Shades of Grey (but not 50!)

If we could only use one word to use to sum up Lanzarote, our choice would probably be rocky. It's not so noticeable on the tourist beaches, where golden sand is predictably on offer, but as you know, we like to get off the beaten track and explore on paw. The going under paw wasn't particularly easy, as it was, quite simply, invariably rocky.

Those rocks get everywhere and are frequently used in preference to bricks for wall building. There are low walls used for constructing salt pans ...

... and some really tall walls, which completely dwarfed us, as you can see...

... just look at those buttresses; we were worn out by the time we'd climbed to the top to see what these towering walls were protecting. Strangely enough it didn't seem to be anything, the view from the top was just of barren wasteland. Still, these volcanic rocks were not exactly in short supply so why not spend an afternoon practising wall building? 

Some stretches of coast path were very rocky, as well as windy, creating some big crashing waves. When the path dropped down to sea level at a beach, it was no surprise to find there were lots more rocks and they were the familiar shade of grey.    

Sitting on rocks in the sun is very pleasant though as you get a nice warm bottom. Talking of warm,  that lovely Spanish sun brought out the lizards - or was it the crumbs from our sandwich lunch which brought them out? 

We thought Chelmer might like a picture for his nature notes collection. 

Lots of love

Pedro, George & Yorkie xxx

Orientation and the Orient

Our first morning got off to a good start with a leisurely breakfast on our balcony and a welcome meeting where we were given a delicious glass of Sangria, even though it was only 10.30 in the morning! We hasten to say it's not our normal practice to be drinking this early, but as we were on holiday, we didn't have too many problems making an exception.

The welcome meeting was held on the terrace beside the pool, so when it was over, we dived straight in, as it was very hot - in the mid 20's.

In the afternoon we had an orientation walk. We'd arrived in the dark the night before so hadn't even seen the sea, or anything of the resort of Costa Teguise where we were staying. Helpfully the local authority have created a 10km Costa Teguise Promenade Circular, which also happened to be in our walk book. It is a waymarked circular route which took us to the 4 local beaches and showed us the rather barren, volcanic interior of Lanzarote - just what we wanted to familiarise ourselves with our resort.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky and, as we wandered, we took in a few interesting sights.

The first was this old windmill - sadly no longer working - which dates back to a time when there were salt pans in the area.

We couldn't pass 4 beaches and not stop for a swim and a sunbathe. We picked the fine sandy beach just to the right of this bear sized beach fortification. The water was actually quite cold, but running up and down the stone steps afterwards, keeping a watch out for pirates, soon warmed us up.

We are in the picture if you look extremely hard. 

After the walk we did a big supermercado shop as we were staying in self-catering apartments. With a perverse sort of logic, having filled up our cupboards with lovely things, we then decided to go out for a meal, as it was getting late. 

We went to a nearby Chinese that previous guests had recommended.

It was very good and the portions were very generous; even the piranha, Yorkie, had no complaints. The staff were very friendly and carved us the amazing carrot swan which you see in our picture. The detailing was incredible and it was a real work of art. We just wished there was some way we could have preserved it.

At the end of the meal we were introduced to banana schnapps, served in rude glasses! It was delicious, and as the bottle was left on our table, we were able to enjoy more than one glass.

Lots of love

George, Yorkie and Pedro xxx

After the Snow, the Sun

Some of us, well Yorkie, Pedro and me (George) have browner fur than usual at the moment. This is not because we haven't washed or because we've been out in the mud, but because we've just returned from yet another adventure.

This time of year there's only one place to go (as we don't really do skiing), and that's to the sun.

Sun, pool, lounger - what more do you need? - apart from a cold beer!

As the chapter on the Canaries in the Friendly Planet Guide was a bit thin, we decided to research some more material, by visiting the island of Lanzarote.

It was a great choice, and our timing was impeccable, as we went when there was more snow and sub zero temperatures at home.

We stayed, along with our minders, and their folks, in 2 apartments at the delightful Holiday Bond Complex of Santa Rosa. We'd come to expect something special from a HPB property and we were not disappointed.

Just look at the amazing towel sculptures that greeted us ...

... how romantic! The flowers were real by the way. 

It wasn't only in the bedroom that we were greeted by towel sculptures; they were also in the bathroom and in the kitchen ... 

We did wonder if we were going to see any birds with this interesting colour scheme on the island. 

Some of our readers may not be as familiar with our Bears Unlimited travelling companion, Pedro, as they are with regulars, Yorkie and myself. Pedro was our secret weapon as he's passionately Spanish - speaks the language perfectly (no surprise) and can use his contacts to get us into all sorts of interesting places, both on and off the tourist trail. 

We'll be back soon to share some of our explorations of the island with you. 

Lots of love

George, Pedro and Yorkie xxx