Cap Finisterre and on our way

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!

Intro'

I'm back over in Northern Spain riding through the Picos again, down to the Douro Valley in to Portugal. I really have enjoyed riding in the Asturias region on past trips, this time with Motorrad tours we explore the region in depth on the usual riding focused 'Mountains' format. I'm looking forward to revisiting Cangas de Onis and that run down to Riano again, and discover new roads as we head down toward Portugal. Better still, for this visit I will be staying in Paradores  a real attraction and have wanted to stay in these unique converted castles or monasteries for a while. Later we will be riding down to stay in a Portuguese Estate (Quinta) right on the banks of the River Douro .. known as the 'River of Gold'.

Again, I will be riding with my good friend Steve and our wonderful tour leader Steve Freeman. This is my third Motorrad tour, if it's like the last two 'Mountains' adventures (2016 & 2018), it should be a lot of fun.  We meet up in Portsmouth on the Friday and catch the overnight ferry.  My bike is ready with new tyres, and the routes loaded onto my Navigator, just counting down the 'sleeps' now. Can't wait 👍