Vanlife | Torredonjimeno (Jaén)

I turned 27, I mean 72 on Tuesday so I cleaned my outside kitchen, a chore that I've been putting off for a while but it had to be done. The plancha had accumulated a layer of dust which had taken hold and needed the scraper and elbow grease to remove and the deep fat fryer was just... messy.

The next day nevertheless, Issy and Poppy and I set off in Florie for a couple of nights away. Our first stop was Mercadona to stock up on supplies (beer, wine, cheese, and dog treats). And just two km outside the town of Torredonjimeno we came across the beautiful hermitage of Our Lady of Consolation (XIV century), and 100 metres further along the road a large picnic area with BBQs, tables and seats, public toilets, water tap (working) and two large wheelie bins that the picnickers don't know how to use. It is a beautiful area with great views across the olive groves towards the hills and mountains beyond. There are plenty of dog walks on the doorstep. We chose a spot under a tree on the edge of the parking area as it was pretty hot at 5pm. With the sliding door, vents and windows open we got a good airflow that kept the internal temperature below 25°. Parking has good hard standing although a little uneven.

Taking the dogs for their final walk last night we deposited our rubbish in the wheelie bin and noticed that the lights were on inside the toilets. Out of curiosity I tried both doors, they were locked.

We spent a quiet night alone and woke up to birdsong.

An unmarked van arrived and deposited firewood at the BBQs. And as today is a national holiday I expect things to get lively later.

We had a wander down to the hermitage where we encountered a man with his Podenco who took a dislike to Issy and Poppy. I suppose he thinks it's his territory (the dog, not the man).

We'll probably stay here another night, or maybe not.

Update, we did stay for another night as it wasn't very noisy despite there being over 50 people enjoying BBQs and an impromptu football match. That was until a young guy turned up with his boom box (his music was shite). Fortunately, he got a call from his Mummy to say that his lomo and chips were ready so things turned back to normal and by 22h it was very quiet even though a few tables remained occupied until past midnight.

Although today is Good Friday a town hall worker arrived to clear up the litter - he didn't look very enthusiastic.

#vanlife

Location: on JV2121, 100 metres from the hermitage, 2km from Torredonjimeno. Easy to find.