7 January Carenena to Valencia - Devesa Gardens campsite

Once more Jamie got Bren up early to a bright but cold morning. Didn't bother with servicing the van so just changed the rubbish bag and after breakfast got on our way. Joining a very quiet autovia we noted that we will have been on the A63 for its entire length by the time we reach the coast. A little breezy at first, we enjoyed a fast quiet trip, it getting busier as we approached the turning to Valencia thence along the coastal motorway to a retail park with a big Carrefour hypermarket to stock up on goodies. We have booked our destination for 10 days and, although there is a small supermarket on site, it doesn't have a big range so we'll fill the larder now.

Shopping completed we had a late light lunch before continuing into the city and joining the usual heavy traffic through the modern outskirts. Valencia is a place we have yet to explore despite having passed this way numerous times so we might make an effort to visit this year. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the buses (unless you can carry it in your pocket!) so we'd have to leave Jamie in the van for a while, but we'll see.

Welcomed by the same reception lady, check-in was very quick and we were directed to our allocated spot on bay C16. All the pitches have good shelter but also are angled to get the best out of the sun, have water and electricity and are only a few yards from really excellent toilet blocks. Apart from the afore-mentioned shop there are a couple of eating places - I hesitate to call them restaurants because their range is somewhat limited - pleasant gardens, swimming pool, spa plus a couple of small entertainment facilities, all of which are open which has not been the case at this time of year in the past. In summary a very pleasant place to spend awhile, nicer when we were informed that booking for 10 days had given us 3 free nights! However, contrary to the previous two years the site appears to be only 2/3 full although the receptionist did say they were expecting to be busy later, in case we wanted to stay longer.

So got ourselves set up and got the kettle on. The sun was shining and, in the shelter, it felt like 20C although there was still a fairly strong breeze blowing precluding the disposition of sun loungers etc. But the forecast is good for a few days so hopefully we'll get the sunshine and warmth that we crave.

Apparently it's still snowing at home...............