Thursday 29 May 2014

Our intention was to make a bid for the Channel coast so an early start was made - again no services but we'll sort that out later. We were now travelling on better main roads, indeed at times on motorways but, whilst we normally avoid them, we took advantage this time to save time. We still drove for 4 hours non-stop, except to buy a baguette, but then we needed to find some fuel so a lunch stop was incorporated.

Villeneuve au Chemin

We had noted how unusually quiet it was everywhere, even for France. But then a check of the calendar showed it was Ascension Day, a public holiday in France and thus a bit of luck for us because it meant the traffic was much lighter than it would normally have been.

Chalons en Champagne

Having decided we were going to make it to the coast, we found a service point to empty the waste tanks and top up the water. Autoroute had picked out a fast run using non-toll motorways so we took advantage, skirting Lille and heading for Dunkerque. Our target was the aire at Gravelines but, probably due to the lateness of the day, it was full to overflowing. And so was Port St. Phillipe next door. More by luck than judgement, we found the brand new aire at Marck but couldn't work it out so cur our losses and headed for Calais Port. Which was full. Fortunately the Marina aire, being just a huge car-park, had plenty of room although there were many motorhomes already parked up.

At 7.00p.m. this was probably the latest we have ever left it, but our plan to shorten yesterdays run and do a long one today worked out. With just a little shopping and refuel to do tomorrow we can relax ready for the long slog home tomorrow.