I wasn’t too keen on continuing our camping adventures here in Europe. Yet Maarten kept insisting and he even packed his backpack every weekend and because the weather seemed to be stabile even in our region we decided to give it a try.
We booked a spot in a recommended campground. After we pitched our tent Rob went to pay the fee. That’s when we find out that we are somewhere else even though in the same village and on the same street. This campground appeared to be nice and peaceful, at least at first sight.
Never mind.
The heavy storm in the evening brought some refreshing air after a day of oppressive heat and humidity but I was a little worried that our tent won't cope with such a heavy downpour.
The message about the Dutch football victory over Brazil sent by a Brazilian friend brought some joy to this wet and somber evening.
Luckily it was dry again in the morning. The temperature didn't drop, although it stayed cloudy most of the day. Even at the beach was very warm with no wind at all.
We parked in the downtown of Wissant, a small town right in the middle of the two popular Capes - Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez.
While admiring the impressive remnants of the “Atlantic Wall” built in the Second World War Maarten saw mainly the opportunity of crab fishing in the tidal pools around the concrete bunkers now gradually collapsed onto the wet beach.
I knew there was no use to persuade him to walk down the beach all the way to the Cap Griz Nez.
It was fun to see the way how the locals grow yummy mussels on wooden poles that are placed upright into the sea bed, les moules de bouchot.
I continued on my own in the southern direction. It was obvious that the sea level is rising again. I was lucky to be just on time to see the rusted hulk of a shipwreck now covered in seaweed and algae.
Meanwhile the boys were busy fishing for crabs and prawns. Maarten was literally shaking with excitement as he caught (and released) numerous prawns and crabs, some really big.
In the late afternoon with the rising tide the sea swallowed many of the concrete buildings together with the fun pools. At last the sun came out of the clouds making the wading even more fun.
We were chilling in the shade of one of the bunkers as my “romantic” husband remarked, “can you imagine, years ago, this beach was covered with the bodies of soldiers...”
On Sunday, despite the pretty sunshine the sea breeze was way too relentless.
Maarten couldn’t stay away from the tempting waves but even he admitted soon with blue lips and shivering that it was too cold to swim in the water.
With such a beautiful weather we could experience the stunning Côte d’Opale at its best.
The views from the headlands were breathtaking in all directions and the White Cliffs of Dover were clearly visible.
(Remaining me I haven’t been across the channel yet!!!)
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