Use Your Accent

The next day we set out for the infamous White Cliffs of Dover. There was no way we were going to venture onto a boat, after our Cliffs of Moher experience. And good thing, because the weather threatened to soak us all day long. But mainly, I was really hoping to set sights on the Exmoor ponies that are used to “mow” the grasslands above the cliffs. No luck though. Apparently, they had been moved to somewhere around Canterbury. Bummer.

So, we set off on our 4-mile hike to the lighthouse and back! The views were great, despite the clouds.

Once we reached the lighthouse, T2 really wanted to go up into it. After inquiring, I had to disappoint her by explaining that we couldn’t because people could only go in with a paid tour, which lasted 45 minutes. She clung to my leg and buried her face in my pants as I told her how sorry I was. We just couldn’t do it with T3 and the weather rolling in. The man loading fresh drinks into the fridge overheard and said to the cashier, “Hey Kathy, just go ahead and take her over there and let her have a look inside. I think they have some lighthouse stickers for her too.”

T2 said she was good with this, so we followed Kathy into the lighthouse, where she asked another man if we could have a look. “Have a look?” he said. “Wouldn’t you rather climb to the top? And I think it’s about time to wind the crank and start up the light. Would you like to do that?” She was ear to ear smile, nodding her head!

We ended up having a private tour — she rang the bell that signaled the gears had stopped, she re-wound the gears which turned the lenses, then she climbed out the tiny door onto the blustery summit of the Cliffs of Dover! She loved every minute! On the way out — as I was thanking our guide profusely — he said, “We do it for the smiles.” Three very sweet adults made this little girl’s entire trip!

What a special experience! And this was not the first time a National Trust employee/volunteer had gone out of their way for us. We specifically chose a certain day to visit Sutton Hoo, to see a Gruesome Graves event. When we arrived, we learned that it had been cancelled that morning, without publication. As I apologized to T1 and validated his disappointment, the cashiers gave us free entry, a free coupon for another visit, and went out of their way to get the kids excited again with activity pacts and pins, and the infamous tunic!

I digress. When we were reflecting on our trip, T2 said this was her favorite part. I love that this worked out so perfectly!

So, as the weather finally rolled in, we hiked back through driving rain. And without a complaint from the kids. In fact, T2 was still committed to saving every snail she found on the path.

These cliffs were, by far, much better than the Cliffs of Moher! Now, onward to the Jurassic Coast!