On a clear day the residents of Calais can see the White Cliffs of Dover glinting in the sunshine across the sea.
The Strait of Dover is just 21 miles across and an easy hop for the birds, blue or otherwise, who soar above the coastline.
But yesterday a heavy mist shrouded the 350ft-high cliffs which have become the most iconic symbol of our island nation.
And as the P&O ferry set sail for France it was soon enveloped in a dense grey fog and rocking on the sea in high winds.
The captain of the Pride of Burgundy clearly knew where he was heading, but I, and the other queasy British passengers aboard, hadn’t got a clue about the direction or our latest stormy European journey.
And so on Brexit Day, the middle of the English Channel proved the perfect place to reflect on our relationship with the EU and the future, post-divorce.
“Do you think they’ll let us back in next week?,” joked Barbara Thomas, 62, of Chelmsford, Essex, as she boarded, en route to see friends in Pas-de-Calais.
“I voted remain, but I’m glad all the wrangling and division is over – for now – and we can finally try to move on.
“Nothing’s going to change for travellers or tourists for at least a year, though. So I don’t feel any different and don’t expect to be treated any differently in France.
“We haven’t pulled up the drawbridge and become Fortress Britain... We’re renegotiating our place in Europe as an independent nation.”
But some things are starting to change in readiness for our new life outside Europe.
Like the ferry taking me to Calais.
Last year P&O re-registered all its UK cross-channel vessels to Limassol, to maintain favourable EU tax arrangements. So now the German-built vessel flies under the yellow and green flag of Cyprus, rather than the Union Jack.
Holidaymakers are also planning their last big booze cruises to stock up on cheap wine and beer in the Calais superstores.
When a no-deal Brexit was still on the cards last year there was panic-buying in some of the outlets, and many regulars still don’t seem convinced by assurances there will be no change in the rules during the transition period which lasts until December 31 at least.
“I’ve lost all trust in politicians,” said Colin, 47, from Reading, Berks, as he headed to the Calais Wine Superstore.
“Look at the cock-up they’ve made of Brexit. So they may say ‘nothing will change for a year’ but I’m stocking up while I can. I’m not driving, though, so I might have a toast to our EU divorce before we head back. It’s the dawn of a new era, and I’m looking forward to having a blue passport and a GB sticker on my car again when we’re properly out.”
Bad weather and ferry delays cut short my stay and I had to head back to Blighty – on the Pride of Canterbury. And gazing out at the English Channel, I – a staunch Remainer – suddenly felt it had always been inevitable Britain would one day break free from Brussels.
Because we never really became fully European, did we?
Forty-seven years ago we joined the Common Market with no great enthusiasm, thinking we had to keep up with the French and German Joneses.
Two years later, we voted to stay in, but still shuddered a bit at that ghastly Ode to Joy, the star-spangled flag and Margaret Thatcher’s hideous pro-Europe jumper.
We didn’t want the euro. We didn’t want to be part of that United States of Europe, even though war time hero Winston Churchill thought that was the only way to ensure peace.
But we did want all the benefits of trade and freedom of movement across the Channel and throughout Europe. So while many mourn the end of our first half century of European Union, others see only blue skies ahead from the top of the White Cliffs of Dover.
And if today dawns bright and clear we will all be able to look forward to a new European relationship of love, laughter and peace ever after. Just you wait and see.
