Day 42 - Mornant - High Wycombe - 3rd July 2024
I wasn't up early and when I started out I wasn't planning on driving 2/3rds of the way across France and onto home!
Packed away the tent with no sense of urgency.
Then headed in the direction of Dijon (picking up some Diesel first). I thought I could catch a bit of the Tour de France as it passed near Dijon. But timing wise it just didn't work as I was a few days too early and the weather was awful. In fact as I headed Northwards the weather got progressively wetter and colder and I wasn't planning on spending 2 or 3 days in a cold and wet tent!
It absolutley threw it down on the motorway so I kept going. The the temperature went down to 13C and I thought - lets head home. It will be nice to get back a bit early and see the family.
As I approached Calais I pulled into an Aire and booked a cheap ferry crossing with Irish ferries. It was at 00:30 on the 4th so I had loads of time. But I also thought lets turn up - we are out of season they might let me on an earlier one!
Oh yes that worked.
It was a very rough crossing. I choose to sit outside nicely wrapped up and the Lithuanian captain came and had a chat. Nice man. Though I did think he thought I was little bonkers..
Coming into Dover
Then a drive from Dover to High Wycombe. The last bit. Arrived home at 12:50 am. Boy is it cold!
The mileometer showing 43071. Which is just less than 5000 miles in the last 6 weeks. 4800 ish at an average of 41.4 mpg.
Using Google Timeline for 2024 you get an idea of the journey.
Didn't unpack just brought in a few valuables and secured the van.
The van has been exceptional. It asked for an oil top up near Thessaloniki and again as I got off the ferry (managed to top it up before I got off). This is normal and about the gap I normally see 2500 to 3000 miles.
It also asked for some Ad-Blue which I topped up in France.
To get 41.4 mpg is great but I have been in no rush and typically driving @ 58 mph.
Welcomed home!
A few drinks and then bed the adventure completed!