Wednesday 17 August: Topsham to Harwich

 We’re on the road before 10 and Simon drives us skilfully along the A303 to Stourhead where we break the journey with a pleasant stroll around the lake and a coffee making the most of our somewhat underused NT membership. We’re planning to stop again at another NT property Flatford Mill near Colchester later this afternoon but after a picnic stop at Fleet Services we realise that it may be closing soon after our ETA. I’m driving now and the M25 is getting busier and there is congestion. We’re rerouted south anti-clockwise and have to negotiate the Dartford crossing which for us is a tunnel for £6 toll charge. The occasional forecasted localised torrential shower becomes more real in Chelmsford where we are driving through 6 inches of flooded water with waves like a deep river. Pretty scary along the A12 but we make it and eventually make it to Harwich port car park where we brew up a cup of tea then roasted veg and couscous with Vinho Verde. We’re on board by 9.30 and soon settle down for a good nights sleep.