May
29
2009

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Plymouth at Last

by Tara

The past few days have felt a little uninspiring—after two months of cycling in England and then triumphantly making it to Land's End, we've felt "complete" with England, ready to move on to new adventures in France. It felt a bit uncomfortable, like saying all of your heartfelt goodbyes at an office's going-away party, then realizing you still have to work with those people for another week or so. Nevertheless, we continued on, staying "in the moment" as best we could, but feeling a little in limbo. Finally, today was the last day of limbo. With only thirteen miles to go (three were added in re-routing, and we had to backtrack a bit), we would arrive in Plymouth, where we would take the ferry to Roscoff, France!

Though it was only thirteen miles, it felt like we would forever keep approaching, but never reach our destination. We cursed the hills, but sun shone brightly and it was hard to stay grumpy for long. Tyler listened to music to snap out of his funk, and I enjoyed the last of the English countryside. We passed huge gunnera plants with leaves the size of hula hoops, saw the Saltash Bridge in the distance, and rode through some beautiful wooded areas. In Torpoint, we took the ferry (a much larger one than yesterday's) into Plymouth, and it occurred to me how much I love transportation that I don't have to power!

Saltash Bridge Torpoint Ferry

Finally, finally we arrived in Plymouth and rode to the Brittany Ferry port. Tyler booked us on the midnight ferry, which will have us land at 7:30 in the morning in Roscoff, allowing us all day to find our bearings and get settled in our new "home" for the next couple of months. I can't wait!

Waiting With Bikes

It is now 10:17 at night, and we've been hanging out at the ferry terminal all day waiting for our midnight crossing. We finally posted some long-overdue journal entries, and Tyler got some work done while I read and relaxed. The ferry just arrived and I can see it out the window docking slowly. It is huge, looks like a cruise ship, and is brightly lit against the dark sky and water.

Ferry Arriving

We met some really nice French people earlier and we had a nice twenty minute conversation during which we talked about travel and I asked them questions about camping in Brittany. Tyler looked on, awestruck, in total amazement. He knows I speak French, but I guess it didn't really register until he saw me in action! :-) This is going to be so fun! Already I've found a route along a (flat) canal from Brest to Nantes, which will last several days and at least three-hundred miles. I can't wait to arrive in France tomorrow morning and introduce Tyler to the delights of a French boulangerie.

Docked Ferry
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5 comments

Hi Just took a quickie look at the journal! Looks like a funtime your having. Enjoy the rest of your travels. We are glad you enjoyed your meal at The Buffet Bar Brittany Ferries and the extra chicken nuggets ? Bon Voyage from Karen and Martyn Walsh, Plymouth xx
Posted by martyn on May 29th, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Tyler, Tara! Congrats on this milestone for you both. Today it seems is a turning point for many! You guys finally depart the UK headed towards the land of croissants.

I can't wait to read what's next.

Your ferry story reminded me of the time my wife and I were traveling in Canada and caught the last ferry ride on Manitoulin Island from South Baymouth to Tobermory. We were looking to cut some time off our drive to Niagara Falls and wanted a ferry ride. :)
Posted by David on May 30th, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Bonne chance! J'espère vous voir à Paris!
Posted by Mike on May 31st, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Congrats on conquering Blighty! Safe travels through France!
Posted by Mary Niedenfuer on June 1st, 2009 at 11:32 AM
martyn--

we thought you put some extra in! they were GREAT!

David--

I took the Tobermory ferry a few years ago on a motorcycle trip, it was great!

Mike--

Thanks, we'll see!

Mary--

Thank you!
Posted by Tyler on June 4th, 2009 at 6:18 AM