I was actually strangley a little excited today. The past two days since leaving Africa had been pleasant but not really broken any new ground.
However, today I would be on a ship for 24 hours, much of it in the open sea and that would be a new experience & I was lookimg forward to finding out what it was like.
We set off to ride the last couple of miles to the port, ckecked in and joined the queue of around 70 bikes!
Up to this point I had felt quite exclusive, with nobody in front and just oneheadlight in my rear view mirror. Suddenly, we were immersed in bikes & bikers of all shapes & sizes.
Many seemd to be part of a big group tour around Spain and had evidently spent the past week or so together. Their bikes looked very clean and polished next to mine
As we were sat un the queue, it started to rain heavily. Once we were properly soaked, the ground staff moved us to an area with some shelter, next to the ship.
And then we were waved forwards in groups of 10 or so, the reason becomimg apparent once it was my trun to enter the boat.
On entery we descended a steep ramp down to the bottom of the ship and then had to do a U turn and park in the area bahind the ramp. Many riders seemd to struggle with this manoever especially as the desk was a little slippy and festooned with cables and attachment hoops.
Eventually everyone was in, the bikes secured and we all trooped up the 5 flights of stairs to the cabin areas - well some used the lift, but not us - we were adventure riders after all!
We then had to hang around for almost an hour whilst they finished cleaning the cabins - must have been a messy bunch in the way down! But finally we were allowed to go to the cabins.
I had decided to splash out a little and book an outside 4 berth cabin, to make sure I had room to swing a cat if one turned up, and also have a view. It was very nice and comfortable, complete with small ensuite & even a TV & kettle.
I had considered the economics of this at the planning stage. Basically at this time of the year, the cost of the Santander-Portsmouth ferry including a single use cabin was about the same as the cost of the Chunnel, 2 nights B&B in France, tolls & petrol etc and also saved 1-2 days travelling.
If you opted to share a cabin and/or have an inside canin it could be even cheaper, but I decided it was not worth skimping and to make it part of the holiday. Glad I did, it was very comfortable and flexible doing it this way.
Unpacked & settled in, & still quite excited about being on a big boat I went exploring whulst they finished loading.
Looking over the side I coyld see the lorries being loaded a long way below.
And overvthe other side the town of Santander.
Then we were off, pulling slowly out of the habour.
With a 'minder' boat as a close companion until we left the bay.
Later that evening, after a (suprisingly) great value meal in one of the 4 restaurants, I watched the sunset over the bay of biscay from the deck.
A very comfortable night - OK I was a little disappointed we didnt have any rough sea, so no pictures of waves crashing over the boughs unfortunately.
I spent a while watching various pods of dolphins chasing the ship and then by late morning we could see land as we neared the Isle of Wight.
And then into Portsmouth habour.
The ship came in facing the berth & then did an amazing 180 degree 'handbrake' turn before finally moring.
Doen in the oarking area it was chaos, with bikes, bikers & bags everywhere and another set of U turns to do in order to get out!
Once out we had about an hours delay getting through security
And then it was straight into the motorway, familiar turf and heading home.
Another trip completed.
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