Abbotts Ann

The day started with the nicest of surprises.  We were all set to leave for Abbotts Ann, down in Hampshire, when we noticed a car turn into the parking-lot that looked familiar - sure enough, James, Maddie and Kevan had sought us out. 

What a great surprise!  This delayed our departure by at least three hours. We ended up back in The White Hart for coffee, brunch and wine/beer. 

Photos on the wall of The White Hart - pilots stayed here during WWII. 

What a great way to start the day! 

Nothing like brunch while having the footy on in the background!

It wasn’t until early afternoon that we got away to tackle the infamous M25 - we thought we had beaten it until we approached the intersection with the M3 where we were caught up in a prolonged traffic jam.  But eventually we moved through this jam and had a free run down the M3 to Fran’s place at Abbotts Ann. 

Arrived at Abbotts Ann. 

By this time it was late afternoon. 

This evening Fran has organised a dinner party with some of her friends we had met previously. A most entertaining and delightful evening - to bed after midnight!

Brasted

Woke to the sound of rain on our roof - and what a lovely sound it was too. The misty valley was a very different image from how it looked in full sun yesterday - but the temperature was still around 20 degrees - haven’t gone for the pullover just yet!

Another slow morning with a little reading, house work ((!) and breakfast. 

Shortly after midday we met our longtime friends Norma and Colin at The White Hart in Brasted for lunch. 

It was great catching up again, so much so we were still chatting over four hours later. The lunch, too, was perhaps one of the nicest meals we have had out for many years. 

The White Hart was famous for its connection with the pilots of the RAF during WWII. It was here that many of the pilots stayed, being close to the Biggin Hill airfield, one of the main RAF centres for the Battle of Britain. 

After we left The White Hart we strolled down the High Street looking at the many antique shops that this particular village is noted for. On many occasions the village is used in the production of TV shows based on antiques. 

The White Hart is one of many pubs across the UK that welcomes motorhomes to stay over night. This was ideal for us as it enabled us to stay longer with Colin and Norma, and, have a very pleasant place to stay. We later took a longer walk around the very English village. 

Canterbury to Penhurst

By the time we surfaced this morning - and quite early too - the thirty odd vans here along the Dover waterfront had dwindled to around ten by 8am. The English Channel had calmed significantly - good for the travellers to France. 

We left early for Canterbury and our appointment with the motorhome dealership. The side mirror needed repairs which they carried out very effectively. 

We then organised to meet up with Toni and Andrew (the owners of our previous van) at the Spotted Dig Inn near Penhurst - deep in the heart of Kent. 

It was very enjoyable meeting up with Andrew and Toni. Time absolutely flew, with the rolls being reversed somewhat, with us being the recipient of their vast travel experience - it was very much appreciated. Hopefully will will be able to meet up again next year. 

Later we enjoyed a pint at the Spotted Dog - a  traditional 15th country pub. The 500 year old building originally started out as three cottages, over the centuries these have been merged into the pub we see today. A most interesting place and considered one of the best Inns in Kent. 

The outlook from this location on Smart’s Hill is very scenic too. Near a perfect pub with a fantastic outlook. 

Calais to Dover

I am writing this from the shores of Dover harbour where we have just landed. The young family on the boat were excited when the white cliffs came into view - a very traditional experience for many Brits. 

High winds had been forecast for  the crossing earlier today but, apart from a few white caps the crossing was relatively smooth. 

The fifty days in France has gone quickly, nevertheless, we have had great experiences and, we are pleased we spent time down the southwest of France an area we had not been for many years. 

The 5 kilometre access road to the ferry terminal at Calais is fortified on either side of the road by high fences and razor wire. The issues of the refugees seems to have subsided with none being sighted today. 

Grenay to Calais

On the move again today - nearly completing the circuit of France we began back in June. The journey took us past Méteren, the village in which my grandfather is buried. 

The last resting place of William Sayer - killed 23rd April 1918 - RIP. 

Méteren was totally destroyed during the fighting of WWI. Before the destruction in April 1918 Méteren was an important market town in northern France. 

The above images were taken today on a plaque in the main square of Méteren. How eerie to see the top left postcard - the same as the one I have, sent by William Sayer in 1918 to my mother, who was only three, perhaps the last message to his family before the fateful day in April. 

The William Sayer post card  from the Western Front in April 1918. very treasured possession. 

We had a coffee at Méteren before driving on to Grande Synthe, near Dunkirk, for lunch. After this we headed for the Cité Europe in Coquelles, Calais, where we planned to do some shopping - mainly French wine - and spend the night. 

The day did start with an early morning walk again. Our route took us past the local Boulangerie/Pâtisserie which we couldn’t resist! A baguette and a box of mille feuille later, we returned to the van for breakfast. 

We will miss you, France!

Another Day at Grenay

Yes, another day here at Grenay. The usual routine today - a walk, a little shopping, and most importantly the baguette purchase!

Not quite the creative French way of transporting the baguette, but a good effort nonetheless!

Listened to the cricket off and on today using the ABC Listen App. We have used this app often during our travels - strange to listen to the afternoon programs while we are having breakfast - still banging on about the traffic “crisis” in Hobart! 

Lay Day in Grenay

A sleep-in this morning. By the time we surfaced for our morning walk, three of the five overnight vans had left for yonder parts. So, a walk around the streets of Grenay,  and a visit to the British Military Cemetery, before we settled back for breakfast. 

Spent the rest of the morning starting the tidying-up process with the van before we head back to the UK on Wednesday. 

All very exciting!

Had a delicious chicken dish for our even meal - seen cooking away in the picture above. Again, all very scintillating!