Heading Out for Lynn’s Birthday -

First off, we really enjoy off-season travel for many reasons. First, airfares are great, we have had round trip airfares of $530 to Beijing and for this trip we are off to London for a pinch below $600, cheaper than FL or Hawaii.  Second, the crowds are tolerable offering easy access to venues one wishes to visit. Thirdly, sometimes one can find events only offered during the off-season. Sure the weather may not be pristine, but weather is never a guaranteed.

So,  as Mr. Toad would say:
“Are we on our way to Devonshire, to Lancashire or Worcestershire
I'm not so sure
We'll have to wait and see
Oh, are we on our way to Dover (yes)
Or going merrily over
The jolly old road that goes to Plymouth ho, no”

Our plan is to first visit many of the various Christmas Markets in the Dover area. The day we arrive in Dover there will be a tree lighting on their town square, then the Christmas Market inside the old rail station / old cruise
terminal. There is a good bit of history in that building.  Then a day in Folkestone Christmas Market.  Then return to London for several Markets and Lights, and more. 

We were up early and dropped The Boys at Puppy Camp, were they ever wound up. The drive to DEN was rather foggy with a bit of freezing mist. We were able to not rush our drive and arrived at the Parking Spot for a quick transfer to the terminal.

No check-in was needed as we are traveling light with just carryon. Then to the UAL Club as we had about 4 hours to wait. Better early rather than late. Porridge was good as usual and for lunch there was pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls. It was rather tasty.

It seems the DEN to LHR flight is always late, but it was not too bad this day. The flight was uneventful and we arrived 15 minutes behind schedule. With no bags to gather, we were off to the Underground, Piccadilly line to District and arrived at Victoria Station.

We purchased a sandwich for the rail journey to Dover. I also had to get a Bacon Butty, as one must take advantage of such delights.

As we were early, we were able to take an earlier train. Traveling the UK via rail is very easy and if you repurchase your tickets, one can save a good bit. Also, if one is doing a bit of rail travel, a rail card can be a good value. We use the Two Together Rail Card. 

This pup enjoyed the train ride to Dover, so please don't tell The Boys.

We arrived to find Blue Skies Over the White Cliffs of Dover. A short walk from the Dover Priory Station is our lodging at Blakes of Dover.  What can I say, we found a gem of a place we truly enjoy.  I can not recommend Blakes enough. 

Must see what I can find out about this gentleman.  I remember, he brought back a Polar Bear from the Arctic and it can be found in the Dover Museum. Still must learn more about him. 

Blakes is in the process of a renovation and doing some nice things to the rooms. This stay we are on the third floor in a room that has been renovated. There is a fresh coat of paint and the two twin beds have been removed. In the area where the twin beds were located in a kitchenette. I am sure we are the first to stay here as the mini fridge was not on and the instructions were inside. There is a two burner stove and sink, with plenty of cabinets. This would be very nice for an extended stay.

We first went to Poundland and picked up some supplies for morning coffee and other bits. Then to M&S for some morning pastries.  

At M&S, there was a lady collecting for the local RNLI and we made a donation for their great work and service. A good outfit worthy of support. To learn more about RNLI go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/dover-lifeboat-station?utm_source=various&utm_medium=vanity_url&utm_campaign=station_page&utm_content=dover

Back at the room we unpacked and settled in before heading out to the Dover Town Square for the Christmas Festivities. 

I must say there was a nice vibrant community feeling at the Dover Christmas Tree lighting.

Then to the Cellar at Blakes for some dinner. We split a fish and chips, which was simply excellent. The food here at Blakes is really really good.

During our meal we enjoy music provided by three gentlemen, who played a great variety of songs from Arlo to The Eagles and Whiskey in the Jar.

We had a few drinks as we chatted with folks before calling it a night.