stay in southern Spain XIV (with Elchi) windsurfing on Mar Menor (E) (Saturday, 29/01 .2011) Weather: very nice / Temp: 18 degrees / Wind: 2 to 3 HE A cloudless sky arched over this morning, "La Manga". The Mar Menor is like a mirror in front of us, as we the Shore for "Cabo de Palos" jog. From the predicted wind surfing still no trace.
A short bike ride to our favorite stand on "La Manga" provides a little variety. The puddles are evidence of rain in recent days.
meet When we stand on Gaby and Jochen. In a café we enjoy together the already strong spring sun-heating. We already have become comfortable reach 18 degrees air temperature, which is expected to be higher in sheltered spots still a lot.
brakes on the way back, a wind from the southwest of our rapid Ride. Now the announced wind surfing is so still. First we make our way to the beach spy out the sunshine. One should not rush so ;-)
A couple with their monster sailing at 2 to 3 HE already sliding.
But here it is then. For smaller sails under 9.0 m2 of sufficient wind for not sliding out. With irrepressible force, meanwhile, a jet ski engine roars over the relatively shallow water, even without a protective helmet, as befits a proud, English torrero.
As we dedicate ourselves but rather the Sunbathing in front of "Elchi" and read a book :-)
"Last but not least, we see a beautiful sunset over the mountains in front of" La Union ".
Sunday market in Cabo de Palos (E) (Sunday, 30/01/2011) Weather: very nice / Temp: 15 degrees / Wind: 1 to 2 HE In Southern Spain first spring awakening feelings. On the roadsides and meadows, the first flowers in rich yellow light up.
We visit the Sunday market once again in 'Cabo de Palos.
In the background you can just see the mountain of water with its striking rock face that we climbed a few weeks ago.
Camping at Mar Menor (E) (Monday, 01/31/2011) Weather: nice / Temp: 14 degrees / Wind: 1 to 2 HE
Photo of the Day: sparrows apparently make nothing from dates 
Camping at Mar Menor (E) (Tuesday, 01/02/2011) Weather: cloudy and beautiful / Temp: 15 degrees / Wind: 1 to 3 HE
Anita replaced again a new haircut. Daniela makes her job very well.
Photos of the day:
reminiscences of our wonderful trip to Australia in 2009 
trip to Cabo de Palos (E) (Wednesday, 02/02/2011) Weather: very nice / Temp: 17 degrees / Wind: expect 2-3 HE you for the next days and weeks of calm sunny Winter weather with temperatures around 15 to 18 degrees.
entirely different looks in our favorite country Australia. There are currently raging violent, destructive, tropical storms and summer temperatures are above 40 degrees (for example, in Sydney). In the next few hours, at night on the 3rd February, sweeps the Cyclone Yasi "with wind speeds up to 300 km / h" Queensland "away. 
The center of the hurricane with the highest level 5 moves with his destructive path appears to be between "Cairns" and "Townsville" round. for enlargement Click on photo 
Two years ago, we have this area on our seven-month Austalienreise traveled extensively and we can vividly imagine what this means for the inhabitants, the urban areas and nature there. As of this beautiful region by this monster storm still remains, to be seen. We are concerned at this time especially much about our relatives in "Townsville and surrounding area, which are fully affected by the tropical storm. This is, apparently, directly over sweep over them. 
To even the proportions of this huge hurricane to show: Something like this would be the Cyclone Yasi "spread throughout Europe. 
our Café, we are participating today in the promenade of "Cabo de Palos" to us.
On the subsequent walk, we discover a new beautiful walk along the Mediterranean coast to the lighthouse.
The RV parking lot of "Cabo de Palos" is also located along this rocky coastline with bizarre rock formations and beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
We take again a look back at the bay to the port of Cabo de Palos "before we see the impressive lighthouse, this time from the other side.
On the way back we take the promenade along the Mediterranean beach.
The picture with the beautiful waves somewhat similar to the views of "Surfers Paradise" Here on the east coast of Australia, but only "similar" ;-)
Australia
the photo for comparison.
the "Mar Menor" is once again smooth as glass in front of us.
