As Near to Russia As We're Likely to Get.

TOLKMICKO.

Attend mass at 10:30. It's well attended, a throwback to the 60's for England.

We've negotiated an extra 30 minutes grace to leave the site. Make the most of it to dry yesterday's washing. A couple from Grimsby arrive just as we are leaving. We're the first Brits they've seen in 10 days. The lady tells us of a good site in Gdansk so we set the coordinates into satnav. However, just before the end of the motorway we decide to drive further east before coming back to Gdansk.

Roadworks make the extra miles more difficult and satnav confuses the issue by mentioning time restrictions, whatever that means! It means nothing in reality. The site is a harbour in a fabulous spot. We're about 20 miles from the Russian border. The overnight parking costs all of £4.50.

Walk around the town and find the only restaurant. We could have shared hot dogs with the local drunks in the off licence but instead entered the empty restaurant. It becomes slightly surreal. We can have meat or fish but the owner's English doesn't extend to which type of meat. Then the draught beer fails so I have bottled and Rosie chooses a citrus vodka. Then gets a second, different one free. The fish is fresh and in breadcrumbs. Very tasty. Once we're served we're left alone for the best part of an hour. In fact, I have to go to the kitchen to ask for the bill. Walk back to the harbour to discover a fabulous sunset sky.

I'm sat writing this blog looking through the side door at the lights glimmering on the water. The night sky is packed with stars. Life doesn't get any better than this.