A good night's sleep in the rather dear cabin ... 4 beds for one person rather excessive and pilgrim rate for sharing would help ... though it's not a market of much interest to Brittany Ferries, originally set up by a farmers' cooperative to export to UK ... now catering for tourists with cars and freight on lorries, not to mention the hordes of Brit expats in France, Spain and Portugal ... foot passengers unusual on this boat, which has no reclining chair option ... just the one today, hoping for a speedy exit to arrive at Brockwood before lock up at 9 pm ... though emergency alternative in place ...
The sea route home preferred to flying, which seems too fast somehow ... a perfect sailing day, sunny and smooth ... on board entertainment includes an enthusiastic presentation on whales and dolphins ... from Orca, wildlife charity based in Portsmouth ... interrupted amusingly by a tannoy announcement about nail and other treatments, in English, Spanish and French ... apologies offered by Orca presenter, who explains about the multilingual nature of the ship, with no trace of irony as the talk continues only in English ... still, interesting enough and preferable to earlier television programme from British Bullshit Corporation interviewing politicos with their predictable patter, polarised positions defended, neither offering anything very useful ...
Kit review suggests: Osprey rucksack, lighter than Deuter because without frame, but designed to allow air flow; Cape brighter colour, all black outfit not ideal for walking hard shoulder in rain; shoes, Scarpas fine, though boots needed if walking Primitivo in February; otherwise fine ... two changes of underclothes could be reduced to one, sleeping bags reduced to one silk liner and rely on blankets; however if hammock to increase options outside, warmer bag needed; technology ... maybe smarter phone to improve bed finding and route finding ... though aware of downsides ...
Anyway, all that's for another time, meanwhile a few days at the Krishnamurti Centre before a train to Durham on Wednesday and two buses to Stanhope ... see how the deserted cottage has fared over the rather harsh winter ...
And next month, a special visitor, reconnecting from the days on the Portugues, Santiago, Fisterra ...
Ferries can be a tricky business. Took one once to Nova Scotia from Portland, Maine cutting out hours of driving. My friend and I were hoping to find a lounge couch to crash on but no such luck. It was all gambling machines and demonic noise and lights. We ended up having to get a cabin. Upon embarking we drove in the wrong direction for over an hour. It was so exploitative. We need serenity ferries with meditation spaces onboard. I hope you made it to the center on time.
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