Fossil fuels are overrated…right?  So can I do without them?

Mention the Spanish South coast and you would be forgiven for imagining beaches filled with of lobster-pink Brits drinking their weight in San Miguel. But venture west to the town of Tarifa and a much more Spanish experience awaits you.

Sandy shores make up the coastline that offers the climax for Atlantic bred breakers and a reminder that I am never as good at surfing as I think I am. Inland a forest of wind turbines dominates every hilltop harnessing the constant wind that has promoted the transformation of this peninsula from sleepy Spanish countryside to kite-surfing mecca.

For once my fascination is drawn away from the surf as these majestic eco-beasts churn out electricity for the Spanish grid. Their elegant power and the sheer number of them (easily over 300) offers similarities to a HG Wells storyline. Thus with images of Tom Cruise and a War of the Worlds soundtrack in my head I am compelled to risk a bit of trespassing for a closer look. Fortunately it is not a murderous alien who rumbles me but an angry Spanish man with which I have the following conversation:

SPANIARD (in Spanish): What are you doing? You aren’t allowed this close to the machines. Didn’t you read the signs?

ME (using only facial expressions): Sorry mate, I’m English and to be honest I didn’t think anyone was watching.

SPANIARD (still in Spanish): Do you know that these things could kill you?

ME: Really though?

SPANIARD: Well no. But you still shouldn’t come too close.

ME: Right, sorry about that. Do you mind if I get one more photo?

SPANIARD: Yes I do, now bugger off.

ME: Right you are. Adios.