Again we are outward bound with every prospect of a grand holiday A journey devoid of incident (apart from my running out of petrol) in landed us at Tilbury at about 9.45. The bikes were shipped about 11.00 but the boat did not get under way until nearly midnight owing no doubt to those silly people who travel by train.
Feeling fine after a jolly good meal at the “National”. In retrospect the journey seems to have been quite easy and comparatively comfortable although at the time the hardships seemed to be quite considerable. The crossing from Tilbury was dead smooth much to the dissatisfaction of Lawrence, and on landing at Dunkerque (sic) the usual hustle and bustle took place in connection with booking the bikes through to Strasbourg. However once in the train it was simply a matter of sticking the discomforts of an overcrowded train rumbling through sun bathed countryside for a matter of nine hours which seems more like ninety. A jolly good meal and a noble attempt to satisfy our big thirst has given as bodily comfort, whilst mentally we are prepared for a wonderful three weeks. By the way the train journey was much relieved by the company of two compatriots with whom we exchanged reminiscences and discussed passing incidents. Later on in the evening we encountered these two fellows in the Cathedral and finally bade farewell before returning to our hotel for dinner.