We had to book an early taxi to get us to Norman Cross for 6 a.m., and even after a leisurely £10 tea and toast at the motel and another long stand in the cold, we still had time in hand before the Cosmos feeder bus, manned by two friendly chaps, finally whisked us off to the exotic delights of the M11, Romford, Ilford, Maidstone Services and the Port of Dover.
At Dover we were herded through various waiting areas, making suitable sheep noises when the couriers weren't looking, and finally got on board ship, bound for Calais, to meet the tour manager and the others, who are pictured in the "goodbye" photos.
By the way, the specks in the sky are not the famous "bluebirds", more likely seagulls!