No problems at all. Passport stamped by the French, waved through by the British. Nobody looked even inside the motorhome, never mind checked if the gas was off, if we were carrying anything we shouldnt. Managed to get a lane number this time so headed through the docks and we were only in the queue for a few minutes before driving up the ramp. Right at the back of the ferry so we could just keep an eye on it from the viewing deck above.
We decided not to have a drink on board as the catering costs really are extortionate. Was almost charged £2.50 for a kitkat last time (I say almost as I handed it back !) so we knew better this time around. Not exactly a long trip to go without a drink. Goodness knows why they charge such stupid prices. They have full catering facilities but very few people were eating or drinking undoubtedly because everything was so expensive.
the Jadore Joy perfume out (but didnt buy it as it was getting on for £100), and Bob bought a bottle of Beefeater just because that really was at a super cheap price.
And so to Calais with a quick unload and out of the ferry port, through the unmanned customs post and off we went down the A26.
Unusually we were using the motorway Toll road all the way to the campsite as we had quite a few miles to travel and it was easier. Also proved not to be too expensive at €29, had expected to pay more when I flashed my card.
We stopped for diesel and paid €1.74 a litre which seemed like a good price at the moment. Think a rebate has been introduced in France today which is good news for us.
A very uneventful drive. The road was not at all busy and we cant speed along when we are towing. Not many photos taken as it is all very flat and motorway edges have barriers which get in the way of good photos. Still there was a pretty blue sky, lots of tractors taking advantage of
And so to our Acsi campsite, Camping au Bord de LAisne at Guignicourt, which is 30km south of Laon where we stopped on the way back last trip.
Lovely spot by lAisne river with a little part covered pool and a small bar. About 75% British, we assume that is because it is so conveniently located for the motorway. Some like us are heading off for September, others are on their way home.
We found a ‘drive through pitch which is easiest when Smart Car is attached to the back but had to unload anyway so Bob could connect its battery to the battery charger which then plugs into the motorhome.
Had a very swim, 20 lengths as my right leg is still very happily swimming again, a drink at the little bar while we chatted to a couple from Stoke. Then a walk along the river while the fish pie I brought with us, reheated in the oven. The river is big here and there are no swimming signs but nobody with any sense would
swom in it at the moment.. it has an odd turquoise tinge which could be chemicals or could be algae after all the hot weather. We had dinner outside in the sunshine as the weather is lovely, though forecast is showing quite a lot of rain about.
Pleased to report that Smart Car battery is now charged again and we will be taking great care in future to check it doesnt do its little nudge forward so it secretly switches its brake lights on again !
