Day 51 Wednesday 19^th July 2017              From:Roscoff To: Plymouth

Mile: 16880-16888    Daily:  8               Meteo: Overcast but warm

As might be expected from a docks area in the later part of the early morning there seemed to be vehicles moving about with all the attendant noise.  Despite me peering out through the window nothing was apparent. It was now 0600 hrs and there was nobody parked, waiting or sleeping in the ferry lanes. Indeed, on this official waiting area for ‘Camping cars’ we weren’t that many. Maybe ten. We had deliberately left the roof light blind open last night so as to allow in the light. We were afraid we would oversleep. Silly really. We had set three alarms for 0700hrs. The reception booths were not yet open. We secured the bed and sheets etc switched off the gas and checked all the windows and cupboards were locked down. All part of our moving off procedure. Mike even walked around to next door and knocked on the door to ensure he was awake. I had promised him I would not forget when once again he asked Jackie and I to join him and the boys and by now several 'girls' for a drink last night. We declined as gracefully as we could. After his mammoth session last evening I'm surprised he was alive let alone awake.

By now the lanes were open. Earlier than they had said and queues were forming. We joined in. Soon we were through check-in and passport control. It was now 0715hrs. We were one of the first vans onto the ferry and soon parked and on our way up to breakfast. We went for cereal and coffee. Not for us the full fat boy fry up so many were having.

Leaving the French coast far behind.

Somewhat confused as to what was the sharp and blunt bits we sat at a couple of panoramic window seats. There was plenty of choice as the boat was only one third full.
Imagine our horror when who should sit in the seat immediately in front of us but our boozy neighbour from last night. He promptly fell asleep for an hour. Waking, one must assume fresh or thirsty, he walked over to the bar and returned with a huge glass of wine. Then proceeded to drink another 4 or 5 till lunchtime.

We vacated these seats before lunch and made our way to the cocktail bar and ordered a couple of Margaritas with the two complimentary drinks vouchers Dawn had 'left' at reception for us some seven weeks ago. Resisting the temptation for another couple, they were quite strong, we made our way to the restaurant for lunch.
Can you believe it we had fish, chips and peas. It looks more elegant written in French I can assure you.  In truth we did not fancy the lamb which was the alternate offering. It was enjoyable. Not for the first time Jackie had a glass of wine with her chips.

We barely had time to finish lunch, take a quick walk around the ship before we were called to the car deck to prep for disembarkation.

One of the first off again, it was a quick drive through the customs and immigration booths and another fifteen minutes later we were home and had the kettle on.

Already the last seven weeks seemed just like a memory.

We now had to prepare ourselves for a 'Ruby Murray' we had organised for family and friends later this evening.

Better to wear out than rust out!