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Onwards from Calais

Character Building. 
 
I believe that's the best way of describing the weather we woke to this morning. Looking out across the Straits of Dover from our window in the Waterfront Hotel in Deal (good nights sleep, great breakfast, excellent value), it was miserable out there. Perspective buoys you though. I can only imagine what it must have felt like for those soldiers, a century ago,  preparing to disembark for the killing fields of France & Belgium. We ARE going to enjoy our trip!

A short drive to Port parking in Dover, then out with the bikes, load up & get on. A mile up the road, Adam binned it. He toppled off at a standstill and it would have been a comical fall had he not cut his leg. Wounded. And that's before we get to the Somme! He's cleaned it up and is ok. 

Your ferry awaits Sirs:





Getting out of Port de Calais on a bicycle is an utter farce. The lack of signage is obviously a deliberate ploy to confuse Les Rosbifs. Us to are good though, and made light work of their strategy, exiting the compound using cunning, stealth & wirecutters 😝   My pomp was very quickly pooped on however, as no sooner had we turned toward the centre of town, I was down on my arse tarmac surfing. I'd seen the railway lines inlayed in the road & picked what I thought was a sensible angle of attack. Wrong! Front wheel went sideways & I was down on my elbow & left hip. Yes - bloody ouch. Fortunately man & machine sustained grazes & bruising only. 

It rained steadily as we headed SE to Guines, but began clearing after a couple of hours. Just as well, as the waterproofs came off just in time for the climbing to commence. It was a tough afternoon. A series of serious climbs & decents into a pretty fierce quartering wind. 

Some lovely quiet lanes. 



And tough climbs (especially for Adam who was riding 34/28!)




Got to our intended campsite at Equirre at 7pm. No showers or food. Carried on to Anvin. Very friendly guy found a slot for us. Tents up. Showered. Into town. Only a Burger/Frites van open. Did us proud though. 

Strangely tired now, so off to bed to lick my wounds..........

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