Monday 23 January 2017

Up early so we can get ready for 10.30 departure – we have a couple of things to do before going to Algeciras to meet up with the group, which we have arranged between 12.00 and 13.00. Another bright sunny cloudless day, cold at first but warming up quickly. We managed our getaway after settling the bill on time.

First job, replace the Spanish gas bottle. Derek knew of a place we could get Cepsa propane on our way so we headed there, but on the way we spotted a Cepsa garage with a gas delivery truck parked. The garage only had butane but the driver was quite happy to sell a bottle of propane off his truck – job done!

Next get the refillable gas bottles, erm, refilled. Not so many of these places in Spain but we knew of one about 5 mins past our destination so headed to Los Barrios, found the gas station and another job done and now return to Palemones where we were to meet the group. Two vans already there but the parking had now been moved about 100 metres and which we were later told had been built especially for Viages Normandie, the ticket agent “Carlos”. Derek & June, who had other errands to run, turned up shortly after but then a phone call from the Hungarian couple, who were at the port with the Dutch couple, trying to sort out a problem with pet export. This puzzled us somewhat so Terry went to see Carlos but we were assured all we needed was the rabies certificate, which we of course had. We thought it maybe was because of different nationality rules but it was apparently sorted out and they joined us a little later.

A brief chat then, after lunch, Terry collected all the paperwork and took it to the office where he confirmed what ferry we wanted and left it with them. Then into Carrefour to do a big shop of items we needed, including stuff we couldn't get in Morocco – like beer and pork! Back to the van for a cuppa then it was time to return to Carlos' and collect the tickets etc. Slightly worried that we were given a Group ticket covering 6 vans and 12 people but were assured that at the port we would be given separate documentation for each. Paid, with a good discount for being a group, we were also given a goody bag with a bottle of wine and a large piece of cake for each van.

Return to the group and distribute the gifts while briefing each couple for the morning then back to Bertie for some tea and an early night. 6.15 start tomorrow!