Compostela Blog

Compostela Blog
23rd April St George's Day
Meet at Ye Olde Ship Inn at 16.45, 16.55 cycle to Godalming station, 17.30 train to 20.00 ferry to Bilbao.
Last minute panic struck our trip, just a few hours before the start. Text's, emails and phone calls from John Y, alerted us to his discovery of the significance of asterisks on the timetable. **your ferry leaves at 20.00, not 21.00!
Miffed that such vital information had been so obscured, final packing was accelerated to a flurry. I apologise to my delightful housemates for the trail of debris through the house. I blame the volcano!
Much thought has gone into weight reduction for this trip, although I still seem to have an extra spare tyre on my midriff. My bike is now light enough when loaded to pick up with one hand, a big improvement. Experience from previous trips has taught us all what is truly necessary, and what can be left at home. John Y has caused us great amusement with the "hamster cage" strapped above his panniers. We suspect a cunning plan for power assistance using a hamster wheel, but won't be able to see clearly until he eats more of the obscuring choccy bars.
Ye Olde Ship Farwell Committee was very lively, with Caroline C doing the photographic honours, festooned with cameras like a one woman Papparazzi Tree. It was fun to boss her around for a change to ensure pictorial perfection. Violet S took change of elf 'n safe tea, warning her with seconds to spare of the approaching bus. I still think the shot would have been better from slightly further back...
With the final arrival of John Y, we left our beloved YOSI as we climbed St Catherine's Hill, bound for Godalming. Further panic at Godalming Station as John Y's train ticket did a disappearing act. Forensic search of the route by The Sniffer Squad revealed nothing. Logical analysis of John Y's recent activity exposed his ticket wedged in behind his pannier, having escaped through a vent in his cycle helmet.
Split into John Y and Peter C at front of Portsmouth train, with John A and Simon HW bringing up the rear.
Time to write some blog!
Photographs to be inserted when possible.
Many thanks to the truly wonderful internet postess!
24th April
Day and overnight on Ferry
25th April
Arrive Bilbao in the morning, cycle to station for train to Pamplona, arrive 17.00. Cycle to Puente La Reina, Hotel Bidean.
15 miles