Dover - Libby's view

Saturday didn't start out as planned, but when traveling we know that we must be flexible, and the day turned out just as lovely as it might have if things had been on schedule.

We picked up the rental car - late. They gave us an upgrade (multiple tiers) to a terrific car, Vauxhill Insignia with all the perks. Auto-headlights, cruise, standard transmission... yeah, those are great. But, it has rain-sensor and auto-operates the wipers (front and rear) for you. Yep, I want one!

It was nerve-wracking for Tim (and a little for me) to be learning all of the driving differences while trying to navigate through the city of London, but he did so fabulously! And, the drive to Dover was beautiful. As of yet, we have not had any rainy days. A few clouds, but lots of sunshine, warmer temps and lovely breezes (unless you're on a boat or bus, then it's cold winds).

When driving to Dover, you come around a big bend in the road over a little crest of a hill and then you see the sea, and then you are driving downhill into the seaside town. Come around another curve and you see the white cliffs and the castle. Absolutely a postcard setting.

Our visit to the Castle did not disappoint. It has medieval structures as well as newer (1600-1900's) structures added on at different stages for different purposes. The great tower was 130+ steps up to the roof, which Tim climbed. I had already done a bit of climbing, so I opted out of those stairs. Glad I did, his legs were a little jello-like afterward. We missed the last tour of the secret war tunnels, but saw pretty much everything else. Then we climbed uphill and quite a few more steps to get to the vantage points to see the white cliffs again and get some pics.

Isn't it interesting how in different parts of the world the soil and rocks are so different? The cliffs are white-ish because they are made of chalk with streaks of black flint. I can see why these cliffs are significant to those leaving or returning to England. They make a striking symbol as your first or last view.

Our drive to Oxford area was just as nice after leaving Dover. We arrived safely at our hotel, though we were quite disappointed in the hotel itself. We'll not focus on that. Instead, we enjoyed a delicious supper at the Eagle and Child in Oxford. This is the pub that the Inklings (C.S. Lewis and Tolkien and others) frequented during their time here.

I made arrangements to switch hotels the following day, so our Saturday ended as nicely as it started.