Tuesday 17 September: Monfrague National Park

 We pack up and leave the rural tranquility of El Merino and head south towards the Monfrague National Park. After about an hour or so of empty roads and landscape similar to the Wild West we reach the visitors centre where we get a map and decide on a 3 hour walking route. Initially rather boring in the shade of cork and hill oak with occasional glimpses of the River Tagus we finally reach the impressive cliff of rock which is home to 80 pairs of Griffon Vulture which are out in force circling above us. For once we even have the binoculars with us! They are utterly majestic as they swoop above us in the thermals. Onwards towards the castle with fine views of the landscape reminiscent of the Murchison River in Australia. We’re quite pleased to get back to the van. It’s now very hot and we drive across parched grasslands with the occasional farmstead. I would not want to break down here! Another hour or so takes us to civilisation as we approach Cáceres and find our campsite. Quite a contrast in a municipal area and we’re parked very near other campervans. The swimming pool makes up for it though. It’s 33m long and we only manage 2 lengths before crashing on the grass surrounds. Back to base for drinks and Tuna Pasta by the van.