3.9.07......
Day 1 ...Nottingham to Dover.-.Dunkirk
to Charleroi ........345 miles
Up
at 6.30 am and on the road at 8.15. Stop to fill up and then head
off - Melton, Stanford, A1- A14 - M11- M25 - M2 - Dover. 4 hours
with a coffee stop.
Having spent time sorting out suspension and weight problems during
the last few weeks (see 'tech stuff' page) the bike is a dream to
handle and I arrive at the ferry terminal feeling quite fresh.
Don't have time to go into Dover so I opt for eating at the 'Norfolk
Line' café. I would never normally go for fast food, but
there isn't much else, so I opt for a 'Whopper Meal' from Burger
King, lovely! (Note to take an extra cholesterol pill tonight).
On board for 1.00 pm and setting sail at 2.00 pm. It's clear enough
to see the coast of France already and there are loads of other
ferries heading across (it looks like another spot of bother at
Dunkirk perhaps). I thought that it was supposed to be a quiet time
of year. It would seem that they are mostly Dutch and German tourists
going home.
I'm on the road and heading for Charleroi in Belgium by 5.00 pm
(they are an hour ahead at this time of the year). I find a 'Formula
1' hotel ( 35 - £24 a night )just outside the city with
plenty of security.
Sunny Charleroi
Once
I've sorted out a room and had a quick shower I head over the road
to an Italian restaurant. Free olives and bread to start, followed
by Spag Bol and a ½ litre of wine for 15 (£10.50).
I try out my 'rusty' French and manage OK. Not bad for a first effort!
Back in the hotel to watch TV for a bit and turn in at 11.00 pm.
That's England, France and Belgium in one day! I'll be in Russia
by tea-time tomorrow - if I don't slow down a bit :)