Travelled : 190 miles from London to Le Touguet-Paris-Plage, France
Visited : Dover
Stayed : Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, large carpark adjacent horse arena with free services.
We say our goodbyes to Noreen, Swaraj and beautiful Wildhill and head for the M25 via Tescos. As usual the M25 is full of surprises, there was a truck rollover at 6 am and 5 hours later it’s still closed. Our radio is not working, not that we would have it on anyway, we have no idea what’s happening until we ask someone at the blocked entrance ramp. The worker is friendly enough and states the road should re-open in 5 minutes. True it his word it re-opened 25 minutes later, we don’t care we’re on our way and we have plenty of time.
We head east, this part of the M25 is all new to us. The trip continues without drama, except an unexpected toll on the Dartford Crossing. The wind seems to be picking up and the Hymer catches a gust now and then. I can tell Pam’s a bit concerned about the channel crossing but nothing is said. Soon enough we are following the signs to Dover, then to the Ferry port and then to our ferry terminal.
We cross through customs and passport control without a glance. Suddenly they notice the passports are blue not red and we are called back for a check and stamp. Anyway we are given a line number and we park behind another motorhome. The wind settles over the next hour and so do the nerves. It’s a very smooth process and we are soon parked behind a truck on the lower level of the ferry.
We are both a bit exited and a little anxious. Getting here has been the culmination of an 18 month process and it’s finally happening. A final look at Dover and it’s white cliffs as we embark through the harbour. We find a comfortable spot in the lounge and settle in for 90 minutes. Soon enough some bells are sounded and everyone heads for the stairs, sure enough as we look out the window we are already in the harbour at Calais approaching the dock.
We find the Hymer easily enough and get ourselves set for lift off. The truck in front is unchained and where off, about the 3-4 ashore. Our new best friend, the GPS has us heading south. Driving on the right side of the road with a 4 tonne camper car (what the Europeans call a motorhome) with the steering wheel on the right hand side as well, its going to be interesting journey.
Michael and Pam
London SE10, UK
