Would you believe
we had an early morning swim at around 0900 and the pool was pretty much empty
except for about seven other people and it was a really nice way to start the
day off. WE cooked up the rest of the bacon and so had a smallish English
breakfast and then did a trip down to Cormeilles
for some last minute shopping and cheap fuel. Ingrid the owner turned with a
much larger package than we expected containing wine for friends in Surbiton
which she wanted us to take back on her behalf and so Noel had to re organise
the boot of the car to accommodate this important package.
We left the
site around 12.45, perhaps a little early but actually not as we got stuck behind
a combined harvester for about ten miles and that slowed us down but we were the
third car to arrive at the Le Havre Port for the 1700 hrs LD/DFDS vessel back
to Portsmouth. We checked in and the security people checked the caravan for
stowaways or pets quite thoroughly. These ports are miserable places and although there
is a sign offering food and drink this is really only machine coffee and tea
and chocolate (if you can taste the difference) and packets of chocolates-brilliant.
We seemed
to be one of the last to board the ship but suddenly we found ourselves right
at the front and what a surprise that was. We went to our cabin which was OK,
not brilliant, and had a snooze and shower before heading to the self service
where they serve rubbish food. Oh Brittany ferries why are you are not cheaper?,
and then took a walk around the deck and chatted to a couple from Scotland who
had just cycled for two weeks around France, rather you than us.
We arrived
on time and being at the front somehow we were on the road in about 20 minutes
after arrival which was quite unexpected. The journey home was short up the A3
which was quiet and we were home by about 11.30 a ready for a cup of tea and a
short break before going to bed.
Well this
was a great holiday with good memories and we travelled around 5400 miles
during this three month sojourn. We are also glad to be back for a while but
the Groves have always had itchy feet and we are already planning for next
year.
Signing off
for a while.
