25 April 2024 – And Safely Home

Miles driven today = 130

Total Miles to date = 5,055

I was dead to the World when the alarm went off at 6:30 this morning but the first caffeine intake had us up and raring to go in good time for our appointment with Le Shuttle.  The automatic check in recognised us and gave us the option of catching an earlier train which we gratefully accepted.

We breezed through customs both French and British, were swabbed for explosives, checked for stowaways and also separately to make sure the gas was all switched off and then we joined the queue in plenty of time for the 9:18 departure.

Shortly before our allotted departure time the line of vehicles snaked down the ramp and onto the train.  Safety announcements were broadcast in French and English and before we knew it we were off.

Through the wonders of time travel we were arriving in Folkestone 30 minutes before we left Calais.  I always prefer it when it’s that way around.  It leaves you with so much more of your day when you get to the other end, even if that only involves clearing out the van and getting the first of the mountain of washing into the machine.

The journey back home to Suffolk was uneventful with barely any hold up at the Dartford Tunnel.  I got quite giddy with excitement to be back on familiar roads and the East Anglian countryside was looking spectacularly verdant thanks to the vast quantity of rain which has fallen since we have been away.

We were home by Midday and had the van cleared out by a little after 2.  My storage contract with the local depot has expired while we have been away and I have a new arrangement sorted out in Yorkshire but in the meantime the van is going to have to sit on my Mum’s driveway for a few days.  But it did give us an excuse to leave the laundry pile in order to pop over and see her for a while this afternoon.

So where next?  Well who knows really.  As I’ve said before we have family visiting imminently and a Summer of festival fun to look forward to but I’m sure by the time Autumn swings around our feet will be itching again.  Watch this space for more adventures. 

Summary