Well we managed it, despite Highways England doing its utmost to stop us getting to Heathrow for our 0705 flight.
Up at silly o'clock, we left home at 0330 and firstly driving down Bluebell Hill we saw a sign saying the M20 was closed, but phew on closer reading, it was in the opposite direction. However shortly after joining it was indeed closed so we had to detour along the A20, but not much time lost as the speed limits are currently the same.
Back on track and flying along the M25 we get signs saying closed J10-J11 and this is quickly confirmed on Google maps. B*gger, although hopefully the flight isn’t at risk, the diversion will sadly cut down our champagne time. Still, could be worse and before long we’re approaching the area of works and the lanes are being closed off. Another check on my phone and it’s no longer showing closed, just roadworks. A small glimmer of hope and sure enough as we drive on, we pass people actually removing the cones and reopening the motorway. How lucky are we, if it hadn’t been for the diversion on the M20 stretch we would have reached J10 before it reopened.
Long stay parking was then just 15 mins away, we found a space fairly easily and along came the bus. Jam packed but what the heck, we were on it and heading for the T5 with our new ultra lightweight cabin friendly cases.
This is the first of our short trips where we haven’t hired a car and the thought of (Ian) having to lug our big case around on public transport was worrying me, so we’ve invested in a couple of 1.8kg IT Luggage suitcases. They certainly are very light and I suspect they wouldn’t last 5 mins if we put them in the hold, but hopefully they’ll be fine as hand luggage.
So a couple of delicious bacon rolls and a glass of Bucks Fizz or two later and we’re ready for our flight.
Shortly before landing we flew past this bridge to nowhere - I’ll try and get a better shot on the way home and also find out a bit more about it.
Despite the pilot saying it was overcast but dry in Copenhagen, in actual fact it was chucking it down when we arrived.