Saturday 7 March 2015

Well today is when we cross back to Spain and as it’s a 2 hour run to the port an earlyish start was planned – and actually achieved. It’s motorway all the way so, in company with Ray and Mary, we took a steady drive north, stopping just once to fill up with the incredibly cheap fuel.

Approaching Tanger-Med

Waiting to board

Apart from completion of the building works, not a lot has changed since last year – you still have to go to the ticket office to check in and get boarding cards and the guy is still not very cheerful! A ship already waiting, we processed through Police and Customs checks quite quickly but no x-ray. Joined the line, but only had enough time to make some sarnis to take on board with us for lunch before we were loading. Same ship as inbound so we found a comfortable spot and settled in for a quite smooth crossing. And the ship even left on time!

Once across, whilst Colin and Tina managed to get away quickly, we got stuck behind three vehicles that were searched at every checkpoint, although no-one actually bothered with us. Then up to a fuel station to refill the almost empty gas bottles (we worked out that we used almost exactly what we were expecting so our careful planning paid off). Back down to Algeciras, we popped into Lidl for some European shopping before parking up in the car park outside Factory for the night.

As a farewell celebration with Colin and Tina we decided to go out for a meal. Terry went out and investigated a couple of restaurants across the main road, both closed, while Colin found a pizzeria just round the corner, which turned out to have just closed and the café only served coffee and cake – though it was very busy. Wanting more, we had a little wander but eventually resorted to that mainstay of all European cities – McDonalds! (It’s food, Jim, but not as we know it!)

A final get-together over a cup of hot chocolate (honest – although there was a little “something” in it) before an early night. They have a long way to go tomorrow and want to be away asap in the morning. Solong guys, we've had a great 64 days and 14 hours – see you at Peterborough.