Comment: 'Queen of the Road' sets sail for France

Thursday 10 May 2018

The day has come for Indie Newfi, an eight-year-old Newfoundland, to set sail with her humans, Alan Luce and Sharon Fitzpatrick, for the adventure of a lifetime with France as the first port of call.

In her second article as furry foreign travel correspondent, the self-dubbed 'Queen of the Road' talks about goodbyes, her travel goals and how she intends to represent Jersey abroad...

"The van is packed, everything is sold so I guess we’re actually gonna do this. It’s been a tough few weeks saying goodbye. Meeting up with all my fellow Newfoundland mates at the Big Dog Club, involved (not for the sensitive) lots of mutual botty sniffing (it's what dogs do!) and a few tears from Bruno; I think he’s really got a crush. I’ve got a very sad goodbye with little Ellie, I call her my sister, she’s a bit upset we’re off but the great news is she’ll come down in the summer holidays when we settle.

"Dad and mum have had more leaving do’s than Ranulph Fiennes, hey-ho guess they have pals to say bye to. It's not for ever is it, Jersey will still be here they say, but not sure it can stay the same as we all knew and loved. Onwards and upwards.

Pictured: Indie and her humans will be travelling around Europe in their van.

"As you know I’m going to keep you informed as to where we are off with lots of piccies but they don’t have a plan yet. Talk about spontaneous. We have the one way boat booked and a Hotel in Combourg that’s all. Then I understand it’s south to the Aquitaine first. Camping... yes camping. Do I look like a girl that does camping I ask?I have seen some of the places that border the beach in very remote places, lovely and unique accommodation and surprisingly lush so will certainly have a bash.

"A great friend of Dad's passed on too young recently and his quote is freely used in justifying the no-set route methodology: “Good strategy... and I think you will find a lot of pleasure planning the next day. Don’t use motorways, doesn’t matter if you stop and don’t get there, I think going to Italy, Greece, Spain that way will be a great romantic journey etc. Really fancy it.” (sic) RIP John.

"Mum and dad are concerned how I will cope with the heat (I believe it’s hotter than sunny Jersey) but as I had a new hair-do from Suzy and a thin out, it should be fine. My doctor “Hammy” has given me a first aid kit to fight off the ‘orible’ doggy bugs. All jabbed up, we are ready to go. Looking forward to the posh French nosh mind. Dad has a Michelin guide.

Pictured: Indie's only travel goal is to dip her paws in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

"I see my ambassadorial role in French France as needing to meet as many European people as possible and to help them realise Jersey and its people are basically nice, I will explain it’s a very well regulated place and we’re not all bad. Don’t understand the details really but a good strong wag of the tail should suffice. My big brown teddy bear eyes will melt them anyway. If the newly elected (or appointed) External Affairs Minister needs advice, he just needs to ask.

"I’m not sure of how this Brexit will effect, not sure we are in control anyway. But being a passenger in the van heading to an unknown destination will be a bit the same... nobody seems to have any idea where we are all heading so what the heck.

"Wish I could say more about the trip of my lifetime, I can’t - not because the Russians are listening, I just don’t know. Dad is close to the results of his hearing and a big loud Woof to that. Mum has a ‘bucket list’ and I can’t say what that includes! Skinny dipping for me in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean is all I want. It is going to be a big adventure for sure.

"My French has improved so.... i'm au soleil reste en sécurité."

Pictured: Indie and her dad, Alan Luce.

Post Script: The human's take on it all

"Oh dear this is actually happening... Wish us luck and don’t live your life vicariously. It is short and full of challenges. Over 60s travellers. Grey Tribe rules!"