The Great Escape

While we've been used to having to change itinerary's at short notice over the last couple of years, the last twenty four hour or so have involved an entire reschedule of our best laid plans. It's been somewhat testing both mentally and emotionally (not to mention financially!), but thankfully we've so far been resilient enough to withstand the chaos of the ever changing challenges and luckily have been taught not to sweat the small stuff too much! The family road trip through the South West has been cut short, but not before some all important cuddles from our favourite niece.

To cut a long story story, new regulations meant that anyone hoping to be climbing mountains in the Alps over Christmas, need to cross the boarder into France before midnight on Friday (tonight!). We were due to cross the following Tuesday and it was no surprise that the Eurotunnel website and phones lines were melting down within minutes of the announcement, as we tried to amend the booking! Another plan was required...

If we're looking for the positives from suddenly having to abandon plans (and family and friends!) and dash across the south of England, we did get a lovely view of the World Heritage Site of Stone Henge!

The journey was pretty straight forward, but we got slightly concerned as we passed four miles of lorries queuing to get into Dover. Not sure if that's a Brexit thing or what, but thankfully, the car lane was a bit more free flowing. With papers nervously checked at the border, we were allowed to join the ferry queue. As the minutes turned to hours, it was rather tense stuff!

Then finally, engines started and we boarded the Ferry. Minutes later we were tucking in a complimentary Christmas dinner in the top deck restaurant and it was finally feeling like the trip was back on again!

Now finally and irreversibly on our way, all we need to do now it completely re-plan where were might stay and ski as our original bookings have been cancelled. Clare has found us some good ski accommodation, which we can check into on Sunday, so for now, we can enjoy a leisurely drive south towards the blue skies and snow.... 

Having crossed multiple counties, slept in four different beds, eaten three Christmas dinners visited about 15 different family members and friends in the last week, it'll be good to finally stop in one place for a few days!