Wednesday 30 March

With nothing to rush for we spent a leisurely morning, tidying up and part-servicing the van ready for our planned overnighter at Canterbury. At around 1.00 p.m. we set off for the Eurotunnel terminal, noticing a huge increase in security round the place but no evidence of illegals.

First stop the pet check-in to get Jamies documents checked; all done very quickly without fuss, it was one of the things we were a tad concerned about, not having done this before but no worries. Vehicle check-in was fine and we were offered a train 30 mins early, which we took and which would give us time to have some lunch. Customs and Immigration, however, was another story. We had been told that there were now substantial queues and we found this to be true although they did have four booths open and we were lucky enough to only have a ten minute wait – we wouldn’t wish to come through at a busy time……..

Then the usual smooth and efficient run through to the train and through the tunnel. Emerging to bright sunshine we programmed the satnav to take us to the New Dover Road Park and Ride at Canterbury where there is one of the very few motorhome “aires” in the UK. For the princely sum of £3 you can park for 24 hours with access to all essential facilities and also unlimited travel to and from Canterbury for up to six people – what a bargain! Shame other towns and cities don’t follow suit, it’s got to be good for trade.

We settled in for the afternoon, chatting to other folk who were on their way out, then around 6.00 p.m. walked down to the Old Gate pub at the entrance, a very nice hostelry serving excellent meals, if a little expensive. Then a (slow) stroll back to the van and another enthusiastic welcome from Jamie!

It’s a long drive tomorrow so we’ll try for an early start.