While we were at the Aire de la Baie de Somme, we noticed that we had had company overnight — the number of molehills beside our van had increased significantly! We went into the cafe for breakfast. This allowed us to book our ferry crossing on the web, from Calais to Dover — we would be making the crossing this afternoon. And Suzie decided to feed the ducks with our excess bread from yesterday!
So we left the Somme and drove into Calais, to the ferry terminal. The weather was wet and dark, just the kind of day for travel, not touring. We passed a huge tent city just outside the terminal area — this is where the refugees trying to make their way across to the UK end up. They are kept away from the terminal area itself by huge steel mesh fences topped with razor wire. The major problem for the authorities is that there are both political refugees and economic opportunists trying to make their way through the borders, and they really have no easy way of differentiating them.
A grab shot was all we had a chance to get of the refugee camps
French and English border control are both on the French side of the Channel, so we went through both as we went towards the boarding area. The whole thing is so well organized — you are directed to a specific numbered queue, relating to the vessel you are sailing on — and the ferries are frequent — and the order which you will be boarded. We were lined up with a few other camper-vans, and there were rows of cars and others of lorries (read 'semi-trailers'). We didn't even have time to brew ourselves a cuppa before we were called on board. This was a P&O Ferry — the Pride of Burgundy — and as soon as we were on board, we were back in the UK, with British staff, British food, and all transactions carried out in pounds, not euros (although they did accept euros if necessary).
The dog squad checking for contraband — goods or people!
The dog squad checking for contraband — goods or people!
The crossing took only 90 minutes, and we were back on UK soil. We watched the White Cliffs of Dover through the mist as we were coming in — although today, in the rain, they were more the 'Grey Cliffs of Dover'.
Our last sight of Calais
Our last sight of Calais
We drove off the boat — keeping, oh so carefully, to the LEFT of the road. On our way out, through the fog, we passed this incredible line of stationary trucks trying to get to the port — it was 12 miles if it was an inch! We made our way to Farthing Common, a place we had found most convenient for wild camping when we were here last. And we found it just the same, but with one added attraction — there was a refreshment van pulled into the parking area. And so there, in the fog, we spent the night.
Distance driven — today, 88 miles ( 142 km ); to date, 30,002 miles ( 48,284 km )
Glad it was you, not me. Au'vois Francais and g'day Britain. Hopeyou made use of the refreshment van. Lovely tree shot at the end. Love Cathy.
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