Are we there yet?

We left home shortly after 4.30am to get to the Eurotunnel in time for our crossing. We forgot that since Brexit pets have to be cleared before crossing into France (in addition to when you return, which was always the case) so that delayed us a bit and we missed our initial crossing. The trains were also running 2hrs 40 minutes late, but no matter as we always book Flexiplus, so we drove up and went on the very next one departing. Flexiplus means you can be flexible about your booking time - plus you get access to their lounge where you get free drinks and food, and so we got some coffees and water and also snacks for the journey. 

The drive through France was beautiful, with fields and fields of sunflowers everywhere followed by harvested fields with big hay bales making patterns all over the landscape. It was very hot in some places, about 35C but cooler in others with a smattering of rain. I did not get any opportunities to take photos, as in the places we did stop there were no clear views of anything scenic. The best views of the sunflowers were as we were whizzing along the motorways. This photo was taken as we were driving from Zurich towards the mountains up the valley.

The total driving time from home (recorded on the car odometer) was 10 hrs and 45 minutes, but the actual journey with all the stops for Xena and fuel took about 13 hours. I had made breakfast (overnight oats with blueberries and nuts) and also made lunch so we did not have to buy food. 

As we neared our destination we decided to stop off at Landquart to go to the Coop supermarket to get a few items for supper and breakfast, as the one in our village was already closed (we will do a big shop tomorrow at 
our local supermarket). We finally arrived at the apartment at about 7.30pm, quickly unpacked the car and I made a simple puttanesca pasta supper. Xena was very pleased to arrive, she remembers the apartment and area and was so excited to smell all the familiar things again. 

It is lovely to be in the mountains again, much cooler than the heatwave we have been experiencing at home, (which has also come to an end now). 

And so three becomes two - the race for the new Prime Minister of the UK has been narrowed down to two candidates, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, with the new leader being announced on 5 September. Two highly competent, experienced and well educated candidates, and I know who I would vote for if it was up to me!