After a standard buffet style breakfast we packed, then waited for the boat to dock. There was a small moment of panic when I could not find the key to the glove compartment containing TomTom and Mick's driving glasses, but it turned out it was still in the car....again!
We left the boat to be greeted by hot sunshine. All went well until the outskirts of Hamburg where we hit a virtually stationary traffic jam. Dave Burgess's car was struggling (still with only first and fourth gears and a very dodgy clutch) and he had to hot wire his car in the queue after the ignition cut out. Learning the motorway was actually closed ahead, we pulled off and took shelter in an Ikea car park while the engines cooled down. At least when we continued on we were driving down roads with trees and some shade. The temperatures had hit 35 degrees by this time!
Finally back on the motorway the Boys in Blue shot off, leaving us, Ian and Mary driving at a slower rate. We were now worried about getting to the ferry on time, but, by only allowing a few minutes for a refuelling and toilet stop, we managed to get to the terminal by 6.30 pm. We actually beat the boys to the ferry, but only as they had taken a more leisurely stop. Last to arrive were Alan and Robert who had had a wheel bearing problem.
First stop was a shower, then beer!! Afterwards we ate in the a la carte restaurant on the boat, on exactly the same table as we had used on the way out. A fitting end to the trip.
Distance driven : 400 miles.
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