From the White Cliffs

The White Cliffs seen from the lookout at Dover Castle, but this isn't about the White Cliffs themselves, just the view from them.

If you were to follow the cliffs around, you would end up in St Margaret's Bay. There is a hair-raising road down to the bay, or a hair-raising pathway. Take your pick.

The main ferry terminal for cross-channel routes. It didn't look terribly busy that day, but of course it was mid-week and the summer season will soon be drawing to a close.  On occasions, mainly if something is going wrong, you can get queues of cars and lorries just waiting to get into the docks area, either all the way down that sloping road, or right through Dover itself.  Best not to venture out on those days.

Although it looked busy enough, some of the ferry operators are struggling. From Dover you can cross to Dunkirk (Dunkerque), Boulogne or Calais.

Looking over Dover and the western docks from the top of the castle keep. There is now a terminal for cruise ships, as well as marinas. Much of Dover had to be rebuilt after WWII.

Another view from the castle keep, this time showing the Western Heights, considered to be some of the most impressive fortifications in Great Britain.  It is asking for a visit of its own. Any day now.

PhotoHunt: fast

The fast way to cross the English Channel.  I'm scheduling this post because this is what I will have been doing yesterday, all being well.  And considering the weather forecast, I can't be certain.

The pictures were all taken from a moving car through a less than spotless windscreen, so the quality is not the best.

The approach to the Eurotunnel shuttle complex at Coquelles near Calais.  We were the only people there =  Fast check-in!

Down the ramps and towards the train.

The nearer entrance leads up to the upper deck, but I think it was unused this trip.

Passing along the interior of the train, and approaching the end of the compartment where the fireproof doors will close to seal the train into sections.  You can pass from one compartment to another during the crossing but the doors shut automatically after you.

Stationary and waiting to set off.  You are advised to remain inside your car for the duration of the crossing.  It was at this point the announcements said that no flash photography was allowed so that the fire detection systems weren't activated.

Then, after no time at all you are at the other end and emerging to see a new white horse carved into the hillside.   35 minutes in total = Fast crossing.

UPDATE:  We crossed over just in time so it remained a fast crossing, but our removal van is snowed in with no prospect of a thaw in the immediate future, and now we are snowed in at the hotel we sheltered in last night.  Unlikely to blog or comment again in the near future.

If you'd like to join in and find other other players, pay a visit to TNchick's site where you can find out more.