Author: Franco

Civilized Mantis

With a fully sunny day, not just an interlude, I tromped off down to what I regard as the main bit of river flowing through Jalón, in the hope of finding more Spanish dragonflies. Pool #1 produced a cruising Emperor

Posted in 2016-05, Spain

First Critters

I had been hoping that I would see my first Odo of the year in the UK before we left for Spain. However, although there had been reports of sightings from several counties, and not even only the most southern

Posted in 2016-05, Spain

Tarazona and Beyond

There was a highlight of yesterday evening’s slightly stressful approach to Grisel. As we were following Silly Sally Satnav on her route straight through Tarazona, as opposed to making the more sensible left turn, we were delighted to see many

Posted in 2016-05, Spain

Back of Beyond

Some months ago, I’d had difficulty finding ferry crossings to Spain that suited our needs. Even with my 3-month lead time, there were a distressing amount of sailings that seemed to be full. Adjusting our needs slightly, I eventually found

Posted in 2016-05, Spain

A Blue Place

Yesterday we drove up to Another Place, an art installation by Antony Gormly consisting of 100 life-size Antony Gormlys staring at what I can only describe as a less than scintillating coastal view, Crosby Beach really being on a slightly

Posted in Uncategorised

Another Place

[Version 2 – I wasn’t satisfied with V1.] We’re on a Francine photographic foray. [How’s that for alliteration?] We don’t often do this often but we’ve gone away for a few days in the UK sans Guillaume. Scary stuff. Not

Posted in Uncategorised

Out with the Walkers

Thanks to our friends in the village, we’ve been put in touch with what I’d describe as a freelance bunch of walkers in the area; they call themselves the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. Thanks also to the fact that my

Posted in 2016-02 Spain

Maintenance-Free Mediterranean

I have long disliked the British climate.[Ed: No, really?] Though this may sound extreme, I think of it as one of the worst climates on the planet. Such a statement requires explanation. It’s not that Britain has normally had dreadful

Posted in 2016-02 Spain

Balconied!

One of the most appealing features of Casa Libélule when we were considering buying it, was its position half way up the south facing slopes of a mountain – well, hill since it’ll be under 3000ft – complete with balconies

Posted in 2016-02 Spain

ImPortet Discovery

One of the places we most like to visit within easy reach of Casa Libelule is Moraira. Moraira is on the coast with a more or less south facing sheltered bay. It provides the satisfaction of seeing the sea and

Posted in 2016-02 Spain