The fishermen have interpreted their nets on the beach to dry.
also "Playa Honda has a small RV parking space, but without any infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the tropical cyclone "Yasi " reached the Australian Eastern coast and is on the way to the interior. As you can see from the hazard map, was the destruction zone near north past the "Townsville". The destruction between Townsville and Cairns "will be significant in the present wind speeds with gusts to 300 mph. to enlarge Click on image 
Camping at Mar Menor (E) (Thursday, 3/2/2011) Weather: very nice / Temp: 17 degrees / Wind: 1 HE The Cyclone Yasi, "which in the last night of 2 on 3 February (local time) with wind speeds is swept up to 300 km / h over the coastal region of Queensland has a few hundred kilometers wide swath of destruction left behind. The images from Tully, Townsville, Cairns, Cardwell, Innisfail and other coastal cities are scary ( see Brisbane Times, 02/03/2011 ). Our relatives in "Townsville" have weathered the storm Monster happy and are doing well. However, they too have complained to numerous damages to their land and their homes. 
The storm has broken trees like matchsticks. 
The cyclone has now moved far inland and has lost massively destructive power. Its strength has now been downgraded to 1. 
The center is currently on "Mt Isa" and is expected to achieve even "Alice Springs" in the middle of the continent, but only on a normal rain and moderate winds. 
We in Europe need to worry we still have not. That could change with a warming of the seas around us, however. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the warm tropical seas and are only formed when the sea surface temperature is about 26.5 ° C. If they have once formed, they can travel over long distances, however at lower sea-surface temperatures continue. Tropical cyclones can persist for many days and tread quite unpredictable ways. They then scattered mostly over land or colder oceans. devote After this short digression we meet again southern Spain, where we are now seeing a wonderful day with exceptionally good visibility. 
We ride on the La Manga peninsula "to drink at the beach our café. The idyllic bar is located at the kite beach next to the marina.
the moment, but rather lack of wind surfing paddling announced.
We enjoy the great views.
can from here we see even our campsite in the distance well (but only with the telephoto lens of the camera ;-)
The flowers will also along the shore on the increase.
the way we meet our cruising friends Klaus and Brigitte from Switzerland.
Palm Avenue in Playa Honda, fortunately, is still not a "Red Palmrüssler" attack.
Anita prepares us to conclude the fine day, a tasty vegetable gratin.
almond tree blossoms and Kanonenberg at Mazarrón (E)
(Friday, 04/02/2011) Weather: very nice / Temp: 17 degrees / Wind: starting 2-3 HE The day chilly near the freezing level. Our roller cover is coated with frost again.
Our trip on a scooter in the canon mountain "Mazarrón" leads us through the I-22 from "Cartagena" to "Mazarrón". Pass along this road on the left and right of the almond trees are in full bloom.
accompanied the sweet scent of the flowers are all over the track.
The many bees can be distinguished from these fragrances seduce you.
the way we meet William Trudel and from the camp who are also traveling in that direction.
The almond trees grow on poor soil.
The scenic view to the summit to "Mazarrón" is, as always overwhelming.
in the distance can we see you a clear day even the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. "
"Puerto de Mazarrón" and also the campsite "Los Madriles" with the upstream wrapped in plastic plantations are far below us.
Our main aim today is not "Mazarrón" but the Cannon Mountain. The inconspicuous road branches off about a kilometer before we reach the sea on your left. After a few kilometers into off the street in a valley with a small settlement.
The road crosses the lonely village and climbs steeply up the mountainside on a saddle. The view of the coast of Cartagena is free.
But the smelly industrial area of "Escombreras" is visible in the distance.
Before we proceed to the canon hill branch, we pass on the right from the antenna system of Telecom. This survey provides a much better view of the bay of "Mazarrón" as the canon mountain itself
front of the fortress at the tip of the peninsula, at the "CaboTiñoso" There is a lighthouse. We content ourselves with a visit to the fort with its huge guns.
whether it was ever used is unknown to us. The cannons on the hill near canon "Portman" in any case were never in use.
The fortress has been renovated and is in good condition.
The extensive fortifications extend to the tip of the peninsula.
in the direction of "Mazarrón" is merely the coast cost.
remote from any cafe / restaurant, we go back to siphon off then for 'La Azohia " which at the eastern end of the bay of Mazarron is located.
Time goes by very quickly, so we must immediately think of the return trip. Along the winding road, there are always discovering new treasures.
A wonderful beautiful day with perfect weather for our Almond Blossom trip comes to an end.
