As expected, the night was cold and damp. At 6am, I wake up freezing, a quick glance at my phone tells me the score: it’s 5°. I prefer to get up rather than continue fighting the cold in my little sleeping bag, which is only rated for 11° and anyway, is soaked.
Long hot shower and coffee in the kitchen, I warm up slowly. Around 7:30am, a French family I met yesterday comes to join me and we chat over breakfast until 9am.
It takes me about an hour to pack up camp and dry my gear a bit. Even if it’s sometimes been unpleasant, I know I’m doing these actions for the last time for a while and that I’ll miss them, that’s a certainty.
10am, I’m all set. The dad takes a photo of me just before my departure, strained smile (it’s cold and the sun is in my eyes) and sunscreen badly smeared on my cheeks: my best morning face.
The road is very easy, it’s downhill all the way to Cork. I cross the city again without emotion, it won’t have left me an unforgettable memory (the museum was still really good though).
Then, following the coast, I very quickly arrive at the pier. Bad luck, there’s nothing here, I have to do another small 12km round trip to do shopping (I assume the food on board is overpriced; it’s rather a mistake, the beer at least is affordable).
It’s my last day, I treat myself to a (really) small restaurant before taking the ferry. 3pm, I’m queuing behind cars. Luckily, the bike is, as often, a VIP pass; I’m let through ahead of everyone.
How I love these boats! Little tour of the property, I visit the restaurant, bar, cinemas and other “lounge” rooms. This time I brought something to sleep, eat and occupy myself, the crossing promises to be long (15h!).
4pm, we cast off. I’m a bit too tired to really realise it’s the end of the trip. The backlash will surely happen once in Brittany. I watch the coast recede while eating blueberries.
5pm, it’s apéritif time, isn’t it?
Seeing your Viking face after the battle, I tell myself you won’t be long in thinking about your next expedition… My heart is a bit tight seeing this beautiful adventure come to an end but what joy to see you tomorrow!! I have only one word, Ivan, THANK YOU! It was incredibly nice to bring us together like this along your journey. A big salute to all the members of this small community, whom I know and whom I’ve read, also, always with great pleasure! Keep friendly! 😊
Well said Moum, it was great to share this adventure. We all went to Ireland together this summer. I also hope this will make you want to continue with other travel projects….. You have well illustrated this quote: “Stop worrying about the potholes on the road and enjoy the journey”. Come on son, it’s the last one!
Bravo cousin! I followed your journey and you can be proud of yourself! It must have been a great experience and I hope you can share it with us in person soon! Kisses and good return
Hi bikeman Ivan!! I think on one of the photos it’s the only one without your helmet :D I thought it would be embedded, but no it’s ok ;) Otherwise reading today’s story, I caught myself misunderstanding at some point: you managed to take a shower and coffee in the kitchen, even being joined by a whole family! That must have been a funny kitchen ha ha Otherwise, 5pm is indeed a good time if you want to start the apéro! It’s somewhere in the world always time for this sacred moment :D Best to you, See you soon Bises
Hi Ivan! I wish you a good return to your beautiful Brittany that I love so much! A big thank you to you for making us travel through your delicious prose and beautiful photos! I imagine all this will be missed and you’ll quickly be projected into another adventure. In the meantime, good rest! Kenavo!!!!