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'We always go to France for our holidays' grumbled the eldest of our three
children (12, 10, 8) 'But we're going on a Hovercraft this time' I hoped
this would pacify the 'beasts in the back'
Arriving at Eastern Dock at 6.30 am on
a Saturday morning in August is to witness a mass of transport on the
move, the hovercraft compared to the monster ferries and an enormous cruise
liner looked tiny and well…. 'deflated'.
Car check-in formalities for the 'flight' were quick and efficient. I
thought we would be leaving late because boarding didn't take place until
fifteen minutes before departure time……..but 30 years of practice
and the guys have it down to a fine art.
On board facilities are comfortable enough, more like an aircraft than
anything else. Cold drinks were available but no coffee (advisable to
bring a thermos) this was due to the bumpy ride and spilt coffee had been
causing a bit of a problem.
Take-off……….and the kids were truly enthralled by the movement
'up' and 'away' over the concrete and into (or rather onto) the channel.
The ride was actually very smooth, and quick. A mere 31 minutes later
engines stopped and we deflated on the concrete in Calais. 3 minutes later
we were driving off and on our way to Paris.
Verdict of the kids…….confused 'how come something so old is
also so modern'
Can't answer that one myself…….why is such an efficient method
of crossing the channel also one of the oldest?
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