As our crossing is not until early afternoon it was quite a
lazy start and although cold at first, the sun soon warmed everything up and it
promised to be another fine day. The aire has all the facilities we need so
after the usual servicing (empty the loo and waste tank and refill with water)
paid the almost paltry fee of £3 and departed. If we had wanted, we could have
used the shuttle bus into Canterbury at
no extra charge; incredible.
Using the newly acquired TomTom satnav we were directed
along a “green” (i.e. picturesque) route through the Kent countryside, past
traditional oast houses and onto the M20 for the short hop into the Channel
Tunnel terminal. In respect of the forgotten booking documents, Terry had in fact
recorded the reference on the computerised calendar and a quick internet
connection got us the info we needed. As it happened, the Eurotunnel booking-in
machines “recognised” us so it was not really needed – but at least the
boarding ticket printed out all the details for the return trip!
Being over 2 hours early, we were offered several options,
one of which was cross now but pay £17.50 extra! Not being in any rush we opted
to wait for an hour, of which most was spent browsing the Terminal shops,
buying books and DVDs – as if we hadn't brought enough already - then through
the usual efficient and quick procedures and a smooth crossing, emerging into
more sunshine. A visit to Auchan to top up with cheap fuel, some bread and then
lunch in the car park. We do get to visit some exotic places!
Although an hour earlier than expected we still stuck to our
plan of stopping nearby for tonight before getting some serious kilometres
under the wheels tomorrow, so set off for Gravelines. This is a small port half
an hour along the coast towards Belgium where there is a lovely little aire
overlooking the small estuary and marina, and which was almost deserted.
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