Wednesday 4th June

We continue our slow migration north along what we have now dubbed the Flamingo Highway, our first stop along the way is the strange land of Salinas de San Pedro at the north end of the Mar Menor. The different salinas change colour from green depending on their state of evaporation, fewer creatures can survive as the salinity increases until it turns pink due to the one bacteria that can sustain life in these conditions, this is also the tint of the salt end product.

Pink flamingos

and a pink salina

and piles of pink sea salt

Windmill and a blue salina

Prior to electrification windmills were used to pump water to different levels of evaporation.

Another feature of San Pedro on the mediterranean side of the Mar Menor are miles of white sand beaches backed by dunes that happen to be an ideal location for those who like an all over tan.

Linda, palm trees and fine white sand

Flamingo take off

San Pedro and the Mar Menor is a major migratory stop for many species of bird and it is now designated a special protection bird area, there are also many resident species, a treat for those that enjoy seeing these creatures at close quarters.

A recent development due to the salts high iodine content has created a trend for mud therapeutic cure-alls and beauty treatments. They say the heat is almost unbearable as the mud dries on the skin.

Muddy woman

Washing off the treatment

Our destination for the night was La Marinas for a sunset wild camp,

we met up with 2 German carpenters who had been working their way around the world for the last year or so in their tried and trusted ancient mercedes trucks. So far they have travelled from Portugal, down the west coast of Africa to South Africa, up the other side to the Arabian Gulf, ship to Oz and NZ across central asia and South America.

The German carpenter's travelling circus

Thursday 5th June

We pushed further on up the flamingo road past more salinas and roadside flamingos, with a coffee stop at Villajoyosa.

The coloured houses at Villajoyosa

Then on to Xabia for today’s stop over for battery recharging wifi and relaxation.