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Day 199 - Lisbon Docks
Point of departure: Lisbon, Portugal
Point of arrival: Durban, South Africa
Accommodation: MOL container
Km travelled: The Beast is sailing
Where to next: Beast's garage in Johannesburg
No of photos: 101 (cum 7 481)
If ever there was confirmation that our epic journey was coming to an end, loading the Beast into a container this morning was certainly it! It almost felt like sending our much loved child home unaccompanied, reasonably sure that things will be okay but somehow feeling that there is a degree of unknown and discomfort ahead for the offspring. Especially as the Beast has to change ships in Las Palmas (Canary Islands) before his expected arrival in Durban on 12 June 2010. Hope the crane operators in Las Palmas are as efficient as the ones we watched in Lisbon!
Although there was a bit of space above the Beast, there was very little on either side... Marina even had to exit the Beast after reversing it in through the window!! The Beast was also lashed down on all four corners, so hopefully loading/unloading movement and any storms at sea will not cause any damage. We must say, that those images of container ships with containers piled 8 or 10 high on the deck realy is cause for unease, but we guess all will be okay. Certainly hope so.
Amazingly, the formalities at the port were handled very quickly, although no doubt expedited by the work done in advance between Paula (Marina's cousin) and Pedro (the clearing agent) - thank you both - muito obrigado/a. Once everybody arrived, it took little more than 90 minutes to complete customs arrangements, check the vehicle, delivery of the container and getting the Beast in, sealing the container, and with a bit of heavy lifting equipment, onto the truck and away to the scanner to have the contents of the Beast xrayed - the Beast was given a clean bill of health!
Once again, mixed emotions about seeing the Beast go, but happy that this "final act" of our journey went smoothly and the Beast is on its way home to Africa. For us, another week to relax and enjoy our home in Cascais before we too head south.
- comments
Jane Breeze What a sad day , you will be reunited soon and then another party will start , tried to rate this blog five stars but as usual pressed the wrong button! Feel so privileged to have been able to follow your incredible journey , what a delight you both are , stay safe and enjoy xxxxxxxxxx
Barry & Valerie We can so well imagine how you must feel when shipping your car away... These Land Cruisers become such an essential partner of our journey! But soon you'll be home again and no doubt you'll look forward to your next adventure, after a well-deserved rest. We're off to Sudan in a few days, the journey through Middle East was a good experience and a beautiful trip, even if a bit longer than the initially planned route via Libya. Take care, Barry and Val from AfricaMinded.
Shirley Tart Wow! Can't believe you are almost set now for SA. It was a privilege to haThe Valiant Beast (and you two) with us for a week. In Wales with dogs but will call before you fly. Love from all of us to both of you. Shirley