With the ferry at 0945 we decided that with 14 miles to drive to Dover, we would get up at 0645
My planned leaving time was 0745. We eventually packed the last stuff in the moho and set off at 0743
It was pretty easy going and the rat trap maze through the works was navigable. At French passports there were only two cars ahead of us and we were quickly through. As we travel on British passports we checked the dates on the stamps...
Boarding Liberté meant going up to deck 7 behind another moho. It seems this isn't the usual RoRo boat.
The pet lounge on deck 9 is easy enough to locate. Today there are 7 humans and 4 dogs.
And away we go. The captain said sea conditions are moderate to rough. As we exited through the harbour wall into the channel we started to roll.
Next stop France.
We actually left at 0935 as everyone was onboard. The crossing wasn't that bad and we were in sight of Calais when we had to slow as the berth we were to go on was occupied. It turned out to be P&O Pioneer.
So the time we had in hand evaporated.
We were off relatively quickly. In the almost 50 years of travelling through Calais, this is the cleanest air has ever been.
Our first stop is the Picard at Coquelles to collect three kilos of "dogador" for Reggie. There are many Picard stores across France, but few seem to stock it. It's 100% "volatile" so it needs some veggies added to it.
On the way we past the roundabout that has one of the tunnel borers on it. We have passed this so often but never taken a picture! There's a first time for everything.
Once away from there we aimed for the Intermarche at Abbeville. But not before a lunch stop at the A16 Aire Baie de la Somme. We have stopped here many times. It's changed a bit. Now sporting a Pizza Hut and Starbucks!
The Intermarche and other outlets is on the site of the old sugar factory. All that remains is the chimney. I guess as fashions change, industries come and go.
We bought "essentials" and then set off.
There are no spaces set aside for larger vehicles so we parked away from the store across three bays. It wasn't busy at all. The exit onto the service road alongside the old N1 is also tight and it looks as though larger heavier vehicles has ripped some of the kerb up.
Backtracking a little returned us to the A28, then off via Aumale to Formerie. We arrived just before 1700.
It rained before we got the Taylormade screen cover on. My windscreen sponge/squeegee cleared it.
Dinner was a simple one of cider and toast and pate.
Tomorrow? We head south.
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