Plans

The whole plan of this holiday is Cathy and Iains fault!!! They live near Geneva and whilst dropping in on them last year we decided (well Brendan decided!!) it would be a good idea to cycle out to see them. So the plans began to materialise.
After much discussion we began to realise that when we got to Geneva it would be really difficult (and expensive) to fly back with 6 of us and 6 bikes which would have to be boxed up at the airport! Hence the decision to drive the Espace out there and fly back before the holiday.

It so happened that Cathy and Iain and the girls were coming to UK for a holiday with Hector their black lab. Cathy was staying on to see relatives and then fly home later, whilst Iain was driving back with the dog to get to work on Monday. Iain was booked on the Chunnel and I was on the Ferry (Dover/Calais). Who would get their first? (a bit 'Top Gear' ish)

Saturday: Set off in Espace with roof box, roof rack with x2 cycle clamps,and the x4 bike rack at 8:45am to get the ferry Dover/Calais - meant to sail at 12:55, unfortunately we sailed an hour late. Which didn't really matter but Iain was getting the Chunnel leaving at 1:05 and the idea was to meet at services on the E15 in France to drive in convoy. Iain has a satnav so I was going to enjoy not having to navigate, just drive.
Ferry was very relaxing and although it had cost £50 to sail P&O gave me two £10 vouchers to spend - Bargain! My curry and drink cost me £2:50, and my bottle of Bailleys (Orange Truffle flavour) was £4.

Iain unfortunately had to wait at the services 1hr 20  for me - oops, at least Hector got a walk,drink and Iain had lunch. We travelled in convoy to Vertus south of Reims getting to a lovely hotel in the Champagne region!!! We arrived at approx 7:00 and decided to meet for dinner at 7:45. We had a fab meal with of course champagne!!! and great company - thanks Iain.

Sunday:- We set off about 9:00 (8:00 english time).Arrived at their house with an hour and a half to spare before Iain drove me to airport to get my Easijet flight back to Gatwick departing 19:10. Brendan collected me from Gatwick and we got home at about 10pm. with very fat feet! I sat with my feet up and watched the end of the 100th Tour de France, spectacular end to the weekend.

One thing we have forgotton!!!!!  the number plate and indicator board.......oh dear!!

Thanks Iain for all your help it certainly made the journey a lot easier and I know it took you longer than it normally does, so thank you for escorting me. See you all in 2 1/2weeks for Bailleys on ice!!
Paula