Monday 6 Jan 2014

Just as we went to bed last night we heard a number of "explosions" - no idea what they were but there was still quite a few people about so perhaps they're celebrating 12th Night?

But ever onwards and back up to the N1 to continue south, first Burgos and then Madrid. Our schedule is now completely shot so we'll do what we always do and take it as it comes. The roads in Spain are generally excellent and very well sign-posted so although the netbook was on, navigation was quite easy. Burgos skirted easily and the road became the A1 -  the A-P1 toll road was also available but we see little point, save the very few towns we slowed down for.

The weather was now warm and sunny and as we started a long slow climb in the distance the Guadarrama Mountains came into view, topped by cloud. As we approached we could see the clouds appeared to be spilling over the tops.







The road took us through the mountain range so it was not long before we were enveloped in thick mist and the temperature plummeted. The pass topped out at 4800ft but we were quickly on our way down although it was quite a while before we saw the sun again.




Once clear of the mountains we stopped for a very late lunch just short of Madrid and to to re-plan. We had originally thought of taking a day out to see Madrid and had sorted out a campsite but the Rough Guide, though comprehensive, wasn't too encouraging about the Spanish capital. So we decided to push on a little, though not too far as we were running out of day! There seems to be a dearth of aires and campsites en route to Granada but the ACSI book showed a nice-looking site just off the A4 at Aranjuez and we thought a couple of nights there would be a good alternative.

But first there was Madrid to negotiate. Once again the roads were very well signposted and the M40 ring road was quiet so it was in no time at all we spilled out onto the A4 Auto-via (no tolls). With the satnav programmed we were turning off in around 40km and to the very nice Camping Internacional, on the banks of the Rio Tajo. Booked in and told to find a pitch to our liking on this half-full site. Superb facilities including a  small supermarket (although the restaurant and swimming pool were closed for the winter) this would suit a longer stay as well, there being a nearby train station with connection to Madrid.

A mild, sunny afternoon so Terry took the opportunity to give Bertie a much-needed wash before shopping for tea and settling down for the evening - the first priority, get the blog updated!