Caught the earliest P&O ferry from Dover to Calais. \240A hour and a half pre-boarding process, including security screening and customs check. \240The British fellas were terrific assisting with getting the VF passport stamped. \240Crossing was about 1 1/2 hours.
Welcome to the European continent. \240I have 90 days under a visitor visa before I must depart, meaning October 12, 2023
There was a Brit pilgrim on the ferry who found the Italians and me. \240The Italians stared out the window to relieve their sea sickness, so I got spoken to the whole way. \240My ears were bleeding.
Disembark to a free shuttle to the Calais train station, which is two blocks from the very, very helpful info center. \240The Brit skipped the Wissant leg and walked directly to Guînes that afternoon, as did the Italians (who were behind from missing the ferry the day before?). \240 Good ridden to the Brit. The \240Italians came with me to the Notre Dame Cathedra, which is the official starting point of the VF in Europe. \240Of note, this cathedral was, at one point much earlier, part of the Canterbury Cathedral diocese.
Said farewell to the Italians - Buen Camino! \240They turned south, I turned toward the beachl \240I liked Calais and would like to spend more time here.
The 14 miles or so was during the mid to late afternoon following the beach sand then up an inland grade of riperian understory. \240Finding accommodations in Wissant is another story. \240Mussels and red wine were outstanding.