Leaving the Island of Ireland…

After my ‘sunrise viewing’ …I continued noding until almost 9 a.m., ready for the long day ahead, packing everything, finding my passport (which no one asked for !) and general hanging around on the campsite, on a sunny but windy morning.

I then set out late morning for Dublin Port, filling up with fuel and butties on the way.. I found my way (thanks to Satnav Sally) relatively easily, and as I approached the port saw a massive ‘Gathering’ sign  on the port buildings, reminding me of my original intentions for coming to Ireland…and well worth it, it’s been !

I checked in, to be told that as it was a freight boat, then lunch and dinner were provided (free !) great…although it would be along journey..I was in the queue, first of the ‘tourists’, as I was led onto the ‘European Endeavour’ by a pilot , but you know the saying…I had to reverse into place, and consequently I would be one of the last off !

I made my way to the seating area, to be told lunch was being served, so helped myself to a 3 course lunch, lovely

Then I went to the seating areas, basic but comfortable and clean, and looking out into the port saw the cruise ship ‘The Oriana’ docked next to another cruiser – bet their food was better than mine , maybe they even had some wine…!

We set off bang on time, with relatively few passengers, not like the other passenger ferries I’ve been on..and as I left the borders of the Island of Ireland…looked back fondly on my time there, along with my other travels of the summer.. I sat in a comfy couch watching the sea being eaten up by the ship, with lots of ships going to and fro in front of us – I settled down for the long journey – 8 1/2 hours ! – to Liverpool

As it got dark, I continued cat napping, and watching the sea go by, a gentle swell, no more on a really nice cruise.. as we passed by the Isle of Man, and I think into Morecombe Bay, passing many oil/gas rigs, anchored out in the sea, lit up like giant cities ..I was ready for home…but not before another meal served at 10 p.m. – presumably so the truckers could keep driving into the night, when they disembark..so that’s what I decided to do, I had been wondering whether I should stop somewhere in Liverpool, but as I got off the ship at 11-45p.m. decided I may as well drive home…which I did arriving at just after 1 a.m….to a great pile of letters etc

Safely home…and ready for a final sleep in my sleeping bag ( didn’t feel like making the bed !) which I placed on my bed, so home…but not quite …Goodnight !