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Europe 2019
  • The Off Grid Odyssey
  • Rebecca Mattocks
  • The Off Grid Odyssey
  • Rebecca Mattocks

Europe 2019

Matt and Becky's Europe vacation Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 17, 2019
  • Europe 2019

    Leaving the Island

    September 17, 2019 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Second mode of transport today. Leaving the IOW on Wight Ryder 1. A bit nippy on the sun deck with a brisk breeze on the Solent

  • Europe 2019

    Finally heading south

    September 17, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    3.5 hours into our trip and we are finally heading south. Next train to Exeter. Here is Becky doing her best Paddington Bear impression

  • Europe 2019

    1st night dinner

    September 17, 2019, English Channel ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    On board the Port Aven, Brittany ferry. The sun has just set and we have steak for dinner. Hobbs and Shaw in the cinema later.

  • Europe 2019

    Goodnight

    September 17, 2019, Celtic Sea ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    337 Miles travelled today. 2 boats and 5 trains. Two tired bunnies are retiring for the night. We hope to see some whales tomorrow but here's a picture of our view this evening.

  • Europe 2019

    Not the kind of roll I like....

    September 18, 2019, Bay of Biscay ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    So there we were... napping away.... in our bunks... and the boat started rocking.. now sitting after 4 hours sleep drinking tea out of a plastic cup waiting for the sun to come up and hoping for the vom to stay down.. only 10 hrs left!Read more

  • Europe 2019
    Sunrise over the bay

    Day 2

    September 18, 2019, Bay of Biscay ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Early start but what an amazing sunrise. Breakfast is wonderful and we are expecting to see some whales soon.

  • Europe 2019
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    Not so much whale as wave watching

    September 18, 2019, Bay of Biscay ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    After a well spent morning searching the waves for the large ones... we have retired inside for tea and sustenance. We are not defeated... got to be at least one out here...

  • Europe 2019

    Arrival in Spain

    September 18, 2019, Bay of Biscay ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    The Pyrenees to our left and Santander in front. We have had a beautiful crossing across the bay. No whales unfortunately.

    The Pont Aven was a very pleasurable experience. The cabin was comfortable and served our needs with an en-suite bathroom, towels and toiletries provided. The food was reasonably priced, €20 for two breakfasts and €40 for two two course dinners with cheese and biscuits and wine. We saw no whales but according to more experienced travellers of the route this is normal and it did not affect the enjoyment of looking for them.
    At 550 miles the trip costs just 20 pence per mile each which is a bargain. This would make a ticket on the Red Funnel ferry £2.20 per person and you don't get a bed or private toilet on the Red Funnel.
    Do expect to have to wait in the public areas at both ends if you are a foot passenger. They have 67 staff to clean 600 cabins in 3 hours so many are not ready when you board but all are ready before departure. At the destination you are asked to vacate the cabin 45 mins prior to arrival but there is plenty of space and seatingvwhilst you wait.
    All in all a great experience and a wonderful way to start a tour of Europe.    Read more

  • Europe 2019
    1

    Managed to get wine!

    September 18, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After buying train tickets using hand signals, we have successfully purchased a postcard, a stamp, a beer and a glass of rose. Now to find a post box!
    Welcome to Spain. Santander is a very short stop. On to Madrid next.Read more

  • Europe 2019

    No Postman Pat here!

    September 18, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    For those not in the know.... think yellow not red when posting home. No instructions so who knows where it will end up! 2nd postcard successfully sent!

  • Europe 2019
    23

    Honestly GWR take note!

    September 18, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    From air con to reclining seats to your own personal radio... Renfe are amazing... leg room for miles also. And this is budget travel. £60 for 2 people for a 4hr train ride.

    The Renfe train is very good. We left at exactly 7pm as per the timetable. There is a trolley service that appears regularly serving soft drinks and snacks and a cafe car serving alcoholic beverages and a selection of snacks and warm food. Free headphones are provided to listen to the the film showing on the TV's. The train is smooth, quiet and comfortable with masses of legroom, reclining seats and fold down tables. We are very pleased with our first experience on the Spanish trains.Read more

  • Europe 2019

    What????

    September 18, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    When you are hungry and google translate let's you down.... honestly!! Having fun with the language barrier!!!

  • Europe 2019

    Arrived in Madrid

    September 18, 2019 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    We have safely arrived in Madrid after a 4 hour train ride from Santander. The train was quick and comfortable though. After arriving in Madrid we saw some beautiful classic trams on the way to the metro. Signage was a bit confusing in the metro but a friendly local put us right. Tickets can be easily purchased from the ticket machines at the metro entrance at €7 per day for unlimited travel. Tired now though so see you all tomorrowRead more

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