Blog 16

Day 1.

Against all statistics and historical information available at the time of writing we left home to start our 2016 trip, on time.

First time for everything I suppose.

An uneventful drive down to and through Dublin brought us to the Wicklow hills. This is an area of harsh beauty, narrow bumpy roads, and fabulous unspoilt scenery, with a few gasp moments thrown in for good measure. On a sunny day it would be nearly unbeatable to do the drive in an open top car, the wind in your hair, if you have any, and the sun on your smiling face.

Our destination was Glenmalure Lodge, a hostelry nestled in the Glenmalure valley. A large welcoming car park, friendly staff indoors and good food and drink. A winner. This is and ideal centre for walkers and ramblers, but beware, it is infested with midgies in July.

We called in for a quick pint when we arrived, and that was our downfall. At around one am after being serenaded by what was originally a four piece, but developed in to a ten-piece band of local musicians, we realized the bar was nearly empty. This oversight was only the result of a fine evening, where the craic never stopped, and the sound of laughter was infectious and warming.

Friday morning nothing much happened, nor could it. Six hangovers meant just an easy stroll along the deserted road. A big hand to Deirdre, Jim, James, Paul, and of course us, for a sensational start to the trip.

Our next port of call was near Rosslare, where the ferry departs from. We were to call in and see the lovely Alfy and Catherine. Originally for a cuppa and catch up, Catherine  had made a lovely dinner, which we munched happily now that the hangover was gone. Thanks again you two. Best of luck in your way forward.

And so dear blogites, to the ferry. Our little catch up, left us with minus 15 minutes to catch the ferry, last to arrive, but that was ok because we had left our house on time yesterday!

We had just parked in our lane, when the boarding process started. Margaret had just enough time to pack the overnight bag, until we found ourselves on board and preparing for the seventeen-hour trip. The original plan was to get bladdered and sleep most of the way, but I couldn’t face it, so after three drinks went to bed. Al was well until around two am. The boat was slapping around, those dead of night at sea noises had arrived. Up and down, bang slap, and the then I woke up some hours later to a calm sea and smooth and steady progress. We arrived in Cherbourg. Had just berthed and the Captain announced they had given us the wrong berth, we would have to relocate. Could only happen to us.

But never mind that, we got off and out of Cherbourg, painlessly, and hurtled down the motorway to Caen and then onto Rouen. Arriving at Mesniers en Bray our first location. After getting misplaced twice, once in Caen and once in Rouen, and five hours and two hundred and ten miles later, in the dark, couldn’t find the Aire, so stayed the night at a car park beside Avenue Verte. It is a beautiful place even though we awoke to thick fog.

And so, the holiday part of the trip starts today, so much to look forward too. I can’t promise the following blogs will be as busy as this one, but if I get up early enough and can remember………..