Breaking up the journey

As previously mentioned we decided that rather than drive back in one hit we would stop enroute and make a pleasurable day out of our return home.  

Normally we leave at 8am with a quick stop for coffee just outside Rouen then onwards to Calais to get the 13:20 crossing. Most often we arrive in time to be put on an earlier train. It does however mean that we hit the Dartford Crossing at lunchtime which is invariably busy and stressful. 

As we are unfortunately no longer restricted by the frequent traveller timings with Eurotunnel, by paying full fare we can pick and choose when we cross - please bring back Frequent traveller it’s so much cheaper - so we opted to spend some time enjoying a bit of sightseeing and a nice lunch.

We left the Chateau, dropping Laurie at school just before 9am. A leisurely drive had us arriving at Le Crotoy on the Bay of the Somme around 12:15.  Parked, wrapped up well against the biting wind we had a wander whilst deciding on which restaurant to choose for lunch.  

Lunch consisted of Bulots (whelks) for Peter, Rillettes of seafood, then Moules a la crème and frites, then Cafe Gourmand. Very pleasant and it meant we didn’t need to cook when we got home.

We were lucky that the weather held for the time we were there enabling us to go for a walk, albeit jolly cold

A pretty seaside town which I imagine is very busy during the season, plenty of holiday accommodation. Good walks along the beach and out into the salt marshes, plus cycle paths in evidence in the area. Calais is just over an hour away, so easy to get too. 

As we left to head back the weather set in giving rain, hail, sleet then snow, quite the full house along with strong winds and laying water.  Several accidents were passed and we were glad to arrive in Calais.  

We did a shop in Cite Europe, filled the car and headed for the tunnel. We were booked on the 19:20 but were sent round early and ended up in the 18:45 so a bonus.  

Arrived back in the uk to sunny skies.  Miles of standing trucks on the M20 due to bad weather in the channel, cancelled ferries. Bet there were lots of frustrated truck drivers.

Dartford Crossing busy but moving all the time, so happy husband.  An enjoyable return trip. 

BUT Eurotunnel please reinstate the frequent traveller scheme, it really makes such a huge difference to the travel costs especially when we travel so often 🙏