From National Parks and Good Mood...

Together with Dany, we drive to the Cabo de Gata National Park. The winding road takes us through a magnificent mountain landscape and along the sea. We cannot stop marveling and truly enjoy this different world here. We spend a few nights directly by the sea and meet Christian with his awesome Steyr truck. A fun day in the sun takes its toll the next day. My head feels heavy, and we need to rest a bit. Lucy goes on a hunt and comes back with sore paws. There are beautiful rocks by the sea that shine in white and you can climb on them. We are thrilled by this amazing place.

On our way, we spend the night high up on a rocky plateau with a magnificent view of the national park that spans 33,663 hectares and is located in the Almeria region. The strong wind the next day drives us away, and we continue towards Aquilas. This national park will stay in our memory for a long time and is definitely worth a visit.

In Villaricos, we go to the sea and are pleasantly surprised when we find a spot that is 1.5 km long with over 1000 campers parked. A white camper van stands next to another here, close together, and they look at us with big eyes as we pass with Dany in his huge orange MAN truck and we in the yellow bee. We are the only non-white campers. Luckily, there are more hundreds of spots to park by the sea further back, so we park once again right next to each other at a great place by the sea. Kilian has a car day and checks the oil, water, and brakes, while Dany and I go to a laundromat with his motorbike heavily loaded to do laundry and have a coffee. We have traveled together by motorbike several times now; there are so many more ways to explore the country on two wheels. The thought of getting a motorcycle occurs to us more and more often. Thank you, Dany, for taking me along 😊.

We meet Peter with his cool quad, who takes me for a little spin off-road. We slide around the corners, kicking up dust. I have to hold on tight and really enjoy the ride. Thank you, Peter, for this great experience.

On our way north in the area around Aquilas, we drive through a still gorgeous mountain landscape and along winding coastal roads and are amazed by the thousands of motorhomes parked at every available space by the sea. Here they are, the winterers who do not want to go down to Andalusia. There are many... very, very many. After a tip from a friend, we end up at Playa de los Cocedores and join the many campers. The cove surrounded by rocks with caves and turquoise water makes up for everything. Horses are also here for a photo shoot. Fascinated, we climb around on the beautiful rocks again, and not just the dogs are totally excited. On the beach, I meet Tanja, whom I've known from the internet for years. She also lives full-time in her camper and travels the world with it. We have never met in person, and suddenly I recognize her here on the beach. The van life world is indeed small. 😊 In the afternoon, there is a free live concert. A Dutchman and a Spaniard sing and play old and new songs with wonderful voices. What a great Friday afternoon.

Unfortunately, the next morning we are sent away by the police and end up at the rather famous 'Arrozstrand' in Aquilas. Here, hundreds of campers are scattered across a vast area by the sea. Surrounded by bushes, everyone can find a cozy spot. Here too, the crystal-clear cove is framed by beautiful rocks, and the water invites you to swim. We meet the traveler Carlos, who can share many stories from his journeys. Our friends Björn and Lara will also come by in the next few days, and it's clear: we don’t want to leave here right away. The area around Aquilas is indeed overcrowded with campers; still, one can always find a cozy spot, and the surroundings are stunning. Early summer is here, the sky is blue every day, and it's time for shorts again. People are swimming, and everything is blooming and buzzing. We are unburdened, happy, and content. Kilian's positive diagnosis has uplifted us again. Sometimes life is just better 😊🤗.

We will now enjoy this amazing place and being together with friends even more than before. Then we will continue up the Mediterranean coast. In Valencia, we have an invitation from Tanja, which we are of course happy to accept. We are curious about what the journey north still has to offer us.

Best regards to all people near and far. 😊