20 Jun 2007 - South Shields Beach

After our morning at the fun fair we had an extended lunch waiting for the rain to stop. After half an hour or so the rain stopped and the skies cleared. We took Jack down on the beach, which he enjoyed just as much as the fun fair. He especially enjoyed the waves, which fascinated him.

20 Jun 2009 - South Shields Fun Fair

Its lovely to be back in UK to visit Stuart, Michelle and Jack, but its not so lovely to exchange June in Parcent for June in Rothbury. The overcoats may appear to be over cautious but sure enough by midday there was heavy rain - and very cold winds.

Before then we had a wonderful time at the fun fair in South Shields. Jack, like most 3 year olds, just loves it. His favourite was the dodgems with his dad, and his dad quite liked it too!

10 Jun 2009 - Fire in Parcent

When we first saw the smoke we thought it was someone burning garden rubbish, which they do all the time. However it was very windy, and we could soon see flames. It was quite close to our house, about 5 minute walk.

Within 10 minutes we heard the police helicopter, which flew over the hill and away. Another 10 minutes and the plane made its first pass and dropped water on the fire. It was closely followed by the helicopter, which collects the water from Alcalali. For the next half hour they made repeated passes and dropped water until the fire was extinguished.

In the meantime the local fire brigade had arrived, and they spent a couple of hours hosing the hill, which continued to smoke for another hour or so. This morning you can see the black burnt patch quite easily, and see just how close it came to a nearby house.

10 Jun 2009 - David and Rosemary in Moraira

David and Rosemary invited us to lunch at their house in Moraira. We have visited Moraira a few times, but they know it much better than we do. It was interesting to visit the new civic centre, and in particular the library, which has a shelf of books in English. Wish we had that in Parcent. Then we had a walk to El Portet, where we had a coffee and watched the children playing on the beach - reminded us of Jack. Then we walked along the beach and back to the house. Very pleasant day.

8 Jun 2009 - Monday Club Javea

Although the CBMW have stopped walking for the summer, the Monday Club keeps going. However we did a coastal and beach walk hoping it would be cooler - and it was. We started from the car park near Scallops in Javea and walked along the beach to a small cove. Then uphill and along to another beach, where the braver souls, Pat, Peter, David and Rosemary, had a swim. Jan and I, together with Ken, watched on. It was actually quite cool at this time, and they did not stay in the water too long.

Then it was along to another beach, this time for lunch. It was very quiet, apart from the noise of building nearby. We then walked around the rocks, another climb and back to Javea and a cool shandy on the sea front.