Plentiful persistent precipitation again last night [there are only so many ways to say it’s forever hoying it down].
Before we leave Ali pops back to the shop for some more beer, this time in smaller bottles. The roads are up and down a fair bit until we start approaching St Omer when it levels out to the flat fields of the Somme, green and straw-yellow or newly turned earth which, being wet, shows how its reputation for being cloying and sodden caused the quagmires of the First World War.
This lush farmland still covers thousands of lost soldiers, unknown dugouts and bunkers and tonnes of artillery.
By now the sun has come out and after a short lunchstop we approach the industry of the north coast; heavy pylons, factories and silos, and on the horizon the giant red and white dock cranes.
But once we turn into Gravelines normal small-town commerce and streetscapes return. We find the service point we used here on our last visit then go in search of the aires. One is grass, a definite no-no after all the rain. The small gravel free one is full so it’s down to the pleasure port where it’s €7.50/24hrs. There are a few spaces vacant and we pull in overlooking the marina and pleasure craft.
The sun through the windows makes us feel naturally warm for the first time in months, although it’s still a nipsome 8C outside. Last time we were here was at the end of hurricane Katria 2016 when it was shaking the van violently even when standing still.
We exchange texts with Nick and Grete who are heading to their ferry to meet us this evening then Ali wanders the short distance into the fortress town while Nick decides to stay in and enjoy the warmth.
Unfortunately the space beside us becomes occupied meaning N+G will have to park across the road 50 or so metres away.
We enjoy dinner of pasta and meatballs pls a fait drop of wine and chat.