First trip of 2018 and also first trip to France & Belgium

Plan was to do a UK trip the previous week to get everything ready but the snow put a stop to that.

Anyway got Hebe sorted and set off for a friend’s house near Maidstone, plan was to park on their driveway overnight then head to Dover for the ferry. Getting there was “interesting” with narrow roads, parked cars and the Sun low on the horizon. Frist time I’ve driven her since September.

Anyway, got there and after a bite to eat and a few glasses of wine it was off to the “driveway” for the night.

Hebe at Dover ready to board the Ferry

Following morning, off to Dover for P&O Ferries to Calais. Motorway driving was much easier and made it to Dover on time. Trip to Ypres was uneventful and we were soon parked up at “Camping Jeugdstadion”

Camping Jeugdstadion

Weather was a bit wet and thankfully Hebe proved to be waterproof and warm. Campsite was a fairly easy walk to a supermarket , Ypres centre and the Menin Gate. We went to the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate on the Saturday evening – a moving experience.

Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate

Ypres had a good selection of restaurants and bars so spent a good few hours exploring a few as well as a local chocolate shop.

Bar and later view from the Restaurant

Lots of wildlife around Ypres, we saw a hedgehog, lots of rabbits and birds

Hedgehog at the Campsite

Then it was Sunday, so pack up and head back to Calais and a ferry to the UK. Drive to the parking area in East Sussex was a lot easier despite the torrential rain, then it was pack everything up and a drive back home in the car.

Hebe’s interior before packing up

Great trip, Hebe worked well, was warm and comfortable (and waterproof) so looking forward to future trips when hopefully the weather will be a bit better.