From Calais to the Battle of Britain.

Thursday dawned clear & an early start saw us across in France “toot sweet”.

We had wondered, following all of the TV coverage, what we would see with regard to refugees, etc. But apart from a couple of new fences & a slightly more prominent police presence, there was little evidence of the current problems. It will be interesting to see if this is any different when we return to the UK.

Once over in France, it was “pedal to the metal”  to journey through to Normandy. The fuel gauge indicated that there was sufficient fuel to take us right through to Rouen. However, a little short of the city, I got “cold feet” (especially after the “fun” that we’d had a couple of years back!) and decided to fill up with fuel. So we also took the opportunity to have some lunch from an “award winning” bakery.

As we continued our journey, it seemed that we met every set of road works that was in operation in this part of France. Even on the bridge over the Caen canal.

The Chataeu Baffy

The SatNav took us what appeared to be a long way round to our night’s accommodation – the Chateau du Baffy.

An organisation called Inspiring Learning run the Chateau providing activity break holidays for schoolchildren.

In quieter periods they let out the buildings for other guests to stay.

We were made to feel most welcome by the staff. The rooms themselves are fairly basic, but comfortable. Our one gripe was that the internet signal up in the rooms was very poor.

We nipped out for a beer in nearby Creully (where during the Battle of Normandy, Montgomery was based). Then headed back to the Chateau for a couple of photos & our evening meal.

Battle of Britain or the Longest Day

I’d brought a DVD with me. I had struggled in choosing between The Longest Day (which tells the story of D Day) and the Battle of Britain. As the forthcoming weekend is the 75th Anniversary of the latter, I went with history. Susannah York in stockings had nothing to do with my decision!