Monday August 3 saw us up early and into York for a quick explore and then on the road about 2ish (still in the swing time-wise from Ireland!) leaving the Holiday Inn Express in York-East to ride to the P&O ferry at Kingston upon Hull - 45 miles approx. for a 4pm boarding.
We arrived at the docks and Jim and John went through now what was the normal mess-up with the bookings with the booking clerk.
Finally onto the ferry "Pride of York" for our overnight crossing. Cruise information states "you can freshen up in your en-suite cabin and relax in the bar whilst your cruiseferry departs overnight - sample the onboard entertainment before a good night's sleep."
We journeyed to York on the bikes, parking them near "the castle" - one of the many ancient buildings in this beautiful walled city. 
Some of us explored in foot and others took the "York City Explorer" bus. 
We all assembled back at the hotel at 2pm for the ride - after nearly losing 3 riders off to Scarborough due to some massive road works and lack of "paying attention" Lyndel, Gerrard and Mick! Thanks to Dorothy who saw the scout rider through the stationary traffic and ran to her aide and turned her around! Our route took us through some more breathtaking scenery and yet another opportunity to sample local brews - late lunch/ snack was had at The Altisidora Inn.
Some of us explored in foot and others took the "York City Explorer" bus. 
We all assembled back at the hotel at 2pm for the ride - after nearly losing 3 riders off to Scarborough due to some massive road works and lack of "paying attention" Lyndel, Gerrard and Mick! Thanks to Dorothy who saw the scout rider through the stationary traffic and ran to her aide and turned her around! Our route took us through some more breathtaking scenery and yet another opportunity to sample local brews - late lunch/ snack was had at The Altisidora Inn.
We arrived at the docks and Jim and John went through now what was the normal mess-up with the bookings with the booking clerk.
Finally onto the ferry "Pride of York" for our overnight crossing. Cruise information states "you can freshen up in your en-suite cabin and relax in the bar whilst your cruiseferry departs overnight - sample the onboard entertainment before a good night's sleep."
Points of interest:
1. We did not think the ferry was even going to get out of the harbour as it had to travel via a small lock that allowed no more that 12" either side of the massive vessel. All agreed the Captain had passed his vehicle manouver test with an A when he went for his licence!
2. En-suite cabins meant that there was a teeny little shower and toilet arrangement and when sharing a 4 berth cabin this became a tight squeeze. Air-conditioning in the cabin was minimal so Sloth slept on the couches at the stern of the ferry. A good night's sleep for anyone was at a premium.
3. Peter VS was seasick again and poor fella lost the next 2 days of enjoyment as he struggled to get over another oversea journey.
4. On board entertainment was "make your own fun" so that is what Dorothy did and 4 bottles of red later she was really having fun, fun, fun. Note: she shared a little with others - not much from the feel of her head next day.
We arrived at Zeebrugge - Belgium - at about 9am on Tuesday and so started the Continental and final leg of this fabulous journey.
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