We arrive safely in Barbados

Things started badly when the coach turned up at the first pick-up point at Pontabraham over a quarter of an hour late and by the time we had stopped at Gorseinon, Skewen and Sarn Services we were running an hour late.
Approaching Cardiff the information signs were informing us that both the Severn Bridges were shut and this meant a big detour via the M50 and the M5 onto the M4 near Bristol adding another hour and a half onto our journey time.
Due to check in 3 hours before our departure time it was becoming clear that this was a no go especially when the coach driver announced that he would have to stop for a 45 minute break at 5.15am and so it was into Leigh Delamare services. With the driver refusing to move until his tachograph was in order tour organiser Peter Williams was beginning to pull his hair out. Frantic phone calls to the tour representative didn’t help much as we were told we had to check in by 8.30am.
Off the M4 onto the M25 with speed restrictions continuing to slow us down, there were more frantic phone calls between Peter and the tour representative. Eventually traffic eased and we were able to pick up speed and arrived at Gatwick at 8.20am.
Baggage was unloaded from the coach quickly and the tour party moved quickly into the South Terminal. Surprisingly the check-in process was reasonably quick and we moved into the security area. Surprisingly after the horror stories this process was completed quite quickly as well and we moved through the duty free areas and on to gate 13 to await boarding instructions.
Once Virgin Atlantic flight 29 to Bridgetown, Barbados, was fully loaded doors were shut and we began to taxi out onto the runway. The captain announced that the flight would take eight and a half hours. Taking off in dull, wet conditions we were soon rising up through the clouds and in to beautiful blue skies above and cotton wool clouds below.
The flight was perfect with frequent refreshments served by the Virgin Atlantic cabin crew. On arrival at the airport the heat hit you as you walked out of the plane door. We were met by our tour guide Julian and bussed to the Dover Beach Hotel, St. Lawrence Gap for our 2 week stay.
After being sorted into rooms the boys were immediately into their costumes and into the hotel pool or the sea which is only 20 yards from the hotel. The evening was spent in the pool area with the boys taking part in the karaoke, not a pretty sound!!
The first morning in Barbados we were greeted with heavy cloud and rain showers. Some decided on an early morning swim before breakfast. Once breakfast was over the boys were off for a net session before the first match tomorrow.