Had another easy and pleasurable drive into Extremadura. There’s practically nothing on the motorway and I’ve only had to pay one toll so far – and that was in the north.
Disconcertingly, there are no service stations on the motorway, though there are signs at each exit indicating that petrol is available somewhere in the vicinity if you’re prepared to use your initiative. That turned out to be true to varying degrees.
The first time I tried, I found a petrol station nearby but all the signs were strongly suggestive of it not being open. Though I suspect it could have been open if the man chatting to his mate down the road had hopped to and actually manned it. He did make a half-hearted lurch in my direction as I turned to leave, but he was too late.
The second time I was more lucky and found a working filling station and small cafe that didn’t actually have tumbleweed blowing round outside but looked as if it should. In keeping with the general vibe, there were vultures or some other large bird of prey wheeling overhead.
I reached my destination Hospes Palacio de Arenales a bit early to check in, so I took Lottie for a walk around the grounds, where we discovered an ancient pig pen and nesting storks.
We finally got into the room and Lottie found her own cushion, bowl and treat awaiting her.
I’ve just been to the spa and am about to venture into the restaurant. I’m planning on something a bit better than the apple and packet of crisps I had last night.
