Iceland tour - Sailing from Harwich

Iceland Tour 2 Sailing from Harwich

From Woodhall Spa we drove to Polstead just twelve miles from Harwich docks.

Passing through Thetford Forest the radio gave a warning of severe travel disruption at Thetford. We pulled in to the large parking area; a trailer full of straw bales had overturned, two cars were underneath with people inside, this was an appropriate time to have lunch.

A ladt pulled in beside us looking in a distressed state; she had two young children with her and had juust picke up the warning, she was on her way to join her husband at an American air base and the children were getting bored with sitting in the car.

We sorted out an alternative route, with town names and road numbers.

Half an hour later the announced that the road was now passable but not fully clear.

There was nothing special there; except it was close to the docks, we had no intention to drive around the area sightseeing.

The following morning was spent in cleaning the camper and aranging things readt for the overnigh trip. Once the vehicles were secured on the car deck you were unable to access them until you dock the next morning, so anything required overnight had to be taken with you.

We had to be out of the camp site by noon leaving five hours to cover the twelve or so miles.

The after noon was spent watching the sea birds and boats on the River Stour

Five o'clock saw us by the loading gate. It was all locked up not a person in sight. We parked up away from the gate but still in sight of them, until more people turned up.

Cars; motorbikes returning from the Isle of Mann TT races. Three motorhomes; we joined them in all there were seventeen units including two caravans.

Loading began at six o'clock. Documents were checked, We were issued with a boarding card to put in the window, then moved to an holding area.

Car were being taken straight on to the boat, they had to go up a steep ramp onto a higher deck, then the ramp was raised and vehicles parked underneath, caravans and trailers were next followed by motorhomes and trucks.

We were checked to ensure our gas bottles were turned off and a liguid gas sticker applied to the door enclosing the bottle. Esure you apply the parking brake, lock all doors. Do not turn your alarm on.

Now to find our cabin.

Staff were positioned in prominent places "Up two decks"

Up two flights of stairs "Down here on the right, number 305, swipe your card in the card reader on thr wall by the door that is your key, Have a pleasent journey"

Inside two single beds with a locker between; quilts, a TV; Shower/toilet by the side of the entrance door.

"Lets go and find some food and a drink"

We collected the cameras and set out in serach of food. "The restraunt doesn't open until we are out at sea, there is a snack bar where you can buy sandwiches and drinks"

A selection of sandwiches, a sealed tub of take away trifle and drinks cans we move to the forwads facing lounge where we find others from the party with seats looking out at the pointed end

Now nine o'clock and we can hear the hum of the ships engines; we are under way.

The tanoy sounds "This is you captain speaking; Welcome aboard! The water tight doors are sealed and we are under way; The weather for tonight is forecast to be fair with little swell and little wind. We will shortly be testing the emergency alarm that consists of seven short blasts on the ships horn, followed by the horn being left on; If you here this agin you will make your way to the nearest assmbly point do not go back to your cabin to retreive any thing; Have a pleasent journey; The emegency alarm will sound shortly"

After a few seconds the horn sounded, we counted them seven the a longer one.

We travelled slowly down the river towards the open sea, passing marker buoys around some underwater works (Like land road works) someone said.

A container ship passed across our bow its decks loaded high with containers - "Where are they going with all those containers - what is in them - they are so high you would think it would be top heavy and capsize" - were the remarks

Link: Copy and paste this link into your browser to read the accompanying poem Container Ship 

https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Cumbrialad/1967152/

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

two cars with people inside buried under hay bales ... time to have lunch :)))))))))))) cracks me up Wild One ... the closing photo of the sunset makes life worth while says i! thanks for sharing your trip .. going to check the poem out now .. g'day to ya mate!
E.

[Wild Rose]

Ah this ship was like a bar with ne beer
An overnight ferry no entertainment cept a dingy bar with flat warm beer
Have more fun digging you them folks buried under yon hay bales

[Einstein Noodle]

:))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[alanwgraham]

My main comment is that I was waiting for the main course of the Iceland trip. Your starters were interesting and there was the excitement of the accident. I must just say that it needs some careful proofreading - e.g. missing letters - e.g. esure, forwads, picke. Doesn't your writing software pick these up?
Well done though, I have neglected my travel adventures as a source of writing.
All the best.
Alan

[barleygirl]

When you share some traveling experience like this, it amazes me how many details you remember about every trip. You show a slice of life that most people never even think about & I find your travel writings always a fascinating & refreshing share! Thanks for opening the world up to me since I'm disabled & housebound (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Wild Rose]

Thank you Margie [The memories return with the pictures (Later about that)
I have some idea of you being sitting in the house _ I have one here with me who hankers for going out doors more > Nothing better than a smooth path and her electric scooter - but the scooter doesn't like the rain

We take LOTS of pictures > We met a couple on holiday (Winter sun in Spain) they took part in every event "Can you film us, Please?
Then we moved to another site (Portugal) She didnt remember us She had Alzheimer's An ex accountant who was unable to add up her shopping list _ The pictures & videos were her memory of happy times
ALSO there are a series of fell walking books in the Lake District (where we live) by a man (AW) who made detailed sketches with notes on his walks for when he was to feeble to walk them (they are 50+ years old but still in print)

[barleygirl]

I don't use a scooter. I use a wheelchair indoors & I use my wobbly legs outdoors, since the terrain here is steep & rocky. There's about 2 hours a day when I can get around halfway decent on my legs most days, tho painful. It's too easy to rely on devices & I fight daily to maintain the little bit of walking ability that I have regained after neck surgery 6 yrs ago. Thanks for thinking of me in this . . .