…and, we’re off!
Monday 18th September 2017
So, at last we’re off! We had intended to make this trip back in April but decorating got in the way and it was deferred to the beginning of September. September came but with it the realisation that the defects we had been trying to get resolved on our motorhome would not be fixed in time. This seemed like a bit of deja-view because our 2016 trip was delayed by the later than anticipated arrival of our new motorhome. So, motorhome delivered back to us all fixed, we’re packed up and after a hectic time trying to make sure we’ve got everything sorted we hit the road just in time for evening rush hour! Well at least we have managed to start our 2017 European meanderings.
Our first leg of the trip is more functional than exciting travel, we are heading down to the New Dover Road Park and Ride in Canterbury for an overnight stop and an easier trip down to the Eurotunnel in the morning. Oh I do know how to treat my wife whilst on holiday.
Getting to the park and ride was a fairly risk free option and beats having a stressful journey from home the following morning not knowing if some catastrophe on the motorway or Dartford crossing was going to scupper our attempt to make our channel crossing. All we had to do was get to the park and ride before 20:30 after which the barriers are closed. Mission accomplished we arrived about 7PM to find adequate motorhome space.
This was our first visit to the P&R and it’s a great facility which is sadly lacking in most of the UK so credit has to be given to Canterbury for establishing this facility. The facility provides for motorhome sized parking bays, fresh water, and a grey disposal point which seems also to be used by some for other types of less wholesome waste. During daytime hours there are public toilets at the bus terminal. Charges are £3 per day and £1 after 4PM. If you arrive after 4PM for an overnight stay then the total charge amounts to £4 – seems very reasonable to me.
Adjacent to the entrance of the P&R is a pub called the The Old Gate Inn. We had our evening meal in the van and decided to sample a ‘swift one’, purely in the interests of research you understand. The staff were very pleasant, I cannot comment on the food, but my pint went down quite well. They seem to have rooms and were laying out breakfast tables at the end of the evening so I dare say you might even be able to get your full English here in the morning.
