Iberian Adventure Day 11

Homeward bound after the best part of 1000 miles of Iberian adventuring.

We attempted to visit Prehistoric caves on our way to Santander. Our slack approach to holidaying with minimal research and planning meant that we should have booked in advance as there were no slots today. The kind lady on reception suggested we look online with her for later slots but the ferry only leaves once a week so we have to get tonight’s. Bit different to the Dover/Calais crossings!

We set off for Santander and the homebound bug kicked in. None of us wanted to wander the streets so we found a shopping centre with a giant Carrefour and indulged in a dreadful Burger King experience and a much better but of retail therapy!

We’d had a message informing us the ferry was again late - this time due to a medical evacuation. We opted to join the queue (several hours early) anyway and ended up a handful of cars back from blipper Falmike’s next door neighbour (and parent of 2 ex Brownies). It’s small world. We took part in some van admiration - chatting to proud owners about what they’ve done and why. MrRoly is firmly in camp VW but I’m team Transit and this hasn’t helped!

Eventually we boarded. This time a 4 and a 2 - I went with the big 2 to settle them in only for them to lock their key cards in their room. While waiting at the info desk to sort it out (very easily) another passenger was complaining and we listened in. Part of her gripe was the delay, especially when the receptionist said the medical evacuation had been earlier in the week.

Turns out Pont Aven left Roscoff on Saturday and has been zigzagging back and forth across between France, the UK, Ireland and Spain with the same crew. They return home on Friday after the Plymouth-Roscoff crossing! It makes sense but I’d never thought about it - they’re on a tight schedule so even though they can make up some time I guess a long delay messes them up for the week. The delay wasn’t helped by a second medical evacuation at Santander!

Anyway, we left under much calmer conditions, we all ate tea (salads), kept them down and slept in our own beds. A much better experience thankfully!