Back to the future…….I mean the UK

We are back in the english countryside just out of Lewes in the village of Chiddingly near Muddles Green. I love the countryside names. Parked up at a small farm/ campsite its gorgeous around here. The lane is dotted with bunches of spring daffodils. The owner is super nice and welcoming, and the view over looks paddocks with sheep and horses. Yesterday we just chilled after the drive from France. We had driven to the tunnel parking at Cite d Europe France on Monday afternoon, in preparation for the tunnel crossing on Tuesday. Pulling up we drove into the wrong area, and had to get an exit pass to go to the right area. Typical us. Arriving at the parking it was amazing how many motorhomes there were. 99 % of them British. There must have been about 20 when we arrived but within hours it was about 50 and this was with a steady stream of some leaving and some arriving. As night fell about 60 were parked up for the late night/ early crossings. I went and did some shopping in the Carrefour, trolleys being pushed with boxes and boxes of wine. Everyone stocking up for the trip home. About 5 isles are dedicated to wine, bottles, casks and boxes. Too overwhelming for me, just give me a bottle of Merlot, Rose or Pint Noir. As morning arrived many had left on early crossings and by the time we left about 10 of the overnighters were still standing. Off to the fuel station we filled up and then tried to head to where we thought the Pet Passport office was. Seeing it, we saw the sign for no entry so thought we had to drive a little further on. Next thing we had looped back on ourselves and the only option was back on the motorway. What we didn’t see was if we had originally driven 5 metres past the no entry was the entry. Talk about doing it the long way. Dogs sorted, customs was a breeze we boarded. Eating our Macaroons on the eurotunnel crossing, seemed only fitting leaving France. Arriving in the UK, mission one was. Find a money machine, take off the headlight stickers and turn the gas back on. We decided to drive the so-called scenic route to our campsite. Along the south coast, we past many villages and seaside towns. Rye was beautiful, old and very english. Hastings and its beach and then into the old town. The canal or estuary nearly all dried up. The boats moored sitting on the sand. Passing countryside filled with sheep and down country lanes it was such a nice day. Today we walked to the nearest town. The only thing here set amongst the pretty cottages is a pub. We had seen a sign for a cafe/ shop so carried on after a trip round the church yard. One mile and we were in Muddles Green. It sounds like it should be in a Harry Potter book. The only shop run by volunteers selling toasties, pasties and hot drinks. Stocked with chutney, pickles, bread and bits and bobs. We stopped for brunch before heading on and buying some local bantam eggs. We saw them on the way to the shop but had no change so stopped on the way back, having a quick chat with the owner. The village is friendly and Jas was telling me about a couple of ladies chatting about their friend. Who’s neighbour had crashed into the front of her house, knocking the wall down. Got to love the local chat. Living in Europe you appreciate these small villages so much more now. There is a lot to love about Europe and the UK, but also a lot we will and have missed. Tomorrow we head off back towards Cardiff. After 501 days so far travelling in our motor home in Europe we have covered 18 countries. The next part of the adventure taking a different direction. I have a list of places I want to visit.  I am sure that wanderlustcraddocks will still be taking you along for a trip, just maybe on a long weekend, or short week trips around the world. Who knows what life will bring…….. love life, live for adventure and enjoy the experience. Only a few things we have learnt along the way………