Afloat, but not moving

Annual ramblings below: see last entry for November

Just as well we allowed some extra time to get to Southampton: the M25 was down to one lane for a key part of our itinerary.  Fortunately, not only is Martyn a brilliant navigator, but he has a fair bit of local knowledge, having lived in W Sussex for a few years, so we headed across country.  The A27 round Chichester was about as slow as usual, and Southampton was a mess of roadworks.  Still, the luggage was on its way to the ship and the car to the car park a little before our due check in time.  Half an hour later we were in our cabin, and the bags had been delivered.  This really is a slick operation.

It transpires that, because of the storms, we shall be leaving later than planned, and expect to arrive in Funchal a good half day late.  Unfortunately, this means cancelling our visit to La Palma, our favourite of the Canary Islands.  The good news is that we shall have an overnight stop in Funchal rather than just sail in and out on the day.

Dinner was good, once I’d sent back a crab and shrimp starter that was laced with chopped raw onion.  Our table is alongside only one other, and our companions, Caroline and Ray, are sociable and likeable.  Phew.  

Our 20:00 departure slot came and went, and as I write at 21:30, the gangway and lines are still firmly attached.  We hope not to awake to a view of the Western Docks...

Some hope.  Monday, 06:15: moving at last.  Well, if it avoids our being thrown about in the storm, it’s something to be grateful for.  Stand by for expressions of gratitude from Madeira.