Oh well, last day of the two week break to Brittany, and going home is always the bit I hate. However, as I have mentioned previously, Norfolk Lines is the chosen carrier these days for my all too infrequent sojourns to France.
They have free WiFi on board. How cool is that? That is how I am sitting here alerting you back roomers to this fact. Helps the two hour journey go quickly.
Food? Piping hot, simple and tasty. SWIAOWAMODFM (work that one out!) had a very nice Lamb Shank, mustard mash and mushy peas, whilst I had a large steak and kidney pudding with same accompaniaments.
Lots of seats vacant as there was next to nobody on board, despite seeming to load hundreds of cars and lorries.
We arrived early and caught the 2pm instead of the 4pm boat. They used to charge to change your travel arrangements, but in light of stiff competition, they have dropped that if you take the boat before or the boat after your booked one. But as we had booked in December last year, we could have come as early or as late as we lliked.
Who ever gets the return ferry they had booked? I always say that I will take my time on the return journey, cruise at a steady 60 with 8 or 10hrs to spare for the 350 mile journey, will stop off at an Intermarche for some last minute stuff like custard flan, a few more bottle of Pelforth Brun, nice leisurely lunch.....but then drive like a demon and refuse to stop despite needing a pee and something to eat. If I could do in car re-fuelling with a Victor Tanker in front of me, I would! You just cannot beat the satisfaction of getting an earlier ferry.
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We took our motorhome to Dunquerque in May 05 and September 06 for £88 then £98 return,and I was very impressed with the boats.
Mostly trucks, so lounges uncrowded.
Lovely view forward from the lounge in the bows with very high windows.
However, to travel this September would cost £151.
I trawled the ferry sites and the best price for similar dates was Seafrance Dover to Calais for about £90.
Remember Dunquerque is about 45mins drive further North than Calais if you are going South into France.
Taking account of that, and the extra cost of driving and overnight stops we have booked Condor to St Malo from Poole,for £290 return,as we will zoom through France to get to the North coast of Spain and will be away for a month.
A plus for Dunquerque is that it is easy to find and get out of.
I was amused that the customs man wanted to look in our loo on our return to check for illegal immigrants, who you can see hanging around the perimeter and apparently living in empty trailers.
Last time I asked the customs man if he wanted to see in the loo again-and he did!
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I am quite surprised at the £151 quote Nuevo, espcially as it is out of school hols. My two week trip cost £67 which I thought was a bargain.
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Quote this morning (Berlingo with roofbox so 2.3m high) out 27 July late afternoon, back 11 Aug early eve was £100. Seafrance £110, P&O 130. Chunnel £240 - but may get the gig to use up Teco vouchers.
Not used Norfolkline since the new Maersk etc vessels replaced the Midnight Merchant etc. Nice to hear they're still uncrowded and have that excellent forward observation lounge.
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Bromptonaut...........leading on from another thread (is it worth having a convertible) I packed my Brompton for the French trip and cycled the Rance Canal a few times. Attracted the sort of looks a monkey on a bike would get. Don't see many there.
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I packed my Brompton ................. Attracted the sort of looks a monkey on a bike would get. Don't see many there.
Mine, a 1999 L5 model, is mainly a commuter tool to between Euston and my office/its outstations. In London they're now common place and don't get a second glance; I'm taken slightly aback by reactions of double take through audible laughter it stimulates when ridden elsewhere.
Saves me well over an hour a week in travelling and (even discounting 20p/mile I get for "official" use) its paid for itself thrice over in bus/tube fares
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Now I finally know what your handle's about !
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