Departure and Arrival.

The final few days before departure were ones of nervousness and a touch of panic. Mostly regarding luggage. - have I got all I need; have I got anything that I could do without? Trying to balance between checked and hand luggage. Despite my earlier weighings, I was now on (or a little over) the limit of 30 kg checked (including the bike) and 7 kg by hand. Then the bike got locked into the garage with the garage-lock broken and that didn’t help to calm the situation.

Leaving on Tuesday morning (8.30) was a bit sad leaving our 4 grandchildren behind. Saoirse, Oisin and Eimear have been home on holiday with us for the last month and Helen (our youngest) is domiciled nearer home. Big hugs all round. I’m sure they’ll follow Grandad on this adventure.

Reached Dublin airport in plenty of time and no problem checking through with the oversize luggage. Waiting to board was a welcome period of relaxation after the craziness of the last few days. I’ll be glad to start turning the pedals next Sunday

Arrived in Dubai (7 hrs) in good time and met with heat of 36 degrees. Only a 2 hr spell there before continuing on.

Bit of turbulence on the second flight to Perth (9 hrs) but arrived safely at 5 pm (dark) with temperature of 16 deg. Felt like an autumn evening. By 6.45 I was in the hotel in the centre of the city and the bike all re-assembled within the hour. A few days now to acclimatise (get used to this standing upside-down!)

One more posting and a few photos before hitting the road on Sunday.