November 3rd - Goa (rest day)

Our final rest day of the tour, with just two days of driving remaining. Our wonderful tour of India is coming to an end. Everyone we have spoken to has said how much they have enjoyed the trip and how sad they are to think we are nearing the finishing line.

The weather here is simply glorious. Beautiful sunshine with the temperature in the high eighties and a breeze blowing off the sea. It simply couldn't be any better and a perfect way to rest for a day. We walked along the beach to take a swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea.

My guess for the sea temperature was in the low eighties! On the way we looked back at our hotel which is set into the side of a small hill.

Just off the beach is a stranded tanker, the River Princess.


It apparently had engine failure and ran aground in 2000. As it has sunk deeper and deeper into the sand (8 -10 metres) and sand has been washed into the hull through holes, it has become more and more difficult, if not impossible, to salvage the ship. The Goa government has said on several occasions that attempts would be made to remove the ship but nothing has been done so far. At night the ship is lit up and there are crew on board.

We went for our swim, but with quite big breakers rolling in and a powerful undertow, we didn't swim for long, just enough to enjoy it. We returned to the hotel and swam in the infinity pool, with great views out over the sea.


I've now had a chance to start the final packing and stowing in the car ready for shipping back to the UK. We arrive back in Mumbai on Monday morning and we have to be in the port in the afternoon, following the finishing ceremony at the Gateway of India, to get clearance from Indian customs for the car to be shipped to the UK. The very tight schedule is as a result of our leaving Mumbai on the Tuesday BA flight at 13.40.

This evening we are eating at a beach side restaurant and we will be celebrating Thelma Howells' birthday. With a beautiful sunset it should be a fun evening.