This train had twelve cars and we just happened to sit in the last one. Once the train got moving Pat took a little nap and I put on my ipod and just zoned out. I decided to un-plug and do some reading about an hour into the ride and heard this announcement as the train pulled into the next stop: "Just a reminder that at this stop this train separates and only the front four carriages will be going to Dover." Oh boy. Pat had also just woken up and we bolted off the train and sprinted towards the front. We ran for 150-200 meters and jumped into the 4th carriage just as the "doors are closing" announcement was being made. Close call.
We grabbed a quick lunch at a small pub in Dover and then headed to the tour information building to get some directions. The man in the tourist info place seemed a bit out of place. He wasn't very friendly, nor was he very enthused about the cliffs. Not sure why he decided to work at the Dover Tourist information building. He told us that he wouldn't recommend hiking to the cliffs because it was really muddy at this point of the year and that instead we should go to the Prince of Wales pier and look at them from afar. Screw that, we came here to hike the cliffs.
On our ascent of the hills we came across the Dover castle. Probably the coolest castle I have seen in the UK. We tried to go in the back without paying but whoever built that castle was very thorough with their fortification.
We continued towards the cliffs and about a mile and half or so we finally got there. The guy was certianly spot on about the mud, but it was worth it. It was slightly raining and very peaceful because there wasn't anyone else in sight. We then hiked about a mile along the cliffs just enjoying the view. It is always nice to get out of the city and remove myself from the craziness that is London.
The Castle as we got off the train in Dover.
We stumbled upon this on our way. This is dedicated to the first trans-english channel flight and this chalk outline is where the plane landed. It seemed like a decently big accomplishment but for some reason there wasn't even a sign leading off the road to it. It seemed strange until we realized it was a french pilot. I am surprised they even put this much effort into recognizing the accomplishment. We knew we were close because there was no way this thing had landed too far from the channel.
We finally arrived at the cliffs and you can see the castle in the distance.
Pat sitting and taking it all in.
Is that Johnny Depp I see over there in France?
Pretty cool tv in the town centre. Czech Republic vs. Slovakia. Come on Pat, we are going to miss our train!
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