5 Sept, Sunday

It was another nice day, so we left our packs with the landlord and hiked up to the Western Heights, a fortification on another hill opposite the castle. The beginnings of this series of forts date to the U.S. War of Independence, when France and Spain sensed British weakness and joined our side. Napoleon and other 19th-century threats caused further development, and it was used through WW2. We took a walking tour with a local historian, including passage through a unique triple spiral staircase that was designed to rapidly move troops from their hillside barracks to the shore. The weather was clear, so we were able to see France one last time before heading to London.

We took trains into London and left our bags at the apartment, then made a test run to Heathrow Airport. We wanted to check seat assignments, but American Airlines' desk was closed for the night. At least we practiced getting to the correct terminal and have a transportation plan formed.

Western Heights

Dover from Western Heights

Castle, Cliffs & Port

Dover Marina

north end of structure

looking southwest

looking northwest

W corner, looking NE

St. Martin's Battery

detention centre sign

Knights Templar ruins

Back at sea level

Market Square

Lord Warden House (hotel)

Au revoir, France!

car park near Archcliffe Fort

Archcliffe Fort

The Grand Shaft

center of the Grand Shaft

Grand Shaft spiral stairs

top of triple spiral stairs

Final moments in Dover

wildlife

Dover Marina

Dover train station

Hello, London!

St. Pancras Renaissance

Hotel London