Off to Dover
We arrived in the early afternoon and set out for a walk to our B&B. Even with photos, you are never exactly certain what you are getting, although it is certainly better than what we ended up with years ago, before photos and internet booking. I’ll never forget the B&B in Edinburgh back in the ’90s. But this experience was a very pleasant surprise.
We stayed at the Heathwood B&B. We had a lovely suite and the owner, Margaret, couldn’t have been nicer. We could drop off our luggage on arrival and check in early that afternoon, and when we left, she kept our luggage beyond checkout.
At Margaret’s suggestion, we took in the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat. As the museum was less than a mile away, we decided to walk. But we were caught in a horrible downpour with fierce winds. Of course, we also had to follow Google Maps with zero visibility, but Hugh found it with little difficulty.
The highlight of the museum was the Bronze Age boat. A short film covered the discovery of the boat and the restoration process. The boat was discovered during roadwork. We learned the next morning at breakfast that Margaret’s husband (I believe his name was Phil) had filmed the discovery for the local news. So we watched Phil’s film as part of the museum’s small documentary.
We took photos of the boat, wandered through other exhibits, and watched some footage of the Dunkirk rescue. The museum also had an exhibit on English Channel swimmers. Some did it multiple times.
We had decided to eat at the White Horse. Finding it in the blowing wind and rain proved to be a challenge. The city had built an underpass under the main road, and we were in and out of various exits several times before Google Maps and Hugh got on the same page, as it were.
We had a local meal of fish and chips with some local beer. A German couple from Hamburg were at the next table, and we were treated to his view of politics…i.e., his love for Donald. Not quite the quiet evening we had planned. But the fish and chips were great and our walk back to the B&B was without incident.
We learned the next morning at breakfast that all the swimmers of the Channel had signed their names in the White Horse. Will have to take a photo the next time we visit.
Train ride to Dover; right, fun with reflections.
Lower pictures – left, first glimpse of the English Channel;
right, home for the next two nights, Heathwood B & B.
Dover Museaum &
Bronze Age Boat Gallery
