Dover to Deal 

14 September. The sun was shining, the air was clean, a lovely gentle breeze, ecstatic cloud formations, and deep blue sea greeted eleven of us when we arrived on Planet Earth (I mean Dover). 

We endured a few streets of the dilapidated town centre and rumbling lorries, and then began the steep climb up the Vera Lynn White Cliffs Way.   When we arrived at the National Trust cafe (this was not a coffee stop, only a comfort stop), I was deeply engrossed looking at the information/interpretative board, waiting for my fellow walkers to congregate to continue the walk.  Where could they be?  What was taking so long?  “Surprise” they cried –  they were all behind me eating ice creams.  “You said no coffee stop, but you did not say anything about ice cream cones.”  

And off we went with Dover Castle behind us and more beautiful views to accompany us to as we made our way to South Foreland Lighthouse.  Another brief stop for views over to the White Cliffs of Calais and to watch the huge ferries coming and going from Dover.  Again, I tried to gather my group.  Several strode purposefully past me without a sideways glance.  “Quo vadis?” I asked (we have a few Latin scholars in the group).  

The former home of Ian Fleming

We made our way down to St Margaret’s Bay for a pleasant 40 minutes break to sit by the sea, enjoy our sandwiches and refreshments.  We paid our respects to the former home of Sir Ian Fleming (who bought the home of Noel Coward).  It was here that Sir Ian received inspiration for Moonraker.  It is from this Bay that the Channel swimmers begin their attempts to swim The Channel to France.   

We climbed the long steep flight of stairs back up to the cliffs and then begin the gentle downhill towards Kingsdown beach.

World War I memorial to three local boys.

The last few miles of the walk were entirely flat, but equally as interesting but in a different way –  two castles, seaside homes and wild native flora on the pebble beach.  I thought about my walking companions of long ago.  A New Zealander, Michael, walked with us for many years, and this was one of his walks.  He is now in Australia.  But many of our walking companions are in Heaven.

As we enjoyed our last refreshment stop,  we decided that the high speed train was too slow for our purposes, so we called home (just like ET), and made our way back to our spaceship for our journey home. But we’ll be back – watch for us on the next programme.  

Patricia, thanks to Carole, France and Mary-Jane for photos.