Portsmouth to Bilbao

2nd December

Pat and Sue didn’t believe all the stuff blocking their hallway would fit in the caravan but after a day and a half of resolute packing most of it did … I think Sue was a little disappointed, hoping for a far more generous donation than a superfluous plastic colander and a few tennis balls for her boot-sale. A few hairy moments and a very last minute dash to a Chichester Caravan shop to purchase essential items the savvy European caravanner Bill informed us should NEVER leave the UK without, we were just about ready for the off. (NB: We are not that caravanner and will be sure to pay further for the fact that, to Pat’s absolute disbelief and horror, we hadn’t as yet read the Bailey Caravan manual … we thought the 35 hour ferry crossing would give us plenty of time for that). Graham believes that he should be winning some kind of prize for having only one small tub of clothes and some spare space in his storage area. Krista and I are thinking, more fool you, when shall we start spreading out? Krista continues to prove her superior position in the pecking order by getting the most stuff past the censors to take up lion’s share of the caravan.
So we waved goodbye to Pat and Sue at about 4.45pm feeling extremely grateful for their help, support and hospitality. Graham was feeling understandably nervous as we pulled away into the dark rainy night with what is going to be our home and our lives following behind us. But since the caravan was still there as we drew into Portsmouth Harbour, some of those nerves began to give way to the first thrills of excited anticipation.
It was great to see the familiar figures of Katherine and Tim who had come from their boat in Gosport to wave us off were waiting for us. Rather worryingly the check-in staff gave us the option not to travel as it was going to be bumpy … and there was a moment when I thought well … But no after a coffee in the terminal and a chat with seasoned water-rats K and T we even rejected the travel sickness bands. Waving goodbye to K and T we passed through security and drove onto the boat, finally believing that the tour was now a reality.
3rd December
Lulled by the rocking of the ship, Krista slept like a log (for once). Annie and Graham did not. After making bold efforts to get up showered and breakfasted both crawled back into their bunks feeling horribly seasick as the boat continued to bump and rock in the choppy waters. It wasn’t until about 11.30 when the captain decided to turn the ship that we could even consider returning to the upright position and venturing from our cabin to the deck. We knew that fresh air was really the only way forward but getting there was the problem! We finally made it and were pleasantly surprised by the mild temperature and sunshine that greeted us. Refreshed we found ourselves a good spot with a clear view of the horizon to sit in for most of the day. Moving around was not really an option as this quickly brought back the nausea. A stroke of luck as our fixed position meant we had a prime view when a huge school of playful dolphins came to swim alongside the ship, a sight apparently a little more unusual at this time of year.