Left Canterbury after a breakfast at the Pilgrim hotel. \240A yellow storm warning has been issued, meaning gusts up to 50 mph.

The way is marked, \240but there is much room for unintended diversions. \240A GPS app has been a necessity, providing a terrific overall route. \240I found the app is not 100% accurate. \240I had a 45 minute walk about in the morning and another (albeit less time consuming in the afternoon). \240A supplemental charging bank is essential!

I clocked a bit over 23 miles, arriving in Dover around 5:00 pm. \240The way had more hills than I expected. \240Just before 1:00 I stopped in the village of Shephardwell (sp?) for a break — nothing was opened. \240On I went. \240Open wheat, corn, and barley field, together with thickets and groves of trees.

I came up on the first pilgrims I’ve seen on the path \240— the Italians who I met at Canterbury Cathedral yesterday. Their pace is a bit slower than mine but it was nice to walk with them — I speak no Italian; they don’t speak English. \240At one point we had to pass through a barbed wire gate. \240They did as first-timers do - closed themselves in. \240I had a chuckle.

They had tickets for a 5:30 ferry to Calais, France (I’m thinking their plan is a bit ambitious). \240I accompanied, or better described as rushed, \240them to the ferry. \240They missed it because you have to be at the port at least 90 minutes before departure \240— we got there at 5:15. \240 I never planned to cross until tomorrow or the next day anyway.

By the by, The Italian guy is a strong walker and apparently has done several other Caminos. \240He’s in good shape. \240Maybe a priest. \240And the woman is much younger than him, maybe nun or something. \240I don’t have to talk to them, just walk - how awesome is that! \240THEN, at their ferry crisis I pulled out the Google translate and made calls on the phone there at the station. \240Turns out it’s a father - daughter team! \240He’s 76 years old and she didn’t want him walking alone. \240Whoa!

Dover, the white cliffs, and now where to \240sleep.