The last day of our trip…Calais to Abingdon. Rain greeted us as we loaded our cars in Calais and we drove the short distance to the train. The train was delayed by about an hour but eventually we were underway.

Fair weather greeted us in London and we were also met by 2 MG cars and owners from the MG car club of the UK. We drove to Abingdon, where Vulcan began her life and although the factory is now converted into apartments we had to take photos of her by the gates.

The hospitality of the MG car club was delightful and we chatted about the trip during lunch. Then more photos and onward to the Dog House Inn where we were to celebrate the end of the trip.

Vulcan…we did it. Thank you!

Only one more day until we head across the tunnel to London. The end of the trip is in sight. All cars headed off individually…some to visit Dunkirk, others to explore other areas. Destination Calais for the night. We drove to Brugge and walked around the town.

Brugge is an interesting old town and the main square was alive with people. We later discovered that it was a special day..the national holiday of Flanders because on this day in 1302 the Battle of the Golden Spurs took place. They beat the French to keep the independence of Belgium.

We could have had mussels or fries for lunch but the sweet tooth prevailed and we had to have a Belgium waffle before leaving Belgium. Topped with chocolate sauce it was decadent but lovely!

We visited the lace shops where the handmade bobbin lace is sold…beautifully done. We helped Brugge’s economy and made a purchase of lace and now have one more package in Vulcan to bring home.

Vulcan has been fantastic . However stopping for fuel, she faltered in starting again. Fortunately after several tries she did turn over and got us to the hotel. Trying to start her again…she was “dead in the water” What timing … with the diagnosis of a starter motor failure this was replaced and she will be on the starting line for the train tomorrow.

As usual we went down to breakfast ready to head off at 8.00am. It was decided that some wanted to stay in Heidelberg for more sightseeing and others wanted to drive straight through so everyone was to make their own way, not as a convoy. We returned to the room and worked out where we could go.

We drove Vulcan upstream through the scenic Neckar valley and westward across the Rhine and up the valley through Luxembourg and onto Rochefort.

A lovely day stopping spontaneously..We visited a shop that was really the original Aladdin’s cave. The owner, Peter, was a glass blower which was intriguing and there were blown glass pieces for the garden as well as many other pieces including some  lamps.

We reached the 25,000km on the gps and here is the photo!

Seeing a sign for Villaroy and Boch we followed it to Mettlach, finding we were in the town of the factory. Shopping therapy…always a good way to spend a little time. I came away from the shop with a few pieces and we then visited the museum of Villaroy and Boch. Amazing china.

Spying some “Samarkand” plates in a case on our way up to the museum, we had to return to the shop to see if they could be purchased. I found the three plates I wanted…a camel, an elephant and a horse…beautiful china and representative of the Silk road!

Leaving Mettlach we returned to the highway only to find along the way there had been an accident and we took the next exit and drove through the backroads. Passing  a red mgb parked outside a hotel, we turned around so we could take photos of Vulcan with her new friend. The owners of both the car and the hotel came out and some great photos were taken.

We arrived in Rochefort in time for a glass of wine and a lovely dinner.

This was a long driving day. With over 700kms to drive we only stopped at motorway ratz platz for refuelling either the cars or us!

We arrived in Heidelberg about 5pm and walked the old part of the town. Dinner at a gorgeous local restaurant and it was probably one of the best meals we have had on the trip.

Tomorrow is less of a drive but the car will during the morning have clocked over 25,000 kms. Will I be able to catch it on camera? Stay tuned.