Labs on the Road

UK and France 2023

Twenty-one days to go and we will be setting off through France to the UK, where we will be staying until the end of September. Looking forward to cooler days, chilly nights, green fields and, hopefully, the start of autumn foliage. A taste of ‘proper’ autumn with its misty mornings. Of course, blackberrying and making blackberry and apple crumble are near the top of my to-do list.

I had planned to travel more last winter, but it was not to be. Work got in the way, but the main reason was the arrival of Jaffa, 3 years old and Goa and Thai’s niece. The breeder was looking to rehome her and we went up to Morón de la Frontera to meet her. Love at first sight, but she needed to settle in before I planned any trips. It then took several months to get all her shots and spaying done. Any spring travel plans were scuppered by the unseasonably hot weather.

We did have two weekends in the Sierra de Huelva. My discovery of the winter. Hillsides covered with mixed woodland of cork oaks, sweet chestnuts and wild olives. Fruit orchards. The sweet chestnuts were turning orange and yellow when we were there in November. The first almond blossom had come out in late January. The small whitewashed towns are surrounded by fields with herds of pigs used to produce the famous Jabugo ham. Just a few hours away from here and we will definitely be going back.

We also visited the Riotinto mines and the English village where a family friend had been brought up (a story that deserves its own blog entry).

First weekend near Cortegana:

Second weekend just outside Aracena:

One of the lessons learnt from last year’s trip is that 36 hours in a pet cabin is very, very boring. We were lucky with the weather, but I am not sure how the dogs would cope on a rough crossing. So, this year we are going through France.

It is going to be a leisurely trip up through France. Cáceres, Quintanilla Vivar, Mios, Fontaines, Cherbourg… A road trip, staying at airbnbs with gardens for the dogs. No more than 4 hours driving a day and time to enjoy being back in France. And a dog beach near Cherbourg where we will be staying for 2 nights.

A short 5-hour ferry crossing to Portsmouth and then up to Worcestershire. Five weeks of fields, forests and river walks in the afternoons as I will be working in the mornings. Outings are being planned, though the highlight is a weekend in Burry Port to enjoy the Gower and its wonderful dog-friendly beaches.

Cool mats and proper sunshades have been bought for G,T&J to travel in comfort.

Twenty-one days to go…