the town, to and from the main square, accompanied by a group of drummers. There was also the odd really elaborate stick with lots of fireworks clipped to it thrown in, and a large dragon. It was truly bonkers, a health and safety nightmare, at least there was one fireman following them around wearing what looked like a fat suit with a hose attached, which was hopefully filled with water. It has been held since 1150! it was great to see an old tradition continuing. There were quite a few children taking part in the event, a sure way to ensure that these traditions continue.
Tuesday, we left Prades, heading up into the Pyrenees, driving through Llivia, a Spanish enclave in France, and on to Andorra. Three countries before dinner! We parked up for the night in what was a carpark, at the top of a mountain pass, we were not the only ones there, there was about 20 other motorhomes. The view was stunning, we spent hours watching the light change on the mountains, and all the activity with the other motorhomes, especially a red Mercedes van with three young folk in it, because it is was parked just below us on the lower terrace.
On Wednesday, we left our car park and drove out the other side of Andorra, not missing the duty-free shopping and a fuel top up, 20% cheaper than in France. We overnighted at an Aire in La Seu D’Urgell, a nice town which hosted the 1992 Barcelona Olympic kayak events, (the kayaking world cup was heading back in September). Whilst walking around town, we had an unexpected thunder storm, so took refuge in a bar on the ramblas. Had a little mop up job to do when we got back to the motorhome, as the we had left the top vents open, but it could have been a lot worse than it was. Nic attended an early music concert we stumbled across on our evening walk(not Rog’s thing). The group of eight musicians had 35 replica Medieval instruments between them, and performed in Spanish from the Cantigas of Santa Maria. A lovely if unexpected end to the day.
Thursday, we moved on again to another Aire in Tarrega, another stunning drive through the Pyrenees down on to the plains. The Aire was good, close into town next to the police station, so hopefully secure, unfortunately it was also next to a large lorry park so there was a lot of lorries moving overnight. In Tarrega we went out for lunch, Nic ordered what she thought was a margarita (see photo).
On Friday we drove to Tarragona, found a university carpark to leave the motorhome in for a few hours whilst we walked into town. Unbeknownst to us, Tarragona were holding a festival including Human Towers, which were amazing, seven people high, with a couple of kids on the top. Rog had wanted to see Human Towers, but the main Human Tower contest is in February, so we felt lucky to see them now.
After Tarragona, we left the coast again and heading back into the hills, to a campsite just outside a town called ‘Bot’, the campsite was right on a “Via Verde” another old railway line.
Saturday morning, we cycled to Horta de Sant Joan, a continual steady climb up the railway, but then the village itself was up a steep hill, but it was OK because it was downhill all the way home! On the way back, we went to the local cooperative to sample the local wines, a bought a ‘few’ bottles, which as we were on the bikes, we had to get them to keep for us until Monday morning for collection in the motorhome.
Sunday morning, we cycled the other way along the Via Verde, this time the downhill way and uphill home, but nothing too steep. Back to the Motorhome for lunch and quite a lazy afternoon. Nic even managed to have the pool to herself for a few minutes around 2pm, as everyone else seemed to be going for lunch!
Travurple 