The telephone call came on Saturday, post a tired park run and equally weary swim. Our window is due to start on the 11^th June – we were scheduled to swim on the 12^th June at 0145.

Having expected that the likelihood was that we’d swim at the end of our window, the immediacy sent a mix of excitement and panic amongst the team. Meetings and appointments had to be rearranged (Jane), hotels had to be booked (all of us!), travel arrangements made, packing organised. Knowing Jane and I only too well, Vicki sent us a kit list  – this had PASSPORT in capital letters at the top and the word etched itself into my brain, such was the fear that I would forget it. Food shopping with it’s fear of till operator judgement at the copious amount of junk food became mandatory. Discussions with a friendly pharmacist (in my professional experience, they are all friendly!) paid off and seasickness tablets were purchased.

Various computer mapping exercises had suggested that my house to Dover was a 4 hour drive. Add in a bit to allow for toilet and drink stoppages. What they hadn’t mentioned was that there is a world championship lane closing contest between the motorways. Any national shortages of traffic cones need only look to the plentiful supply along the M1, M25 and M2 – the reduction in speed limit facilitating easy pick up and deposition. The M1 triumphed the tournament with a road accident and subsequent motorway closure at Junction 11. I am sure that Lutonians are very proud of their town, but their pleasure at an entire motorway’s worth of traffic jamming up their roads was probably equal to my enforced, unplanned and unguided tour. The A2 came a close second with another road closure – losing out on first place merely by the use of the odd yellow diversion sign indicating an expedition through, what I presume are beautiful Kent villages – alas the blackness of the night meant sightseeing was impossible.

Dover castle proved to be a grateful vista and the peak of the hill from which I rolled into the town. Parking remains the hurdle yet to be surpassed (I’m good until 3pm today!). Tomorrow is approached with a mix of trepidation and excitement.