In much the same way that our first week back was a diversion from our original plans, so too was the second. Since we were already in Andorra, it dawned on us that we could rather conveniently spend a little time in Spain’s famous Costa Brava region, a region including part of the Spanish coast renowned for its stunningly beautiful bays, beaches, and bucolic fishing villages. The Costa Brava area is also inextricably associated with one of Spain’s most famous sons, the eccentric surrealist artist, Salvador Dali (though we would have a rather unexpectedly challenging time visiting the various memorials to him and his work).
Heading east from Cardona took us through Figueres and on to Girona, a small city known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval old quarter, colourful Onyar River houses, Jewish museum, and a rather large cathedral ( fans of Game of Thrones might recognize it since it was featured in the production – Girona Cathedral actually features the widest Gothic nave in the world).
Girona’s a fascinating city to explore, easy to navigate and we were fortunate to be able to camp up within 10 minutes of the walled old city ( a rare luxury in Europe ). While Girona proved convenient for us, nearby Figueres was not so easy, unfortunate because the Dali museum is a big attraction we’d like to have seen. While Figueres is very popular, practically every parking option we looked at on our Park4Night bible indicated break-ins were common and to exercise extreme care while leaving your vehicle ( something one must watch for in certain places, especially in Itally and Spain ). Not wanting to risk that we simply drove on to Cadaques, the small white-washed coastal fishing village made famous by Dali’s many years in residence.
Cadaques was indeed delightful, the camping easy, but yet another Dali ‘surprise’ was in store for us. His former home sits on the waterfront in a beautiful bay and is open for visitors to explore. Approaching the ticket booth we advised we’d like to visit. “What day ?”, we were asked. “Well, today if possible?” we replied (since we were standing in front of it). “Sorry, sir, first available viewing is on the 27th, will that work ?”. Considering it was only the 18th, no, it didn’t work ! Unfortunate, but the village itself was pretty, well worth the visit and the house impressive even just from the outside. Perhaps we had underestimated both the appeal of señor Dali and the fact that, being later in September it would be an easy “walk in” visit. Note to self !
With a couple of days still up our sleeve before planned meet ups with the overlanding Hunter family from Alberta, and good friends Andy and Kim from Kelowna, we wound our way along the coast stumbling on what, for us anyway, was the prettiest spot on the Costa Brava – the small beach side town of Tamariu. A great campsite, perfect weather, and idyllic beach made for a memorable stop. Crystal clear warm Mediterranean water just added to the allure.
Absent any fixed future plans we’d have stayed longer, but were still happy to move on to Tossa de Mar where we linked up with the Hunters and their friends Rafa and Mariela from Barcelona. Probably the most impressive campsite we’ve stayed at, high upon a cliff with a great beach below, it was wonderful to share a couple of days there – the Hunters are planning to tackle the Western Africa overland route down to Cape Town, so it will be interesting to follow their adventures as they head south. See the images below of the Landcruiser Defender, in which they travel with their two teenage daughters.
Next, we’ll travel on past Barcelona ( finally heading south ! ) to the historic city of Sitges where we plan link up with more old friends and explore that area.
Till next week…
Appendix:
Decided to fiddle around with ChatGPT and see if it could provide a humorous caricature of Lois and I travelling in our van. Dug up an old image of each of us ( mine from the “long hair” days in Australia 😉) and one for the van. It took a while to get it looking ok – some errors on the van ( roof rack, vehicle length ), and as well on each of us – but we thought the renditions of us were for the better ( so left them in 🤣🤣🤣)!
