A traffic free journey to Portsmouth kept us well on schedule. We parked on someone's drive, booked through 'just park', unpacked everything and loaded up the bikes.
We headed off to the ferry port where we purchased foot passenger tickets (£70 return) and were able to get on the next ferry, so no more than a 10 minute wait! The crewmen were very friendly, let us on first and cycle rather than walk which was exciting for the children. The weather was beautiful so we were able to go up on deck and enjoy the views of Portsmouth and then after a 40min journey, the IOW.
After a swift disembarkation we headed away from the ferry port. Lots of hills in very hot sunshine and lots of checking of the paper map and google maps ensured we eventually arrived at the campsite. The round island route was marked, but not in the clear way we experienced in France and most of the cycling today was on the road.
The campsite is a lovely site in East Cowes right on the sea with a lovely view. The owner has allowed here to pitch in her garden away from the rest of the site which is lovely and quiet and secluded. Adrian pitched the tent (and new tarp) while Hannah and I went in search of lunch - a Waitrose a ten minute walk away - result!!! On our return the tent was up and we had a very late lunch at 3pm. The kids help me set up the bedroom and tidy everything away before we headed to the campsite pool.
An hour spent in the late afternoon sunshine followed by showers, colouring and pasta pesto for tea. We then headed down for a sunset view of the Solent and a cuppa before bed.
So day 1 : only 10km cycled to warm us up and get us all used to carrying the weight again. Lots of hills but also lots of sunshine. Tom and Emily keeping up nicely, Hannah and therefore me as well, lagging behind!
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