I slept pretty well on my first night. I was a little cold at one point, but I couldn't be bothered to put another layer on, so I can't have been that cold!

I woke up nice and early feeling a bit apprehensive what with my knackered tent pole, but as soon as I opened up my tent to see a glorious morning, I forgot about all that and remembered why I love doing this stuff so much.

I took my time packing up as I wanted to wait until the rush hour was over before setting off. So at about 09:30 I said goodbye to the campsite people and hit the road.

The next town was Guildford where I would try and find a camping shop to buy a replacement pole kit. I knew you could get them - I just didn't know if I'd find a shop that sold them. I needn't have worried - I just rolled down the high street and lo and behold, a Field and Trek appeared. So I nipped in and bought a pole kit for 3.99! (Half price!)

It's not ideal as I shall have to do some fettling as the sections are too long, but at least I'll be able to do something when the current pole finally gives up.

After that, I headed off in the general direction of Portsmouth. I didn't really know where I was going, so I just followed my inner navigation mojo which actually worked rather well!

I went a bit wrong around Liphook, but I realised my mistake pretty quickly and was soon back on track. I also went wrong at Havant, but it was pretty obvious that heading on to Hayling island wasn't right!

I eventually found my way to the ferry port and got a bite to eat as I had loads of time. I then just rolled up to check in and got sent to the front of the queue. The advantage of being on a bike!

I stowed my bike in a little room in the stern and went to find my cabin. And very nice it is too! I got showered and changed before we'd even set sail then went up on deck to have a look around.

We're under way now, so I will probably get a bite to eat and then go to bed and read for a bit.

Next stop, France!