This holiday is basically why we couldn't go to Oberstdorf this year, as either we would have had to have set off again within a couple of days of arriving home, or we would have had to have had a six-week holiday in the motor home - which, while do-able and probably very enjoyable, wouldn't quite do as we both have responsibilities we couldn't have left for so long.
So yesterday we spent the morning packing, and in the afternoon we visited the Inspirations exhibition celebrating 200 years of passenger rail services; it was most enjoyable, despite being mostly aimed and children and despite our arriving rather later than the time stated on our tickets, due to my having failed to check where the exhibition actially was! We then had a quick drink with the Daughter, who was just leaving work, before we headed off home again to finish packing.
This morning we got up early and had a quick breakfast before filling the car and doing all the last bits. We left London shortly after 09:00, and despite having to stop to check the tyre pressures, arrived at the motor home at about 11:00 or shortly after. We transferred the stuff from the car to the WoMo (getting stung by nettles in the process; at least, I did!), and then drove down to No 6 and got as much sorted out as we could before and early lunch with my mother, my sister and her partner. Which was cold roast venison with salad and new potatoes, followed by fruit salad and cake, and cheese and biscuits if anybody wanted, which we didn't. They had had a dinner party a couple of days earlier, so we got the leftovers - and a boxful of cold venison to have for lunch over the next few days. Lush!
But we couldn't linger, especially as the others wanted to go fishing, and after finishing the tidying-up that needed to be done before we could set off (things in the fridge; groceries put away), we set off about 14:00 and, after a very smooth journey (I slept through most of it) arrived at Folkestone at 15:45, hoping to be offered a crossing earlier than our booked 17:16. Unfortunately I think there had been some disruption earlier, and our booked crossing was the only option offered. So we parked up and did things like unpacking and making the bed, and I nipped into the AA Shop to buy a new pair of seabands (why are new ones always so tight?) as one of mine had demised as we set off. I was delighted to find they were about half what they cost in Boots!
The crossing was as straightforward as ever, except that we were delayed getting off by a couple of cars that wouldn't start and had to be towed, but once we were off we went straight to Cité Europe where I bought some money (we will probably need cash in Austria) and did some shopping, and then drove to the Camping-Car Park where we usually stay - there seems to be a rival facility across the road, which may need investigating - and had supper. Having not slept well last night, I don't think I'll be late to bed this evening, despite having slept en route!