Awaycation Summer 2024 - Day 1 Part One

The plan was to set off around noon. In the end it was just past 1300 when we actually drove off. 

The Ohrex reckoned via the M20/M26/M25 and then the A3 would be around 3 hours to cover 132 miles. 

After a stop at Cobham M25 services for Reggie's toilet break and a coffee for us we made good progress. Getting onto the A3 was a little hold up. They are still working on improvement of the junction. Allegedly finished in Summer 2025. 

The queues northbound towards the M25 were horrific.

We needed a quick shopping break to get another can of dog food as we had under estimated the quantity of Reggie's raw food in the fridge.

We eventually arrived at Port Solent at a little before 5pm.

In the first parking area as you drive in it's signed campervan parking. The VW in front went elsewhere. We parked where it said. 😉

A walk around to look at the boats before thinking about an early dinner.

We tried Wetherspoon's first, but as usual it's dog unfriendly even outside on the terrace overlooking the marina.

In the end we chose Rapscallions just across from Wethies. No anti dog fascism here. 😉

Nice burgers and too many proper chips for me and Claire to eat. Even when sharing some with Reggie.

We were told by Brittany Ferries not to arrive before we 1830 as there are other ferries and it avoids congestion at the entrance.

So we are at Port Solent a little longer to let our dinners digest a little and to get the stuff we need from the van. We have two nights on the ferry. It's supposed to depart at 2230.

The parking area at Port Solent is sloping. If we were staying overnight we'd face the other was and it may need we wouldn't need the levellers. There is some road noise but I guess once the restaurants and cinema are closed it will quieten down.

Part Two to follow.