Running for the Border

Up early. Checked the bike. Then started packing.
Had a nice chat with Adam from Cleveland.
Finished packing and rode off.

Outstanding scenary as I rode along the edge of the valley out of Chefchaouen. Stunning.

No breakfast.
But figured on stopping in Tetouan. Pity about the rain.
As I approached Tetouan, the roads became roadworks. And then the rain started. Kept the dust down 🙂
The city is in between a collection of hills, so the rain looked set for a while. Decided to ride onto the next town.
Good choice. No rain. Though blustery.
Fnideq is a border town with Ceuta.
Fresh squeeze OJ and coffee, but no food until 2pm.
Ran onto the border.

Chaotic as promised. Tons of “helpers”. All unofficial.
Plus a steady stream of people carrying heavy loads, both ways.
Patience and got through. Almost. See below…..

Missing a shtemple on my bike’s paperwork. So parked. Went back. Found an official, who walked over and finalised the paperwork.

Now I came to the Spanish border guards. A lot less stressed. Put in a shtemple for me entering Spain, nice chat, and off to the ferry.
I was going to take a look at the town, but low clouds, blustery wind, and only 14degC, made me run for the ferry.

Nice lady at the doc gate sold me a ticket, and told me to hurry. Seemed weird. Had over an hour.
Ooooops. Forgot about the time change. Asked the police officers in the car-park and they shoo’d me onto the boat. The ramp came up as I parked my bike and strapped it down 🙂

Boat ride nearly put me to sleep. Gently rocking all the way.
Only some other ships seen. And even Gib was wreathed in damp clouds.

I switched SIM cards and called Bell to activate a travel plan.
And then we were docked.
Getting off the boat was simple. Finding the road out was much harder.
Ended up near the BMW dealer in Algeciras 🙂
Stopped.
Decided to stay the night, and plan next steps.

Found a nice hotel, the Reina Cristina. Built by a Scottish railway magnate in Edwardian style. Ten foot ceilings, and checkout the wardrobe space…..

Gave the bike some TLC, but did not put on the cover. Needs a wash ASAP.

Took the buffet supper option. I was a little peckish.

Then back to the room.
This planning needs a bit more time. Need to hear back from some people. So will stay an extra night.
Hotel has nice vibe.

Welcome to the other side.