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I'm home again, and it was an interesting little trip to Amsterdam (to see the Floriade in nearby Almere was the reason for the trip).
With heavy rain / thunderstorms for much of the time in France and Belgium and a 100kph speed limit in Holland I achieved 62mpg over the 612 miles driven, brim to brim. Journey time took a hit and I didn't need to purchase any of fuel whilst overseas. (well as happy as could be when paying £1.67 a litre). This is the 1 litre 3 cylinder VW engine in a SEAT Toledo with 70k miles on the clock.
Antwerp, don't ask. The SATNAV warned of traffic congestion so decided to reroute me off the motorway and through the Waaslandtunnel - but failed to indicate the need to use the left land at the tunnel entrance. Second time around I ignored it and went my own way. Then it indicated a left turn to the E17 whilst the road was only available for travel in the other direction. In the end I ignored it again and took the E34 to Zelzate. Perhaps I need to update the maps, or run google maps on the mobile alongside, whatever the next time I travel in that direction I hope for a less stressful experience. Or to do things the old way and break out my paper maps!
Do feel sorry for our HGV friends, there were some very long queues to negotiate, can't be good for anyone with limited driving hours.
Just finally, the toilets at the motorway service stations require payment to enter, mostly 70c, and they give out vouchers that may be redeemed towards in shop / catering purchases. Contactless card or cash will do nicely, at least the facilities were clean and a lot less unpleasant to use than those found in the UK.
Edited by Smileyman on 24/05/2022 at 21:17
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