No Particular Place To Go

I won’t to say Happy New Year because thats long gone! It feels like we blinked, and suddenly, here we are, in Walmer, Kent, for the start of 2025 and its where we have been house-sitting for the last few weeks taking care of Tikka, the world’s most friendly Labrador. 

Now, we’d originally planned to be gallivanting across to Europe by now, chasing warmer temperatures. But life, as it so often does, had other plans. The Portuguese consulate still has our passports hostage as part of the visa saga (a tale so tedious it would make even Kafka throw in the towel). Meanwhile, a certain tooth of mine demanded some attention, resulting in a appointments for surgery. And then there’s the van, which needed an MOT—because what’s a road trip without a bit of vehicular admin? So, rather than sulk about our delayed departure, we decided to embrace the slower pace of January in Kent.

And, oh, what a place to linger. From the moment we arrived, we’ve been hypnotized by the ever-changing view outside the window. The North Sea is like an artist who can’t settle on a single masterpiece—each hour brings new a view. One moment the sky is grey; the next, the sun is dancing off the waves, as ferries, cargo ships and fishing boats pass by. It’s like living inside a painting that keeps rearranging itself, and we’re not sure we ever want to leave.

Tikka, for her part, has been an excellent excuse to explore. Each morning, we wrap up and head out along the coastline towards either Deal or Kingsdown depending on what way Tikka wishes to walk.

Deal itself is a nice little town, with its quirky shops, charming seafront, and a pier, its been an interesting experience starting the year by the sea.

As we bid farewell to Walmer, we make our way back to Aldington to find our friends Simon and Sue for a few days. 

So, with the arrival of our Passports we make plans to pick up our Motorhome which is behaving (for now)? Well, sort of.  Then its a whirlwind of clothing swaps, car storing, and a fair bit of chaos, and we’re finally ready to hit the road. Here’s to the next chapter – hopefully full of adventure, and, no doubt, more motorhome antics!

From the house we have amazing views overlooking the Sea and when February rolls around, I’m quite happy to stay here with this view

Longrose at anchor for just over a week waiting to head into Dover

There’s never a dull moment waiting for the next passing boat

We aren’t far from the Port of Dover so there’s a constant stream of ferries and cargo shops passing 

Tikka enjoys her daily walks 

Beginning of the year so I take on two charity challenges run a mile a day for MNDA and I brave the sea for the late Tim Crossin aka Cold Dip Commando. It was super fun to honour his memory with his fellow Commandos but I can confidently say I froze my t*ts off!!

On a clear day the French coast line is visible