A cool ride down to Portsmouth Docks via Cotswold Motorrad today to pick up some new gloves I had reserved since my old ones had shredded over recent weeks, then a brief stop at Marlborough before heading down through Salisbury and Andover. The weather warmed up a bit just before the arranged meet with Steve. Unfortunately the meet venue .. Little Kitchen and Bistro just off the A34 near Winchester proved elusive as the GPS waypoint suggested a field to the left with no turning off the main A34. Steve phoned me while riding to say he had the same problem but had found it so guided me in where we were only 10 mins later than our agreed time.
After a very nice sausage and marmalade bap with brew and then an enjoyable ride via the villages of the South Downs we discovered our intercom pairing was still available since last year's Alps tour so we could now talk while riding - always a good thing while navigating.
We met up with the rest of the tour group at a little over 2.40pm and boarded the ship not long after.
Familiar faces on this one Kevin, and also Gerry and Sean from Dublin, and with introductions some new ones too including Colin from Fife who had ridden down yesterday in all of that rain.
Very pleased with my cabin on the Cap Finisterre I have to say, very clean and with a bow facing window. This is a smaller boat than the usual Pont Avon, but I think I prefer it, a bit quieter.
After a quiz on Dolphins and Wales in the bar where me Steve , Gerry and Sean scored a respectable 13 out of 19 . Our tour leader Steve gave us the low down about what's coming up, hotel features and route info and met a few more fellow riders Chris and Stefan too.
Later with tables reserved in the main Restaurant we sampled the food and wine on board.
Here's Steve tucking in to the very nice Souffle I didn't order bit wished I had though the cheese board selection of French cheeses was something to behold too.
After an evening in the bar I retired to my cabin with a book bought from the on board shop.
It's a long journey not arriving until gone 5pm tomorrow need to while away the hours somehow, Wale and Dolphin watching maybe with the on-board guides presentation starting at 10am. Try and stay away from the bar I guess!
