Huddersfield ex-pat BRIAN HAYHURST reports from his home near Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol
Temperatures are now dropping on the Costas but there is no sign of the much-needed prolonged rain.
That seems hard to appreciate when, just a three-hour flight away, many parts of Britain are experiencing devastating floods.
We’ve had some shoreline wrecking storms which have damaged parts of the immensely popular boardwalk which extends for hundreds of kilometres, and is a life blood for many businesses on the vast coastline.
It has not deterred the ever growing number of strollers enjoying the sights and sounds. It was originally known as the windy coast here, but it was changed to the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) to attract more visitors. And it’s worked.
As water becomes scarce, there are lots of places feeling the loss of this vital, natural resource we take for granted.
One of many affected by the drought is ‘Cable Ski Marbella’, established in 1993, a much loved natural lake near San Pedro.
This stretch of water is steadily being drained by local golf courses and has been temporarily closed until further notice until levels rise.
There are moves to impose time restrictions within this region for water usage in the weeks ahead. These restrictions on water usage for gardens, pool filling and car washing are once more in place. Farmers are pleading for rain!
But – some good news – there have been fewer forest fires in the region – actually a record low for such a hot season, meaning there has been less scrubland and forestry destroyed. We have noticed a definite drop this year in fire and rescue vehicles, belting up the country road near us.
This shortage of water etc is causing the growing herds of wild boar families to venture into the tourist areas searching for food.
Mijas and other town councils are seeking the best humane method of reducing the numbers, such as traps, cross bow experts and so on to protect holidaymakers who might see them as friendly creatures. But those with very young boars can get very protective and violent, if interfered with.
READ MORE: Catch up on Brian’s back catalogue of blogs HERE
Tomorrow (October 6) is the start of the annual Fuengirola Feria when six days of traditional festivities are held in honour of the town’s patron – Vergen del Rosario.
As with all other towns up and down Spain, the pilgrimage with the shrine will head a massive procession and will be followed by mass.
Illuminations are switched on and the main fair begins with endless rides and dozens of refreshment stalls (castetas) offering food and entertainment throughout the evenings. Locals enjoy dressing in typical Spanish style clothing, and also dress up their horses to add to the festivities.
Now for some news in brief:
* The lowering of the alcohol limit for drivers is being considered in Parliament this week. If accepted it will mean that a driver drinking one small glass of beer could take them over the limit.
* Marbella traders are saying there are now more tourists pouring into the town but the majority are spending less. Away from the average sunseeker there are many high end clients who are spending big time.
* All-inclusive holidaymakers (sometimes rather rowdy) on the Spanish islands are to have limits of three drinks per day and three in the evening. How they can possibly keep a check on this new ruling beggars belief, especially with shops selling cheap booze all day. Could it be introduced here on the Costas? I very much doubt it.
