We arrived in Alnwick and cycled passed the castle where the first Harry Potter was filmed and believe it or not, you can get broomstick training there - we would eventually sweep out of Alnwick after coffee and cakes...
Shortly after we crossed over the A1 and we on country lanes where Phil announced that his satnav was heading for the bin as it kept taking him into the north sea.
These country lanes were great for minimal traffic but where causing Alan's satnav no end of grief. So much so that it took us down a dirt track towards a dead end. Executive decision - take any road that heads south. Success until we hit what appeared to be the Berlin Wall re-positioned in Northumberland!
Another 5 mile diversion ensued.
Eventually the Satnav kicked in and put us back on track and and within touching distance of the ferry.
Phil was tiring a bit near the end and got the point where he needed a wee sugar boost. A quick off the bike and he was in the local taverna just outside Newcastle ordering drinkies. He asked them if they did takeaway. They said yes. He said whats 7-4. He was asked to leave. Seriously though, he got a drink whilst the team outside stood outside like lemons waiting for him.
We were all getting a bit peckish and we stopped a few miles before the port at a bakery at the start of Seatonville road for some refuelling. This would see us until dinner on ferry.
A few miles further on and with the sun shining the ferry awaited our arrival. Straight to the front of the queue and within minutes we were on and locking the bikes up and heading for our cabins to wash the muck and crap we had collected that day.
It was looking good for Phil, Frank and Alan on Deck 11 until they found they had "geordie" stag night next door while Graeme and Craig had the "Hen" doo the deck below. To be fair it wasn't that bad for either party but with an 88 mile cycle in the morning, it was a bit concerning. On the plus side the view was more pleasant on Deck 10.
Below is pic from the cabin of the picturesque view of the port of Newcastle:
A miniature version of the DFDS ferry!
Food on board was brilliant and it would be fair to say we got value for money. The chicken satay was a particular hit with Craig, as it came back on each of his 4 courses, including his pudding.
The disco started at midnight and needless to say dfds missed out on our moves. I can see why Forth 1 use this as an outing. It was bouncing.
Got a few donations on board and saw lots going on. The dancing nun was not impressive. A balding 70 year old in a nurses outfit strutting his stuff. Hope he doesn't make a habit of it :) Lots of icebucket challenges going on and loads of drunkenness. Calm crossing but will the sea sickness tablets work?.
Day 2 over
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