UK350 Day 5 : West Side Story

Chris Hallward: What a start for me.  Arrive in to the news of an epic day in the city centre, with unbound generosity from the good people of Glasgow.

Today consists of a convoy of one fire engine (you may have heard of this?) and a classic 1950s Citroen, from Lochwinnoch  to the ferry port in Stranraer, via the beautiful  coastline of western Scotland.  My first day driving on the open road and I got lucky – the drive is easy and the scenery is spot on – morale is high.  Just driving the old girl this short distance hammers home the enormity of the challenge ahead.

On the way down we stop to view Ailsa Craig Island, as a member of our team was named after it.  We couldn’t see it for the mist, but it’s nice stop nevertheless.  After spanking a couple of majestic golf shots into the sea (Steve and I didn’t make the sea – James did) we continued to the ferry port.

The Citroen and our super generous Lochwinnoch hosts left us at Stranraer.  After successfully navigating the ferry approach and boarding, I get out to realise I have somehow injured my leg.  Darren Anderton.  Michael Owen.  Kieron Dyer.  So I now have a gammy leg.  Great.  The crossing is super smooth, however, Steve realises that his motion sickness is going to test him – not least of all on the 5 week ocean crossing from New Zealand to North America!

We arrive in Belfast in blazing sunshire – life is good again.  Tonight is R&R in preparation for Belfast, Bangor and the Jamaica Inn.  As the man says, LAY IT ON.

ChrissyH

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