Dover

Bright and early on Saturday morning (actually, dark and early) we set off for Dover, just a little less than four hours drive. The weather was gorgeous, sunny and quite warm, especially for late November. Traffic was light, so we made good time. But there is no cruise control on the Luther car here, so a cramped accelerator foot is a hazard to a long drive!

The famous White Cliffs of Dover

Dover is on the southeast coast, the site of the famous "white cliffs" overlooking the English Channel. It is the point of England nearest to France, only 19 miles away. It is also the best harbor in the area, and that has made it highly strategic since ancient times. The Romans built a light house here in the first century AD.

Dover Castle (with random tourist who stepped into the shot)

Dover Castle was begun by Henry II in the 1160s, and periodically expanded over time. Major renovations took place in the mid-1700s and again at the time of the Napoleonic Wars. The castle site was used by the British Admiralty to monitor traffic in the Channel during World War I.

View from Dover Castle Great Tower (note WW II bunkers)

This Medieval castle is unique in that it was a strategic site into World War II and beyond. Tunnels dug into the chalk cliffs during the time of Napoleon were expanded and used as a command center during the Dunkirk evacuation and the D-Day invasion. There was even a full surgical hospital underground. In the Cold War, these same tunnels were prepared as a shelter for the aftermath of nuclear war.

Unfortunately no photos allowed in the tunnels.

After touring the castle and the tunnels, and walking along the cliffs, we finished the day with a nice meal and a relaxing evening.