On previous visits to the region, we had found lunches at the Hospederia Parque De Monfrağue near Torrejón el Rubio, exceptional. So, although the hotel is about 50 kms from base, and as we are not actively mending punctures or water pumps, we decided on a return match.
Driving North-east, cross country from Caceres we passed a lot of country! In fact it was all country. Not a single village on the route, although the road did pass within 16 km of three remote enclaves. At random, we chose Monroy as the coffee stop. A mere 5 kms off route. A good choice with two cafes. We chose the one attached to Apartamentos Turisticos Cristina. Coffee and churros for two served by Cristina herself!
Luckily, when leaving Monroy, we didn’t want to go to Trujillo…
There are some massive solar farms out in the sticks. Bigger in area by far than all the local villages together! Sprawling over the rolling landscape like a silver blanket. Better here than on good agricultural land at home – and far more likely to see the sun!
The road crosses a fairly massive river valley which has been dammed after it joins the River Tagus to form the embalse de José Maria de Oriol. The water level was very low, revealing old roadways and bridges which have long been submerged.
Before lunch we took an energetic stroll on the via Pecuaria (an ancient livestock herding route) opposite the hotel. This leads north, down into a steep sided valley. The energetic phase came on the return leg! The area is covered in flowering broom. Very pretty.
After that, the meal was less than fantastic. Sadly. But the place was as dramatic as usual.
While we were in the area we discovered that the farmers a bit further south near Antequera are revolting!
They have gathered their tractors during a demonstration to demand fairer prices for their produce. We plan to visit Antequera, about 20 miles north of Malaga in a couple of weeks. Not my photo obviously, but I include it here because it reminds me of some Spanish coastal campites!
Did I mention that our fridge has stopped working on electricity? So it’s more calls to Red Pennant and another visit to our local friendly caravan engineer in Caceres as we head off for Seville. He fixes it so it will work on battery while travelling . But no joy on the mains front. So it’s gas powered cooling from now on. Apparently the main power board has failed… Sounds expensive and difficult to get done in Spain!
Anyway, we travelled South in light traffic until we suddenly hit a major traffic jam as we approached Seville. That’s why the traffic is sparse on the motorway – it’s all trying to get into Seville!
The city prooves to be lovely even if the campsite is cramped (and that’sbeing generous!) – but more of that later.
Marie and I drove along the Tagus into Portugal in April, 1978. There was a lot more water then. Global warming hadn’t been invented.
Thank goodness for Red Pennant!!! They do pull out the stops when called on. (more than makes up for main club’s regimented approach when pitching up on their sites)
Take care