My Affirmation: During this journey, I embrace serenity, trust, love, gratitude, joy, and lightness as I discover myself and learn to love who I am.

Living on Gran Canaria, we began our 74 days journey in Las Palmas on the 9th of May 2024, taking the Fred Olsen Express ferry to Tenerife and then onward to the Spanish mainland. We took advantage of our time on the ferry to catch up on sleep and unwind, especially since the trip preparation was quite thrilling. As usual, I struggled to sleep well in the days leading up to our departure. In addition to resting, we spent most of our time on the dog deck, ensuring that Lotta got plenty of exercise and walks. The weather was sunny throughout the crossing, and we were treated to stunning sunsets each evening.

On the ferry a minor issue arose that required some effort to resolve. Our fridge broke down as the thermostat failed, causing it to cool excessively and freeze everything inside. While still on the ferry, we took a moment to brainstorm potential solutions. We decided to look for a Dometik service center on our route to Barcelona. After researching online, we found several options and reached out to some via email during the ferry ride. With a bit of anxiety, we awaited their responses, hoping they would have the necessary spare parts in stock, as we couldn't afford to wait several days for delivery.

Upon our arrival in Huelva, Andalusia, we set off eastward, as our ferry to the Italian island of Sardinia was scheduled to depart from Barcelona in less than a week. For now, we wanted to enjoy a leisurely drive along the scenic country roads of southern Spain, with our first destination being the historic town of Ronda. Along the way, we passed through beautiful green meadows adorned with vibrant red poppy flowers. When we reached Ronda, we discovered a perfect shady spot under a large tree to spend the night nearby Ronda. Although it was getting late, the warm weather encouraged us to stay at the campsite and explore the historic town the following morning. We wanted to take things easy during the first few days. After preparing dinner, we savored the stunning night view of Ronda in front of us. It was a peaceful night, and we enjoyed our first restful sleep inside "Lenny The Overlander." The next morning, we began with a cup of coffee, while Dani captured some breathtaking drone shots of our view of Ronda. We also took a walk with Lotta so she could do her daily morning routine.

Afterward, we drove to the heart of Ronda to wander through the charming, narrow streets of the town before the influx of visitors began.

The first hour of our stroll was delightful, as there were only a few people around and the temperature remained pleasant.

I was wearing the new Kaili Set from my sustainable beachwear brand, Look2Ocean Beachwear. It features the Makai Blouse, which includes a campsite collar, a chest pocket, buttons, and the Luana Pants, which are comfortable wide-leg trousers with side seam pockets and an elastic waistband. The lightweight, breathable fabric made it perfect for a sunny day in the city or by the shore, and the color of sandy-beige echoed the natural beauty. As I strolled along the streets, the gentle breeze caught the hem of my blouse and the wide legs of my pants, adding a playful movement to my steps. I felt confident and stylish, knowing that my outfit was not only chic but also kind to the planet. It was a small but meaningful way to enjoy the warm and sunny day while embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.

However, the city soon became crowded with buses full of tourists. After enjoying a fresh Bocadillo featuring the most delightful “Jamon Serrano,” we prepared to leave that beautiful town. Before departing, we took advantage of the well-stocked supermarkets to replenish our food supplies. I made sure to purchase minimal items that didn’t require refrigeration since our fridge was still out of order. Meanwhile, we received responses from two repair services: one located near Tarragona, just before reaching Barcelona, and the other near the French border, after Barcelona. After some phone conversation with the staff, we opted for the repair center near Tarragona, which, in hindsight, was the right decision. Following our initial campsite near Ronda and a rewarding visit to the town, we headed east toward the Gorafe Desert, located near Granada in Andalusia. A well-maintained off-road track winds through the stunning landscape, offering views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. Captivated by the scenery, we chose to spend the night there, eager to witness the breathtaking colors of the mountains at sunset. In my opinion, this is the perfect way to conclude the day, immersed in nature, appreciating its beauty. I also engaged in some Yoga stretches and attempted my first meditation without guided voice instructions. For this journey, I aimed to use meditation as a means of introspection, to connect with my inner self and remain present in the moment. I wanted to harness the soothing sounds of nature to quiet my thoughts, which was truly magical in places like the Gorafe Desert.

The following morning, we were awakened by the gentle first rays of sunlight streaming through Lenny’s window into the car. Upon opening the tailgate, we were astonished by the breathtaking view of the desert before us. We started our day with a cup of coffee, savoring the peaceful morning and the stunning scenery. After a quick breakfast, we set off on the trail, which initially meanders along the plateau before descending into the canyon, offering ample off-road excitement. The rock formations continually shift in color, rewarding us with spectacular vistas at every turn.

We continued our journey eastward through southern Spain, and after approximately three hours of driving past endless olive groves, we arrived at another breathtaking destination near Murcia where we spent the afternoon and night. This place felt almost surreal. A sometimes challenging off-road path, filled with steep ascents, descents, and washouts, led us to a shimmering emerald green lake. Upon our arrival in the afternoon, we eagerly jumped into the lake to enjoy a refreshing swim and embraced the tranquility of nature. Our dog Lotta adored this location, repeatedly diving into the water to swim, as there were no shore breaks to contend with. Regrettably, we couldn't stay for more than one night because, as you may recall, our fridge broke down. We had to visit service center promptly for repairs, as we still had many weeks of adventure ahead of us.

We set off early the following morning to cover many kilometers, having found a service next to Tarragona in the quaint town of Altafulla. Upon our arrival, we headed straight to the repair center to drop off our fridge. Afterward, we looked for a camping spot in town and discovered one right by the ocean, perfect for a long walk with Lotta on the beach. We enjoyed the facilities, including a needed hot shower at the campground. That night, a thunderstorm hit us, which made Lotta quite anxious, as she had never experienced anything like it before. We did our best to reassure her, and as the storm passed, she gradually calmed down, allowing us all to return to sleep. The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we explored the charming old town of Altafulla, which was absolutely beautiful. While wandering through its historic streets, we received a call from the service center notifying us that our fridge was ready for pickup. A big thank you to Caravanes Altafulla for their quick and professional service; the fridge is still working perfectly! Feeling relieved to have our fridge back in action, we set off for Barcelona, which was just a short distance away, in preparation for our ferry to Sardinia. We arrived at the Barcelona harbor late in the evening.

We found ourselves waiting until midnight for the Grimaldi Lines ferry to embark into the Mediterranean Sea, bound for the beautiful island of Sardinia, where we planed to spend the next four weeks. While Sardinia is famously celebrated for its stunning beaches, it would be an oversight to limit it to just that, the island has a wealth of experiences to offer! Join us on our off-road adventure through Sardinia in the upcoming blog posts.

Get ready for thrilling overland stories!

Love,

Katy

Pics by Daniell Bohnhof and Katrin Bohnhof

Text by Katrin Bohnhof